16 Jul Maximising your space: How to effectively design a small kitchen

Posted at 15:32h in Our Stories Featured by fantastic

Maximising your space: How to effectively design a small kitchen

Are you looking for a brand new, small kitchen but not sure how to get the most out of limited space? It can feel daunting when embarking on a new kitchen project, but at Prestons Kitchens, our friendly and expert design team is here to guide you through every step of the process. We take the time to understand your wants and needs, how you live in your home and use your space, so we can create a number of design options that deliver the wow factor you’ve always dreamt of!

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of top tips to consider when redesigning your small kitchen. Take a look below:

1- Choose streamlined, galley kitchen layouts

With many variations in kitchen designs on the market, it can be difficult to know which will fit your limited space better, and having the right layout can make all the difference. A galley kitchen is named after the small kitchen generally found on ships, where space is very limited. This makes them the perfect design choice for small kitchens as they consist of two parallel runs of units, with a narrow walkway in between – allowing for maximal counter space as possible.

To make this design even more effective, you could incorporate floor to ceiling cabinets to maximise storage and space. Using handle-less doors or drawers, or those with integrated handles, creates a clean, minimalist aesthetic, emphasising sleek lines and a sense of spaciousness.

2- Try the working triangle theory

For small kitchens, it’s important that everything you want is in reach. This is where the ‘working triangle’ theory comes in! The classic design places your fridge, oven and sink in a triangle for efficient workflow. So, whether you love to host, or enjoy spending time in the kitchen, the working triangle makes cooking much smoother and more enjoyable, meaning you can get the most out of your new kitchen.

When designing a small kitchen, it’s important that not only is it beautiful, but it has all the functionality you need. Our design team here at Prestons will help to ensure that all necessary appliances are easy to access, meaning you get the most satisfaction out of your new kitchen with no bad choices or regrets.

3- Decorate with light colours

When you have a small kitchen, it helps if the room feels light and bright, so that your new space feels welcoming and you get the most out of your investment. To do this, our design team will work with you to ensure the walls, floors and cabinets are shades that match your own personal style. The right colour can make all the difference in a small kitchen, so finding one that matches you, and your home is important to us. If you prefer some contrast in tones or darker colours, we can balance this with lighter cabinets and walls so that your kitchen looks and feels as large as possible.

Our team will also discuss varying counter finishes with you, as satin or silk finishes often reflect light internally, making the entire room feel brighter and more inviting.

4-Make use of vertical space

Where space is limited, go up! Rather than lining the entire room with cabinets on the floor, why not incorporate some taller units or install hooks and rails to hang pots and pans on. This added storage space should be maximised for its potential, ensuring every square foot of your space is utilised so you can get the most out of your new kitchen. Not only can these features add a unique touch to your design, but it also improves the practicality of your small kitchen where you can keep utensils off the kitchen counter, making the space look and feel uncluttered and clean. With the perfect storage solutions, the Prestons team can ensure your new kitchen is organised and exactly what you’ve always dreamed of.

5- Use lighting to your advantage

If you’re struggling to incorporate natural light into your kitchen design, why not look at using lighting fixtures to your advantage. Good lighting is essential to brighten up a room especially in a small kitchen, and under cabinet LED light strips can create a uniform and glare-free work area. At Prestons, we can also lighten the top handle profile on base units, which adds to the inviting ambience of even the smallest kitchen.

Take a look at our range of lighting options which you can incorporate into any kitchen design.

How we work with you to maximise your dreams small kitchen

Your dream kitchen, your budget – that’s the Prestons Promise.

Regardless of the size of your kitchen, small medium or large, our dedicated team will work with you to ensure you get the exact kitchen you’ve always wanted, on a budget you can afford. If you’re considering Wrens, Howdens or Magnet kitchens, pop into one of our showrooms today to find out how at Prestons, the quality of our kitchens is never at the detriment of a smaller budget; your satisfaction is always guaranteed.

Deciding to renovate even a small kitchen is a huge decision, that’s why our consultation and design visits are all free of charge, to make sure we understand your needs, lifestyle and the space you’re working with. Once your kitchen is designed, our expert German-trained manufacturing team will create, deliver and install your kitchen – all-inclusive of one price, there’s no hidden costs or extras.

Get started and book your free design consultation today or pop into one of our four showrooms to experience the Prestons difference.