Would you love to have a bigger kitchen? You’re not alone. In fact, a 2019 survey by laminate manufacturer Formica found that nearly 60% of Brits questioned were frustrated with the size of their kitchen. Many said they felt it was ‘too small’, that there was ‘not enough space’, or it felt ‘crowded’.
Of course, it wouldn’t hurt to have a little more food prep space, room for a bigger table, or some added storage. But at Just Kitchen Doors, we think there’s so much potential in even the smallest of kitchens.
So don’t go calling up your local estate agent just yet. First, take a look at our top tips for making the most of a cosy kitchen. Here, you’ll discover how you can transform small spaces with big, fresh, exciting ideas.
1. Opt for light colours
Today, there are so many different colour options for kitchens. From blacks and greys to deep reds and blues, there’s practically everything you could ever want. For cosy kitchens, however, light colours such as whites and creams can help the space to appear larger than it really is. Choose light-coloured paint, cupboards, kitchen doors, and tiles that help to reflect light around the room.
2. Store upwards, not outwards
Too many things taking up space in your kitchen? Join the club. Research even shows that around one-third of us Brits own 10 or more mugs. The secret to keeping everything neat, tidy, and organised in a cosy kitchen is to store upwards, not outwards, making use of what is traditionally dead space. Consider hanging your pots, pans, and ever-growing mug collection from secure ceiling rods with hooks.
3. Adjust the layout
One of the biggest frustrations, according to the Formica study, is that small kitchens can feel crowded. However, by playing around with the layout, you can avoid feeling as though you have too many cooks in the kitchen. Where possible, try to arrange your space in a logical way so that you’re not constantly moving back and forth. Where possible, arrange ingredients and prep areas together, and cooking and plating areas next to each other.
4. Leave no space unused
Everyone has that one spot in their kitchen where there’s an annoying gap. It’s not big enough to fit another cupboard, but it’s not small enough for you to just waste the space – especially in a cosy kitchen. The good news is that pull-out storage is becoming more available in the UK. From pull-out spice racks and wine storage to full-on pull-out pantries, there are lots of ways to make use of those little gaps.
5. Go mobile
Did you know that one-third of all kitchen renovations today involve the addition of an island? Islands are a fantastic way to add more usable space to a kitchen, but it can be tricky to find the room in a smaller space. It’s not impossible, though. Mobile islands are becoming increasingly popular. Attached to wheels, the island can be moved into the kitchen while you cook, and stored away when not in use.
Small kitchen, big flavours
A small kitchen doesn’t mean you can’t get creative with your taste and flavours. With our simple, handy tips, it’s easy to make better use of your cosy kitchen, and really make the kitchen the heart of the home.