1. ALL-WHITE
The space-boosting powers of white are no secret, and white kitchen ideas that go for a full white-out from floor to ceiling remain one of the most popular moves for a small kitchen. ‘Bright white kitchen cabinets are always a good idea in a small space, simply for their light-reflecting qualities,’ agrees Anastasia Casey, founder of IDCO Studio.
2. HALF GLAZED
Switching solid doors for glass can have a transformative effect on the feeling of spaciousness, helping to break up large expanses of cabinetry, without losing out on any badly needed storage. Consider mirror-backed glazed unit for extra space-enhancing benefits.
3. PARED-BACK PALETTE
Taking a reductive approach to material selections is a sophisticated technique to detract attention in a kitchen with less-than-ideal dimensions. ‘Wrapping the room in floor-to-ceiling oak plays down the distinction between wall and floor and cabinet in this small galley kitchen,’ explains Thomas A. Kligerman, founding partner of Kligerman Architecture & Design.
4. RICH TIMBER
With no room to waste in this apartment kitchen transformation, designer Kara Childress made every decision with space-maximising in mind, without neglecting character and personality. Restricting tall cabinets to one side of the room has a widening effect, while Kara’s choice of rich dark timber cabinets and reclaimed beam ceilings ensures plenty of visual interest.
5. HIGH GLOSS
White gloss cabinets are a top cabinet choice in small kitchens and with very good reason. By reflecting light, whether natural or otherwise, high gloss finishes in light or bright colors provide an illusion of increased space and can help maximize a feeling of roominess, even in a compact space,’ explains Emily June Spanos, founder of Emily June Designs.
6. DITCH THE HANDLES
Handleless kitchen cabinets are perfect for small kitchens. The elimination of protruding hardware and a streamlined look reduces visual clutter, and you can shave an inch or two off the usable floorspace, too.
7. TRADITIONAL IN-FRAME
A bespoke in-set kitchen with classical framed doors is one of the most popular kitchen cabinet styles out there, and can look just as impressive in a small space, as it does in large open-plan kitchen ideas. The key is to consider the proportions of the door profiles.
8. COLOURFUL PAINTWORK
‘Painting cabinetry in bold colour is one way to grow a space that may physically have a small footprint,’ says Matthew Boland, principal, MMB Studio. ‘The colour is Sherwin-William’s aptly named Energetic Orange and it seriously grabs your attention, allowing your eye to travel the entire length and height of the space.’
9. HIDDEN STORAGE
When space is restricted, concealing the working heart of a kitchen behind closed doors can be a game-changer. The hidden kitchen is a kitchen trend that’s gaining ground thanks to clever pocket-door systems that close everything away when not in use, including ovens, small appliances, and even the kitchen sink.
10. CLASSIC SHAKER
No small kitchen cabinet ideas line-up is complete without highlighting the brilliance of the classic five-piece Shaker door. This timeless cabinet style can be dressed up or down, made to look more modern or totally country, and never fails to make you feel at home. Best of all, Shaker kitchen ideas work just as well in small spaces, as they do in any other.