Kitchen is undoubtedly the heart of your home and it is one space that keeps everyone and everything else in the house running smoothly. No matter how small or large a kitchen is, there are plenty of smart solutions that help it make a whole lot brighter, space-savvy and organized. While these clever ideas are often relegated to the small and modest kitchens, they also work very well in larger kitchens that are in need of a quick makeover. Everything from mirrored finishes to nifty corner shelves and ergonomic design, can help you with this makeover.
White ceiling provides a lovely backdrop for the pendants to shine through [From: HouseUP]
This is a look at 75 kitchens that have been transformed using these clever ideas that vary from those that visually make it larger to ones that truly expand its storage and organizational capacities. Different things work in different kitchens and a lot depends on your budget, style and space constraints that you have to work around. Step in and discover the very best –
We always talk about making a kitchen seem much bigger than it really is. This comes by adding light to the kitchen in a proper fashion and ensuring that there are no dull corners anywhere. A good way to bring this brightness to your existing kitchen is a mirrored backsplash. These come in multiple ways – from mirrors that create a cool backsplash to painted backsplash that are uber-glossy. If the backsplash does not feel like a thing you would want to alter, then try ultra-trendy kitchen islands draped in glass surfaces. These of course, are not homes with kids or pets and see ample traffic!
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Mirrored backsplash in this traditional kitchen creates the perception of more space on offer [From: The Cousins]Reflective brilliance of the kitchen island steals the spotlight here [From: Architology]Shiny shade of black in the backdrop brings brightness to this small kitchenSkylight and mirror backsplash transform this once dark and boring kitchen [From: Martins Camisuli Architects]Small modern kitchen of Melbourne home with a mirrored backsplash [From: Individual Design & Construction]Smart mirrored backsplash for the small white kitchen [From: Damco Kitchens]Stunning use of mirrored surfaces in the kitchen along with outdoorsy charm to enliven the kitchen [From: RAAarchitects / Susan Murray Photography]Gorgeous gold mirrored tiles for a sensational kitchen backsplashIt is hard to miss the class mirror backsplash in this small contemporary kitchenKitchen island with a mirrored finish is a showstopper indeed [From: MASSIMO interiors]
Islands on the Move
Creating space in the small kitchen means keeping things fluid and ensuring that every square footage of space is used to hilt. Most modern kitchens embrace the smart island; no matter how small they are. Instead of the conventional kitchen island, opt for one on wheels that gives the kitchen an adaptable floor plan. The island can be moved around with ease and in some designs, they can simply be tucked underneath the kitchen counter when not in use. From the slim and stylish to the versatile and modular, these islands on wheels offer great convenience even while maximizing space.
Kitchen island on wheels with breakfast bar for the small kitchen [From: Louise Lakier]Mobile kitchen island that can be tucked away when not in use [From: Mascheroni Construction]Open shelf space below the kitchen island helps you put away pots and pans with ease [From: Colin Cadle Photography]Slim island on wheels for the stylish single-wall kitchen that saves space in modern apartments [From: Laurence Pidgeon]Small kitchen in white and blue with an adaptable kitchen island on wheels! [From: aegis interior design]Tiny white kitchen island on wheels offers design flexibility along with contemporary styleTwo narrow, custom-built kitchen islands on wheels are perfect for the small kitchenVersatile island on wheels brings counter and storage space to the small modern kitchen [From: Anastasia Faiella Interior Design]Choose an island on wheels that adds to the color scheme of the kitchen [From: Martina Oh photography]Custom kitchen island on wheels with pegboard offers multiple storage options [From: Sustainable Kitchens]Glittering penny-tiled backdrop and narrow island on wheels for the small kitchen [From: Teri Fotheringham Photography]
We are big fans of kitchens that fully utilize the wall space available and this is a great way to give the kitchen a brighter look while de-cluttering the space. Slim floating shelves are a popular option in here and they come in wide range of forms and with diverse finishes to fit in with varying styles. Wall-mounted modular cabinets are another alternative that provide closed storage options and you can even use pegboards in the kitchen to make things far more fluid.
