How to make the best use of space in a cramped or small kitchen

To increase the available size of a cramped kitchen, consider incorporating space from other rooms and underused exterior spaces to create a larger kitchen.

 

BEFORE and AFTER: It's easy to install a new kitchen without changing the floor plan of an existing space. In fact, it's far cheaper to do it this way to avoid costs on moving water and electrical supply.

Ideas for enlarging your kitchen

The good news is that in addition to planning your dream kitchen, you also can improve the livability of surrounding rooms when you enlarge the hub of your home. A new kitchen may help you right the architectural wrongs of earlier eras, such as too little natural light and boxed-in spaces.

To expand your kitchen, using existing space may be the most affordable option. Generally, it's not as expensive as adding on. Renovation and improvement costs can soar when limited access to the site means building supplies must be hand-carried. Houses with setback or view-obstruction restrictions simply may not accommodate exterior changes, so annexing existing rooms is the only option.

Keep in mind that your expanded kitchen can replace the function of whatever room you take over. Space occupied by a small den, for example, may be put to better use as kitchen space if you allow for casual seating and a desk area in the new design. Careful planning and the use of built-ins can help you fit a multitude of conveniences into a small amount of borrowed space.

You may have heard that keeping appliances and fixtures in their original locations can save on plumbing and wiring costs. However, if those locations contribute to your kitchen dysfunction, you won't solve problems by keeping things where they are. Usually with a new kitchen, you'll probably need new wiring and plumbing anyway.

BEFORE and AFTER: One of the easiest ways to bring more light into a dark kitchen i to clear any obstructions from the windows. By flipping the locations of the stove and the refrigerator, light can now pour right in and make room for more functional counter space and storage.

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Maximizing space in a kitchen

Consider incorporating space from other rooms and underused exterior spaces to create a larger kitchen. When taking over other areas, remember to account for transition spaces - doorways from the garage to the kitchen or from the kitchen to the garden, for example. Sometimes, relocating doorways is the answer, allowing you to create unbroken wall space.

BEFORE and AFTER: To make the design of this kitchen more practical, the door (on the left) was moved down slightly and the stove re-positioned to allow for more storage space to be installed.

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Should you decide that an addition is the best way to allow for more space, spend adequate time planning to blend the new with the old. Try to get the appropriate trim and fittings to make the addition look the same age as the existing house.

Whether you decide to add on or use existing space - be patient. Have enough money and enough time to do the job right.

A tiny space doesn't need to bulk up dramatically to pack a big design punch, as evidenced by the transformation of this kitchen. The kitchen doubled in size when the homeowners claimed an unused bedroom in their home.

BEFORE and AFTER: This small u-shaped kitchen is given more space by knocking down the wall between the kitchen and dining room. Other than that, it's only a few other cosmetic touches that are added: new lights, open shelves, etc.