1. INCORPORATE BANQUETTE SEATING INTO THE ISLAND
This apartment kitchen in an old mansion block was created by Roundhouseand needed to include soft seating, dining, and kitchen in an open plan living space. The client already had a stunning Saarinen oval marble table and was very keen to use it. ‘However we quickly discovered that the table was too large for the space,’ says Roundhouse designer Sam Hart.
2. CHOOSE A L-SHAPED KITCHEN FOR GREATER FLEXIBILITY
A galley kitchen layout — when you have two parallel runs of base cabinets, wall cabinets, and countertops located both sides of a central walkway — is often the go-to for a small kitchen. But there are other strong options so it is important to consider the other small kitchen layouts.
3. PAINT THE WALLS DARK FOR AN INTIMATE AND COCOONING FEEL
In a small or north-facing space, it is always tempting to opt for solely neutral kitchen color ideas to try to enhance the light, but going for a dark shade can be more dramatic and create a cozy feel which works perfectly for intimate dining.
4. BUILD UP LAYERS OF TEXTURE AND COLOR
When it comes to creating a small dining space, the emphasis should not just be on furniture alone. Interior designer studio Salvesen Graham used a banquette as a great space-saving option which helps the space feel tailored but have also piled up the interest in this compact corner with color, art, cushions, and lighting.
5. MAKE USE OF THE WALL BY HAVING A FOLD-UP TABLE
Once floor space has been exhausted when designing a small kitchen diner, get more mileage by taking full advantage of an empty wall. This kitchen has installed a fold-up table which is perfect for a small family and can be put away between meals so it is not taking up space.
6. INTRODUCE A CURVED ISLAND TO ADD CONTRAST
A kitchen island is not necessarily ruled out when you have a small kitchen as you can see from this kitchen island seating idea. A curved island can be a great option because not only can it require less space, it also brings in an element of softness that can be missing from many kitchen designs.
7. MATCH YOUR COUNTERTOP TO YOUR DINING SEATING FOR A COHESIVE LOOK
‘If informal entertaining and relaxed seating is your vibe then a kitchen island that doubles up as a banquette seat is a fabulous way to save space in a small kitchen,’ says Annie Ebenston, Lead Designer, Blakes London.
8. INTRODUCE A THREE-IN-ONE COUNTERTOP, ISLAND AND TABLE HYBRID DESIGN
In a small kitchen diner, it is important to make sure that all elements are as hardworking as possible. Two functions are great, but more is the dream. An island is the perfect piece that can maximize its potential and there are lots of clever ideas on installing an island in a small kitchen.
9. PAINT THE SEATING THE SAME COLOR AS THE KITCHEN CABINETRY
Paint is one of the easiest and most affordable ways of transforming a small kitchen and there are many clever yet simple tricks that can be used to enhance a space.
10. MATCH THE TABLE TO THE KITCHEN CABINETRY
As well as matching the seating to the kitchen cabinetry, matching the table to the cabinetry is another way of making the best out of a small kitchen diner. This can be done using paint or the same material, either way it adds a continuity to the look of the kitchen and makes the space look bigger. In this kitchen by Superfront, the table and cabinetry keep to the same soft grey which unifies the design.