Embrace a Functional Layout

The layout of a kitchen can make a huge difference in your space. Opting for a layout that minimizes wasted space and promotes efficient movement throughout the kitchen is best. A galley or L-shaped layout allows for streamlined workflow and abundant storage opportunities without taking up too much floor space.

Utilize Vertical Storage

When the footprint of your kitchen is smaller, look up! Consider installing shelves or cabinets to make use of the vertical space in your kitchen for storing items like cookware, spices, and small appliances. Open shelving is a great option that creates the illusion of space by visually expanding the room while traditional cabinets can sometimes make a space seem smaller and more enclosed.

Multi-Functional Furniture

Choose furniture pieces that can be used for multiple purposes to make the most of your kitchen space. A kitchen island with storage can also double as a prep area and dining table. Consider a fold-down table that is mounted to the wall that can be used for meal prep and then neatly tucked out of the way when not in use.

Choose Slim and Sleek Appliances

Every inch counts in a smaller kitchen so look for slim and compact appliances that are specifically designed for smaller spaces. There are narrow refrigerators, slimline dishwashers, apartment-sized ovens, and compact microwaves. These space-saving appliances not only fit seamlessly into your small space, but they also leave more room for storage and movement. Especially if you live alone, these smaller appliances might be a great choice for your small space.

Maximize Cabinet Space

Installing organizers and inserts that keep everything neat and accessible can make the most of your cabinet space. Pull-out shelves, turntables, and drawer dividers can make your storage highly efficient and functional. Keeping your kitchen organized and uncluttered can make you forget just how small your space is because it functions so efficiently.

Utilize Underutilized Spaces

Consider every surface as an option for storage. The area above your cabinets and the inside of cabinet doors can be used as extra storage space. Installing hooks or racks on the inside of your cabinet doors can create a space to store pot and pan lids and utensils. Invest in some decorative baskets to store items that you don’t use too frequently on the top of your cabinets as well.

Keep it Light and Bright

Choosing the right colors for a smaller space can make a huge difference. Opting for white or light-colored cabinetry, countertops, and backsplash will reflect light and make the room feel more spacious, airy, and open. Natural light coming through windows or skylights can also help make the room feel larger and more inviting.

Declutter, Declutter, Declutter

The most important part of maximizing any space is to keep it clutter-free. Regularly taking the time to declutter countertops, cabinets, and drawers and taking inventory of everything you have will allow you to make room for the essentials and prevent the space from getting too cramped and overcrowded.

Using these design tips and tricks can transform even the smallest kitchen into a functional and stylish space that meets your specific culinary needs. Using a little creativity and smart planning can ensure that it is still a joy to cook and entertain in your small, urban space. If storage solutions are what you need, your local Kitchen Solvers is happy to help! We can also help you think through how we might be able to rearrange your space to make it as functional as possible.

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Evaluate Your Needs & Prioritize

Before diving into any type of house project, you should always take some time to evaluate your needs and prioritize. Figure out which aspects of your kitchen require attention—it could be outdated cabinets, worn-out countertops, or a lack of storage space. Understanding your priorities can help you allocate your budget wisely and make sure you focus on the areas that will make the most impact on your daily function in the space.

Full Remodel on a Budget

DIY Painting

Paint might seem like all too simple of an upgrade, but it can make a world of difference in a space. A fresh coat of paint on the walls and the cabinets can be one of the most budget-friendly ways to give your kitchen a fresh look. Choose light, neutral colors to create a spacious and inviting atmosphere. Do your research on tips and tricks when painting cabinetry as it can be a little bit of a chore but can easily be done on a weekend if you’re focused. This weekend project can transform your kitchen almost instantly.

Affordable Countertops

Just because your countertops might be worn our and dated, doesn’t mean you need to splurge on an expensive replacement like granite or quartz. Consider more affordable options like laminate or butcher block. These options can provide a stylish, fresh look without the hefty price tag. This allows you to use your budget on other essential upgrades instead of spending most of it on your countertop.

Update Lighting Fixtures

A simple swap of outdated lighting fixtures for new, modern, energy-efficient ones is another way to enhance your kitchen aesthetic quickly. Typically, lighting fixtures aren’t too expensive either and can make a huge difference in the space. Consider pendant lights over your island, or under-cabinet LED strips can add style, ambiance, and functionality too.

