Thoughtful headset
If the kitchen is cramped and you want to use the space to the maximum, forget about modular sets.
Only custom-made furniture will save valuable centimeters. To increase the storage area, we recommend ordering wall cabinets up to the ceiling, and also not neglecting narrow drawers and plinths.
Console table or chest of drawers
You can always send something classic and non-binding to the corner. It’s better to be low so as not to weigh down the space. For example, a small chest of drawers or a narrow wall table (console). You can display several decorative items on the top of such furniture, and decorate the wall with a painting or a mirror.
Space above kitchen cabinets
The top of the wall cabinets will serve as additional storage space for necessary small items that are not required daily. To keep things from collecting dust and looking neat, put them in boxes or baskets with lids.
Avoid transparent containers - they will not add order.
#5 – Design Tricks
And some more useful recommendations from experts:
- consider the height of the kitchen unit to match the height of the window sill, this combination will allow you to use the window sill as a work surface;
- give up a swing door in favor of a sliding door, or maybe you’ll like an empty opening or arch;
- instead of chairs, install a soft corner with storage drawers;
- a kitchen decorated in light colors will not add centimeters, but visually it will seem much more spacious.
Create a stylish and comfortable space in your small kitchen with our tips and you'll soon forget about its small size.
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Railings
Convenient rails can be used to hang oven mitts, utensils that you use most often, special shelves for spices, and cutting boards. Rails are fixed not only on the walls, but also on the doors and sides of kitchen cabinets. With their help, it is easy to free up space in cabinets and drawers, and the necessary items will always be at hand.
Cleaning up your kitchen: Expired food items
When organizing your kitchen food supplies, I recommend leaving everything stored in the refrigerator until the very end. The first thing you should check about products is the expiration date. Dry foods in particular have a surprisingly short shelf life, which comes as a surprise to many of my clients.
Of course, it's a good idea to throw away any food that's past its expiration date, but if you have your own rules, such as "two months past the expiration date for canned goods is normal," you're welcome to use them. When in doubt, ask yourself whether eating an expired product will bring you joy.
Do you have a stash of drinks that you bought on occasion but never consumed, or packages of healthy food that you order simply out of habit? This is an opportunity to think about whether your body really needs them and whether they have an effect.
If you bought or received so much of a product as a gift that you are unlikely to consume it all, offer it to friends or donate the excess to a food bank.
Beverages can be divided into two types: those that can be drunk in ready-made form (bottled and canned drinks, juice packs, etc.), and dry or powdered semi-finished beverage products (tea, instant drinks, etc.).
Check the expiration date first. The first category has a particularly short life because they contain liquid components. Throw away anything expired. Some drinks that fall into the second category, such as green and black tea, can be used even after the expiration date, in aroma lamps or as bacon smoker chips, etc. If possible, find uses for these products instead of throwing them away.
Shelves and hooks on doors
Small items should be stored on the inside of the door: this way small jars will always be in sight and will no longer complicate access to products in the back of the cabinet. Instead of a shelf, you can use metal or wooden folder holders.
Shelves, trolleys
Suitable for arranging household appliances, dishes, and products. Can serve as a table and additional cutting surface.
The compact design on wheels is good even for a small kitchen. After all, such a trolley bookcase can be easily moved wherever needed.
Shelves under the ceiling
Using the ceiling space is the best way to increase your storage system. We are talking about mezzanines above the doorway, as well as shelves above the dining area.
If you want the structures to look less heavy, install open shelves, while closed mezzanines with doors are more suitable for storing household items.
No. 3 - Refrigerator - where to put it
Many residents of small apartments are frightened by the fact that the refrigerator takes up a lot of space. To unload space, the following options are possible:
- during repairs, organize a special niche for the refrigerator; it can be located either in the kitchen or somewhere in the neighborhood;
- buy two devices, a small refrigerator, the height of which is up to 1.5 meters; and a compact freezer that can easily fit into any niche under a dining table or work table;
- You can hang open shelves or drawers above a large refrigerator that stands alone in the kitchen.
Table transformer
An excellent solution for organizing a dining area. For a large family, a sliding structure is suitable, increasing the tabletop if necessary, and for a couple of people - a folding table attached to the wall. There are also tables on sale with small but convenient roll-out drawers.
Buffet, showcase or sideboard
This is the most common solution, and, of course, there is an explanation. Furniture for storing dishes is distinguished by elegance and grace, combining practicality with decorativeness.
However, this furniture can be deliberately rough. This mainly applies to vintage models. In a retro interior, such a piece of furniture is an element that supports and emphasizes the style. It also fits into a modern setting to add an eclectic touch.
Folding chairs
They come to the rescue where there is no room for ordinary chairs. Compact, lightweight, made of wood or plastic and metal - when folded, they take up minimal space and can even be hung on the wall.
A good alternative is stools that stack on top of each other.
Shelving
Great furniture for saving space. Replace a bulky cabinet in the kitchen. Plus they will add zest to the interior. The main thing is to ensure the stability and reliability of the structure.
And here is a composition of 3 racks. Items on open shelves are arranged tastefully, so the whole thing looks stylish.
A flower rack is appropriate in the kitchen. Flowers will be placed compactly on it against the wall, decorating the interior and adding coziness to the kitchen. And the window sill can be used to organize a table or other tasks.
Roomy seats
If you like the functionality of soft corners, but are not satisfied with their appearance, there are several ways to get more comfortable and stylish furniture:
- Make your own bench with a lid.
- Buy a box or chest, adding pillows.
- Buy the STUVA system from IKEA and make a soft seat for it.
In terms of capacity, such structures can compete with two wall cabinets.
Where to store vegetables
It is good to keep many fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator, in a special drawer, where a suitable temperature is maintained. We will devote a separate article to storing various products in the refrigerator. And here we will focus on other places that are ideal for vegetables:
| Storage space for vegetables | Advantages | Flaws |
| Refrigerators, built-in or free-standing | It is compact, vegetables can be stored in it for as long as possible | The cost of this technology is quite high |
| Thermal cabinet | Suitable for large volumes of vegetables and home canning | Doesn't fit in a small kitchen. Expensive. Not everyone needs it |
| Wardrobe “refrigerator” under the windows | Does not require connection to an electrical outlet | Such “refrigerators” have been preserved only in some old houses. In the summer, they become completely ordinary cabinets. |
| Pantry | In addition to vegetables, it will fit many other products and things | It is not always possible to do it |
| Cellar | It’s always cool and dark here - not only vegetables and fruits love it, but also wines, canned food, and some other products | Available only in private houses or on the first floors of some high-rise buildings, however, in the latter it is quite rare |
| Pull-out metal baskets | They take up little space and are at hand. They can be replaced with wicker or plastic baskets, placing them on shelves. | They are at room temperature. |
| Rack against the wall or whatnot on wheels | Beautiful, comfortable | They require additional space |
| Canvas bags | Good for storing root vegetables. Lets air through. They don’t take up space—the empty bag can be folded compactly. | Vegetables in them are difficult to sort by type |
Several life hacks for storing vegetables in the kitchen:
- Before storing fruits and vegetables in a drawer or refrigerator, do not wash them.
- Store different types of vegetables and fruits separately.
- Ensure good air circulation in containers.
Vegetables in special bags will not expire prematurely
