Don’t think making a small kitchen look bigger will cost you a fortune? You’re in luck! We’ve got a dozen easy-peasy, lemon-squeezy hacks that can transform your cozy kitchen into a spacious sanctuary—without breaking the bank or requiring a sledgehammer.
Whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist, a renter or a homeowner, these tips will help you create a more functional and inviting space to cook, eat, and entertain. And the best part? You don’t need to be a DIY pro or a millionaire to pull them off – most of these ideas can be done in minutes and for little to no cost. So, put on your chef’s hat and let’s get cooking (up some space) in your small kitchen!
Let’s start!
Less items on the counter
First up on our list of simple hacks to make your small kitchen look bigger is to declutter your countertops. It’s amazing how quickly kitchen countertops can become a dumping ground for everything from mail to dishes to appliances, leaving you with little space to actually prepare and cook meals.
You can instantly create a more spacious and organized feeling in your kitchen by taking a few minutes to clear off your countertops and only keep the essentials out. Consider storing small appliances like toasters and blenders in cabinets or on shelves when not in use, and invest in storage solutions like drawer dividers and utensil holders to keep your cooking tools easily accessible but out of sight. With less clutter on your countertops, you’ll have more room to move around and get creative in the kitchen.
Hide them all behind cabinet
Tired of cluttered countertops? Hide away those unsightly appliances, dishware, and utensils by storing them behind closed cabinets. This will not only make your small kitchen look bigger and more organized right away, but it will also help you stay organized and make it less distracting to look at while you cook and eat.
Consider buying stackable or collapsible storage containers to make the most of the space in your cabinets and make everything easy to find. And if you’re feeling extra creative, you could even install a pull-out or swing-out shelf for your most frequently used items, like your coffee maker or cutting board. With a little ingenuity, you can transform your cramped kitchen into a tidy and efficient workspace.
Try space-enhancing wallpaper
If you want to add some personality to your small kitchen while also making it look more spacious, consider using space-enhancing wallpaper. Choose a light-colored wallpaper with a simple pattern that will make your walls appear more airy and less cluttered.
The illusion of height can be created with vertical stripes, while a small, delicate pattern can add texture without taking over the space. Be careful not to choose anything too busy or bold, as this can make your kitchen feel even smaller. With a little bit of creativity and a roll of wallpaper, you can transform your kitchen into a brighter, more open space that reflects your personal style.
Add a freestanding Island
If you’re lucky enough to have a little extra floor space in your small kitchen, a freestanding island can be a game-changer. Not only does it give you more space for counters and storage, but it can also make the kitchen look separate from other parts of your home.
Plus, if you opt for a moveable island, you can easily reposition it to suit your needs and preferences. Choose a style and color that complements your existing décor, or use the island as an opportunity to add a pop of color or a new texture to your space. Whether you’re using it for meal prep, as a breakfast bar, or just as a stylish accent piece, a freestanding island can help you maximize your small kitchen’s potential.
Add a rug to zone the kitchen area
Who says rugs are just for living rooms? Adding a rug to your kitchen can do wonders in terms of defining the space and making it feel more cohesive. Plus, it’s an easy way to add some personality and style to your kitchen.
Opt for a rug with a pattern or color that complements your existing decor, and make sure it’s made of a durable, easy-to-clean material. Not only will it make a place for your kitchen, but it will also give you a soft place to stand while you cook and have guests over. So, go ahead and add a rug to your kitchen—your feet (and your eyes) will thank you!
Add some more light or open the window
Brightening up your small kitchen can do wonders for making it feel more spacious. If you have a window in your kitchen, consider keeping it open to let in natural light and create a more open and airy feel.
If your kitchen doesn’t get enough natural light, you could add more lighting, like under-cabinet lighting or a pendant light that makes a statement, to make it brighter. A well-lit kitchen not only makes it feel larger, but it also creates a more pleasant atmosphere for cooking and entertaining. So don’t be afraid to let the light in!
Bring in a mirror at the corner
By putting a mirror in a corner in a smart way, you can reflect natural or artificial light and make a room look bigger. Plus, mirrors are a great decorative element that can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any kitchen design.
So, whether you choose a full-length mirror or a small one for decoration, think about adding some reflective surfaces to your kitchen to make it look and feel better. You’ll be surprised at how much of a difference a little bit of mirror magic can make!
Add some led light line under cabinets
Brighten up your small kitchen by adding some LED light strips under your cabinets! Not only will this create a warm and inviting ambiance, but it can also make your space feel larger by drawing the eye upward and outward.
LED light strips are an affordable and easy addition to make to your kitchen, and they come in a variety of colors and styles to suit your personal taste. Plus, they provide functional lighting for cooking and meal prep. Consider hire a professional to ensure that the job is done correctly and that your kitchen is safe from electrical hazards.
Add a pot of tree
Adding a tree pot to your kitchen is not only a simple and affordable way to add some life and color, but it can also make your space appear larger. By bringing some natural elements into your kitchen, you can create a more organic and airy feel. Plus, by strategically placing the pot in a corner or on a windowsill, you can draw the eye upwards and make the room seem taller.
Whether you opt for a hanging plant or a potted herb garden, adding some greenery to your kitchen can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of the space. So, why not give it a try and see how a simple pot of tree can transform your small kitchen into a bright and welcoming oasis?
Consider Multi-Functional Furniture
Why settle for a kitchen table that only serves one purpose? Consider investing in multi-functional furniture to maximize your kitchen’s potential. Look for tables or chairs that double as storage spaces or have fold-down capabilities to save on precious square footage. You can even find kitchen carts with built-in cutting boards or pull-out trays for extra workspace.
With furniture that can do more than one thing, you can make your kitchen more flexible and useful for more than just cooking and eating. So, next time you’re shopping for kitchen furniture, think outside the box and opt for pieces that can do double duty.
Use vertical space
Vertical space is a valuable asset in a small kitchen, so don’t waste it! You can make the most of your storage space by putting shelves on the walls, hanging pots and pans, or putting magnetic strips on the walls for knives and other kitchen tools.
But be warned: if you choose to use this method, it’s important to stay organized and have a sense of layout. If you don’t, you risk creating a cluttered and messy look that defeats the purpose of using vertical space. With a little planning and attention to detail, however, you can make the most of every inch of your kitchen and create a functional and beautiful space.
Reorganize regularly
One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to make your small kitchen look bigger is to reorganize regularly. This means taking stock of your items and making sure they’re stored in the most logical and space-efficient way possible.
For example, you could put things that are similar together and put them in their own drawers or cabinets. Keep things you use often within easy reach, and put things you don’t use often up high or in a hard-to-reach place. The key is to choose your storage options carefully and with purpose, and to check in on them often and make changes as needed. By keeping your kitchen organized and clutter-free, you’ll not only create more space but also have a more enjoyable cooking and dining experience. So grab those organizing bins and get to work!
Conclusion
With only a few easy changes and clever tactics, you can transform your small kitchen into a pleasant and inviting haven. From getting rid of clutter and reorganizing to adding new decorations and lighting, these tips will help you get the most out of your kitchen without breaking the bank.
So roll up your sleeves, put on your thinking gear, and prepare to create some serious flair and utility in your small kitchen!
