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Use These Tips For Small Kitchen Designs To Maximize Your Space

When it comes to developing designs for small kitchens, you will need to find ways to optimize space. As with any kitchen design, start by choosing the right plan for small kitchen designs.

With most small kitchen designs, you will be limited to either the galley plan or the “one wall” plan.

The galley plan will give you the greatest amount of workspace; the one wall plan is the most efficient at maximizing space.

When developing small kitchen plans, you will need to weigh the pros and cons to determine which attributes are most important to you.

Other ways to get the most from your small kitchen designs include:

 Picking the right colors and accents
 Utilizing efficient storage options and effective upper and lower cabinetry
 Include “double-duty” features
 Include a pantry
 Consider countertop dining

By selecting neutral colors, you can create the illusion of a larger space. Adding accent lighting in your small kitchen plans, such as under cabinet lighting, can help make the room appear not only brighter, but larger too.

The right storage solutions can go a long way in satisfying your small kitchen plans. Roll out baskets, stackable shelves, and lazy-Susan’s can go a long way toward maximizing space.

Similarly, look for items to add to your small kitchen designs that serve double-duty, such as a built in microwave that also serves as a hood vent.

Usually if your kitchen is at least 12 to 15 feet wide is should be possible to provide space for a freestanding storage unit in the center of the kitchen. An island with a flat surface area can be a practical and can provide a bit or elegance to any kitchen.

Some of the more practical smaller kitchen islands come with locking casters that enable you to move the carts around the kitchen where needed then lock down to keep them stable. This type of kitchen island can be a good solution in a small or medium sized kitchen.

Small kitchens may seem to be a very difficult design challenge, but they can also be functional, beautiful and efficient. Even with a small budget and building restrictions, you can find that there are many options open to you to transform your kitchen into something more ideal for your needs.

To create a more spacious look for your small kitchen design the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) recommends designing more unique storage solutions, mixing natural and ambient lighting, taking advantage of more space saving appliances, and adding personalized touches.

Adding cabinetry that extends all the way from your ceiling to your floor into your small kitchen plans also serves as an excellent food pantry and further maximizes your space. By adjusting the height of the shelves, you can create the perfect amount of space for your needs. Further, countertop dining can free up valuable floor space.

With a little creativity and planning, developing efficient small kitchen designs can be a snap!

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