Posted on July 1st, 2024. 

Are you feeling like your small kitchen could use a touch of breathing room? 

Maximizing space in a small kitchen can be a challenge, but with some clever solutions, you can make every inch count. 

From utilizing walls to investing in multi-functional furniture, there are plenty of ways to create a balance between aesthetics and functionality. 

In this blog post, we'll explore various tips and tricks to help you make the most of your small kitchen. 

Read on!  

Prioritize Vertical Space 

When you're working with a small kitchen, you need to maximize every square inch, and vertical space is one of the most underutilized assets you have. By using walls for storage, you can free up valuable counter space, making your kitchen feel less cluttered and more functional. One of the simplest small kitchen ideas is to install shelves on your walls. These shelves can be used to store anything from spices to cooking oils, pots, and pans, or even small kitchen appliances. Floating shelves are an elegant solution as well because they offer storage without taking up too much visual space, making the kitchen look bigger and more organized. Another smart option is custom cabinets that stretch up to the ceiling. These not only provide more storage but also minimize the amount of dust that can collect on top of shorter cabinets. Consider opting for glass-fronted cabinets if you want to add a sense of openness to your space while still keeping your items protected from dust and grease. 

Adding hooks underneath cabinets or along walls is another clever space-saving idea. Hooks can hold utensils, mugs, or even pots and pans, eliminating the need for a bulky utensil caddy on your counter. A magnetic strip for knives or metal utensils can also be mounted on the wall, keeping these essentials within easy reach while avoiding the need for a bulky knife block. Pegboards, which are customizable and allow for a variety of hooks and shelves, can be especially useful and add a bit of retro charm to your kitchen. Consider installing rod systems with hanging baskets or hooks to store fruits, vegetables, or kitchen tools. This not only frees up counter and cabinet space, but it also keeps your kitchen essentials easily accessible. Leaning about how to balance the aesthetics and functionality can transform your kitchen storage solutions, making meal preparation a more enjoyable experience. 

Opt for Multi-Functional Furniture 

Another key strategy for maximizing space in a small kitchen is to opt for multi-functional furniture. When each piece of furniture in your kitchen serves more than one purpose, you effectively increase the functionality of your space without adding clutter. Fold-out tables, for example, offer a practical solution. You can tuck them away when not in use and pull them out when you need additional surface area for meal prep, dining, or even as a makeshift desk if you work from home. The beauty of fold-out tables is their flexibility – they allow you to create space on demand and save it when you don’t need it. This kind of adaptability is fundamental in small kitchens where every inch counts. Kitchen islands with built-in storage are another brilliant idea. They provide you with additional countertop space while also offering cupboards, drawers, or even pull-out shelves underneath. These islands can house anything from pots and pans to pantry items, freeing up your primary cabinets and making your kitchen more organized. Some islands come with wheels, making them mobile solutions that you can reposition based on your needs at any given moment. 

Benches that open up for extra storage are also worth considering. They offer seating space while also doubling as storage bins. You can stow away seldom-used appliances, seasonal items, or even a small pantry in these benches. It’s a discreet way to keep your kitchen looking tidy while ensuring that everything has a place. Other small kitchen ideas might include wall-mounted drop-leaf tables, which can be folded down when not in use, or nesting stools and chairs that can be stacked or tucked away. When you can transform a piece of furniture to serve multiple roles, you save space and add efficiency. Combining these multi-functional pieces with the other space-saving tactics like vertical storage and hooks will give you a kitchen that's both functional and aesthetically pleasing. 

