15, 2018
Got a small kitchen?
Learn how to maximize your work and storage space without spending a mint.
From teensy countertops to cramped cabinets, it can be frustrating to work in a too-cozy kitchen.
Youll free up precious cabinet space and feel more organized.
(Bonus: less scurrying around the kitchen.)
(Knife blocks can have a sneakily large footprint that youd probably rather use for your coffee maker.)
(Weve got 15 hacks for your old glass jars.)
Amp up the light
OK…technically this wont make your kitchen more spacious.
But bright light gives the illusion of openness and airiness that many kitchens lack.
Dont have the budget for new lights?
Brighten the walls with white or light-hued paint, or slap a fresh coat onto the cabinets.
Pare down on convenience appliances
Which appliances do youreallyneed sitting out?
If your coffee maker steams up every morning, its earned its place on the counter.
If your blender only comes out for an occasional smoothie, stash it in an out-of-the-way cabinet.
(Or, if space is really short, store in the basement or another room.)
Hanging it below a cabinet or above the stove frees up space without sacrificing utility.
Bring in some furniture
Many small kitchens have floor space to spare.
If yours does, consider investing in two key furnishings: an island and a metal storage shelf.
An island provides instant counter space; most also have shelves below for storage.
Many stores sell small square islands that can slip into the dead space beside the stove or fridge.
If youve got a wider free space, consider a metal storage shelf.
Many also come with hooks that can hold small tools, pots and pans.
Use stackable storage
Go up, not out, when considering storage on your countertops.
Whenever possible, hang things from ceilings or walls or incorporate multi-level storage units.
Fruit baskets hanging from ceilings allow air to circulate around the fruit, keeping it fresher longer.
A spice rack can stash several tiers of spices.
Hooks under cabinets can hold mugs.
Arrange cookbooks on top of the fridge.
Look around, and get creative.
Youve got more space than youd think!
Set a lazy Susan by the stove to stash everyday spices and oils.
Over-the-sink cutting boards make it easy to clean, chop, and discard scraps.
Keep a compost or garbage bowl on the counter
Keep debris to a minimum while youre working.
Place a small bowl by your cutting board and put food scraps and crumbs into it as you go.
This makes even small cutting boards feel bigger because it helps banish the waste.
(Makes it easy to haul stuff out to the compost, too.)
Clean dishes as you go
Got a big day of cooking or baking?
Your free space can quickly get cluttered with piles of dirty dishes and utensils.
We recommend our users to update the web client.