Cabinet Refacing

New Doors and Hardware

If your current cabinets are structurally sound but just visually outdated, you could reface them by simply replacing the doors and hardware. This can give your kitchen a contemporary facelift without the large expense of entirely new cabinetry.

Laminate or Veneer Overhaul

If you’re looking for a new appearance for your cabinets, you can apply a laminate or veneer to the cabinet box surfaces for a sleek and polished look. Not only does this cover up imperfections, but it also provides a new durable, and easy-to-clean surface. This cost-effective option is a way to achieve a high-end look on a budget.

Open Shelving

By simply removing the doors on a few of your cabinets you can embrace the open shelving trend. This would not only save you the cost of replacing those doors but creates a modern and airy feel for your kitchen. Homeowners choose to display stylish dishware or decorative items to further personalize their kitchen as it can be a little harder to add personal decorations in this space.

Smart Storage Solutions

Pull-Out Shelves and Drawers

Incorporating pull-out shelves and drawers can instantly enhance functionality in your kitchen. These types of storage solutions can be installed in existing cabinets to maximize the space you already have while making items more accessible and increasing the overall function of the space.

DIY Organization

You don’t necessarily need new gadgets and large pull-out shelves or drawers to organize your space. DIY organizing solutions can make just as big of an effect on the function of your space. Taking advantage of unused vertical space with hooks utensils or tension rods for pot lids can ensure that there are designated zones for specific items. Clever organization can make a huge difference in any space, but especially in a space that is so heavily used like the kitchen. Taking the time to really think through how the space functions and what you need in what places can make you kitchen feel brand new.

Upgrading your kitchen on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t truly upgrade the style and function of the space. Whether you choose a full remodel or the more budget-friendly cabinet refacing, these tips can help you attain a fresh and inviting space without breaking the bank. A little creativity and strategic planning can go a long way in transforming your kitchen into a place where you love to cook, entertain, or just be. If creativity and strategic planning aren’t your strong suits, Kitchen Solvers is here to help. We specialize in making your kitchen dreams come true—no matter what your budget is. Give us a call today to set up a free in-home consultation to start dreaming today.

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It Starts with Layout

Optimizing the available space is the first step to an organized and functional kitchen. Although newer homes typically have a wide open kitchen, older homes tend to have a U-shape, L-shape, or galley-style kitchen. Although these layouts aren’t “kitchen goals” these days, they were designed and created to be practical and functional at the time; and they still can be! They ensure easy movement and efficient workflow because they are small. They also force you to live minimally; which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The key to these smaller, oddly shaped kitchens is using every inch effectively. Consider installing functional corner cabinets with pull-out shelves or lazy susans to make sure you are optimizing every square inch of space. Starting with a thoughtfully planned layout sets the stage for a highly organized and functional kitchen.

Consider Multiple Functions

Another way to maximize functionality is by choosing furniture and appliances that can serve multiple purposes. An island or recycled table can double as a workspace and additional storage space. Appliances with compact designs and built-in features can make a huge difference too. Microwave drawers are becoming more and more popular because they don’t take up highly sought-after upper cabinet/wall space or even countertop space. Custom cabinetry with pull-out pantry systems can have your store more in a small space. These are just two simple examples of ways you can save precious counter space while also maintaining accessibility.

Go Up

Use vertical space to your advantage by installing wall-mounted shelving or racks for commonly used utensils, pots, and pans. Magnetic strips on the wall/backsplash can be a great place to store knives or other metal kitchen utensils. Hanging baskets or hooks on the underside of upper cabinets can be a great place to store mugs, spices, or even fresh produce. Using the vertical space to your advantage frees up valuable counter space and keeps your space organized and functional.

Customize Your Cabinetry

Although the U-shape, L-shape, and galley-style kitchens encourage efficient workflow, the real secret to creating a functional kitchen lies INSIDE your cabinets and drawers. Pull-out shelves, sliding trays, and dividers not only maximize the use of deep cabinets and drawers, but they also minimize clutter—which is half the battle of a small space. Lazy Susans in corner cabinets allow easy access to items and customizable drawer inserts will help keep utensils, cutlery, and kitchen tools neatly organized. Implementing the right storage solutions will make a world of difference in your small space.

