1. HOW TO MAKE A SMALL KITCHEN LOOK BIGGER WITH BESPOKE SEATING
Making a small kitchen look bigger doesn't have to involve a complete renovation. With a smart design, even the smallest of spaces can become an enviable modern kitchen that feels bigger than they actually are.
2. CONSIDER THE COLOR IN YOUR SMALL KITCHEN
Fancy adding some drama to your small kitchen? Whether you opt for cool black kitchen ideas or pick a moody blue or green hue, don't shy away from going dark in a small space, even when general advice tends to be 'paint small rooms in light, bright tones to make them feel bigger'. Adding some deep hues to a small kitchen can be really effective at making a small space look and feel completely different.
3. TRY OPEN SHELVING IN A BID TO EXPAND YOUR SMALL KITCHEN
Kitchen shelving is a clever and essential way to make a room look bigger. But that doesn't mean it has to be boring and simply functional. There are so many gorgeous shelving options out there that can either blend into your scheme or stand out, adding character and interest.
4. THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT CABINETRY IN A SMALL KITCHEN
One thing to consider when attempting to make a small kitchen feel bigger is of course your choice of kitchen cabinets and how and where to use them.
5. DITCH THE HANDLES
Go handless for a sleek and seamless look in your small kitchen ideas. Ruth Lavender from Benchmarx suggests going for handleless kitchens for a contemporary, minimal style. 'This rise in appeal has been fuelled by an increase in demand for a clutter-free look, particularly for those with a small modern kitchen where space is at a premium,' she says. 'By avoiding any extrusion, a kitchen can instantly become sleeker in its design, with uninterrupted, streamlined lines offering the feeling of more space, creating a more efficient environment where there's room to maneuver.'
6. LIGHTING IS KEY IN A SMALL KITCHEN
Good lighting is so important in a small kitchen to make it look bigger. From atmospheric dimmer switches over dining areas and brighter, more direct lighting for food preparation and cooking, effective kitchen lighting ideas can make or break a room.
7. THINK ABOUT TILES IN THE KITCHEN
'For smaller, darker kitchens choosing light-colored porcelain will help to encourage the light and using a large format tile will create the illusion of space,' says Jo Oliver, Director, Stone & Ceramic Warehouse. 'Recent technological advances have meant porcelain tiles are now available up to 300cm x 150cm, which gives a very impressive finish. These large format tiles are excellent for making spaces appear bigger than they are.'
8. GO FOR GLOSS IN YOUR SMALL KITCHEN
Louisa Forsyth, Showroom Manager for Kitchens International suggests choosing high gloss units to make a small kitchen appear bigger: 'use mirrors and reflective surfaces to maximize natural light – high gloss finishes, especially in white give maximum reflection and contrast high gloss cabinetry with a light wood effect or darker color to break the uniformity up.'
9. TRY A TWO-TONE EFFECT
Two-tone kitchens are a popular look simply because it's a quick way to add interest to a kitchen scheme. Pick from different colored cabinets on the top and bottom or mix dark units with light worktops and vice versa.
10. A SMALL KITCHEN NEEDS CLEVER STORAGE
Storage storage storage. It's vitally important in any space, let alone a small one so take the time to get it right, including clever in-cupboard options. Something like this Planero storage system can work wonders.
11. INCLUDE LOTS OF GLASS IN YOUR SMALL KITCHEN
A great way of making a kitchen feel more spacious is with a maximum amount of glazing, so go for as much you can afford and have space for. 'It gives the impression that the space extends into the outside and on top, it brings in lots of light,' says Claudia Aksoy, partner at A2 Studio.