Designing Small Kitchens
As the founder of Home Renovation School where I teach people how to build, renovate, and design their dream home I have an entire module dedicated to kitchen design because it’s that important! I want to make sure that you understand a few basic kitchen design principles so you can apply them to your own kitchen design especially if it’s a small kitchen, to make it picture-perfect!
Designing small kitchens requires meticulous planning to maximize space and efficiency without compromising style. To create a functional layout, consider the three primary work zones: food storage (refrigeration & pantry/cabinets), food prep & cooking (cook top, ovens, microwave, range, ventilation, counter space), and clean-up (sink, dishwasher).
The first step is to determine what your appliance models are and then to place them into your layout strategically. For instance, placing refrigeration at the end of a wall allows easy access without interrupting the kitchen workflow. There is nothing worse than bumping into guests or family members when you are trying to cook. In smaller kitchens, grouping cooking and refrigeration on one wall and the sink, dishwasher, and pantry on another often works well, especially for galley-style spaces.
The trick to designing cabinetry around your workstations is to be thoughtful. For me that starts with an inventory list. You really need to know what small appliances that you have. How many sets of dishes, flatware, glassware, tupperware, corning ware, baking sheets, and pots and pans do you have? After you have compiled your inventory list think about where you want to store these items in your kitchen for ease and accessibility.
Vertical utilization is key in small spaces. Extend cabinets to the ceiling to maximize storage capacity. Design your cabinetry around your workstations by creating an inventory list of items you use regularly. This allows for strategic placement based on ease of access and functionality during cooking, cleaning, and food prep.
Visualizing the layout is essential. I like to use a tape measure and blue masking tape to outline cabinets and workstations for my clients. This allows them to so simulate working in the kitchen and really understand spacing. Make sure that you have a minimum of 36″ between cabinets or around all sides of your island to ensure you can move about comfortably in your kitchen. Traffic jams are not pretty. I always strive to have a minimum of 48″.
Consider drawer and pull-out designs, especially for accessibility and convenience. They’re ergonomic, particularly for individuals with specific needs or mobility concerns. Aim to create a seamless kitchen that’s not only beautiful but also effortless and efficient for your family’s lifestyle.
Incorporate bold trends in tile and backsplashes to infuse your personality into your space. From porcelain slabs to smart technologies like invisible induction cooking integrated into countertops, there’s an array of options. Bold patterns, textures, and relief designs in monochromatic and color blocking schemes are on-trend. Explore upcoming tile and stone lines in collaboration with Marble Systems and Country Floors for designs that blend seamlessly with current trends.
In conclusion, designing small kitchens can be both functional and impactful. Infuse your personality into the space by going bold with colors, countertops, or playful backsplash tiles. Your home is a reflection of you—it’s your home, your life, and you should love it!
Julee Ireland
Interior Design Architect
NKBA, IDS, AD Pro, Intro.co
Tile Mart Brand Ambassador | Founder, Home Renovation School | Co-Founder, Tile Mart University
