Top tips to style your small kitchen to make the space feel bigger

In the heart of urban living, where space is considered ‘premium’, it is always a kitchen that bears the brunt of downsizing. And while compact cookspaces today are all the vogue, they often have to pay the price by sacrificing functionality.

On some days, it almost feels like you’re facing a classic culinary conundrum – live with cluttered countertops or banish your beloved appliances until they’re forgotten. After all, how else do you fit a dishwasher, coffee maker, as well as an air fryer, into a space barely big enough to swing a spatula? But what if we told you there’s a way to have your cake and eat it too?

From colour-coordinated appliances that blend seamlessly into your backdrop, to clever storage solutions that could put a Tetris champion to shame, experts share their top tips to create a small kitchen that’s both functional and fabulous.

Playing with the right colours

Meha Trivedi, a Pune-based independent interior designer, tells us how the secret of transforming a small kitchen often lies in smart design, clever organisation, and, of course, a dash of visual trickery.

“Lots of people come to me asking me the best way to optimise a small space. And to them, I say the first step in transforming a tiny kitchen is getting the colour right,” Trivedi reveals, “The right palette can make your space feel larger and more functional, almost immediately.”

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She goes on to mention how light colours can be a saviour for tight, closed-up spaces. “Light colours are truly your secret weapon in compact spaces,” she explains. “Beige, powder blue, and light teal are my go-to palette for creating an illusion of openness.” She further mentions how it makes for a simple trick that fools the eye into thinking there is more space than there actually is.

But when we talk about reimagining a cooking space, it’s not always about wall and shelf colours. Trivedi takes this approach a step further, extending it to the very heart of a kitchen – the kitchen appliances. She emphasises that the colour of your gadgets is equally crucial when you’re considering a small kitchen makeover.

“When it comes to appliances, think sleek and subtle,” she advises. “Steel grey or black are preferred colours in a kitchen because they blend seamlessly with most decor styles.” However, she cautions against busy patterns or prints on appliances in compact spaces. “Prints may look great in showrooms, but in a small kitchen, they often contribute to visual clutter.”

She even goes on to reveal a clever hack – “Opting for appliances with reflective surfaces can work wonders. They create a mirror-like effect, which is great for bouncing light around the room and visually expanding your kitchen’s footprint.” So, while your toaster might not actually push your walls further apart, it can certainly make it feel that way!

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What’s more, she mentions how lighter shades are a cherry on top for dust-prone zones. “Light-colored, glossy surfaces in the kitchen are surprisingly low-maintenance. They show less dust and are generally easier to keep looking fresh and clean.”

Conquering storage is winning half the battle

A common complaint that Trivedi has to tackle with a small kitchen is the lack of ‘useful’ storage space. “Electronics such as refrigerators and microwaves are quite challenging to conceal, especially when you have limited space at hand,” she mentions.

According to her, maximising storage space is often the key to mastering a small space. She recommends clever compartmentalisation for grains and utensils while keeping the area above the cooktop as clear as possible to avoid a closed-up, disorganised look. Moreover, she also suggests using storage units with rolling shutters to conceal appliances and maintain an elegant appearance.

“If you do, however, have premium appliances, such as a coffee maker, you can also choose to build minimalistic shelves and put those up on display,” she says. “With microwaves or ovens, you’re often left with no choice but to place them outside. Make sure you balance out which appliance gets to stay in a storage space against those that can be kept outside to have the right balance in your kitchen.”

Maintaining this balance can allow homeowners to showcase their high-end kitchen gadgets while hiding those that stick out like a sore thumb, resulting in a more organised and visually appealing kitchen space.

Getting the capacity right

Size matters, but only when it comes to appliance selection for small kitchens. Trivedi reiterates the importance and suggests making better choices to maximise space efficiency.

“When you’re dealing with the lack of space, it is sometimes a good idea to take a step back and revisit your choices. For instance, instead of a wider refrigerator, opt for a taller one,” she advises. “Tall appliances are for an illusion of large spaces and they also accommodate everything you need.”

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This vertical approach not only saves valuable floor space but also creates a sense of openness in the kitchen. Trivedi even suggests a sort of strategic trade-off when incorporating larger appliances, “If you plan on getting a large dishwasher, consider reducing the size of your sink. This will prevent dirty dishes from accumulating and give more space to your dishwasher.”

By carefully balancing appliance sizes, placement and capacities, homeowners can undoubtedly achieve a more spacious and functional kitchen without sacrificing essential amenities.

Putting safety first

Lastly, but most importantly, Trivedi strongly suggests keeping safety in mind while redesigning your kitchen area. “It becomes easy to overlook safety when we’re invested in keeping our space clutter-free. However, remember that your cookspace is prone to accidents as well as hazards, and appliances often contribute to the risk,” she cautions.

A thumb rule she follows is to keep all her gadgets to the left of her platform. “Based on the orientation you’re comfortable with, keep a side of your kitchen counter free from any obstruction,” she says. “Wherever your appliances are placed, try to have a plug socket next or near to them. This can reduce exposed wires across, which is great for both safety and functionality.”

Lastly, Trivedi concludes by reminding us how the kitchen is also a place where we can experience unforeseen water damage. “You’re probably going to have a lot of water usage in the kitchen, which may contribute to damaging your gadgets in unpredictable scenarios,” she tells us. “Keep them far away from your sink, washing machine drains or the window,” she states.

With the right colours, clever choices, and a bit of creative thinking, you can turn a snug kitchen into a well-thought-out culinary haven. Because let’s face it, it’s not so much about compromising on your gadgets or style; it’s about making them work harmoniously. And as they say, good things – as well as great meals – come in small packages.