Top 9 Design Ideas for Small Kitchens

Want to give a new look to your kitchen but concerned about the minimal space you have? Cheer up! Because we have got the top 9 design ideas for small kitchens that can make your cook den ever so stylish and mesmerising. In fact, with proper installation, you can make the most of your limited space.

U-Shaped Layout: The U-Shaped Layout is one of the most efficient design ideas to maximise the available space for small kitchens. It basically utilises the three walls of your kitchen and gives you ample storage and a cooking platform.

Moreover, it facilitates easy movement without any obstacles in between. Apart from that, it allows you to conveniently place your sink, stove, and refrigerator for easy access.

However, there are a few considerations that you need to make while implementing this design. For example, hire a kitchen installer in Auckland because, with their expertise, they will be able to properly evaluate the available space and make sure that there is enough space to move around.

Furthermore, keep the lighting in check as well. Properly illuminate all the corners, including countertops and storage cabinets.

For this type of layout, we recommend opting for light and neutral tones of colour like white, cream, or light grey. But you can also add a colour pop with backsplash tiles or accessories.

Galley Layout: The galley kitchen is a trendy and popular choice these days for small kitchens and studio apartments. They are best suitable when you have a congested and narrow but long corridor area.

This type of layout covers either one wall or parallel walls for the placement of countertops, appliances, and storage cabinets.

One of the most important to consider in this design is the location of entryways and ensuring that there is sufficient space for you to move. Accordingly, it is recommended to install pull-out organisers or slim storage cabinets to utilise every inch of the space.

Island Layout: The Island Layout Design can give your kitchen a stylish and more integrated look. The countertop will not only serve as a cooking platform but also as a dining table.

In fact, you can even add storage cabinets, drawers, and open shelves below the island to store cookware or pantry items.

The most important thing to consider in this design is the location and size of the elevation. Make sure it is not too big to become an obstacle in the movement or block your cabinets from opening fully.

For Island Layout, you can use contrasting colours to make your island a focal point of the kitchen.

I-Shaped Layout: The I-Shaped Layout just covers a single wall in your kitchen. It is one of the most preferred layout designs for narrow spaces as it gives a different look to your space.

To clarify, in this design, the countertops, cabinets, and appliances are all on a single wall. As a result, it optimises the space efficiently, making the movement easy.

Above all, it is the most budget-friendly option that adds a minimal but unique touch to your kitchen.

Open Shelves Layout: The open shelves layout is a great option for someone who wants to add a visually appealing touch to their kitchen. In this design idea, open shelves are installed instead of traditional doored shelves.

However, this won’t be a good idea for someone who has many windows in their apartment as you may not like cleaning the dust every day. Also, you will have to keep the cabinets organised to maintain a tidy impression of your kitchen.

L-Shaped Layout: The L-Shaped Layout Design is one of the most favoured layouts if you want to go basic. It utilises two adjacent walls of the kitchen. The reason that this design is popular is that it maximises the use of corners and increases the counter space for cooking or arranging the appliances.

Moreover, the movement in L-Shaped is also smooth, and everything is easily accessible. It is advisable to use light colours in this layout as it will make your kitchen look more spacious.

Peninsula Layout: This layout is basically an extension of the L-Shaped Design. In this layout, you just add one more extension to either side to provide you with an extra countertop. It is your choice to add cabinets below it or just use it as a table for a quick breakfast or snacking.

Not to mention that this is a practical choice if you do not want to spend extra dollars on buying a dining table separately or don’t have the space for it.

G-Shaped Layout: Like the peninsula layout, this layout design is an extension of the U-Shaped Layout, where you can add one more countertop to the kitchen without blocking the entryway. This layout can also cut your expenses by giving you an inbuilt dining table for casual occasions.

This layout is suitable for a small kitchen that has slightly more space to avoid any congestion.

In the case of a G-Shaped Layout, consider using a neutral colour tone throughout the kitchen to create a symmetric look.

With all the designs in your mind for your small kitchen, the other important factor is to get more room in less space. When the space is tight, the only way remains is to place everything in the right place. If you desire to have a dreamy and airy kitchen but can’t because of compact space, then you just need a proper plan for kitchen renovation and some crucial tips.

As one of the best kitchen installers in Auckland,  we know that it is not easy for many factors to influence the appearance of the space. The foremost among these is the architectural structure. With awkward nooks, unparalleled windows, and closed space designs, managing things can become a bit difficult. But putting in some creativity can turn the tables for you. We have some tips to help you make your kitchen more spacious without much hassle.

• Natural light: Try to incorporate a window or a place to let in some natural light. Dark spaces look constricted, and when the space is small, it looks claustrophobic. To make it look bigger, add the potential for some much-needed natural light. Contact the best kitchen installers in Auckland for the best solutions.
• Two-way galley: Make your space more functional with two galleys across each other. More storage and more working space will make your place look less cluttered and easy to manage.
• Add flexibility: Including movable furniture like a freestanding table or foldable countertops that can be put in place when required and removed when not for functionality and space.
• Keep your space uncluttered:  Keeping only a few important things in the kitchen that are useful is the key to having access to more space. Adding unnecessary decors, vases, and more will occupy the space you need. Moreover, keep cleaning up the mess regularly to prevent pilling.
• Avoid tiling your kitchen:  this may sound absurd, but tiling your kitchen walls often look small and even consumes an inch or more of space. Go for plain straight walls for more room.
• Try breakfast bars:  If you have a window that opens in the hallway, then it’s time to get creative. Install a counter in the window and add another island for work and eating. Place chairs on the opposite side to create an aesthetic and modern look.
• Choose soft hues and colours:  picking dark colours for your kitchen will make your kitchen look cosy but small. However, when you choose light tints, the place looks refreshing and bigger.
• Add glasses to see-through:  Your kitchen cabinets might need some see-through glass to appear larger and capacious. You can also add some see-through doors to make the space look wider.
• Add reflective surfaces: Install mirrors or reflective sheets on the wall. With this, you will get an enlarging room effect. Try it with unique styling to make your kitchen look more stylish.

If you cannot have metres of the island and flashy sinks, you can have your appliances and stuff organised with ease. Just a little help from us, and you are good to go.

Compact and Multi Functional Layout

When you are revamping your kitchen, it is essential to Plan Out A Kitchen Renovation Project In Advance. With this in mind, going for a compact and multi-functional layout idea is most recommended for smaller kitchens.

For this purpose, you can consider getting compact appliances like slim refrigerators and small-sized dishwashers that help save space. Moreover, choosing multi-functional appliances, like kitchen elevators, built-in cabinets, and extendable countertops, will increase functionality and reduce the footprint.