Big things come in small packages

Strapped for space? Small kitchens may need extra clever design ideas in order to maximise the available space. We can help you create the perfect kitchen that works for your space, no matter how teeny.

Colour schemes
Keeping the space bright with a neutral colour scheme is a good way to make a space look bigger. Light naturally bounces off white and other pale colours, so it will help to create the illusion of space, but you don’t just have to use white to achieve this. Duck egg blue, lemon, dove grey and mint green could all work just as well. If you do choose a monochrome finish you can accent with vivid accessories so that your personality still shines through - just look at our white lacquer shelving with red splashback below! 

Change your extractor hood
You can exchange a bulky extractor hood above the hob for more storage with several new extractor options. If you like an extractor to be above your cooking space a built-in cupboard hood could work for your kitchen. The benefit of these is you can use the space around them for storage and only need to reveal the hood when in use.

Another great option is a worktop extractor that can sit flush along side your hob. These can help you reclaim headspace (and use it for storage if needed) and keeps odours from escaping the cooking area.

Downdraught extractors are wonderful for hobs situated on kitchen islands as they retract when not in use but provide a great way to illuminate steam and cooking odours when in use.

Swap a kitchen table for a workable island
Whilst we are on the subject of kitchen islands, why not swap the traditional kitchen table for an island instead? It might sound like a terrible idea to introduce an island to a small kitchen space but it’s a great way to have extra storage space below a useable countertop plus it can provide a social place for the household to eat.

Turn unused or awkward spaces into storage
Small kitchens mean that every single tiny centimetre of space counts. Our German kitchens have less of a kickboard (the cavity between where the floor and the cupboard meets) meaning our kitchens already start out with more cupboard space! But clever corner cupboards, larders, hidden waste disposals and corner pull outs can make all the difference to how well a kitchen works. You can also claim back valuable space with clever sink accessories that provide more chopping/counter space.

No room for a dishwasher?
In small kitchens it can be difficult to fit all appliances we would like. If you don’t have space for a dishwasher, your kitchen sink will be even more crucial to everyday living. If space allows, opt for a one and a half or double sink. One bowl can be used for preparing food or using a colander and the other for any dirty dishes/prepping equipment. It’ll help reduce clutter on the counter so you have more space when cooking. The clever foldable griddle on the side creates a feeling of space as well as being so practical. The Quooker tap dispenses hot, cold, sparkling and still water.

Choose appliances that do more than one job
If you want to make sure your counterspace works well, removing bulky appliances like the microwave and kettle can be easy wins. Don’t worry, we’re not saying you have to give up your morning brew. You can add a tap that produces boiling hot water in seconds, therefore making your kettle redundant (just look at the Quooker tap above!). Choose an oven and microwave combo that is built in to your kitchen wall to improve the space you have available on your countertops. One of our showroom's current displays has a Neff microwave hidden above a double oven, which creates lots more space on the worktop. 

Introduce floor to ceiling cabinets
Extend upwards! This may not be possible in period properties due to uneven ceilings but, in most homes, increasing your cabinet size so you don’t have all that lovely empty space going to waste is a super easy way to maximise the space you have available to you. 
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We have so many more ideas for small spaces so if you want to discuss how to maximise the space in your kitchen, please come in and talk to us today!

Halo Interiors, 6 - 7 Medwin Walk, Horsham RH12 1AG