Small kitchen - how to arrange it practically?

The kitchen is the central part of the home and a place where we usually spend the most time, so we want it to be both ergonomic and stylish. If the room is small, it requires more time and attention in its design. Fortunately, a small kitchen also has great potential, and all it takes is knowing a few tips to make our space perfect.

How to Equip a Small Kitchen?

Regardless of size, every kitchen should be designed according to the principles of the so-called working triangle. This means planning the following zones in the room:

• cooking area,
• meal preparation and washing area,
• storage area.

Keeping these three aspects in mind, we can plan the kitchen layout, which we adapt to the shape of the room, considering its dimensions. You can choose the popular single-line layout, which works well if the kitchen is long and narrow. In many small kitchens, the L-shaped layout is also effective. It’s an ideal option, especially for kitchenettes.

To maximise the use of space, it's a good idea to install both lower and upper cabinets. This will provide plenty of storage space for groceries, pots, and tableware.

Appliances for a Small Kitchen – What You Should Know

Choosing kitchen appliances is also very important in the case of a small kitchen. The appliances should be tailored to your lifestyle and the number of household members. A single person will need a smaller fridge than a large family that eats at home every day. People who rarely cook might also consider a two-burner hob. If you’re installing a dishwasher, perhaps it’s worth considering a smaller sink instead of a large double-bowl sink?

The cooker hood is also a fundamental element of kitchen equipment. Here, we have the greatest variety among kitchen appliances. For small kitchens, built-in cooker hoods are an excellent choice for several reasons:

• compact size — a built-in cooker hood usually fits into a standard cabinet, so it takes up little space,
• ergonomics — if you choose a hood with a low profile, you can use the remaining part of the cabinet for spices or kitchen accessories,
• discreet appearance — the hood can be fully flush with the cabinet or only a small part visible, so it blends seamlessly with any kitchen style.

An alternative solution is a downdraft cooker hood, which saves even more space. In this category, you’ll find hobs integrated with a cooker hood. This 2-in-1 device draws in cooking vapours through an inlet located in the centre of the hob. The mechanism of the device is located in the lower cabinet. Downdraft hood manufacturers design them to occupy as little space as possible, so the cabinet housing the hood is fully functional, and you can even install drawers in it.

An Island in a Small Kitchen – Is It Possible?

Do you think that having a small kitchen means you have to give up on an island? We have good news — in a small space, you can also install an island or a peninsula. It can serve as the finishing element of an L-shaped layout, functioning as a worktop or table. If you decide to install a hob in this spot, remember to place an island hood above it to keep the air in the kitchen clean. In smaller spaces, pendant island hoods work very well, as their small size and design that creates a sense of lightness won’t overwhelm the interior.

Which Colours Will Make a Small Kitchen Appear Larger?

It’s no secret that light colours work best in small spaces. They visually enlarge the interior, making it appear bigger. Your allies in the colour palette will be whites, beiges, and light pastels. It’s also worth opting for shiny accessories. Steel, gold, or copper beautifully reflect light and brighten the interior, giving it a more spacious feel.