Of course most people would like a large, sprawling kitchen with extensive space for accessories, however this is not always realistic. Often times, our designers face the challenge of providing functionality in tight spaces. This is never a problem for our design team due to their wealth of knowledge and experience. In this blog we will help you choose essential design features for a smaller kitchens.
In order to ensure a small kitchen offers functionality and aesthetics, a good layout and good planning is essential. This layout must include appropriate storage space combined with enough space for the preparation of food. When designing such a space, our designers try and base their design on the work triangle method. This method ensures that cleaning, cooking and preparation zones are separate, with plenty of floorspace in between. Below are some essential features which should be incorporated into smaller kitchens.
Open shelving and cabinetry for smaller kitchens
Despite closed cabinets being perfectly functional in all kitchen types, they can often make smaller kitchens appear somewhat closed off. After all, you effectively are moving your wall outwards. In order to avoid this, why not leave solid cabinets to the lower section of your kitchen, while adding open shelving and glass-fronted cupboards. The addition of both of these types of storage add the illusion of depth, making your kitchen appear more expansive. Not only this, open shelving allows you to easily change your décor each season, making your kitchen a dynamic focal point. If you do choose open shelving, it is important to note that these shelves are prone to slightly more dusting.
Lighting
Lighting can sometimes be a slight issue in smaller kitchens, be it from solid cabinetry taking away from the natural light in the room or in fact no natural light coming into the kitchen itself. If the option is available to customers, the utilisation of natural light is preferred. If natural light is something you have at your disposal, designers must ensure that light is evenly spread throughout your kitchen to avoid dark corners. If it is a case of essential cabinetry interfering with lighting, why not add strip lights underneath your units, which can provide neutral lighting to your countertop below.
Flooring
Something which is often overlooked while designing a kitchen is choice of flooring. There are many types of flooring types which are suitable for smaller kitchens, however flooring is generally a matter of opinion. There are some tricks that our designers suggest during the design process. Planked wood can help lead your eyes outwards allowing your kitchen to appear wider. Planks can also add length to your kitchen depending on how they’re laid. Additionally, large format tiles with a light finish can help the room feel more expansive with less lines breaking up the floor.
If you need to talk to one of our design specialists why not pop into our elite showroom where walk ins are welcome or call us on (046) 9732823 to get in contact. Alternatively you can email us on info@dwkitchens.ie to get in touch.