How to plan and design a small kitchen

Expert solutions for compact environments

The question of how to plan a layout for a small kitchen may seem difficult. The environment must include space for cooking, housing appliances and having storage enough – all without feeling cramped or cluttered.

But the kitchen layout does not have to be compromised when shooting is limited and a design is possible that includes all the essentials, fits in with everything that is needed and looks elegant.

Our guide will help you through this planning process with advice from professionals who specialize in solving limited space problems without sacrificing practicality or style.

How to plan the layout for a small kitchen

First, be clear about yours priority. Are you an avid cook who needs versatile appliances and lots of storage space? Or maybe you want a more social space that you would like to integrate into a living area.

Consider all the possible ideas and tricks for small spaces and explore the full potential of the space. And make sure the storage spaces are not bulky in daily use.

Follow the planning process that should get the most out of every inch of your space.

Where to start?

Always start kitchen layouts with the essentials: stove, refrigerator and sink – make sure there is useful space next to each one.

The golden rule for small kitchens is use as much height as possible without leaving everything tight.

Tall cabinets that house a pantry, a refrigerator and a wall oven are efficient, but only if doing so does not consume all the useful space on the counter. This is where wall units and open shelves can help.

In any kitchen, it is necessary to consider the lighting, energy and ventilation in the design phase, as well as being aware that this also affects construction and installation costs.

Keep in mind that the drainage system can affect the layout possibilities and do the homework for the vacuums and vents.

Plates with integrated drain may seem efficient at first, but the piping will take up valuable space under the counter. Conventional models that go through a wall cabinet may be a better choice for a small room.

Kitchen lighting can make a space seem larger, but it needs to be planned in advance, before any work or decoration.

Where should I put my kitchen equipment?

Check out a good range of appliance sizes and find the balance between what you think you need and what actually fits in your kitchen.

Often only one oven is sufficient. Combine it with a compact built-in microwave oven and incorporate it into a tall cabinet, giving space to store pots and pans above and below.

An induction hob provides a flat surface that can double the cooking space, as well as bringing a kettle to a quick boil.

Don’t settle for a small refrigerator under the counter if you know you need a larger refrigerator. Steal space outside the kitchen if necessary. The convenience of a compact home is that most things are usually close at hand.

How do I design a new layout?

A small space may have limited options in terms of layout, but don’t assume that you have to go with the first design offered or similar to the one that already exists.

“Naval kitchens make efficient use of small spaces,” says Graham Barnard of Matrix Kitchens. “Tall cabinets are hard to avoid for built-in fridges and the convenience of eye-level ovens, but they can be massive, so I tend to put them first.”

“Wall cabinets,” Graham continues, “may limit space, but the trend of glass front cabinets makes a small kitchen seem larger. Being able to see inside the cabinet will make all the difference.”

Remember that this must be a safe and comfortable environment in which to work. Ensure sufficient space for doors and drawers and a safe entry / exit point away from the stove and oven.

“In a very small kitchen, a great way to save space is to put sliding doors at the entrance. These doors slide into the wall, which means you don’t have to worry about a completely traditional door obscuring the closets, ”says Tom Howley, director of design at Tom Howley.

How do I manage storage in a small kitchen?

When planning a layout for a small kitchen, think about drawers, as they offer more convenient storage space than lockers. Position them according to your workflow so that the pans are close to the cooking zone, the dishes and cutlery close to the exit point.

This gives space for two cooks to work together without getting in the way of each other.

In addition to the drawers, pay attention to the interior accessories and racks in all cabinets, especially in the corner versions.

A slim pull-out pantry unit can hold a surprising amount with everything easily accessible.

If your kitchen has high ceilings, go up with tall cabinets to store less used items.

Do you have room for a small bench? Look for one with the deposit below.

Keeping your countertops organized will not only give you more usable surfaces, but it will also give you the illusion of space, so use open shelves for the things you like to keep close at hand.

“Paint the shelves the same color as the walls so they ‘disappear’,” says the deVOL team. “And consider clever solutions like magnetic strips for hanging knives on the wall, rails for hanging utensils, pots, mugs, pots and cutlery.”

“Think about what you need to have on hand every day, like cutting boards, wooden spoons and detergent, and what you can keep until you need it.”

How to find more space?

Where space is tight, bespoke cabinets will truly make the most of every inch. Include many bespoke corners and crevices.

If it goes beyond your budget, look for a kitchen company with a wide range of cabinet sizes as this will give you the most functional design with the least amount of fillers.

A slim dishwasher can be a busy cook’s best friend.

A two-pot induction hob plus a hob can provide all the cooking capacity you need in a standard format.

This kitchen has a hidden induction hob and a section of the worktop lifts up to create your own backsplash.

Which layout is popular in small kitchens?

The most popular layouts for a small kitchen are single and double, as well as in L shape or U-shaped. The best arrangement in particular will probably be dictated by the kitchen itself.

“A kitchen designer with experience in creating rooms for small apartments and townhouses can show examples of this in their portfolio and create the ideal layout for their home,” says Lucy Searle, Global Editor-in-Chief of Homes & Gardens.

How to organize the appliances?

Organize appliances in a small kitchen based on how often they are used. The coffee pot and toaster, for example, might be worth dedicating counter space, as may a blender if you use it for many of your recipes.

Hide only occasionally used appliances at the top of cabinets, but be ruthless. In a small kitchen it is not worth giving up the space in the cabinet for old items. Instead, donate them to a good cause.

* Through homes and gardens

Source: Terra

Benjamin

Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.