Designer tips on decorating your small kitchen

Some homeowners have to channel their creative spirit when space is tight, especially in kitchens when cabinetry and appliances take up a bulk of the square footage. Here are some designer tips to keep in mind when revamping a small vintage-inspired kitchen:

Large Prints

Add excitement to a small space by using bold graphics. Wall paper in oversized motifs can add a lot of interest to your vintage kitchen design. Additionally, fabric covered chairs is another place for dynamic patterns.

Dark Hues

You may have been told to paint walls white in a small space. However, a House Beautiful designer Paul Matheiu suggests to open up the room with charcoal or gray tones. If you are not into dark walls, choose cabinetry in these smoky hues.

Furniture Scale

Furniture comes in all shapes and sizes, but they don’t all work for every room. When square footage is at a minimum, choose smaller proportioned furniture. Additionally, a small adjustment like choosing stools without back or arm rests can add more room to your space. Also, seating can be removed when not in use, especially if walkways are cramped.

Light floors

While you may be considering a fair color scheme for your walls, don’t forget about your flooring options. White-washed wood or painted floors can continue the light reflecting theme throughout your room.

Build up

Another designer suggests adding vertical furniture. If you have high ceilings, choose tall bookshelves and cabinets that draw the eye up.

Compact appliances

Manufacturers are aware of the space constraints some homeowners have to deal with. In turn, they have designed compact versions of appliances to fit a variety of layouts. For example, some refrigerators are 24 inches deep instead of the standard 30 inches.

Maximize storage

If you have a small kitchen, try to find storage at every corner. Kitchen islands are a prime example, as they have tons of space underneath. Source models with built in cabinets and shelving. If you are looking for a streamlined appearance, some options have seamless drawers that hide the fact it’s a storage option. Another route is a rolling cart, that can be placed in a pantry or closet when not in use.

Overhead pots

It’s a popular design aesthetic to hang pots overhead islands, but it also frees up lots of cabinet space. Choose pots you most often use and store others out of sight.

Lighting

A designer tip is to make rooms look larger with clever lighting arrangements. Under cabinet lighting not only shines a spotlight on fruits and appliances on your counter, it also opens up the space.

Optimize shelving

A current trend in interior design is to display flatware and china in a vintage remodeling project. This allows you to install extra shelving along walls to show off your best dishes. But it isn’t only for porcelain, place spices, tea and other items along shelves that are in arm’s reach.

Counter space

Butcher block countertops are a popular look in rustic design. This can be a great option for small spaces, since you won’t have to worry about storing multiple cutting surfaces, when you can use your entire counter.