No idea how to make a small open kitchen design work? Learn 13 of the most ingenious kitchen design ideas that'll make even the tiniest kitchens more effective AND also stylish!
If you're faced with the challenge of designing a small kitchen, you're in the right place. The best place possible, if you will!
I've created this guide for all small space owners to help them design a functional little kitchen without having to give up on their aesthetics! You'll find all things best materials for a small kitchen, small kitchen color combinations, small kitchen storage ideas & even MORE right here!
By implementing these ingenious approaches, you can turn your compact kitchen into an inviting, effective, and stylish heart of your home! So let's get started, shall we?
SMALL OPEN KITCHEN DESIGN : THE BEST IDEAS
01. Open shelving will change the game!
Open shelving has revolutionized small kitchen design, offering an attractive yet functional solution!
By replacing traditional upper cabinets with open shelves -or at least complementing a wall of open cabinets with a few floating shelves- will help you create an illusion of a larger space, enhance accessibility, and display your attractive kitchenware!
To get the perfect open shelving unit, install a few floating shelves in a corner, next to a window, above the sink, or even above the stove! However, there's another stunning way to open up your shelving and that is, to remove the doors of a few cabinets. Both are tiny, yet impactful changes!
02. Opt for a color palette of light neutrals
In a small space, the color choice is crucial! You don't want to overwhelm your space with too many colors, but you don't want to make it look boring either! You get it!
Light colors, particularly neutrals, can make your kitchen appear larger and more airy, so consider a palette of off-whites, light grays, or pastel colors for your walls, cabinetry, and countertops!
This will easily make your small open kitchen design feel at least twice as large and bright!
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03. Use Multi-Functional Furniture
Constantly struggling because of the lack of space? We're SO used to it in our tiny kitchen, but it shouldn't be this way!
Because with multi-functional furniture, you can have more workspace without sacrificing too much of your precious kitchen space!
Multi-functional furniture, such as a rolling kitchen island that doubles as a dining table or a breakfast bar with storage can maximize your space's utility.
04. Maximize Your vertical Space
If there's one thing you have PLENTY of in a small kitchen, it's your vertical space! To make your small open kitchen design look elevated while making sure it stays functional, you NEED to utilize it!
First things first, install wall-mounted shelves (floating or not) to store your kitchen essentials! Another great idea is to get wall mounted baskets for produce! Also, use magnetic strips for knives, utilize magnetic racks for your fridge, install a few racks on the walls too for your spices or condiments, and hang a stemware rack under your cabinets for your wine glasses too!!
You can also set up a makeshift pantry with the help of some floating shelves & baskets, like in the photo above!
05. Add A Glossy Backsplash To Reflect Light
A glossy backsplash can add a touch of elegance to your small kitchen!
Besides offering an easy-to-clean surface, the reflective nature of the gloss can amplify light, making your kitchen appear larger and brighter!
And no matter what kind of design you choose (herringbone, moroccan, subway tiles or picket) or what color you go with (yes, you can choose LIGHT blue or olive too!!), the only thing that really matters is glossiness!
06. Can't Get Enough of Natural Materials!
If there's one thing that'll INSTANTLY enhance any kitchen design, even the tiniest of kitchens, it's DEFINITELY natural materials!
Incorporating natural materials like wood and rattan into a small open kitchen can lend a warm, organic feel to your space. Natural materials will fit into your kitchen design so perfectly & won't overcrowd the space visually.
So make sure you opt for wooden cabinets and rattan bar stools, pendant lights or baskets for a touch of nature!
07. Impressive Lighting is Key!
Effective lighting can dramatically change your small kitchen's look and feel!
And no, this does NOT equal a single pendant light.
For a bright, expansive kitchen, make sure to combine ambient, task, and accent lighting. Grab a cute vintage wall sconce above & place it above an open shelving unit, hang a stunning farmhouse kitchen island lighting or display a statement table lamp in a corner.
Don't forget about under-cabinet lights to illuminate your workspace and globe pendant lights for a touch of drama!
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08. Optimize Your Layout
Efficiency is key in a small kitchen! One way to make sure your small open kitchen design stays as functional as possible, is to create a layout
That's why you should be taking advantage of the "kitchen work triangle" concept! This basically means that you need to be positioning your sink, stove, and refrigerator close together for easy movement in an L or U-shaped kitchen design!
09. Invest in Smart Storage Solutions
In a small open kitchen design, one of your MAIN concerns should be storage! You need to find space-saving cabinet storage solutions to keep as many things off your countertops as you can, and you'll probably also need a bar cart or a rolling stor
Smart storage solutions like pull-out pantry shelves, corner cabinets with rotating shelves, and drawer dividers can help you make the most of your space. Consider adding a glass door to your pantry for an elevated look and a sense of openness.
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10. Swap Out Basic Cabinet Doors For Glass Doors
Glass cabinet doors can make your kitchen appear larger by offering depth and allowing more light to reflect in your space. So it's no wonder that you should be prioritizing them in your small open kitchen design!
Of course, swapping out ALL the doors would make the kitchen look disharmonious. Instead, keep the majority of your closed cabinets & only change a few doors! You'll want to add glass doors to corner cabinets especially!
And another plus is that this idea lets you display your favourite kitchenware in a stylish way!
11. You Can Never Go Wrong With a Monochromatic Design
A monochrome color scheme can create a sleek, cohesive look in your small kitchen with the power of colors only!
Whether you opt for an all-white kitchen or a more inviting beige one, a monochrome palette can make your kitchen appear larger and more streamlined.
What's more, with a monochrome design, you'll have the perfect canvas for all your decorating desires! You can add pops of color to your space without the need to EVER worry about overcrowding your space!
12. Skip the cheap looking countertops
Don't compromise on the quality of your countertops. Cheap-looking materials can detract from the overall appeal of your small kitchen & the wrong choice will make your space look mismatched too!
So to make your small open kitchen design as perfect as you can, make sure you invest in durable and visually appealing countertops to elevate the look and feel of your space!
White quartz & ceramic countertops are fantastic choices, as they reflect tons of light! They are sophisticated & streamlined & will go together with any other material!
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13. Elevate Your Hardware Game
Don't underestimate the impact of stylish hardware in your small kitchen design!
High-quality, well-chosen knobs, handles, and pulls can add a touch of sophistication and cohesiveness to your kitchen's aesthetic. This seems like such a tiny alteration, yet it's so powerful! It'll tie the whole design together.
Especially if you choose a set of beautiful, shiny gold or silver hardware! Stay away from matte options, as they don't reflect any light & therefore won't enlarge the space.
This post was all about small open kitchen design.
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