Efficiency Makes Small Kitchen Layout Ideal
Renovators Place Columnist
Oct 08, 2009
If you're starting a small kitchen remodeling, focus first on efficiency. Here's how to create an ideal small kitchen layout using your kitchen cabinets and other necessities.
Small kitchens are a challenge, whether you're working with a contractor or doing the kitchen remodeling yourself. When you have a large kitchen, you have a lot of space for all the necessary kitchen cabinets and other functional items. With a small kitchen, you often struggle just to fit in the basics.
Kitchen Cabinet Height
The key to creating an ideal small kitchen layout is to use every inch of space. This means that kitchen cabinets should soar up to 42 inches high, assuming the ceiling will accommodate it.
If you have a soffit above your existing cabinets, ask a contractor what's involved to remove it. The cost to relocate the heating duct in the soffit may be well worth it in terms of added cabinet space. Otherwise, get the tallest cabinets you can find and use the tops for storing decorative items.
Kitchen Cabinet Layout
The layout of your kitchen cabinets also is important. You want to create as long a "run" as possible with cabinets so you increase your countertop space. If you have cabinets spaced out in various places around the kitchen, due to window or door locations, you're losing efficiency. A kitchen remodeling is a perfect time to realign the layout.
Kitchen Remodeling Tricks
You can also try some of the following kitchen remodeling "tricks":
While a small kitchen can be a challenge, it is not a lost cause. There are many ways to work with a contractor or design the space yourself and maximize your efficiency.
Small kitchens are a challenge, whether you're working with a contractor or doing the kitchen remodeling yourself. When you have a large kitchen, you have a lot of space for all the necessary kitchen cabinets and other functional items. With a small kitchen, you often struggle just to fit in the basics.
Kitchen Cabinet Height
The key to creating an ideal small kitchen layout is to use every inch of space. This means that kitchen cabinets should soar up to 42 inches high, assuming the ceiling will accommodate it.
If you have a soffit above your existing cabinets, ask a contractor what's involved to remove it. The cost to relocate the heating duct in the soffit may be well worth it in terms of added cabinet space. Otherwise, get the tallest cabinets you can find and use the tops for storing decorative items.
Kitchen Cabinet Layout
The layout of your kitchen cabinets also is important. You want to create as long a "run" as possible with cabinets so you increase your countertop space. If you have cabinets spaced out in various places around the kitchen, due to window or door locations, you're losing efficiency. A kitchen remodeling is a perfect time to realign the layout.
Kitchen Remodeling Tricks
You can also try some of the following kitchen remodeling "tricks":
- "Steal space" by recessing storage areas into vertical space in the wall cavity.
- Use lighting to brighten the space.
- Add glass cabinet doors to make the space more open.
While a small kitchen can be a challenge, it is not a lost cause. There are many ways to work with a contractor or design the space yourself and maximize your efficiency.
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