Interior design magazines tend to feature spacious kitchens bathed in natural light and laid out perfectly, but this image is a far cry from the reality. Most urban properties have small rooms, and in the case of small kitchens, a good design is absolutely crucial to make them comfortable and functional at the same time, making the most of all the available space.
This article gives you the most useful tips and ideas to kit out small kitchens while creating a warm and pleasant atmosphere. If you go for a suitable furniture layout, make the most of practical solutions to maximise space, and choose materials and finishes that lighten the atmosphere, you’ll get a contemporary, elegant and functional kitchen.
Small kitchen with island
An island can be an absolute godsend when designing a small, open-plan kitchen project. When you want the kitchen, dining room and living room to share a single space, the island helps to separate the spaces and organise the cooking area, without getting in the way of the natural light streaming in.
It’s advisable to make the most of every last inch of space by placing the kitchen cabinets at one end of the room and the island in front, parallel to them. In this area, you can create a counter, which can be used as a breakfast bar or even as an auxiliary workspace. If – as in the previous project – you go for a run of tall units, you’ll get floor-to-ceiling storage space. Likewise, in a small kitchen, the island can hold the preparation, washing-up and cooking areas.
In the case of a small, closed-plan kitchen, installing an island is still possible, but it’s important to consider the room’s measurements to ensure comfort and ease of movement.
Small, L-shaped kitchen
The L-shaped layout is widely used in both square kitchens and long and narrow kitchens. It’s extremely practical as it leaves space in the middle so the different work areas can be grouped together, creates more space visually and facilitates the movement of users.
In construction or renovation projects, it’s a good idea to use the end of the L to install appliances (fridge, oven or microwave oven) and create a run of cabinets that make the most of the space all the way to the ceiling. The cooking, working and washing-up areas are set up on the other side of the L.
Small U-shaped kitchen to make the most of all the available space
In small spaces, a U-shaped layout maximises space as it kits out three walls. Nevertheless, this layout isn’t ideal for narrow kitchens as you need at least 120 cm between the parallel fronts in order to comfortably move about.
A U-shaped layout also has another wonderful advantage: a functional work triangle. This way, the different work areas are near each other but laid out as three legs. In order to create a kitchen that’s even more practical, it’s advisable to place the cooking and storage areas face to face, with the latter integrating the appliances (oven, microwave oven, fridge). The washing-up area, which would serve as a nexus between the other areas, is found in the middle.
Small, parallel kitchen
An effective solution for long rooms – that are not very narrow – is to lay out the cabinets in two parallel rows. By furnishing the space both horizontally and vertically, with this layout, it’s possible to create a comfortable workspace that maximises storage space. This kind of layout is perfect for small, closed-plan kitchens as it lets plenty of natural light stream in by leaving the space in the middle free.
For narrow, closed-plan rooms where a parallel layout isn’t possible, integrating a small counter can be a good strategy to create a functional space. This makes the most of the wall found in front of the run of cabinets. By installing a worktop-mounted bar with stools, you get extra space for meals which can also be used as an auxiliary work area.
In a small, open-plan kitchen, a parallel layout is also possible, with the help of an island or a peninsula. These two structures are quite practical for small kitchens, as they add work surfaces and storage while demarcating the space.
In any case, whether it’s an open-plan or closed-plan kitchen, you need at least 120 cm of space in the middle to ensure ease of movement and a comfortable work area.
To design a small, open-plan kitchen, you can also choose to install a counter. This solution takes up less space than an island or a peninsula, demarcates the space and creates a cosy atmosphere.
Tips for designing a small and lovely kitchen
Towards minimalism
A small kitchen gets cluttered up quite easily. To keep this from happening, it’s advisable to apply the principles of minimalism to kitchen utensils, crockery and appliances, that is, sticking to the essentials and doing away with everything else. In the same way, it’s a good idea to organise drawers and cupboards in such a way that there’s a place for everything and everything is in its place.
Going vertical
In a small kitchen, every last inch of space counts. Vertical space can be maximised through the installation of shelves to hold spices, crockery or even kitchen utensils. Furthermore, eba proposes a plinth drawer system that replaces the classic plinth with a drawer, in order to make the most of the space.
Choosing integrated appliances
To maximise space while giving a small kitchen a pared-down look, built-in appliances are just the thing. Built-in fridges, dishwashers and ovens are extremely practical and visually declutter the room, creating a minimalist and elegant design.
Choosing the right materials to kit out a small kitchen
The choice of materials in a kitchen project is absolutely crucial, but in the case of small kitchens, it’s even more so.
It’s essential to zone different areas in open-plan spaces. To create continuity, you can go for finishes in the same colours as the rest of the home. If you want to achieve the opposite and demarcate the different rooms, you can go for a different colour for the fronts or use a different kind of flooring, to mark the transition between the kitchen and dining room.
Likewise, in a small kitchen, the choice of colours should be made carefully. Despite the fact that dark colours such as black or grey are in fashion, they tend to make the space look smaller than it actually is. Using them in bright, open-plan rooms or in limited areas is a better option so as not to overwhelm the atmosphere. In contrast, light colours will make the space look bigger, enhancing its brightness. They’re great for small, closed-plan kitchens or narrow kitchens.
