Small kitchen problems are real, but they are also manageable. In this guide, we look at how you can make your kitchen look aesthetically better. We'll also go over a couple of tips that make the space function better as well.
1. The colour of your walls
The colour of your walls can go a surprisingly long way towards determining the overall feel and aesthetic of a room. While there is no one rule for colouring a room to make it look bigger, there is a general guideline that should help you out a lot: think light.
Softer colours naturally reflect light, making a space look much more open. On the other hand, darker colours tend to absorb light, giving a space a much more cramped look. A fresh coat of paint won’t solve your counter space problems, of course, but it will make your kitchen feel a little bit roomier.
2. Minimalism
Naturally, one of the best ways to make your kitchen feel bigger is simply to keep fewer things in it. With all the modern appliances in our homes, it’s really easy to make a space feel needlessly cramped.
“Minimalism is about having the space and the time to enjoy and appreciate the things you love and value, and doing so in surroundings that please, pleasure and calm you,” says Belinda Sofianos, principal at Leapfrog Johannesburg South/Alberton.
Obviously, there are some things that you can’t do without. The coffee maker, perhaps a mixer, or some large food bins are all fine, but for best results, try to minimise clutter.
This means that you don’t put your mail, keys, wallet, etc. on the counter when you come home. It may also mean storing rarely used appliances and kitchen tools in a different location. Granted, this is not extremely convenient, but it is a means to an end. Additionally, you may want to make use of wall space. If you can hang pots and pans from ceiling or wall hooks, you can create a classic kitchen aesthetic while also freeing up precious cabinet space.
Read: Incorporate minimalism to ‘spark joy’ in your home
3. Lighten things up
Any dim, dark space is going to feel cramped and uncomfortable. The more natural light you can let into a room, the better off you will be. Open the curtains and blinds, and even consider upgrading the overhead lights to give yourself as much light as possible. Some people even install lights in and beneath their cabinets to really maximise the light effect.
4. Stainless steel appliances
Stainless steel kitchen appliances are a great way to make a room feel a little more spacious. It’s the culinary version of adding mirrors to a room to make it feel less cramped.
Stainless steel appliances reflect light well and give your kitchen an overall shimmering effect that should do a lot to make it feel bigger. As an added bonus, stainless steel also has a timeless feel to it. Kitchen fads come and go, but steel is never likely to go out of style.
5. Keep the furnishings light
It’s nice to have a table and chairs in the kitchen, but the bigger you go, the more cramped the room becomes. Think about downsizing when it comes to kitchen furniture.
You can even repurpose space so it serves multiple functions. For example, put a couple of stools next to an ordinary counter, and you have a nice little breakfast bar. It may not be optimal for a big family dinner, but it will free up some space while still giving you some extra living area.
Finally
Living with an undersized kitchen is an ongoing battle. The steps illustrated above should help you free up some space, and make the room a little more liveable. However, you will need to stay on top of things to make sure that the room continues to look as good as possible. Clean up messes, keep those curtains open, and always look for new ways to freshen up the space.
Article courtesy of www.home-dzine.co.za
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