SMALL KITCHEN IDEAS
Photo by {ASSORTMENT Blog}
Seven years ago, I moved into my very own house and immediately started looking for small kitchen ideas. I had just downsized after a divorce and my new house was about 1/4 the size of my previous one, so I needed to use the available space in the best way possible.
Overall, I find that being creative with using space is key to living in a small house, and I am pretty sure that I am an expert at it!
I do want to point out the picture above from Assortment. That kitchen is in a 665 square foot house! I recommend hopping over to their blog since there are so many good ideas for living small. Very inspiring!
OK, back to small kitchens (and houses).
One very important factor in living small is getting rid of the excess. When I first moved into my house, I actually had room on my shelves, even though my house was much smaller than my previous one. After garage sales, dump runs, and thrift store drop-offs, I only had the goods that I needed and loved, and it felt great. After 7 years, I think I need to go through stuff again, not because I have overstuffed shelves, but because I have a lot of stuff I don’t use. And it just sits on shelves, taking up space.
SMALL KITCHEN IDEAS ON A BUDGET
DIY $350 Kitchen Makeover by {Serena Joyce}
6 Ways to Elevate Tiny Kitchen Design by {The Ginger Home}
Chic Farmhouse Kitchen by {Shelterness}
One of the bigger challenges with a small kitchen is where to put everything. This is where the idea of “a place for everything and everything in its place” is helpful. Some of us have the budget to remodel the space and create a new layout, but many of us need to use what we have to the fullest.
When the latter is the case, the best thing you can do is to keep what you need and get rid of the rest.
Most of us have way too many kitchen gadgets, even duplicates of some. We don’t need it all, just the items we use regularly.
Click here to read Kitchen Storage Ideas for lots of tips and tricks to get you started.
Kitchen Trends by {Style by Emily Henderson}
SMALL KITCHEN DESIGN
Our Apartment by {Black and Blooms}
Tiny Home Tour by {Camille Styles}
Neutral Farmhouse Kitchen by {Shelterness}
Concrete Countertops by {Remodelaholic}
Small Modern Farmhouse Kitchen by {Shelterness}
Painted Kitchen Countertops by {The Kitchn}
How to Live with a Small Kitchen by {DIY Passion}
A Welcoming Farmhouse Kitchen by {Shelterness}
SMALL KITCHEN MAKEOVERS ON A BUDGET
Painted Kitchen Countertops by {Ugly Duckling House}
White Farmhouse Kitchen by {Shelterness}
When it comes to getting organized and figuring out what you need, here are some tips to get you started:
- Take some time to figure out what you NEED. Go through all of the goods and make a pile of the necessary items. This will help you to decide how much space you need for it all and whether you will need to add storage to make it all fit.
- Create piles of what can be donated/given away or thrown in the trash. If you haven’t used an item for years, it can definitely be gotten rid of. Often, we are worried that if we throw something away, we will need it again in the future. Simply keep your goal in mind: a functional kitchen for today. This makes giving things away a bit easier.
- Once you know what you are keeping, figure out if your kitchen has room for it all. Do you need to make some changes? Do you need to add storage? Will a standing pantry solve a problem? Or a hanging pot rack? Or an island?
- Keep only frequently used items on your kitchen counter. If you only use a rice cooker once a month, find a spot for it in the cupboards. Don’t drink coffee every morning? Store the coffee maker somewhere besides the counter. This helps to create a workable area that makes cooking and cleaning simple rather than cluttered.
Help! I Don’t Have a Kitchen by {My Wee Abode}
Chalkboard Painted Countertops and Open Shelving by {Assortment Blog}
Cozy Farmhouse Kitchen Decor by {Shelterness}
Insta-Worthy Kitchen by {Apartment Therapy}
Farmhouse Style Kitchen by {Harper House}
One of my favorite things in my small kitchen is the island. Not only does it add workspace, but I can also use it to hold decorative items when I am not using it. The couple that owned my house prior to me built the island from scratch.
Building an island can be a simple, weekend project if you choose a basic tutorial. An old dresser with a new top added also works well and adds farmhouse charm to your kitchen,
You can find tons of great ideas in this post, 25 Cheap Kitchen Island Ideas.
Working with a small kitchen design might be challenging, but it is more than doable. Take the time to plan how you want to use your kitchen, what you need to make that happen, and then work your plan. Whether your layout is L-shaped or Galley style, creating a workable space for you and your family is worth it.
Don’t let a small budget stop you! Get creative and check out the Dollar Store, thrift stores and yard sales, and rework what you already have. Storage containers such as plastic bins, wicker baskets, and mason jars all work to create something useful and stylish while staying on a budget.
Did you find anything inspiring? Useful? Just plain pretty? Let me know in the comments.
I hope your pursuit of a functional kitchen is as fun and exciting as it was for me! Enjoy the process and get ready to enjoy cooking with your family once again in your fabulous small kitchen!
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SMALL KITCHEN IDEAS