The first and foremost question that you need to address is why you are currently opting for a kitchen renovation. There can be a variety of reasons, but most of them will include either cramped space, lack of smart storage options, reduced functionality and a look that is not trendy anymore. A culmination of these or even any one of the above should be enough for you to go for a renovation that suits your needs. But remember that you need to convey what you are looking for to your designer, clearly, so that you get the results you want.
Knock down a wall or two: The most obvious place to start with any tiny kitchen, and easily the most satisfying... Some walls will have load bearing properties and you'll need to ask your builder about what's possible, but even if you can't take an entire wall out there's often still an opportunity to slice out a pretty big chunk of wall around the load bearing bits to achieve the same effect. Knocking open a galley kitchen to turn it into an 'L' shaped kitchen, for example (and maybe sticking an island bench in) is usually the biggest and best thing you can do with a light-starved, claustrophobic old kitchen.
Remove doors: Surprising how often we see doors that open into small kitchens, eating up valuable space. You can take most doors off in about three minutes with a screwdriver and someone else to help you hold the door. If you'd prefer not to do that, a sliding or pocket door - or at least one that opens outwards - will be a better choice.
Avoid mirrored surfaces and too much detail: Mirrored or reflective surfaces look trendy in brochures and everyone assumes they'll give the illusion of more space - and they're OK in some kitchens - but in smaller spaces often they'll just amplify visual clutter and end up covered in fingerprints, so you're best avoiding those too. Likewise, too much ornamentation on fittings and fixtures (taps, handles, light fittings, cabinet details, backsplashes etc.), can make a small kitchen look way too busy. If you need to decorate, do it with things you add once the kitchen is finished.
Slide-away benches: In really small spaces, extra benches that fold or slide out from under the main bench can make a huge difference to how easy it is to use your kitchen. Never underestimate how useful a single, extra surface can be. Always plan for a reasonably sized fridge: The fridge is likely to be the biggest appliance in the kitchen - but unless your place is a 15 square metre micro-studio apartment, you shouldn't make the mistake of only allocating enough space for a bar fridge. Remember to allocate space for bins and compost: Being serious with how space is allocated is one thing, but don't forget to leave room (even if it's just a narrow cupboard or 20cm of floor space near the door) for rubbish and compost bins.
Knock down a wall or two: The most obvious place to start with any tiny kitchen, and easily the most satisfying... Some walls will have load bearing properties and you'll need to ask your builder about what's possible, but even if you can't take an entire wall out there's often still an opportunity to slice out a pretty big chunk of wall around the load bearing bits to achieve the same effect. Knocking open a galley kitchen to turn it into an 'L' shaped kitchen, for example (and maybe sticking an island bench in) is usually the biggest and best thing you can do with a light-starved, claustrophobic old kitchen.
Remove doors: Surprising how often we see doors that open into small kitchens, eating up valuable space. You can take most doors off in about three minutes with a screwdriver and someone else to help you hold the door. If you'd prefer not to do that, a sliding or pocket door - or at least one that opens outwards - will be a better choice.
Avoid mirrored surfaces and too much detail: Mirrored or reflective surfaces look trendy in brochures and everyone assumes they'll give the illusion of more space - and they're OK in some kitchens - but in smaller spaces often they'll just amplify visual clutter and end up covered in fingerprints, so you're best avoiding those too. Likewise, too much ornamentation on fittings and fixtures (taps, handles, light fittings, cabinet details, backsplashes etc.), can make a small kitchen look way too busy. If you need to decorate, do it with things you add once the kitchen is finished.
Slide-away benches: In really small spaces, extra benches that fold or slide out from under the main bench can make a huge difference to how easy it is to use your kitchen. Never underestimate how useful a single, extra surface can be. Always plan for a reasonably sized fridge: The fridge is likely to be the biggest appliance in the kitchen - but unless your place is a 15 square metre micro-studio apartment, you shouldn't make the mistake of only allocating enough space for a bar fridge. Remember to allocate space for bins and compost: Being serious with how space is allocated is one thing, but don't forget to leave room (even if it's just a narrow cupboard or 20cm of floor space near the door) for rubbish and compost bins.
About the Author:
Loreley G. Weidner has spent the past 10 years helping individuals choose the best Home remodelling carpenters. He now uses his experience and expertise to assist groups in short-listing the leader in Kitchen and Bathroom remodelling for them. If you would like to learn more about Best Kitchen Remodeling & Installation for your home he suggests you click here to learn more.
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