Small Kitchen Ideas: Getting the Most Out of Your Space

Size should not hinder creating your dream kitchen, no matter how big or small your space is. Here at Roccia, we have had many opportunities to work with a wide range of clients on designing and building their kitchens, which has meant we have installed our luxury fittings, fixtures, and tiles in a variety of sized spaces. From large barn conversions to quaint townhouses, our range is expansive, which is why we feel strongly about not allowing the size to get in the way of your ideal space.

So, today we’re looking into some of our top tips on getting the most out of your space regarding kitchens on the smaller side. We’re covering everything you need to consider, including colour schemes, tile sizes, and everything in between.

Colour Schemes for a Small Kitchen

Don’t feel you need to play it safe with a modest space. Although you may have read that if your kitchen is small, you must use white and lighter colours to open up the room, this does work, but it isn’t mandatory. Instead, we recommend tiling the bottom half of your walls with whatever colour you fancy, using white or light wall tiles for the top half and painting your ceiling a matching white or light colour too. This will allow you to express yourself through your chosen colour and benefit from the illusion of expansive space that pale shades provide.

Clever Storage Solutions

When you have limited space, you must be smart when it comes to storage solutions. It’s no good having copy-and-paste cupboards and standard drawers; you must utilise each corner to get the most out of every inch. For example, our Valcucine kitchens offer various storage solutions, particularly in their Genius Loci range, which has ergonomic storage options that allow you to utilise functionality without overlooking aesthetics. Almost every item in this range is customisable, meaning you can create an entirely bespoke kitchen that suits your family and your space. Namely, the drawer inserts can be switched and changed to provide storage suitable for all your kitchen utensils, as pictured below.

The Importance of Decluttering and Reorganising

No matter the size of your home, regularly reorganising and decluttering gives you the opportunity to clear your space and remove unwanted items, allowing you to access your belongings easily. However, this is even more crucial with modest-sized spaces. Your kitchen should be easily accessible, and you shouldn’t be tripping over frying pans and moving five wooden spoons out of the way to get to the one you want. Make your life simpler and spending time in the kitchen more enjoyable by taking the time to declutter every now and then.

Large Format Tiles and Their Impact

If you want your kitchen to appear larger than it is, then large format tiles are the perfect solution, as they create the illusion of more space. This is because the tiles themselves are larger, so you have fewer grout lines which break up the space, and instead, you have a cleaner, more expansive aesthetic. Choose large format floor tiles in your kitchen to expand your flooring and make the area appear larger than it actually is.

How Lighting Can Transform a Space

Your chosen kitchen lighting can completely transform your space, so it’s crucial that you choose the right type for your room. Step one is making the most of your natural lighting, so ensure your windows are kept clear to let in the sunlight. Next is functional lighting, which is incredibly important for allowing you to use your space to its full potential. Functional lighting’s primary purpose is to light up the area you need, so spotlights and other overhead fixtures work well here. It is also great for opening up space, so getting the right functional lighting is crucial for kitchens on the smaller side.

Using Mirrors and Reflective Surfaces

It’s no secret that mirrors help you open up a room, so they work brilliantly for creating the illusion of more space in a small kitchen. Reflecting splashbacks also work well for reflecting light and brightening up modest spaces, so consider using glass wall tiles to create this effect. Finally, choose high-gloss cabinets instead of matte to reflect light and give your kitchen a brighter, lighter appearance.

Don’t Be Afraid to be Bold

Just because you’re working with a small space doesn’t mean you can’t express yourself through prints, colours, and bold design choices. As long as you balance it out by decluttering, using effective functional lighting, and ensuring you can use your space to its full potential, the design choices should be based on your personal preferences and not limited to space.

If you need help getting the most out of your small kitchen, please don’t hesitate to enquire online and speak to our award-winning kitchen design team.