Working in a cramped kitchen can be truly challenging, which is why many interior designers highlight the importance of a spacious and bright cooking area. Such a space radiates a tranquil ambiance, allowing you to create visual interest and maximise natural light.
Since the kitchen is the heart of the home, naturally, you want it to look spacious and breezy. But is this possible to achieve if you have a small cooking area? Fortunately, yes! With the right tips and tricks, you can create an inviting kitchen where you can comfortably cook and entertain. If you don’t know where to begin, read on for some inspo!
Use white open shelving
If you have a small kitchen, opting for open shelving is a great idea, allowing you to achieve a modern and sleek design. At the same time, this is also a great way to maximise storage in the room. Not only open shelving enables you to exhibit your beautiful dishes, but it also helps ensure everything is within easy reach in the kitchen.
White is the best colour option for open shelving, as it is both timeless and classic, making the smallest kitchen look brighter and bigger. When selecting open shelving for the space, it’s essential to consider placement, as it should blend effortlessly with the white walls and cabinetry in the kitchen. If you want to add depth to the kitchen, mixing and matching various materials is a good idea.
Bring in more natural light
You shouldn’t underestimate the potential of natural light to transform your kitchen. You may think that a cup of coffee is the best way to wake up your body in the morning, but the warmth of the sunlight is even better for that, boosting serotonin and preparing you to conquer the day by improving your mood.
And obviously, besides improving your health, natural light is great for boosting energy efficiency and enhancing the aesthetics of your kitchen, illuminating different features and making the space look larger. Here are some ideas on maximising natural light in the room:
- Add mirrors;
- Use glass cabinet doors;
- Consider light-coloured window treatments;
- Incorporate larger windows.
Opt for high-gloss kitchen cabinets
It goes without saying that kitchen cabinets can make or break the entire design of the space. And since they are such a key element in the cooking area, it’s essential to take the time to make the right choice. To this end, opting for high gloss cabinets is a great idea, effortlessly transforming a tired design into a masterpiece. Besides making your space look more spacious, this type of cabinetry is easy to clean.
Colour is an essential factor to consider when choosing suitable cabinets, as it impacts the practicality of the space. Coloured glossy kitchens can show fingerprints, while those in dark shades like black, brown or navy blue are also really impractical, with water and stains being easily noticeable. Therefore, the best thing you can do is opt for a gloss white kitchen, which is the most practical and easy to clean, and provides a mirror-shine finish.
Add dimension with bold accents
If you’re looking to add bold accents to the space, there are some great ways to do so. For instance, you can use patterned curtains or colourful dish towels. Such small touches can go a long way in effortlessly achieving an outstanding kitchen design. Or another idea is to choose kitchen accessories like unique serving platters or brightly coloured utensils, adding dimension to your cooking area. Not only can these pieces create visual interest, but they are also practical for daily use.
If you feel bold, you can take things to the next level by adding a backsplash or painting a focal wall. While these projects are larger and more involved, they result in a great outcome, transforming your kitchen to the point that it looks like a totally different space.
Keep your cooking area clutter-free
Keeping a kitchen clean can be pretty tricky, especially if it is white – and small! Luckily, if you put in some effort, you can ensure your cooking area is always inviting and organised. How can you do so? Firstly, you want to start by creating a cleaning routine. It’s essential to wipe down elements in the kitchen, such as the sink, the stovetop, the countertops and so on, to prevent dirt and grime from accumulating. You should also pay attention to spills or splatters and wipe them down as soon as they occur – you’ll thank yourself for doing this, as you won’t have to deal with stubborn stains later.
Decluttering is another critical aspect, so it’s essential to take the time to decide which items are indispensable in the cooking area, and donate or discard the ones that you can do without. A good way to keep your kitchen organised is investing in the best storage solutions, like drawer dividers that will ensure utensils don’t get mixed up and spice racks that allow you to keep your spices and herbs within reach. Also, you want to avoid overstocking, so make sure you only buy new groceries after using up the ones you already have.
Incorporate greenery into the space
Plants are wonderful! Not only do they enhance the aesthetics of your living space through their beauty, but they also provide many health benefits. As research has shown, adding plants to your home can boost air quality, improve your productivity, and help you manage stress better.
The good news is that there are many ways to incorporate greenery into your home. For example, you can opt for herbs like mint, basil or parsley, as they are attractive and practical options to transform your kitchen. If the counter space is limited, that shouldn’t be a concern, as you can hang spider plants or pothos, creating a lavish atmosphere.
Last words
Creating an airy and bright cooking area comes down to making a few small changes that have a great impact. Now that you have read these tips, you can transform your kitchen into an inviting and inspiring space.
