In the United States, large open kitchens often act more as desirable showplaces and entertainment centers in many homes. Nevertheless, everyone cannot afford or even has need of a large kitchen. A profession cook is more at home in a small, well organized space since they find them to be very efficient.

When it comes to small kitchen remodeling, there are plenty of things you need to pay attention to such as adequate storage space, selection of suitable kitchen appliances and satisfactory lighting. Kitchen cabinet and sink designs are also of prime importance. If your kitchen is very small, then it is best to follow the layout of galley kitchen. The galley kitchen theme requires you to place the cabinets on either sides of the kitchen walkway.

A small kitchen can function as well as a large kitchen if it is planned carefully. There are two main elements that need to be considered when designing a small kitchen. Firstly, how to maximise storage and work spaces in a small kitchen and secondly, how to make a small kitchen look more spacious. Here are some ideas:

To ensure there is enough storage space in a small kitchen, consider installing cupboards up to the ceiling to maximise storage in a small kitchen and glass cupboard doors make a small kitchen feel more open and less “boxed in”. Open shelves can also make a small kitchen look more open, especially glass open shelves, which can let light through and brighten up a small kitchen.

Sliding doors and roller doors require less space to open than swinging doors and are perfect for small and narrow kitchens. If there is a lack of counter space, consider a pull-out table in a small kitchen. It’s only there when you need it and won’t take up any extra space.

Use the empty wall space for storage. You can free up your counter space by making use of the empty space above your countertop. The easiest way is to use one of those wall rail systems. You simply put things wherever you like along the rail. For example, matching accessories such as hooks for hanging utensils, paper towel holders, cutlery holders, spick racks, dish drainers and wine glass holders can be positioned to suit your needs.

Putting your microwave oven in a wall cabinet will not only maximise your counter space but will also reduce clutters on your countertop, just make sure the microwave is mounted at a safe level for you to operate.

A sink without a drainer makes the countertop look more spacious and provides more work space. A portable draining tray can be used instead. The tray can easily be put away when not needed and can sometimes fit over the sink bowl to give extra work surface.

A freestanding range cooker may be easy to install but a built-in oven and a built-in cooktop (hob) will help a small kitchen look more spacious by creating one continuous line along countertops and kickboards. Also by integrating appliances such as dishwashers and fridges behind cabinet doors, the run of cabinet doors is not interrupted and can flow across the room thus making the kitchen look more spacious.

To make your kitchen appear more spacious, go in for the under cabinet or under counter lighting. Another way of giving your kitchen a bigger look is to opt for diagonal flooring tiles. If you want to create a small eating corner in the kitchen, then hunt for a drop table. Other alternative is to look out for a small table along with two chairs and position them in the corner. These ideas will not only make the functioning more efficient, but also lend a charming look to your kitchen.

You can also choose from a huge range of compact kitchen appliances to suit a small kitchen: Narrow dishwashers, narrow cooktops/hobs, compact ovens or ovens combined with microwave functions, etc. (Article Source)

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Tags: ideas for kitchen, kitchen shelves

This entry was posted on Monday, March 2nd, 2009 at 11:25 pm and is filed under Kitchen Design, kitchen remodeling. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.