18 okt Kitchen layouts for small living
You’re not really happy with the layout and design of your small kitchen…
So, what to do?
Read this blog and get 10 tips for free.
It all depends on making choices in a small home. For tiny spaces, a straight kitchen layout is commonly used, but for more practical cooking, the golden triangle is highly recommended. Therefore, an L-shape, island, U-shaped, or parallel layout is often best.
Common Kitchen Layouts:
Yesss… but what is really possible in your tiny area?
Before you can determine which layout is best for your small living space, you need to answer these questions:
What percentage of space in my small home will the kitchen occupy?
What does your daily cooking routine look like? Are you a one-pot soup person, or do you enjoy cooking for hours and inviting friends over?
Is the current position logical?
Where do you want the kitchen to be? What is the flow like with the rest of the space?
Can you remove walls to create a more open feel, or do you prefer a closed kitchen?
Consider the visual lines from the kitchen to the rest of the house and from the rest of your home to the kitchen.
Is it possible to change electrical and plumbing connections?
Is there mechanical ventilation and/ or a window? In a small space, ventilation is crucial.
How much storage do you really need?
How many cabinets will you actually use?
Are you a local store with three cans of everything just to ensure you have enough for the next month?
Or do you have special Christmas dishes and Easter tableware? If so, they might not fit. Use everyday dishes instead and elevate your holiday settings with napkins and greenery on the table.
If you’re coming from a home with a large kitchen, you’ll first need to declutter. There are plenty of decluttering videos on YouTube, or you can hire our decluttering coach for a few hours.
Which appliances are truly essential?
Which appliances do you actually use and need? If something is nice to have but you only use it once a month, consider sharing with neighbors! And yes, the really expensive, designer appliances which are only there to impress your friends can go…
Do you need a four-burner stove? Why not opt for two or three instead?
With the answers to these questions, revisit the possible layouts above and decide on your optimal kitchen design.
Here are 10 tips you can easily use to save space and choose your ideal layout:
- • The standard depth of the countertop is 60 cm, but who says it can’t be deeper? A deeper countertop with deeper cabinets can maximize your kitchen space, especially if you have many appliances on your workspace or limited width.
- • The sink – How big do you want the sink to be? There are several dimensions available, and a smaller sink means more prep space. Consider using a foldable cutting board or one that can be placed half over the sink.
- • Drawers are your best friend – Instead of clutter at the back of the cabinet, drawers provide good visibility and access to your items.
- • You can vary the height of the countertop. Consider what height is ideal for you; this will affect the space underneath the countertop. In the toe kick, you can create custom storage for items like oven trays, plates, and less frequently used items.
- • Do you have a standard kitchen in your new build? Check if the door directions of the cabinets and fridge are really practical. Just want to upgrade it? New handles, a different countertop, and possibly new cabinet fronts can work wonders.
- • Don’t have a kitchen yet? Budget tip: check Marktplaats, visit the IKEA discount corner, or choose a showroom model. Remember, fewer corners typically mean a cheaper kitchen. Ensure your countertop is of good quality for long-lasting durability.
- • If you’re working with a kitchen supplier, have them measure the space in your home. They will also check if the walls are square, which helps prevent liability issues if the kitchen doesn’t fit upon delivery.
- • Go up to the ceiling with your cabinets and avoid standard kitchens that often leave 40 cm of open space above the cabinets, which just collects dust.
- • Do you want a dining table, or do you just need a small bar to eat at? Integrate the bar into the layout.
- • In several home makeover programs, I see people demolishing entire kitchens with sledgehammers! Why? Often, the cabinets themselves are still in good shape, so consider updating or only changing the doors, backsplash and countertop
What to do about electrical and plumbing installations? Place a thicker wall behind the cabinets or elevate your kitchen to hide and store the installations.
For tips on choosing materials, color schemes to enlarge a small kitchen, see my next blog.
Feeling frustrated and lacking the time and creativity?
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