RELATED: 10 Small Pantry Ideas for an Organized, Space-Savvy Kitchen
Series of floating shelves, closed cabinets and more make most of the wall space in this kitchenSlim wooden shelves make most of the limited space in the modest white kitchen [From: Design Shop Interiors]Smart shelves in the corner make the most of vertical room on offer [From: Martins Camisuli Architects]Stunning Kitchen island with suspended shelves above [From: Actual-Size Architecture]Wood and metal shelves hanging from the ceiling make a big impression [From: Samuel Design Group]Adaptable shelf design ensures that the space above the countertop is utilized to the fullest [From: Illuminee Lighting]DIY organizational idea for the small and slim kitchenFabulous use of sleek wooden floating shelves to maximize spaceImpressive and ingenious use of space inside the small kitchen of Barcelona apartmentMetal pipe and wood floating shelves for the tiny kitchen
Time to Revamp the Kitchen Corners
Do not forget the potential that corners hold in the kitchen. This is one space that is often neglected because most homeowners cannot come up with creative solutions that maximize corners. Start with something simple like curved corner shelves and if you can add a window above them, then the kitchen would feel even more spacious. On the lower end of things, a set of sliding drawers that disappear when not in use add to the storage options on offer. A smart sink in the corner or even kitchen appliances that are placed snugly along with a series of drawers can free up space elsewhere.
Curved corner drawers make for an ergonomic addition that maximizes spaceDo not neglect the ample space that corners offer in tiny kitchensExtensive shelving transforms the small kitchen corner [From: Busby Cabinets]Fabulous use of corner space in the kitchen with the help of shelves and drawersLazy Susan is a great way to maximize the corner potentialMaximizing the kitchen corners with open shelves above and closed drawers below [From: Nest Pretty Things]More traditional approach to making most of the kitchen corners [From: Marlene Wangenheim AKBD]Ultra-tiny kitchen with corner shelving that adds plenty of space [From: The Tiny Project]Versatile modern corner drawers make sure every inch of space is used to the hiltA sink in the corner along with the window above frees up space in the kitchenCorner here holds everything from drawers and cabinet to a microwave as well!Corner range and hood is an idea that saves precious square footage
This might not be a solution for every kitchen, but a space with sliding or vaulted ceiling is one that feels a lot larger than those with flat ceilings above. A double-height kitchen always looks spacious no matter how small it is and then you always have the option of adding skylights that enliven the entire space. A ceiling dotted with skylights offers a wonderful blend of natural and task lighting in the kitchen. Serving well both aesthetically and functionally, this is a brilliant way to brighten your kitchen and quickly!
RELATED: Storage Solutions: Trendy Kitchen Islands with Space-Savvy Cabinets
Fabulous rustic kitchen with skylights that add style and brightness [From: Kenneth Davis Lux International]Keeping the backdrop white adds to the spacious appeal of the kitchenModern farmhouse kitchen with sloped ceiling and wooden beams [From: Nar Design Group]Perfect way to bring light and brightness to the small kitchen in white [From: Knickerbocker Group]Skylight and double-height kitchen give this interior a spacious vibe [From: Mikhail Riches]Smart ceiling design brings light to the traditional kitchen in whiteVaulted ceiling with skylights is a great way to add vertical space to the modest kitchen [From: David Churchill – Architectural Photographer]Ceiling windows bring the outdoors inside to give the kitchen a spacious appeal [From: Bolton Chalklin Architects]
When the World Adds to your Kitchen!
This is another wonderful way to expand the horizons of your kitchen and give its limited space a generous face-lift. Kitchens that open up into the deck outside, rear garden or the patio just beyond are quickly becoming the norm. These not only create a seamless indoor-outdoor interface, but they also add visual space to the kitchen and make it seem a lot more spacious. If you do not have the luxury of creating this cool connection with the outdoors, add windows that bring the sights and sounds inside.