If designing kitchen space still seems overwhelming to you, you’re at the right place on the internet. Your local Kitchen Solvers specializes in just this and are looking forward to helping you accomplish your dreams for a functional, organized, and beautiful space. We have experience in kitchens big and small and are passionate about creating spaces that our customers love—whether that’s a complete gut and remodel, or just a cabinet reface and storage solutions. A well-designed kitchen not only enhances function but also adds aesthetic appeal to your home for yourself and future owners to enjoy for years to come. Call your local Kitchen Solvers today to start dreaming of a space where function and style coexist in perfect harmony.

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Modern Open Shelving

Open shelving has become more and more popular over the past few years. Adding just one section of open shelves to your upper cabinet space adds a contemporary vibe to the space. They are sleek and minimal and allow you to showcase dishware, décor, or cookbooks. Eliminating upper cabinets in some areas of the kitchen can make a smaller kitchen feel more spacious while also adding a touch of sophistication to your kitchen design.

Two-Tone Cabinets

Gone are the days of monotone cabinetry. Using two different colors for your kitchen cabinets adds depth and dimension to your design. Consider mixing and matching finishes as well—perhaps your lower cabinets are a wood grain finish, and your upper cabinets are a smooth, painted finish. Doing this adds texture and interest and a striking contrast to keep your kitchen from looking boring. Two-tone cabinetry adds a modern twist while also maintaining balance and harmony.

Glass-Front Cabinets

Glass-front cabinets instantly add elegance to a space. They are the perfect way to add a touch of formal sophistication and allow you to display cherished china or decorative spaces while still keeping things protected, unlike open shelving. Glass-front cabinets are timeless and can add visual interest to the space. Consider using glass-front cabinets in only one section, or even just along the top of your cabinets just below the ceiling. Either look will add elegant, timeless appeal.

Vintage and Retro Cabinets

If you’re a fan of vintage aesthetics, you might consider using retro-inspired or true retro kitchen cabinets and pieces. Recycling older cabinets can be a cool way to add character and personality to your kitchen. Cabinets with ornate details, curved edges, and distressed finishes create a nostalgic atmosphere. Keep your eye out for estate sales in your area or go to antique stores to find quality pieces that can be restored and used anew in your home. Adding a few older pieces to a modern kitchen remodel created a unique fusion of old and new and makes your space feel built-in and intentional.

Creative Hardware

A simple update to your cabinet hardware can make a major impact on your kitchen design. Knobs, handles, hinges, and pulls can all be updated and swapped out for a whole new look that transforms your kitchen and creates statement pieces out of your existing cabinetry. Experiment with unique shapes, materials, and finishes that fit your style and personality to complement your kitchen style. Geometric shapes can add a modern, edgy look while brass hardware is always a touch of warmth and elegance.

Cabinetry plays a major role in defining the ambiance and aesthetic of your kitchen. Explore creative ideas that help make your kitchen your own and transform your culinary space into a place you are proud to show off. There are endless ways to express your creativity and individuality throughout your entire home, and that doesn’t need to stop at your kitchen. Call your local Kitchen Solvers today to set up a free in-home consultation and start dreaming up your new kitchen today.

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Beyond the function of the space though, it is important to create a beautiful, warm, inviting, and unique space. Ultimately, it should be a place you enjoy being and that you want to show off to your friends and guests. It’s important to think about how you’ll add character and personality to your new space. How will you make it your own and make it feel like your family? Here are just a few ways you can consider adding character to your kitchen:

Wood Elements

All-white kitchens are a staple in kitchen design right now and they don’t seem to be going anywhere. However, choosing all white everything can quickly look sterile and boring. Consider adding some wood elements into the space to add warmth and depth. Gone are the days of having to match all the wood stains and types in a space too. Feel free to mix multiple wood tones in the space. Maybe instead of white cabinetry on the island you opt for a white pine or even a dark walnut. This will become the focal point of the space and add warmth and color to make sure the space doesn’t become too monotone. If you are married to the all-white cabinetry idea, consider painting one of the walls a darker color or adding a fun wood accent wall with shiplap or wooden slats.

Fun Lighting

The main goal of your lighting in the kitchen should be to light your workspaces. This can be done best with can or task lighting above your most used spaces. However, adding additional lighting fixtures that add visual interest and decorative elements to your space can make a huge difference. Add a chandelier above your eat-in kitchen for extra flair. Or consider adding hanging pendants or lanterns above your island to create more of a wow factor. Also, adding underlit cabinets can instantly make the space feel warm, cozy, and charming.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper is making a comeback! We have been seeing more and more homes add wallpaper to accent walls or even to entire rooms. Wallpaper is an easy way to add trendy character and life into your cooking space. With so many different options, you can really go any direction you want with it. Choose from brick or stone-inspired wallpapers. Or go bolder with a colorful floral pattern. You can find designs that are big and bold, or even small and dainty. The options are practically limitless so you’re sure to find something that fits your style.

