Optimally furnishing small kitchens
Do you have a small kitchen and aren't sure how to furnish and use it in the most space-saving way possible? Here we have some helpful tips and ideas for small kitchens and other rooms to help you make the most of them.
Hidden storage space in small kitchens keeps things tidy
In small rooms and kitchens, it is particularly important to use the space you already have sensibly and efficiently and still have an attractive room in the house where everyone feels comfortable. This is often a challenge, especially in small apartments with mini-kitchens. One of the best tips is to create additional storage space under the sink or in cupboards. This can ensure that the many small items for which no sensible place has yet been found disappear into it. Apothecary cabinets are a great option for this and are probably one of the most underestimated space savers of all. Store crockery or pots and pans in such a clearly arranged and practical cabinet.
In addition to recessed cupboards of this kind, which free up valuable space in your small kitchen, it makes sense to place waste separation and organization systems in the kitchen cupboard. Such concealed waste separation and organization systems also work wonders in large kitchens and create additional space. HAILO Built-in Technology therefore offers space-saving built-in waste bins, such as the HAILO ÖkoFlex, as well as pet stations, spice racks, towel rails and practical organization modules for your built-in cupboard. If you consider and implement this in your kitchen planning right from the start, your kitchen will look tidier, larger and friendlier.
Use the heights and slopes of the room to create work surfaces
If the limited space in the kitchen is made even smaller by sloping ceilings, don't be discouraged! Existing slopes, small corners and angles can be cleverly integrated into the planning of a kitchen. Installing shelves or adapted cabinets next to a slope can free up valuable space in your small kitchen. Such fitted storage space not only saves space on the worktop, but is also one of the best ideas for making your small kitchen more individual and cozy with a little planning and craftsmanship. Make use of the full height of the room by installing the kitchen cabinets in the upper third of the room and use the remaining space for shelves above the kitchen unit or fridge.
However, not everyone is tall enough to easily reach the heights of the cupboards in which kitchen utensils or, for example, festive crockery are stored. The HAILO K70 StandardLine folding step ladder can remedy this situation and, thanks to the non-slip mats on its steps, ensure a secure footing in the kitchen.
Create a visual enlargement of small rooms with these ideas
If you have a small kitchen or narrow rooms in your home, a few steps can help to visually enlarge them by furnishing them correctly. Generally speaking, small kitchens appear even smaller due to dark colors or too little light. This also applies to living rooms etc. Therefore, design the fronts, walls and furniture of your kitchen in light colors and avoid too strong contrasts that could visually narrow the room. Of course, you are not forced to opt for a white kitchen. Also, let existing windows cast all their light into the kitchen and don't block them with furniture or plants that are too tall. Our tip: if the windows are small or non-existent, help them out with artificial light.
When planning, painting and furnishing your small kitchen, you should also be careful not to mix different shades of wood or metal and create a certain order by using matching colors. Other options include the use of glass containers, narrow fittings and closed shelves. Alternatively, handleless fronts and wide pull-outs can create a tidy, attractive and calm ambience in your kitchen.
Small kitchen appliances
Even in a small kitchen, you need enough work space to cut vegetables or prepare dough. You should therefore keep your small kitchen unit free of kitchen utensils and electrical appliances such as toasters, blenders or food processors.
Kitchen appliances should generally be limited to the bare essentials: Steam cookers, microwaves and plate warmers are often bulky space stealers that you could do without without missing them. Perhaps you don't need a huge coffee machine because you only drink normal coffee or cappuccino anyway. In many places, you can get rid of electrical appliances or do without them altogether. This frees up space on the kitchen counter and saves money.
Forward-looking kitchen planning
Good planning of a small kitchen is the be-all and end-all. Our tip: It's best to think about your ideas and wishes for your new kitchen well in advance of an upcoming renovation or house move. Then you can plan everything from your kitchen worktop and sink to the pictures on the wall in detail and avoid making unnecessary, space-consuming decisions later on. Plan storage space carefully and don't make the kitchen too cluttered. Arrange your kitchen worktop in an L-shape or U-shape to make optimum use of the space - because the more worktop space, the more room to cook with the whole family. Also be frugal with the design and decoration of the worktop and walls and try to focus on arranging the storage space to make perfect use of the capacity of the small kitchen.
If you take all these things into account, nothing will stand in the way of conviviality and culinary delights, even in a smaller kitchen.
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