Help! I Have a Small Kitchen!

Let’s face it. Not all of us have the luxury of a large kitchen. Whether your property is a 1 bedroom apartment, a small studio or a tiny Victorian cottage, don’t worry, we can help you make the most of your space during your kitchen renovation!

First things first. You need to be realistic about what you can achieve. If the area is small, then it’s small and we need to prioritise what is important. Space is at a premium. This is not a kitchen suited to an enormous refrigerator or large freestanding cooker. A small kitchen is suitable for a 1 to 3 person household so if there are more of you, then it’s going to be a challenge.

Let’s get back to basics. In the kitchen you need:

  • To store food – dry & cool
  • To store crockery, cutlery
  • To store utensils, pots, pans
  • To prepare food
  • To cook food
  • To clean up

Therefore, the kitchen design must accommodate:

  • Pantry space
  • Space for a refrigerator – a 600mm wide space is about right.
  • Space for crockery & cutlery – ideally drawers
  • Space for pots & pans – ideally drawers
  • Space for small appliances – as required, ideally drawers.
  • Bench space
  • Space for an oven & cooktop – a 600mm wide space is about right.
  • Microwave space – if possible, underbench or an overhead shelf
  • Sink cabinet – single bowl sink or small 1⅓ bowl sink without a fixed drainer
  • Dishwasher – 450mm or 600mm wide space
  • Bin – slide-out option in the sink cabinet.

Wish list items if the space and budget allows:

  • Drawers – As many as possible.
  • Kickboard drawers – Handy for tray storage, wine or other bottles, larger serving dishes, surplus tins, or dry food.
  • Tall pantry – Even a skinny one, with pull-out drawers and storage racks on the back of the door.
  • Separate bin cabinet – 300mm to 450mm wide.
  • Integrated fridge & dishwasher – These will give a seamless, less cluttered look to the kitchen. Cleaner lines, everything is stowed away.
  • Overhead cabinetry lighting – This will help the space feel lighter and brighter, not to mention make food preparation a whole lot easier.
  • Space-saving & storage pullout units – You don’t need every gadget and gimmick, but careful and considered selection can make life easier.
  • Finishes & materials – Depending on your style and the property, you can be as creative or as conservative as you like—bright, fun, on-trend, or simple, subtle, understated.

If you’re also considering choosing the perfect benchtop for your small kitchen, our detailed guide will help you make an informed decision!

With a small space you can really put your stamp on it, making it a beautiful space be in. Tiny doesn’t have to be dysfunctional and unattractive. Every little bit helps to get the most of your kitchen and with our expertise we can make sure you get the best result possible.