How to Style Up Your Small Kitchen
Most of us desire a bigger kitchen. Here are ways you can atleast make yours pretty
Amanda Peters
20 February 2017
Houzz India Contributor. I'm a freelance journalist who loves writing about all things travel, culture and design. My favourite pieces to write are the Houzz Tours, as I love exploring real homes of all shapes and sizes.
Houzz India Contributor. I'm a freelance journalist who loves writing about all things... More
Although proclaimed to be the heart of any Indian home, most of us have been dealt the bad hand – we are saddled with a small, tiny kitchen. Unlike a micro living area that can do with one less armchair, a kitchen doesn’t give you the luxury of getting rid of the stove or the fridge.
Like so many of us, you are not alone. In fact, many spacious city apartments often test the designer’s ingenuity when it comes to dealing with this compact space. And it can become particularly frustrating when a major remodel is not on the table. However, you may have more options than you think.
Like so many of us, you are not alone. In fact, many spacious city apartments often test the designer’s ingenuity when it comes to dealing with this compact space. And it can become particularly frustrating when a major remodel is not on the table. However, you may have more options than you think.
Clean your counters
Go back to the basics – organisation is key. Uncluttered countertops make for a larger looking space. As temping as it may seem, resist the urge to put all your kitchen curios on display. Instead, pick a corner or a window ledge to not only showcase your favourite items but create an added element of interest, leaving the countertops free for you to cook. And of course, plan your storage, but more of that later.
Go back to the basics – organisation is key. Uncluttered countertops make for a larger looking space. As temping as it may seem, resist the urge to put all your kitchen curios on display. Instead, pick a corner or a window ledge to not only showcase your favourite items but create an added element of interest, leaving the countertops free for you to cook. And of course, plan your storage, but more of that later.
To keep your countertops clean, storing away all your daily-use appliances may prove to be quite the hassle, especially if it means taking out the toaster or kettle from an overhead cabinet. If you have a beautiful appliance, like this understated traditional tea kettle, why not leave it out on the counter for all to appreciate? It doubles as a decorative statement and you’ll have one more storage spot free.
Get shiny surfaces
Just as a clutter-free countertop creates the illusion of space, so do reflective surfaces. Whether it is mirrored cabinet shutters, table tops or stainless steel appliances, amplify the light and let it bounce off as many glossy surfaces. For instance, mirrored glass cabinet doors create more room, as well as give this otherwise modern space a sense of vintage glamour.
Just as a clutter-free countertop creates the illusion of space, so do reflective surfaces. Whether it is mirrored cabinet shutters, table tops or stainless steel appliances, amplify the light and let it bounce off as many glossy surfaces. For instance, mirrored glass cabinet doors create more room, as well as give this otherwise modern space a sense of vintage glamour.
Say it with colour
The lack of space or a neutral colour palette can often make a kitchen really yawn. But if you can get your hands on a cheerful coloured kitchen appliance, your guests will never even notice the size of the room. And it will perk up the space such that it would delight you for years to come. Be bold and mix it up with bright cookie jars or vibrant utensils or your fridge’s colour.
The lack of space or a neutral colour palette can often make a kitchen really yawn. But if you can get your hands on a cheerful coloured kitchen appliance, your guests will never even notice the size of the room. And it will perk up the space such that it would delight you for years to come. Be bold and mix it up with bright cookie jars or vibrant utensils or your fridge’s colour.
Another way to bring in some colour (provided you have a little wiggle room in your budget) is through an accent wall. For instance, a floral patterned splashback creates a signature look in this otherwise muted-toned kitchen.
So Over Stainless in the Kitchen? 14 Reasons to Give In to Colour
So Over Stainless in the Kitchen? 14 Reasons to Give In to Colour
And if you are bold enough to commit to a colour, don’t let the lack of space cramp your style. Play with different tones around the kitchen – from the shutters and table tops to the blinds and splashback. Choose lighter shades that make your space look larger.
