A kitchen may appear smaller than it actually is. Whether it’s an optical illusion or poor space management, a kitchens’ design can transform the feel of the space. Here are a few tricks to avoid common mistakes and what to do instead.
- Islands That Are Too Big. Giant island, seating up to 10 people may feel like a solution to accommodate larger groups, but building bigger means sacrificing on walkway space. Kitchen islands aren’t ideal for every kitchen space and can negatively impact the functionality of a kitchen. Movable butcher block islands are a great alternative to tuck away when not in use.
- Too Many Small Appliances Out on Counter. While appliances like air fryers, rice cookers and espresso makers are necessary, they don’t need to be out on display at all times. These tools take up a lot of countertop space and can make your kitchen feel crowded. Instead, try placing all your appliances in a clean, organized workspace like an appliance garage.
- Poor Lighting. One of the biggest offenders here is dim or soft lighting. Swapping out bulbs for brighter options or replacing lighting fixtures entirely is the first step to creating the illusion of more space. Light fixture scale also plays an important role. Larger pendant lighting can actually make a kitchen feel larger.
- Too Much Cabinetry. While storage can be a top priority in a kitchen, there is such a thing as too much. Too many upper cabinets can make a kitchen feel cramped and heavy. Try breaking up the solid cabinets with a mix of open shelving and cabinets with glass doors.
- Tiny Compartment Sink. Consider upgrading to a large, single-basin sink to make your kitchen feel more expansive. These sinks will help emphasize the width of your countertops better than tiny compartment alternatives.
