Many houses in the UK have small, cramped kitchens. This is especially true for old houses, as people didn’t have kitchen appliances to account for back then.
If you’re stuck with a small kitchen and are frustrated by it, you’re in the right place. We’ll go through the many ways you can maximise that itty-bitty space into a functional, efficient kitchen.
Declutter and Minimise
First, declutter to gain as much space as possible. Get rid of duplicate utensils, expired pantry items, and—most importantly—those bulky kitchen appliances you don’t use!
Chances are that you have at least a few of them. According to AMDEA, there are around 18.2 million unused kitchen electricals that are just sitting in homes across the UK.
Give them away, sell them, or store them in another area of the house you don’t go to frequently.
Optimise Cabinet and Drawer Space
With the day-to-day bustle of cooking, cabinets, and drawers can quickly become disorganised. Some strategies to make the most out of these spaces:
- Install shelf risers to create additional levels within the cabinets. This is important if you have a lot of unused vertical space in them!
- Use drawer dividers to keep things separated and easy to find.
- Invest in pull-out shelves or lazy Susans for deeper cabinets. They make it so much easier to access pots, pans, and pantry items.
- Hang hooks or adhesive organisers if you have extra space on the sides of the cabinets. Here, you can store lids, measuring cups, or small jars.
Maximise Vertical Space
In a small kitchen, every inch counts. And while you might’ve used almost every inch of floor space already, chances are there’s still some vertical space you can use.
- Use the space above counters and cabinets—sounds basic, but some people forget!
- Install wall-mounted shelves for holding dishes, cookbooks, or other decorative items.
- Use a pegboard where you can hang your most frequently used utensils, pots, and pans for easy access (instead of having to open up drawers every time).
- Add a magnetic knife strip to the walls instead of bulky knife blocks. It frees up valuable drawer space if you used to keep them there too.
- Hang a rail with hooks under hanging cabinets to store mugs, utensils, or even another small basket for additional storage.
Efficient Pantry Organisation
A well-organised pantry makes meal preparation a lot easier while also preventing food waste. To keep your pantry tidy and functional:
- Use clear, airtight containers for dry goods like flour, sugar, and pasta. This not only saves space but also keeps them fresher for longer.
- Label everything to make them easy to find and restock.
- Group similar items together, such as baking ingredients, snacks, or canned goods.
- Utilise over-the-door organisers for smaller objects like spices, condiments, or small snacks.
Smart Appliance Placement
Appliances tend to be large, so it’s important to place appliances in the most optimal way to free up floor and counter space.
- Store infrequently used appliances in cabinets, the pantry, or even other rooms to keep countertops clear.
- Use compact or multi-functional appliances, such as an air fryer that doubles as a toaster oven.
- Don’t get new appliances you’re not sure you’ll use—or won’t have the space for!
Utilise Hidden Storage
There are many ways to create additional storage and space in a small kitchen. Sometimes, they’re already even there, just hidden from you.
- Rolling carts can be stored under counters when not in use but can be brought out when you’re working with a lot of ingredients.
- Toe-kick drawers can be placed beneath cabinets. This can be used for storing baking sheets or placemats.
- Stool or step ladder storage can also be used as a seat when needed.
- Consider a foldable or pull-out table for additional prep space that can be tucked away when not being used.
Create Work Zones
Maximising space isn’t just about cramming as many things as possible. It’s also about making it more functional to work in.
Organising your kitchen into dedicated work zones makes cooking far more efficient and hassle-free.
- Prep zone for cutting boards, knives, and mixing bowls. This needs to be near your primary workspace.
- Cooking zone where you store pots, pans, spatulas, and cooking oils. This needs to be close to the stove.
- Cleaning zone with dish soap, sponges, and towels. This should be near the sink.
- Storage zone for food storage containers and wraps. Place it near the fridge for easy meal prep.
Use Space-Saving Kitchen Accessories
Space-saving accessories can make a small kitchen just as functional as a larger one. Some helpful tools include:
- Collapsible colanders, measuring cups, and mixing bowls to save cabinet space.
- Over-the-sink cutting boards to increase prep space.
- Stackable cookware and nesting bowls for less clutter.
- Magnetic spice racks to free up drawer and counter space.
Enhance Lighting and Aesthetic Appeal
Optimising your kitchen doesn’t have to stop at organising the actual objects in the kitchen, however. You can also invest in the kitchen’s appearance to make it feel more spacious and enjoyable to work in.
- Use under-cabinet lighting to brighten work areas. Better-lit areas tend to feel more spacious.
- Opt for light-colored decor to make the kitchen feel more open and airy. Darker colors tend to make spaces look smaller.
- Incorporate mirrors or glass elements to reflect light and give the illusion of more space.
- Keep countertops as clear as possible to maintain a clean and open look.
Seek Advice and Inspiration
Try searching for inspiration from other people’s kitchens as well. Pro-tip: Look to other parts of the world for ideas!
For example, in Asia, many kitchens are actually outside! You can even use a VPN to change your location and see more geographically accurate search results.
And while going DIY can be cost-effective and fulfilling, consider hiring an interior designer if you’re willing. Sometimes, it takes a pro to truly transform an area!
Conclusion
Remember, however, that keeping your kitchen organised doesn’t stop at reorganising things. It’s an ongoing endeavor. Always put things back in their designated place, declutter regularly, and think twice before adding new appliances and tools.
Do that, and you’ll have a kitchen you’ll love cooking in, regardless of size!