Tip: It’s not a common practice in Indian kitchens but consider putting a rug down on the floor; it is a nice way of framing the space and is an added element of comfort and luxury. If you are worried about stains, pick an outdoor rug made from recycled plastic that can be wiped clean or thrown in the washer.
Tip: It’s not a common practice in Indian kitchens but consider putting a rug down on the floor; it is a nice way of framing the space and is an added element of comfort and luxury. If you are worried about stains, pick an outdoor rug made from recycled plastic that can be wiped clean or thrown in the washer.
Show off a bit
Everything is art and art is everything. So why not kill two birds with one stone? Since storage behind closed doors is not always possible, turn your walls into a gallery displaying your favourite pots and pans, or in this instance, knives and wine glasses.
And if you don’t mind a bit of daily dusting, then open shelves can be great to store those heavier utensils that aren’t so safe on a hook.
Everything is art and art is everything. So why not kill two birds with one stone? Since storage behind closed doors is not always possible, turn your walls into a gallery displaying your favourite pots and pans, or in this instance, knives and wine glasses.
And if you don’t mind a bit of daily dusting, then open shelves can be great to store those heavier utensils that aren’t so safe on a hook.
Create storage islands
Kitchen sizes in India may not be ideal for an island but don’t let that stop you. The recommended dimensions for one should be taken with a pinch of salt. As long as you don’t bruise yourself on a corner, you have enough space. Whether big or small, it can also provide that much needed additional storage.
Kitchen sizes in India may not be ideal for an island but don’t let that stop you. The recommended dimensions for one should be taken with a pinch of salt. As long as you don’t bruise yourself on a corner, you have enough space. Whether big or small, it can also provide that much needed additional storage.
If you are lucky enough to have an open-plan setup, then get your island to pull double duty as a breakfast bar.
At last year’s kitchen show, EuroCucina in Milan, innovative examples of next-gen storage islands were unveiled. Apart from the usual additional storage and work spaces, islands also featured wells on their worktops which cleverly concealed kitchen gadgets, yet kept them close at hand. Look out for those in the near future.
At last year’s kitchen show, EuroCucina in Milan, innovative examples of next-gen storage islands were unveiled. Apart from the usual additional storage and work spaces, islands also featured wells on their worktops which cleverly concealed kitchen gadgets, yet kept them close at hand. Look out for those in the near future.
Add accessories
When replacing the whole set of cabinet shutters is asking for too much then think small. Replacing knobs and handles with ethnic or vintage ones can be an affordable option. And they add a good dose of personality to a space.
When replacing the whole set of cabinet shutters is asking for too much then think small. Replacing knobs and handles with ethnic or vintage ones can be an affordable option. And they add a good dose of personality to a space.
Let there be light
Last but not the least, if all else seems too much – stick to experimenting with the lights. If you have a limited budget or space, the perfect solution can be a lighting fixture to set the tone you want for the area. Replacing the standard ceiling fixture to create your piece de resistance (or in this case three) becomes an easy option to liven up your kitchen. All else will pale in comparison.
Read more on kitchens:
8 Finishing Touches to Make Your Kitchen Stand Out From the Crowd
Tell us:
What kind of a kitchen do you want? Comment below.
Last but not the least, if all else seems too much – stick to experimenting with the lights. If you have a limited budget or space, the perfect solution can be a lighting fixture to set the tone you want for the area. Replacing the standard ceiling fixture to create your piece de resistance (or in this case three) becomes an easy option to liven up your kitchen. All else will pale in comparison.
Read more on kitchens:
8 Finishing Touches to Make Your Kitchen Stand Out From the Crowd
Tell us:
What kind of a kitchen do you want? Comment below.
What are you working on?
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I approve of everything except the rug in the kitchen. Hate rugs in the bathroom and kitchen in the Indian context. With household help and cooks, this is a recipe for disaster. We do not have to mimic the West in everything, just pick what is suitable.
Rugs do get extremely dirty but in my home, they are useful because the kitchen floor gets very wet. The (heavy-duty) cooking and washing happen in the same tiny area.