Cramped and dark rooms can make us feel low, whereas walking into a lighter, brighter room can instantly lift your spirits.
There is no reason why a small kitchen can’t exude some serious style and feel more spacious than it actually is. A kitchen of any size can feel roomy if you know some simple design tricks to make the most of the space.
Many kitchens in urban areas such as London, New York and Paris are famously small, yet they are arguably some of the most attractive kitchens around, reflecting both stylish city living and some ingenious space saving solutions.
If you have a bijoux kitchen, there are a number of design tricks to create the illusion of a bigger space and maximise every square inch:
1. Use colour
Changing the colour of your kitchen is a low-cost, simple update that will immediately make a space feel bigger. White kitchens are on-trend and this is the best colour for visually opening up a space.
If you want to go for something brighter, yellow can create a welcoming, sunny kitchen, giving a country vibe even in the middle of a city.
Green is a colour that symbolises the natural world and tranquility. Pale green and teal are on-trend shades and the perfect colours for adding touches to a white kitchen. Complement this look with some delicate green plants or flower arrangements.
2. Add geometric patterns
Geometric patterns are highly fashionable in art and interior design at the moment. Instagram is filled with geometric patterned tablecloths, rugs, blankets and cushions, which are ideal for a small kitchen as you can use these patterns to create the illusion of more space, whilst making your kitchen look like it is straight out of an interior design magazine.
Patterns can be used to accent a small kitchen but don’t overdo it - if you use too much pattern you can make a small space feel overcrowded and too busy.
Geometric patterns can draw the eye vertically or lengthways to give the impression of a longer, taller kitchen. Urban subway tiles can give the sense of opening up the most miniscule area. The thick black lines between the subway tiles give the illusion that the kitchen is bigger.
If you can’t afford to change your kitchen tiles, a geometric floor runner can provide the same visual effect.
3. Use see-through elements
An unobstructed physical and visual path will make your kitchen look bigger. If you keep the sight lines in your kitchen open, your eye will continue to see through the space rather than come to an abrupt halt.
Clear plastic chairs, floating islands and bar surfaces, backless barstools or glass pendant lights all help to achieve this effect.
4. Add mirrors
Mirrors are well-known to make a room feel more spacious, but it’s amazing how many people only use mirrors in the bedroom or bathroom, but don’t think to use mirrors in the kitchen.
A super-size mirror covering one wall can look extremely striking, especially when reflecting back a table or kitchen worktop which is sitting flush against it.
You can also use mirrored splashbacks or mirrored cupboards to create the same illusion.
5. Choose reflective surfaces
In addition to mirrors, other reflective surfaces can also make a kitchen feel bigger.
Consider:
- Glass tiles
- Shiny floors
- High-gloss paint
- Stainless steel appliances
- Glossy cabinets
6. Opt for open shelving
Open storage gives a more airy and spacious look in your kitchen. Remove some cabinet doors and take a step back - immediately you will see that there is an illusion of more space.
However, this trick can only be done if your cupboards aren’t currently bursting. If you have cluttered shelves you will only make the space feel even smaller!
Copper shelving is on-trend and super chic - if you are a naturally neat and tidy person this would make a stunning addition to increase the feeling of space.
7. Goodbye clutter, hello minimalism
The minimalist look works well for creating more kitchen counter spaceand helps create the illusion of a bigger kitchen.Avoid ornate, overly decorative details and keep the look fuss free for long sightlines and a roomier feel.
If it looks like you don’t have enough space for your all your stuff in the kitchen, the space will look cramped and small.
Stick to a rule of making sure that kitchen surfaces are always clear and that every item in the kitchen has a storage space. This includes keeping the space above your kitchen cupboardsclutter-free.In a small kitchen you have to be ruthless with any items you don’t use and donate them to a charity shop.
Investing in a steaming hot water tap with allow you to free up a kitchen surface as you’ll no longer need a kettle.
Integrating a food waste disposal in your kitchen sink will allow you to get rid of that unsightly food waste caddy or bin.
