KW Schumer
KW Schumer is an award-winning newspaper editor, reporter and writer with more than 15 years of experience working for large, mid-sized and community newspaper companies. She also writes the food blog Chef HJ's Table with her husband, a professional chef and the director and chef-instructor of a culinary school.
By KW Schumer, eHow Contributor
Smart design and a creative use of available space can maximize the efficiency of a small kitchen while making room for modern amenities, from appliances to accessories. The size and function of an appliance, storage unit or decorative accessory isnt limited to a particular décor or design style, whether contemporary, traditional or themed.
Appliances
Space-saving appliances are imperative in a successful small-kitchen makeover. Large appliances such as stoves and ovens, refrigerators and dishwashers are available in models specifically designed for small spaces without sacrificing modern features. Built-in dishwashers and oven and cook-top combinations are available in narrow or compact sizes. When installed, they create a continuous line along countertops and cabinets, which can make a smaller kitchen appear bigger. Faux cabinet fronts on refrigerators and dishwashers can also continue the design flow through a small kitchen.
Some kitchen appliances combine functions, such as microwave-coffee maker combos, digital food steamers that steam three types of food at once, or dishwashers that sit on a countertop when in use. Incorporating dual-function appliances in your small-kitchen makeover is a smart use of space that takes advantage of modern conveniences.
Storage
Finding adequate storage in a small kitchen is a tricky part of many makeovers. Some simple fixes can maximize use of obvious space, such as installing a rail-type storage system on an empty wall. Accessories can be arranged on hooks according to frequency of use, or by items that match. Shelves can be installed over doorways for a creative display space that draws the eye up. Cupboards can be built all the way to the ceiling for an architectural statement that also provides ample storage space.
Installing sliding doors on pantries or roller doors on appliance garages saves room because these doors take up less space than swinging doors, making them ideal for small, narrow kitchens. Another popular and creative use of space is to cap the end of a line of cabinets with open shelves, providing a decorative space for showcasing collections or for storage of kitchen accessories. Appliance garages built between upper and lower cabinets lessen clutter on countertops by creating hiding spaces for small appliances.
Workspaces
A movable kitchen island on wheels can add a work space to a small kitchen when needed, then be rolled out of the way to be used as decorative storage when not in use. Mounting a pull-out cutting board under a countertop can provide a work surface when needed without taking up valuable floor space. Locating the knife drawer under the pull-out cutting board is a strategic use of space, as well. Keep counter space free by using a portable dish-draining tray, which can be stored under the sink when not in use. Some dish-draining trays fit over the top of the sink, and so require no counter space to use.
Accessories and Decor
In a small kitchen, the right accessories can be the difference between open and airy or cluttered and tight. Cabinet doors with glass fronts break up the closed-in feeling solid doors can give small kitchens. Inexpensive white stock cabinets with glossy black countertops can imitate contemporary European design and make a small kitchen look larger. Small, brushed aluminum pulls streamline the look. Opt for smaller floor tiles over large ones; larger tiles can make a small kitchen feel cramped.
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