The first and foremost question that you need to address is why you are currently opting for a kitchen renovation. There can be a variety of reasons, but most of them will include either cramped space, lack of smart storage options, reduced functionality and a look that is not trendy anymore. A culmination of these or even any one of the above should be enough for you to go for a renovation that suits your needs. But remember that you need to convey what you are looking for to your designer, clearly, so that you get the results you want.
Bring in more natural light: The more light you can get in a small kitchen, the better - and natural light is excellent for this purpose. Nice big windows are the best way to go, so if you can increase the size of the window in your kitchen this is a great start (although it's a pretty complicated thing to do). Even if you can't do that, removing overhead cabinets that directly flank your kitchen window on either side can help disperse light more evenly. A roof window / skylight can make a massive difference too, if you've got the budget for it.
Use clever cupboard hardware: One of the biggest issues with kitchen cupboards is that deep, inaccessible corners are hard to reach - and they waste space. Lazy susans, pull out pantries and other contraptions of a similar nature are called 'speciality hardware' - and there are some engineering masterpieces on offer these days. Even just installing nice big drawers down low can make things far easier to reach. Sometimes it pays off to install wider cabinets and drawers too. A 900mm drawer or cabinet door is likely to cost less than twice the price of one that's 450mm.
Use freestanding cabinetry: This works for the same reason that open faced wall cabinets do. Freestanding cabinetry's basically cabinets that don't have kickboards - and they give the impression of more space at floor level. Think carefully about task lighting: One of the problems with small kitchen spaces is that you're going to have a lot of shadows going everywhere.
Smaller, shallower or 'open' overhead cabinets: Overhead cabinets usually sit at around eye level for most of us, so they tend to be right in your face when you're in a small kitchen. Shrinking them upwards (i.e. making some more room between the bench and the bottom of the cabinets) will help to make your small kitchen feel a bit more spacious. The same can be said of making them slightly shallower, so that they don't jut out quite as much from the wall. Likewise, leaving them 'open' (i.e. without a door) or using see-through doors can also give the impression of a bit more space.
Bring in more natural light: The more light you can get in a small kitchen, the better - and natural light is excellent for this purpose. Nice big windows are the best way to go, so if you can increase the size of the window in your kitchen this is a great start (although it's a pretty complicated thing to do). Even if you can't do that, removing overhead cabinets that directly flank your kitchen window on either side can help disperse light more evenly. A roof window / skylight can make a massive difference too, if you've got the budget for it.
Use clever cupboard hardware: One of the biggest issues with kitchen cupboards is that deep, inaccessible corners are hard to reach - and they waste space. Lazy susans, pull out pantries and other contraptions of a similar nature are called 'speciality hardware' - and there are some engineering masterpieces on offer these days. Even just installing nice big drawers down low can make things far easier to reach. Sometimes it pays off to install wider cabinets and drawers too. A 900mm drawer or cabinet door is likely to cost less than twice the price of one that's 450mm.
Use freestanding cabinetry: This works for the same reason that open faced wall cabinets do. Freestanding cabinetry's basically cabinets that don't have kickboards - and they give the impression of more space at floor level. Think carefully about task lighting: One of the problems with small kitchen spaces is that you're going to have a lot of shadows going everywhere.
Smaller, shallower or 'open' overhead cabinets: Overhead cabinets usually sit at around eye level for most of us, so they tend to be right in your face when you're in a small kitchen. Shrinking them upwards (i.e. making some more room between the bench and the bottom of the cabinets) will help to make your small kitchen feel a bit more spacious. The same can be said of making them slightly shallower, so that they don't jut out quite as much from the wall. Likewise, leaving them 'open' (i.e. without a door) or using see-through doors can also give the impression of a bit more space.
About the Author:
Loreley G. Weidner has spent the past 10 years helping individuals choose the best Home remodelling carpenters. He now uses his experience and expertise to assist groups in short-listing the leader in Kitchen and Bathroom remodelling for them. If you would like to learn more about Top Custom Bathroom Vanities he suggests you click here for more information.
No comments:
Post a Comment