Gorgeous atrium brings light and a sense of spaciousness to the small kitchen in whiteKitchen here feels as much as an outdoor addition as it does as a part of the interior!Lovely kitchen and dining area take in the gorgeous view on offerModern kitchens extend outside thanks to a seamless indoor-outdoor interplayReflective brilliance of sliding glass doors adds visual space to even the tiniest of kitchensSliding glass doors turn the modest kitchen into a spacious setting with colors of nature added to itSmall kitchen and breakfast zone connected with the pool area and deck outside at this Mexican homeTranslucent glass panes bring light into this modest kitchen that also acts as workspaceUse windows and doors to open up the small kitchen if you do not have a big yard to rely onView of the forest from the kitchen makes a big difference to its ambianceWhite and the view outside bring spaciousness to this Mediterranean style kitchenEven a small kitchen looks amazing with a view like this!Fabulous little kitchen with polished concrete floor and plywood cabinets and walls
Ways to Declutter and Create Space
The idea of de-cluttering your kitchen to make it seem more spacious might not feel revolutionary as such. But it still is something that holds true and is often the first starting point for those who want a more efficient and space-savvy kitchen. We suggest you get rid of everything that you do not need and tuck away the rarely used pots and pans in the top shelf. A simple rack for the commonly used pots and pans helps clean up the station while ideas like pegboard walls, series of storage baskets and contains and open floating shelves combine to shape the perfect kitchen.
RELATED: Small Stainless Steel Islands for the Space-Savvy Modern Kitchen
Multi-level kitchen cart on wheels offers flexible storagePantry shelves that disappear into the walls keep the kitchen organized [From: Don Foote Contracting]Pegboard used to hang pots and pans in the kitchenSingle-wall kitchen with multiple storage and shelf options [From: Veronica Rodriguez Interior Photography]Smart arrangement of pots and pans in the ultra-tiny kitchen [From: Patty Kennedy Interiors]Stunning custom unit offers multiple storage options in a small space [From: Design Harmony]Adding a series of shelves and cabinets to improve storage options in the small kitchenFabulous kitchen in blue and white with custom storage unitHanging the pots and pans at the side of the kitchen island to save space [From: Neiman Taber Architects]Jars, baskets and open shelves offer ample storage and display space
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The Good Haus celebrates the intersection between design and performance – and seeks to be an example of a “good house”. The house is the family home of principals Mela Breen and David Good (designer and builder) – and playfully gets it’s moniker from Dave’s last name. So what is our idea of a good house? In this case it is one that is pushing the possibilities of a site specific design while holding itself accountable to reaching the highest level of energy efficiency. Our good house is one that embodies our beliefs about resiliency, efficiency, health and comfort, beauty and playfulness. The DNA for the Good Haus is established by the site, a steep and rocky hillside that spills down onto a small neighboring foothill meadow. A limited buildable footprint, season drainage concerns, and an inviting flat outcrop of granite drove the initial design. Two intersecting geometric volumes were conceived, each reaching out to connect the building to the landscape, each intersecting the other and providing counter balance. The main first floor volume is a long south facing rectangle that stretches and anchors in the granite. A deep west facing porch protects the house from overheating, bridges a rocky drainage and links the open floor plan to the landscape with a large outdoor living space. The second floor volume runs perpendicular to the main living space and cantilevers to create a covered north entry, while a balcony on the south side cantilevers towards the oak canopy – creating a sense that the master bedroom is in a tree house. The exterior material pallet is in keeping with our love for the handmade modern. Cedar siding from trees grown on Mela’s childhood property and milled by her father is mixed with standing seam metal roofing that turns downing to clad the walls as a way to articulate the building form. Because the topography falls roughly 12’ over the relatively narrow width of the house, and the granite spine to the west hinted at what might lay below the soils (giant boulders and bedrock), we opted to build the first floor primarily on a steel pier and beam structure with a metal pan deck. This allows the building to float above the rocky drainage. The complexity of the design, with its cantilevers and steel deck foundation, require a heightened attention to the air sealing and insulation details. The super insulated, air-tight building envelope is wrapped in exterior Rockwool insulation, all the connections between interior and exterior structural members are meticulously detailed to avoid thermal bridges, and triple pane European windows and doors are used to maximize light, comfort, and performance. A CO2 heat pump water heater provides the most efficient domestic hot water delivery. Balanced heat recovery ventilation offers high indoor air quality and uniform temperature distribution. Indoor climate control is provided by super efficient ductless mini splits. A 6.5 kw roof mounted photovoltaic system is installed to offset the home’s energy usage (including the charging of an electric car) – creating a zero net energy building.
