Living in a small space has plenty of benefits (less maintenance, less mess, less money!), but they don’t always bless homeowners with ample kitchen space. Frequently it’s the opposite. Thankfully, many small kitchen ideas can maximize your functionality and storage – it’s all about thinking creatively about how to make the most of your real estate so you can enjoy cooking and socializing. Here I share some suggestions – whether you’re looking to renovate or simply refresh your space – with some design tips that will create your dream kitchen in your condo space.
Add a prep area
You may not have the space to add a whole island, so think about a rolling kitchen or bar cart to serve as a table for food prep or as extra counter space. The best part about rolling is that you can move it to anywhere in your kitchen that fits for you or cart it out to your living room when it’s time for happy hour
Remove cabinets in favour of open shelves
Not only are open shelves extremely functional, but they also make easy work of grabbing your plates and glasses. They don’t eat up nearly as much space as cabinetry, giving the illusion of a bigger room because they’re so light and open.
Swap with invisible hardware
The fewer objects, colour (and hardware) your kitchen space has, the less cluttered and tiny it will feel. Less hardware and more integrated pulls or touch-to-open cabinetry ups the efficiency levels and gives a minimalist, no-fuss feel to your surfaces.
Get organized
Every small room requires real attention to organization because you can’t afford to waste any extra space. Stock up on spice-sorting systems, a lazy susan, lid organizers for your pots and pans, cutlery trays, and compact dish racks to keep things sorted without having to take up essential counter or drawer space. Two of my favourite hacks? Install some hooks for your coffee mugs under a shelf or cabinet, hang them by their handles, and get a cutting board that fits over your sink to create extra space for chopping and food prep. One step further? Make your entire counter space a cutting board. That way, anywhere you are in your kitchen you can work from efficiently.
Use light colours to expand your small space
Opting for light colours will make the room feel larger for any room, not just the kitchen. Keep a neutral palette on countertops, backsplashes, walls, and even your pots, pans, and linens. Everything in that cohesive, minimalist colourway will lift the room and make it feel more spacious.
Get a pegboard
A genius invention, a pegboard gives you space when you think you had none left. There are many options to be found online, and use it to hang everything from colanders to measuring cups, cookware to utensils.
Use baskets for storage
Woven baskets are not only gorgeous to look at, but they work wonders for storage. Find baskets that fit into your decor and tuck them out of the way in a corner, lower shelf of an island, or on the top of cabinets.