How to Increase Space in a Small Kitchen Without Extensive Remodeling

If you have a small kitchen and are frustrated by the lack of space, I have good news. There are ways to increase space (or at least increase the illusion of space) without extensive remodeling. All you need is a creative eye—and, of course, this handy article.

The first step if you want to increase space in a small kitchen is to stop thinking in terms of barriers. Walls, tables, cabinets and appliances don’t have to hinder your creative ploys to increase available space, and some things can be adjusted to create more square footage. In addition, the use of flooring, paint, wallpaper, light fixtures and even natural light can change the way your small kitchen appears to the casual—or even intimate—observer.

Lose the Table

You don’t need a full-fledged breakfast table in your small kitchen to enjoy it. In fact, chairs and a table can consume up to 50% of your entire kitchen. Instead, how about constructing a corner booth next to the kitchen window, or building a ledge off your kitchen island for barstools and an eating area? This will increase space exponentially, but won’t eliminate a place for you and your family to dine.

Combine Rooms

If you don’t use your dining room for dinners on a regular basis, you can combine the kitchen and dining room to increase space. This might qualify as extensive remodeling if a structural wall separates the two, but you can minimize the costs by leaving a partial wall—either vertically or horizontally. And if you’re worried about losing cabinetry, you can create a small peninsula off one wall for additional culinary storage.

Annex Adjacent Rooms

If you have a really small kitchen and you need to increase space for additional storage or counters, you can always annex adjacent rooms to increase the square footage of your kitchen. For example, a mudroom that is next to the kitchen can easily be converted into a new breakfast area, leaving the rest of the kitchen for cabinets and appliances. Or, you can use the storage space in your laundry room to house things like indoor grills, blenders, and coffee makers.

Remove French Doors

You can also increase the space in your small kitchen by replacing French doors and sliding doors with single exterior doors. This will free up valuable wall space that can be used for counters and appliances, as well as your breakfast table. The same can be said for large windows that can be replaced by additional walls.

Buy Counter-Depth Appliances

Large refrigerators, dishwashers and ovens can eat up valuable room, so increase space in your small kitchen by purchasing counter-depth appliances. You’ll be surprised how much roomier your kitchen feels with its new appliances, and you won’t be bumping into your family members while you’re trying to prepare dinner.

Open the Rooms

Although this isn’t an extensive remodel, it can cost more than the above tips, but if you only need to create the illusion of extra space in your small kitchen, try knocking out walls and opening up your floor plan. If the kitchen opens to the great room or living area, it will seem bigger even though you haven’t increased the square footage.