Utilize Corners Wisely 

Corner spaces are often underutilized because they’re tricky to reach, but with smart solutions like corner shelves, corner drawers, and Lazy Susans, you can make the most out of these often-neglected areas. When you install corner shelves, you immediately create additional storage that’s both functional and aesthetic. These shelves can be the perfect spot for storing small items like herbs, spices, or decorative pieces that add personality to your space. Corner shelves also guarantee that no area goes to waste, keeping your kitchen more organized and items easily accessible. Corner drawers are another ingenious solution for utilizing dead space effectively. Unlike traditional drawers that might not fully extend to the back of the cabinet, corner drawers are designed to fit into the nook perfectly, allowing you to store pots, pans, utensils, or pantry items with ease. The smooth pull-out mechanism lets you access items in one simple motion, saving you the hassle of rummaging through hard-to-reach spots. Lazy Susans are an all-time favorite for making corner cabinets more accessible. By installing a Lazy Susan in your corner cabinet, you transform the back corners into usable storage space. This rotating shelf allows you to easily access items that would otherwise be lost in the depths of your cabinet. Lazy Susans come in various sizes and styles, from full-round to kidney-shaped options, ensuring that you find the perfect fit for your storage needs. 

Another variant of corner cabinets is the diagonal cabinet. These have a 90-degree angle door that opens up to a wider access point, making it easier to store and retrieve items. Diagonal cabinets can be customized with pull-out trays, which further enhance accessibility. If you’re dealing with extremely tight spaces, a pull-out pantry can be a lifesaver. These slim, vertical drawers are designed to fit into narrow gaps that are typically found in corners or beside appliances. They glide out effortlessly to reveal shelves that can hold canned goods, spices, or other pantry items. This not only utilizes the narrow space efficiently but also keeps your kitchen essentials in plain sight and within easy reach. Wall-mounted corner shelves can also offer a stylish and practical solution for awkward corner spaces. These shelves can be crafted from wood, metal, or glass to match your kitchen’s décor and provide a place to display cookbooks, small plants, or collectibles. 

Incorporate Pull-Out Solutions 

Incorporating pull-out solutions is a brilliant way to maximize space in your small kitchen, unlocking hidden storage potential that is often overlooked. Pull-out drawers are a prime example. Unlike traditional cabinets where you can lose items to the back recesses, pull-out drawers ensure that everything is accessible at the pull of a handle. This is ideal for storing items like pots, pans, and even pantry items such as canned goods or snacks. The beauty of these drawers is not just in their capacity but also in their organizational prowess. You can incorporate dividers, stackable trays, and customizable sections to tailor the storage to your specific needs, making kitchen organization a breeze. For instance, a dedicated drawer for spices with tiered sections can keep all your seasonings in order and within sight, ending the perpetual hunt for that elusive jar of oregano. 

Pull-out pantry shelves offer massive space-saving benefits as well. These are particularly useful in narrow kitchen configurations where a traditional pantry might not fit. These shelves pull out smoothly to reveal neatly arranged categories of food items, eliminating the need to reach into the depths or shuffle items around. With everything visible and accessible, preparing meals becomes more efficient and less stressful. Consider adding pull-out systems under the sink; they can make a cramped area much more functional by storing cleaning supplies, trash bins, or extra paper towels. Cabinet inserts can elevate your efficiency further. Think about a corner pull-out system – these are ideal for stowing away those larger, bulkier items like mixers or blenders. It eliminates the dead space in corner cabinets and provides easy access without the need to bend and stretch into awkward positions. Pull-out mechanisms bring a distinct edge to how to maximize space in small kitchens. 

Invest in Small Appliances 

Another key strategy for making the most of your small kitchen is to invest in small appliances or multi-functional appliances. One excellent example is a convection microwave oven. This type of oven not only heats food quickly like a traditional microwave but also possesses the capabilities of a conventional oven, enabling you to bake, roast, and grill. This way, you get the benefits of two appliances in one, saving you both space and money. Look for models that fit neatly under your upper cabinets to keep your countertops free. Similarly, an under-counter fridge can be a brilliant addition to a small kitchen. These fridges slide seamlessly under your counter, giving you the storage you need without taking up extra room. They're especially useful in tight spaces where a full-sized refrigerator may dominate the kitchen layout. Pair an under-counter fridge with an over-counter freezer if you need additional frozen storage without sacrificing too much kitchen area. It not only helps in maximizing space in a small kitchen but also keeps essential frozen items within reach. Another compact, space-efficient appliance is a dishwasher designed for small kitchen spaces. Compact dishwashers, often just 18 inches wide, can be nestled into a narrow cabinet space. They are remarkably efficient, using less water and energy while still accommodating a significant amount of dishes. Some models can even fit on a countertop or be installed as drawer-style units. This last option allows you to run smaller loads more frequently, making your dishwashing process more efficient. All these appliances come with the perk of enhanced small appliances storage space, meaning less clutter and more room for you to move around comfortably. 