Open Shelving

Another easy way to add character and depth to your space is by adding open shelving in some areas. This breaks up the upper cabinetry and adds visual appeal. Floating shelves are a popular modern look and can be decorated with lots of color by adding fun cups, mugs, plates, bowls, or plants too! This is where you can get really creative and swap out some of those decorative pieces with the seasons. This allows your personality to shine through and your space will feel different with each little change you make.

We hope these ideas got your creative juices flowing and you have a better understanding of how to add character and personality to your space. If you’re just looking to add some flair via a simple DIY, these are some great options. Or if you’re ready to dive into a kitchen remodel we’d be happy to chat with you about your options and how we can help you along the way. Reach out to your local Kitchen Solvers today to get a free in-home consultation scheduled!

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Use Empty Cracks and Spaces to Your Advantage

Depending on your kitchen, you may have noticed gaps between your appliances and your cabinets. This is most commonly seen on either side of your refrigerator. Instead of leaving this space empty, build your own rolling storage pantry with shelves for canned goods. This will give you additional storage space for non-perishables or even spices. If you don’t have a pantry or are using your cabinets as one, this will open up valuable storage space for your other kitchen supplies like small appliances, dinnerware, and serveware.

Add Pull Out Shelves to Your Cabinets

Adding pull-out shelves to your lower cabinets can not only double your cabinet capacity, but it makes the items in your cabinets more accessible. They come in lots of different styles and are built to accommodate all types of items. There are two-tier options to store your pots, pans, and lids in an organized way. Other popular options are pull-out storage solutions for the pesty blind corner cabinet that most people have in their kitchen. Lazy susans are a good option, but they don’t take full advantage of the space. Other options include pull-out shelves that slide in one by one on top of each other. Another popular option is the kidney-shaped shelf that maneuvers in and around the corner cabinet perfectly.

Add Storage to the Sides of Cabinets

The end panels of your cabinetry is most likely unclaimed real estate for storage. Consider mounting a towel rack to the side of your cabinets and use s-hooks to hang pots and pans or utensils to open up space in your cabinets and drawers. Hang a shower caddy or basket to store fresh produce, fruit, your go-to spices or cooking oils. If you have space for it, add floating shelves to the side of your cabinets to create some open shelving to keep some of your frequently used items off your countertops. Put your coffee maker, mugs, and other morning routine supplies here so they are always accessible but not taking up valuable counter space.

Use a Stove Cover

If your kitchen lacks counter space, invest in a stove cover. This flat piece of wood covers your stovetop to create additional prep space. These can be a game changer for those with smaller kitchens or no kitchen island. Every little bit of counter space helps when chopping and prepping all the ingredients for a meal and a stove cover gives you more room to spread out before you need to turn your stove on and get cooking.

These are just a few of the many space-saving options you can consider for your kitchen to make it feel more organized and functional. If you’re looking for more ideas, your local Kitchen Solvers specializes in storage solutions and can help you figure out what solutions might work for you and your space.

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Selecting the basic layout of your small space will be your first task. Here are a few popular layouts that you might already have in your space.

Galley Kitchen:

Originally inspired by the confines of a ship’s galley, a galley kitchen is an entire kitchen on one elevation or wall. Depending on the size of your space, you may have room for a double galley which would be units on two opposite walls with a small ‘hallway’ between them. You could also create a galley look with one wall of cabinet units and an island between that wall and the rest of an open-concept space. When designing galley kitchens, it is important to consider your kitchen work triangle. This is the path of efficiency between your sink, refrigerator, and cooktop. Consider if children or other traffic will be in and out of the kitchen as you are using it as well. If this is the case, putting your sink and cooktop on the same side of the galley will help minimize the chances of collisions that can mentally emphasize the size of your kitchen.

U-Shaped:

U-shaped kitchens are also a popular choice for small kitchens. U-shapes lend themselves to easily set up your work triangle to maximize efficiency in your space by simply putting 1 of the 3 points on each side of the U. To avoid making a u-shaped kitchen feel too closed-in, consider open shelving instead of upper cabinets on one side of the u. This will help to visually open the space up more. For storage purposes, make sure to use pull-out interior storage units in the corner cabinets like a LeMans or kidney-shaped lazy susan. This ensures that you are taking advantage of every square inch of storage space available to you.

