Small Kitchen Design: Decorating Ideas that Worked for Me

My kitchen is quite small and last year we gutted it completely and redecorated it. There were several trial and error phases before we could call it a completed project. Choosing things like cabinets, furniture and color are key when it comes to space and the illusion of a bigger kitchen.

Most people want to keep the same appliances, but this can inhibit your creativity and space, trust me when you are working with a small space you need all the creative leeway you can get. Buy a fridge that is upright rather than side by side and make sure it is white or stainless steel because dark colors seem to make a small space seem smaller. Buy a matching stove with a width no wider than 2.5 feet and a depth no deeper than 2.5 feet. Stove and fridge depth are important because you don't want them protruding out much farther than your ground cabinets. Buy a small microwave and mount it either above the fridge or underneath a cupboard so that you don't use up valuable counter space. Put away small appliances such as toasters, blenders and food processors when you are not using them to maximize counter space. You also do not need a dishwasher, just simply take 10 minutes a day to hand wash your dishes and you will save major space. As an added bonus you will save money on expensive dishwasher cleaners that don't always get the job done.

If you have a small kitchen odds are you don't eat in it, you use a dining room. If your kitchen does happen to double as your dining space you will need to find a small table and chairs set. Look for something compact, such as something where the chairs are easily pushed underneath the table when they are not in use. You can also opt for a small island and buy a few short bar stools that can slide underneath when you are not using them. The benefit of the island is that is also doubles as a food preparation surface. If possible try to find tables that are on wheels so that you can slide it up against the wall when you aren't using it so that you have some extra space to move around when you are cooking. You should also invest in a tall narrow pantry. With a pantry you can store cookware, small appliances, dishes, food, etc. so that you can preserve counter and cupboard space.

Cabinets, counter tops, lighting and a sink are essential in a kitchen. I suggest you get a double sink and use one part to wash the dishes and the other for your dish rack. This way you save counter space and don't have to worry about water dripping onto the floor. Do not sacrifice cabinets, just simply get ones that are less deep. You need cabinets to store things like food, dishes, cleaners and small appliances. You want to have enough cabinets so that you can properly organize and store those items. Make sure your cabinets are light in color to get the illusion of a larger space. Recessed lighting is a great option in a small space because it is within the ceiling so that it takes up absolutely no space. You should also consider recessed under-cabinet lighting. This will make the space between the cabinets and the counter tops seem larger as well as provide more ambient light. Granite counter tops are well worth the investment. They are extremely durable and come in any color one could possibly imagine. Things like knife racks, paper towel holders and electric can openers should all be mounted underneath the cabinets. You should also mount things like spice racks above the stove and invest in a pot rack that hangs from the ceiling high enough so that you can walk under it without ducking, but low enough where you can reach the contents of it without a stool.

When it comes to color schemes and decorative elements remember that less is more and to use a light, more neutral palette. Colors like reds, dark blues and purples and black should never be used except as small accents. Try adding white kick and crown molding and try to avoid heavy or large stenciling. Light colors create the illusion of a bigger space, as where dark colors seem to close in the space. You may also want to try applying a coordinating wainscoting no more than 3 feet high. Simple handles and other hardware should be used as well, nothing gawky. Laminate wood flooring is cost effective, easy to lay, stylish and easy to take care of. You can also go for travertine tiles, but they can be expensive and you will need to use a larger tile to make the room seem bigger. Travertine can also get messy to lay because you will need to grout it. Be careful not to use peel and stick tiles because they are easily destroyed.

When it comes to finding a place to buy materials I recommend Home Depot because they can help you coordinate colors, appliances, accents, etc. Plus you will find everything you need there. You can also check out local hardware stores, Target, Wal-Mart, and don't forget about ebay. Most things you can do yourself, but if in doubt when tackling a large project consult a contractor. To cut costs remember that everything does not need to be name brand and when visiting specialty stores like a store for tiles and granite ask them about excess because this is often cheaper and still holds the same quality of new uncut pieces.

Always be sure to completely evaluate costs and create a project time line, if you don't you may face some major issues and setbacks. Also, have fun with your project. You can learn a lot when you DIY so take notes.