Utilize Door Space 

Another aspect when considering how to maximize storage in a small kitchen is to utilize the often-overlooked backs of your cabinet doors. This is prime real estate that can be harnessed to significantly boost your storage without adding any bulky furniture or sacrificing counter space. For starters, consider installing door-mounted spice racks. This simple addition can free up a considerable amount of shelf space inside your cabinets, keeping your spices organized and within easy reach while cooking. If you're someone who struggles with finding the right spice at a moment's notice, you'll find this change remarkably satisfying. Tthe backs of cabinet doors can accommodate rod systems for hanging cleaning supplies. Attach a rod and a few hooks, and suddenly, you have a designated spot for spray bottles, gloves, and even dish towels. This keeps the area under your sink less cluttered and more organized. For those who need extra room for utensils, small bins or baskets mounted on the inside of cabinet doors can be a lifesaver. These bins are perfect for storing items like measuring spoons, small gadgets, or even cutting boards, ensuring they don’t consume precious drawer or counter space. 

In addition to making the most of cabinet doors, other small kitchen tricks include combining these strategies with custom cabinets designed to fit your space perfectly. Custom cabinetry provides the flexibility to incorporate unique, space-saving features that off-the-shelf options might lack. The ability to tailor your storage solutions to your exact needs can make a world of difference in a small kitchen. Adjustable shelving is another smart feature to consider. Using cabinet inserts with adjustable heights allows you to customize your storage and maximize every inch of space. For example, you can adjust the shelves to fit taller items, like blender jars or cereal boxes, preventing wasted vertical space. Pull-out shelving and drawers can also make deep cabinets more accessible, preventing items from getting lost in the back. Lastly, don't overlook the potential of magnetic strips or metal plate systems attached to the backs of doors. These can hold metallic utensils, knives, or even spice jars with magnetic lids. By organizing your kitchen layers, utilizing vertical spaces, and smart storage systems like door-mounted fixtures, you’ll find your small kitchen can be just as functional and enjoyable as a larger one. 

It’s the little details that can make a significant difference. With thoughtfully designed custom cabinets, you address all your specific needs, optimizing every nook and cranny of your small kitchen. Whether it's using the undersides of your cabinet doors for extra storage or incorporating pull-out shelves for easier access, every bit of customized space can make your kitchen a sanctuary of efficiency and elegance. 

Wrapping Up 

Don’t let a limited kitchen size hold you back. Practical strategies combined with quality custom cabinets can revolutionize how you work and live in your kitchen every day. Imagine having cabinets that seamlessly integrate with your walls, ceiling, and even those tricky corners. With glass-fronted cabinets, you can maintain an open feel while keeping everything orderly. This not only declutters but also enriches your space with a touch of sophistication. 

At Tramco Kitchen and Bath, we curate an extensive selection of cabinets sourced from diverse manufacturers and distributors. This guarantees a broad array of styles, finishes, and options at competitive prices. Plus, our cabinet suppliers ensure quick delivery times. Using our cutting-edge 3D design capabilities, you can envision your dream kitchen before it comes to life. Ready to turn your small kitchen into a highly functional and stylish space? Explore your options with our cabinets. 

Contact Us Now! 

Reach us at +1 (509) 255-3904 or [email protected]. Your ideal kitchen awaits, tailored just for you.