If you've got a small kitchen, chances are you've already come up with some coping mechanisms: you took that countertop bread maker your mother gave you right back to the store, and hey, you've come to terms with storing the mixing bowls in the coat closet. Well guess what -- it doesn't have to be that way. With the right kitchen remodeling job, you can have a small kitchen and still have enough space to bring back the blender and store more than one box of cereal at a time. Here are a few small kitchen remodeling tips that can help you make the small-kitchen-that-functions-like-a-big-kitchen dream a reality.

Kitchen Remodeling that Shrinks a Size

One of the best ways to find more space in your small kitchen is to reduce the scale. Compact appliances are a great place to start. Replacing your standard-sized dishwasher with an 18-inch dishwasher will free up that much more space for storage. Likewise for replacing your full-sized stove with a ¾ sized one. But don't stop the kitchen remodeling scale-down there. Consider a smaller-than average-sized island, or a smaller than average kitchen table. You'll get the same function you would with larger pieces and still be able to fit more than one person in the room at a time.

Clear the Counters

In small kitchen remodeling, little tricks like a built-in hot water dispenser or an under-cupboard-mounted toaster or a hanging rack for pots and pans all go a long way. Clearing clutter like hot pots, tea kettles, toasters, etc. will make the room feel more spacious, and will get you that work space you so desperately need.

Don't Get Too Small

When you're redoing a small kitchen, remodeling your way right out of any style whatsoever can be easy to do. Rather than making each and every element of the kitchen minimal, choose at least one bold piece -- bright backsplash tiles or an eye-catching overhead fixture. By choosing one item, you'll give the eye a natural focal point and create maximal impact with what ends up being minimal intrusion.

Small kitchens can be functional, stylish, and fun. It's all a matter of the right remodeling choices.

Sources

• In-Sink-Erator Small Kitchens
• Compact Appliances

About the Author
Dawn West B.A. holds a B.A. in English from Harvard University and teaches writing at Oregon State University.