If you’re someone who enjoys cooking, the kitchen is one of the essential parts of your house. However, when it comes to smaller spaces, cooking and moving around can become a hassle. But that does not mean you have to give up on your dream kitchen just because of space issues. There are plenty of ways you can make your space look bigger and feel more spacious.
In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best ways to make your space look bigger.
Lighter Kitchen Colour Schemes
Light colours are renowned for their space-enhancing properties. By using lighter hues, you can trick the eye into seeing your kitchen as larger than it actually is. Pale tones reflect more light than their darker counterparts, bouncing the light around the room and opening up the space.
A white palette is a go-to choice for creating an illusion of spaciousness. White doesn’t absorb, but reflects the available light, creating a bright and airy feel. You can opt for a pure white or a softer variation like cream or eggshell.
If you’re not keen on an all-white kitchen colour palette, pastel shades are an excellent alternative. They can add a touch of personality, while maintaining the light, airy feel. Consider soft blues, greens, or yellows to keep things light and open.
Your kitchen cabinets and countertops are significant areas of colour. Choose light-coloured materials, such as white marble or pale wood, to enhance the spacious feel.
To amplify the effect of light colours, incorporate reflective surfaces where possible. High-gloss finishes, glass tiles, or metallic accessories can help to bounce the light around and enhance the feeling of space.
With a bit of creative thinking and a lick of light paint, even the smallest kitchen can feel open and spacious. So, if you’re dreaming of a big kitchen, remember that the solution might just be a paint can away.
Kitchen Lighting
First and foremost, natural light is an invaluable asset. If your kitchen has windows, keep them unobscured to allow as much daylight in as possible. The natural light will brighten up your kitchen and make it feel more open and airier. If privacy is a concern, consider using sheer curtains that allow light to filter through.
Layered kitchen lighting is another effective strategy. This involves using a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Ambient lighting, like ceiling fixtures, provides overall illumination. Task lighting focuses on specific areas—under cabinets or above countertops—where you perform tasks such as cooking or cleaning. Accent lighting can highlight architectural features or décor, drawing the eye upward and making the room feel taller.
Smart Storage Solutions
Smart storage solutions can dramatically change the look and feel of a kitchen, making it appear more spacious and organised. By utilising vertical space, you can declutter countertops and create an illusion of a larger kitchen. Tall wall-mounted cabinets provide ample storage and draw the eye upward, enhancing the sense of space. Installing sleek, open shelves instead of traditional upper cabinets can also lend an airy, open feel.
Corner cabinets with rotating shelves or pull-out drawers make efficient use of otherwise wasted space. Similarly, under-cabinet storage solutions, such as hanging racks for mugs or wine glasses, can free up valuable cupboard space.
If kitchen space permits, adding a small pantry can be an excellent storage solution. Alternatively, pull-out pantries or wire rack systems can make the most of narrow spaces.
Minimalistic or Slimline Appliances
Minimalistic appliances, with their streamlined design and clean lines, offer aesthetic appeal while also saving valuable kitchen space. These kitchen appliances typically have a simplified layout, with only the essential features and functions. They lack the bulk and clutter of traditional kitchen appliances, which can make your kitchen look cramped and small. Plus, minimalistic appliances word perfectly with handleless kitchens.
Slimline appliances, on the other hand, are designed to fit into narrow spaces. These appliances, while compact, do not compromise on functionality. Their slender profiles can be tucked into tight corners or blended with the kitchen cabinetry, making the most of every inch.
When minimalistic and slimline appliances are incorporated into a kitchen, the result is a seamless space that appears larger and more open. The sleek design of these kitchen appliances gives an uncluttered look, allowing for smoother movement and a more enjoyable cooking experience.
Mirrors
Mirrors have long been a secret weapon in a designer’s toolbox, with their uncanny ability to create an illusion of space in cramped corners. When used strategically in a kitchen, one of the most utilised rooms in a home, mirrors can radically transform the perception of space.
A mirror’s main trick is to reflect light. When positioned to reflect natural light from a window or artificial light from overhead fixtures, mirrors can brighten your kitchen, making it appear larger. This is especially beneficial in kitchens that lack an abundance of windows.
A full-length mirror on one wall can double the perceived depth of your kitchen. If you find a full wall mirror too overwhelming, consider mirror tiles arranged in a pattern. This not only creates an illusion of space but also adds an element of visual interest.
Combining mirrors with open shelving can further enhance the perception of space. Placing a mirror at the back of a shelf makes the shelf appear deeper and the kitchen more spacious. Additionally, the mirror reflects the items on the shelf, creating a sense of abundance.
Incorporating a mirrored backsplash is another practical application. It not only amplifies light and space but is also easy to clean, making it as functional as it is stylish.
The Importance of Kitchen Flooring
Kitchen flooring plays an integral role in determining how big or small a room appears. When the right options are chosen, flooring can visually expand the space, making your kitchen seem larger than it actually is.
Light colours are known to make rooms seem larger and more open. Thus, consider options like light oak, beige, or grey for your kitchen floor. Avoid dark colours, as they can make the room appear smaller.
In addition, the way your floor is installed can also affect the perception of space. Diagonal patterns can create the illusion of expansive space, making your kitchen look wider. Continuity in flooring can create a seamless look that extends the perceived space. Opt for the same flooring in your kitchen as in adjacent rooms to create a sense of continuity.
A reflective floor surface can also bounce light around the room, giving an impression of a larger area. High-gloss tiles can serve this purpose effectively.
Contact Exclusive Kitchens For Quality Kitchen Design
If you are looking for high-quality kitchen design in Nuneaton or the surrounding areas, Exclusive Kitchens can help. Do not hesitate to contact us via phone at 02477366366 or by email at contact@exclusivekitchens.co.uk.
