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!
RELATED: 30 Best Kitchen Trends for Spring 2019: Space-Savvy and Practical Ideas
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
You’re reading 75 Small Kitchen Solutions to Make Them Brighter and Space-Savvy, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.
Originally built as a modest beachfront cabin in the 1960s and subsequently modified through a series of piecemeal renovations, by the time the client acquired the house its design integrity had long ceased to exist. The forested one-acre property, however, was ideally suited to the creation of a quiet refuge with direct connections to nature. The path from street to house is conceived as a journey where work and public life give way to nature and private reflection. The 60-foot change in elevation from entry drive to water’s edge, was not without challenges. The upper driveway is transformed into a winding forest drive, while the final steps to the house pass through a series of intimate landscapes. A two-story glazed entry provides glimpses through the house to the water from the moment one enters the site. “To preserve the original view experience,” notes Brett Baba, principal architect for the project, “we carved big glass slots through the house both vertically and horizontally so a visitor can see right through to the water as they descend to the house.” Planted roof surfaces help to merge the house with its setting. Inside, the house was taken back to the studs and completely reworked. Previously lacking visual connections to the lake, all major interior spaces were reoriented to the views. “One of the most challenging aspects of this project,” adds Baba, “was the limited buildable area of the site. The homeowner had an ambitious program, so we needed to be creative in finding ways to solve space needs and elevate the quality of the space we had.” The main floor and formal entry, the middle of the house’s three floors, serve as the public zone of the house. Here, spaces including the galley kitchen and breakfast room, and dining and living, which flow one to the other. A small guest room rounds out the main floor. A second floor was added to provide separation for private spaces, and includes the master suite and kids bedrooms. The staircase connecting the floors was conceived as a set of wood slabs (fumed white oak) that appear to float within a wood enclosure. The partial, below-grade basement, was previously closed off from the waterfront. The space now opens directly to the water, enabling activities to flow from inside to outside. The basement provides family-oriented spaces including the family room, gym, wine room, kitchenette, laundry, powder bath and playroom for the children. Family room furnishing are simple, dominated by an L-shaped sofa, and a large television above a fireplace—a “hangout area” for the kids. Baba and Hunziker worked closely with the homeowner on the selection of finishes. “He pushed us to explore the most elegant design that we could,” notes Baba. “He has great taste and was open to very sophisticated finishes and details” Materially rich finishes—such as polished concrete, stone, cerused rift white oak and fumed oak, and blackened steel—balance the otherwise crisp and spare detailing found throughout the house. Everything from door pulls to sink faucet levers were meticulously designed, detailed, and fabricated. Stand out features include the staircase with floating wood slabs, custom bead-blasted nickel hardware, an oversized Japanese soaking tub, and sliding leather paneled pocket doors to master bedroom and bathroom. Concealed doors and integrated handrails reinforce the minimal aesthetic without sacrificing rich materiality. Outside, variously-sized, dark-stained cedar siding provides subtle dimension and shadow effects. Cor-Ten siding wraps selected portions of the exterior to articulate the composition and massing. Integrated sun shades and fins on all west-facing windows marry function with aesthetics, adding visual texture while mitigating direct sun exposure. Graham Baba Architects team
Brett Baba, design principal
Francesco Borghesi, project team
Noreen Shinohara, project team Project team
Graham Baba Architects (architecture)
Terry Hunziker Inc. (interiors)
CPL (civil engineer)
Carissa Farkas (structural engineer)
Geotech Consultants (geotechnical engineer)
Rich Haag and Associates / Anne James Landscape Architect (landscape architecture)
Brian Hood (lighting design)
Lockhart | Suver LLC (contractor)
Fleetwood USA (windows and selected doors)
Modern interiors have moved slowly and steadily away from the polished and neutral world of beige, white and cream and into a realm that is lot more exciting, varied and filled with textural contrast. A big reason for this is the way in which old buildings are being reused and renovated to suit a more […]
You’re reading A Bit of Brick for the Entryway: From Beautiful Walls to Lasting Floors!, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.