Designing a functional kitchen in a small space

Sometimes space comes at a premium, especially if you opt to live in a big city where your budget may not stretch as far. But remember, a small space doesn’t mean you have to forego style and design. You need to be more creative, which is certainly a fun challenge.

The kitchen is one room in your house that can be both functional and fabulous. It’s important to consider out-of-the-box ideas when it comes to things like storage, but that doesn’t mean you should forego fixtures and appliances that appeal to your sense of style and personality. Whether you love stainless steel kitchen sinks or have been dreaming of oil rubbed bronze kitchen faucets, you can design a beautifully functioning kitchen in a small space. Here’s how:

Pick a theme: Developing a theme for your kitchen renovation is a great way to give this room focus, and it allows you to pay attention to the details that will really make the space pop. You can pull inspiration from your favorite foreign city like London, Paris, Rome or Barcelona, or you can incorporate a style such as shabby chic, minimalist, eco-friendly or vintage. Deciding on a theme will make choosing accessories, appliances and fixtures easier because you’ll want to follow the pattern for a cohesive design.

Think vertically: Storage can be problematic in small spaces, especially in a kitchen where you might have a lot of items that need a home from small appliances to cookware, dishes and utensils. Aside from installing traditional cabinets or less-traditional open shelving, you may not have much extra room horizontally, but you might be able to add more storage vertically. You can hang pots and pans above your stove, allowing you to create a sort-of art installation with your cookware, or you can channel your inner Julia Child and hang a pegboard on the wall.

Don’t be afraid of color: Strategic pops of color throughout your kitchen are a great way to add personality to this room and make it more vibrant whether you paint cabinet doors, create an accent wall or install a funky backsplash. You can choose colors that fit into your theme as well as that go with your fixtures. For example, if you opt to install a brass kitchen faucet, you might consider using earth tones to complement the faucet’s coloring. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for bold, bright colors to really pop like neons or jewel tones.

Consider multipurpose items: In a small space, items with multiple purposes are a great way to avoid extra clutter. Counter space may be limited, but you can install a butcher block countertop that serves as both a place to prep meals and hold small appliances. Another great option is a chalkboard fridge. You can easily write notes or keep a running grocery list on this convenient place. If you have room, you can even bring in a moveable island that adds prep space, a place to eat and extra storage.