How To Make Your Kitchen Feel Twice the Size—Without Knocking Down Walls By Realtor.com

If you have a small kitchen but don’t want to (or simply can’t) knock down walls to expand, don’t fret. There are plenty of ways you can transform it into a bigger, more functional space without adding more square footage.

And best of all, many of them are affordable and don’t require a gut job or an expensive contractor.

With a bit of patience and creativity, your kitchen can quickly become the favorite room in your home.

A larger kitchen starts with small updates

You don’t have to do anything too wild to give your kitchen a spacious look and feel. Small updates can turn a small, cramped room into a larger one that suits your unique personality and lifestyle. It’s all about using your space effectively.  

Here are some expert tips to help you do just that:

Choose the right colors

“Lighter colors—think whites, creams and soft neutrals—help reflect both natural and artificial light, creating a bright, spacious feel,” says Lisbeth Parada, color marketing manager at Krylon and Dutch Boy Paints in Cleveland.

They also recede visually, making walls and surfaces feel farther away, which can make a small room feel larger than it is. Another advantage: Light hues are timeless and versatile, so you can change up decor elements quickly and easily.

“While dark moody colors like navy blue, maroon and dark walnut are currently popular, this is a trend you should avoid if you want to make your kitchen look larger,” explains Robbie Maynard, principal and interior designer at Robbie Maynard Interiors in San Diego. She adds that light colors in turn reflect more light, which can also add dimension to your room.

Keep counters clutter free 

Clutter makes a space feel smaller than it is because it gives the eyes too many items to focus on. In fact, it can often make you feel claustrophobic.

“Utilizing hidden storage and putting away counter items helps expand the feel of the kitchen,” says Denine Jackson, owner of Deinine Jackson Interiors in Buffalo, NY. If you have many small appliances, hiding them in a pantry or appliance garage cabinet can do wonders. 

Rethink traditional appliances

Replace microwaves and wall ovens with 5-in-1 ovens that can act as a convection oven, toaster oven, warming/proofing oven, precision cook oven, and microwave.

“This eliminates the need for an above-counter, below-counter, or over-the-range microwave oven,” explains Jackson. You could also invest in a counter depth or slim profile fridge to gain some space and improve your kitchen’s workflow.

Be strategic with your island and/or dining set

If you have an island in your kitchen, use backless counter stools and tuck them underneath it to create a more open feel.

“Have a dining set in your kitchen? Keep it simple and not too bulky in one neutral off white color,” says Maynard. You may also eliminate the dining set altogether, especially if you have a formal dining room or somewhere else you can eat. This will offer extra space and create a more open feel.

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Source: www.realtor.com