How to Make Your Small Kitchen More Functional
Small kitchens are so cozy, but they can be tricky to make functional. Using every space in your kitchen in a smart way will help you maximize function and keep that intimate feel. Check out our tips to help you make your small kitchen work for you!
1. Use all your vertical space
It can be common to have blank space above your kitchen cabinetry. Put this area to use! Adding cabinet boxes here, or even shelving can be a great place to store kitchen items that aren’t used everyday. Any specialty dishes, unique appliances or bulky serving bowls can live up here without getting in the way of the more prime storage locations.
Adding baskets or boxes to keep it looking nice and uniform. If you have a lot of space up there, consider adding a floating shelf! If you have an extensive cookbook collection, show them off by putting them up here.
2. Use Your Wall Space
There are so many creative ways to use your wall space in the kitchen. In our first small apartment, I used a little pegboard to store all my spices. It was such an easy way to clear out some shelves in the pantry and add a little visual (and functional!) interest to a blank wall.
Adding hooks for pots and pans can be another great way to free up space in your cabinets and instead store them on the wall. I love the little space racks in the photo. The link below is for four spice racks for under $20!
3. Create a Rolling Prep Cart
Lack of counter space is a common issue in small kitchen. Use a rolling prep cart to easily wheel extra counter space and storage into the center of the kitchen. When you’re done cooking, push the cart back against the wall to free up space in the center of the kitchen.
Most small kitchens don’t have the space for a full island, so these rolling carts can give the same function as a island, with the ability to move it out of the way when you need more space.
4. Mount a Fold out Table
Similar to the rolling cart, a fold out table can provide extra storage and counter space when needed, and be easily put up and away afterwards.
This would be a great way to create a coffee bar, a spice cabinet or a small baking center.
5. Declutter Your Countertop & Organize
Sometimes just a simple organization can free up so much space in your cabinets. Adding organizers, especially these wire faux shelves, can help maximize space in your cabinetry and pantry.
Small kitchens need all the countertop space they can muster, so try to keep them as decluttered as possible. Storing appliances in the pantry or on top of cabinets can free up much needed space on the counters.
