Designing a small (and complete) kitchen is a challenge. But who said it was scary?
With good planning, a dose of creativity and some clever solutions, you can achieve a space that is functional, stylish and perfectly tailored to your needs. A clever combination of colours, lighting, materials and layout can transform even the most compact kitchen.
if you don't think you can do it on your own, that's OK! That's what our distributors are there for, experts in working "the magic".
And to whet your appetite and get some ideas, here are five tips that will help you make the most of every corner with elegance and efficiency to enjoy every day.
let's get to work!
1. Play with the perception of space
A small kitchen doesn't have to feel claustrophobic. The key is to use elements that give a feeling of spaciousness.
In addition to light colours, another good idea is to opt for gloss finishes that help reflect the available light, creating a greater perception of depth and space.
Another option is to integrate glass display cabinets such as our Bold display cabinet, which provide visual lightness.
Finally, another trick to avoid creating a space that is too saturated is to leave some of the walls free of furniture. Sometimes it is preferable to give up a little storage in order to gain a good feeling. An intermediate option is to install open furniture or shelving.
2. Tailor-made storage
When every centimetre counts, custom-made furniture can make all the difference. Opt for vertical storage systems that go all the way to the ceiling and make the most of corners with solutions such as pull-out corner drawers.
Be sure to take a look at all the organisation options for inside drawers and pull-outs to avoid wasting space. And to adapt them completely to your needs, choose those that best suit your lifestyle and habits in the kitchen: spice racks, bottle racks, recycling..
Mobelrias Castroman
3. Opt for an efficient layout
Perhaps this is the most complicated (and essential) point when it comes to designing a small kitchen and the one that our distributors can help you with the best: the distribution.
There are several options that can work depending on the shape of the room:
- L-shaped layout: Ideal for open kitchens or in elongated spaces.
- U-shaped layout: Provides large storage capacity and facilitates the organisation of the work triangle (cooking area, sink and storage).
- In-line kitchen: Perfect for small spaces. In this case, it is essential to opt for compact units and multifunctional appliances.
- With island or peninsula: If you have a space open to the living room, a peninsula can serve as an additional work area and at the same time delimit the environment.
However, the floor plan of the room is not the only thing to take into account. The location of doors and windows, as well as the orientation and the amount of natural light, should also be taken into account. Let us advise you!
ABP Partner
4. Strategic lighting
Lighting not only has a practical function, but also influences the feeling of spaciousness and comfort. In a small kitchen, it is essential to avoid shadows and make the most of natural light.
Effective strategies include:
- LED lights integrated under wall units, which illuminate the worktop without taking up space.
- Lights inside cabinets, which maximise the feeling of spaciousness.
- Pendant lights above a bar or table to create a decorative point of interest.
- Recessed ceiling spotlights for uniform general lighting.
Nivel 2 Muebles
5. Materials and finishes
As we said at the beginning, not only the colour, but also the choice of materials has a great influence on the perception of space.
Finally, some recommendations for finishes:
- Quartz or porcelain worktops, which are resistant, easy to clean and reflect light.
- Furniture fronts in satin or glossy finishes, which add luminosity.
- Sliding doors for wardrobes and accesses, avoiding the need for extra space to open them.
- Glass and metal in decorative details, which provide visual lightness.