Remodeling the smaller kitchen comes with its own unique considerations. While getting the most out of usable space is always at the forefront of a design, it is particularly important when the space is small and offers no possibility for expansion. Even before you enlist the services of a contractor or designer, give some thought to what you want in your space before you start. Do not allow anyone to rush you into snap decisions. Always remember that the more time you put into planning on the front end, the happier you will be with the final product.
The kitchen is the most used room in the house these days. It is the hub of family life and its importance to communication, fellowship, and being together ranks as high in importance as the preparation of meals, storing food, utensils, plates, silverware, etc. With limited space, getting the most out of what you have is vital for convenience and storage.
As with any project, cost is a major concern in addition to space. Think clearly about what you will need, and use, and if it is the best solution for your needs. Do not be talked into bells and whistles that you do not need and, which are often overpriced. Remember that just because something looks good does not mean it is useful. One favorite example is a corner cabinet with a lazy Susan. It looks like a wonderful idea, but the reality is that you should have a particular need for this very pricey add on. For use with pots and pans it is a terrible idea because handles interfere with it working properly. As an easy access for cooking condiments such as oils, flour, meal, spices, it is a much more useful add on. The other question is that if you have two corners-do you need two Lazy Susans? Never go to the designer without a plan. It is similar to going to the grocery store to shop when you are really hungry. You will come home with lots of things you can do without.
So, with space limitations and cost concerns start with the basics: storage, prep, and clean up. A well designed kitchen will accommodate these functions. Start with the sink area. Unless you want to increase costs, leave the sink in the same area where it is now. Moving plumbing is expensive. An important way to tell if your kitchen designer knows what he or she is doing will come in discussing the clean up area. A good designer will always ask (1).Who is the main cook in the family; (2). Is the main cook right handed or left handed. Why are these important? If the designer just assumed the woman is the main cook, he/she may be too traditional and not open to new ideas. Many of today's families have reversed roles with the husband as the main cook. The right-handed or left handed question determines where the dishwasher is placed. If you are right handed and the dishwasher is on the left, then to load your machine from the sink you will be forced to make a complete body turn each time you load an item, thus increasing your work. Working smarter and not harder should be the goal of your design.
Ease of movement and convenience should be the key to a good kitchen design. If possible, the three most used areas, the refrigerator, stove, and sink should form a work triangle. (Note: this idea may not be practical if the kitchen has an island.) The work triangle saves steps when preparing food and cleaning up, and makes work convenient. In addition, creating work centers, if space allows, will permit more than one person to help with preparation. Separating the microwave and stove in a small area will also allow for multiple users to help with preparation. Do not make the mistake of adding an island if the space will not allow it. A minimum of 42 of walk space should be allowed for walking space around the island (48 is preferred). Nothing makes a kitchen look smaller or more cramped than more cabinetry than the space needs.
Locating cabinets for silverware, china, and glassware near the dishwasher minimizes the work when unloading the dishwasher. When you have a drawing in hand for your new kitchen, as a last step, decide where everything will be placed and how you use it. Consider how much walking will be necessary to retrieve the things you need with minimal effort.
Maximize counter space by placing your tall units together such as the refrigerator, oven cabinet, and pantry in one section. Not only does this give the most counter space it also allows for a more open kitchen and gives the illusion of more space.
Choose appliances carefully for both space and convenience. Most people are amazed at how quickly space disappears when you take out 36 for a refrigerator, 30 for a range, 36 for a sink cabinet. As a designer I am often askedWhat did you do with all my space? I of course did nothing. Space is what it is, and short of tearing out walls and adding extensions, you cannot get five pounds of sugar in a two pound sack! Plan carefully.
In small spaces consider your finish selections carefully. Contrast is key to, again, giving the allusion of more space. If your flooring will be medium to dark, then go shades lighter with your cabinets, and then step back to lighter counter tops. If the reverse is true, follow the same pattern of light and dark to add contrast.
Consider quartz counter tops which allow you to under mount your sink again lessening the impact of the sink's presence in the room. In small spaces the rule is to minimize in order to maximize the appearance of space.
On the positive side, while your kitchen may not be large, it allows multiple opportunities to be more creative. How you plan for the use of your space can have the same wow affect as a much larger kitchen. Deciding how you will organize can make the smaller kitchen a dream to work in, and provide years of enjoyment for both the main cook and the family.