L-Shaped:

L-shaped kitchens are very practical in small spaces but there are a few things to keep in mind with this layout. First of all, if there is a window on one wall of the space, choose to put your upper cabinets on the windowless wall. This allows you to have an entire uninterrupted wall of cabinets to maximize storage. On the wall that has the window, consider open shelving on either side of the window with the kitchen sink placed under the window. Of course, still consider your work triangle by placing your cooktop on the opposite side of the L from your sink. Additionally, with an L shaped kitchen, you will have your back to your family and friends as you cook so if that doesn’t sound ideal to you, an L-shaped kitchen might not be the best choice for you.

Design Tips for Small Spaces:

After you decide on which layout works best for your space, there are still some design and décor choices you can make to further optimize your kitchen. Maximizing the amount of natural light in the space will automatically make it feel larger and more open. If your budget allows it, consider adding windows or a sliding door on one end of a galley kitchen to allow light to flow into the entire space. Using open shelving or glass doors in your upper cabinets will create visual depth and keep the kitchen from feeling closed in or crowded. If your personal needs allow it, you might consider skipping the upper cabinets altogether. This will definitely make your kitchen feel larger, taller, and more open. If you have space for it, consider a movable island that can be used when needed but also tucked out of the way when smooth, uninterrupted movement throughout the space is needed. Additionally, an island with pedestal legs rather than cabinetry below it will open up the lower visual space rather than cutting off the line of sight from one end of the kitchen to the other.  This small detail can change the entire feel of the space as pictured below.

Whatever your goals are for your small kitchen, our designers and teams at your local Kitchen Solvers are ready to help you accomplish them. We have experience in almost every size, style, and type of kitchen and are eager to help you discover your kitchen’s full potential no matter what the size. Give us a call today for a free in-home consultation and we can start dreaming together.

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One of the longest-lasting debates when it comes to kitchens is whether or not open shelving belongs in this room. While there are certainly some points to be made against shelves in the kitchen, adding open shelving can actually be beneficial in several ways that you may not have considered.

If you’ve been thinking about installing shelving in your kitchen, it’s a good idea to learn a little more about the advantages of this storage option so that you can decide if it’s the right fit for your home. Here is a little information about kitchen shelves, including some of the biggest advantages of this common kitchen storage option.

Versatile Storage

The biggest reason to install open shelving in your kitchen is improving your storage space. Most people assume that cabinets are the better storage option, but this isn’t always the case. With tall cabinets, for instance, it can be very difficult to access the top shelf, leading to wasted space.

On the other hand, kitchen shelves are very easy to access, and they allow you to store your most important kitchen items very easily. Also, because you’ll be able to see everything on your shelves, there’ll be no more wasted time searching for a particular item.

Brighten the Room

A concern that many people have related to shelves in the kitchen is that it will make the room feel cluttered. While this is understandable, the opposite is true. Installing shelving can actually make your kitchen feel brighter and more open.

In a smaller kitchen, cabinets can make the room feel cramped and uninviting. By installing shelves, you’ll be able to remove those bulky cabinets and open up the room. Simply by adding shelving, you can make your kitchen feel bigger and more welcoming to your guests.

Low Cost, Low Maintenance

If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, you want to get the biggest bang for your buck, which is one of the best reasons to install shelves in your kitchen. Open kitchen shelving is very affordable and provides a variety of benefits, the ideal combination in a kitchen remodeling project. So, if you want to update your kitchen but don’t have a lot of money to work with, open shelving is a great choice.

Open shelving is also very low maintenance. The most that you’ll need to do to maintain the appearance of your shelves is to dust from time to time. This is much different than cabinets, which require regular cleaning to maintain their appearance.

Install Kitchen Shelves

As you can see, installing kitchen shelves can provide you with several advantages, including providing you with extra storage space and improving the feel of your kitchen. If you’re interested in installing shelves in your kitchen, you should discuss your options with the experts at Kitchen Solvers.

At Kitchen Solvers, our goal is helping you update your kitchen so that it meets your exact needs, both in terms of appearance and functionality. Whether you’re planning a small project such as installing shelves or you’re interested in a full remodel, we can help. Stop by a location near you today so that we can help you start planning your renovation.

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