Choose a stove appropriate to your kitchen's size.
Tiny kitchens can pose many challenges, as work space and storage options may be limited. In addition, the space constraints of tiny kitchens can make it difficult to establish a smooth, natural work flow. Tiny kitchens may have aesthetic drawbacks as well, as they can feel cramped, cluttered or depressing. Counter these problems by tailoring your kitchen's design and contents to its size.
Streamline
By reducing, downsizing and organizing kitchen items, you will be able to get the most out of your tiny kitchen. Exchange bulky appliances, such as refrigerators or stoves, for smaller models. Commercial appliances may make apt substitutes, as many of these are designed to fit into small restaurant kitchens. To increase your counter space, switch out double sinks for narrow, deep, single-compartment sinks.
Go through your kitchen items, and eliminate any unnecessary duplicates or unused items. You don't need a huge assortment of knives if you have one high-quality chef's knife. If you only use your juicer a few times a year, it doesn't need to be stored in the kitchen.
Once you have decluttered your kitchen, organize items according to their function and type. Similar items should be stored in groups, and all items should be placed where they will be of use--pots near the stove, cutting boards near the sink.
Increase Efficiency
Kitchen furniture can easily be made multi-functional. Place kitchen items or shelving on casters, so that you can rearrange your kitchen furniture depending on your needs. Avoid taking up precious kitchen space with dinette sets or kitchen islands. If you're lucky enough to have a built-in kitchen nook, increase your storage space by outfitting it with drawers.
Maximize Wall Space
Your kitchen's walls provide many storage opportunities. Microwaves can be mounted directly onto your kitchen walls. Put up shelving to get other appliances, such as toasters, off of your counters. Extend your cabinetry to range from floor to ceiling, storing commonly used items in the middle levels and less frequently used items at the lower and upper levels. Install wire grids on large expanses of wall, and use them to hang up lightweight pots and pans, cutting boards and kitchen tools.
Add Storage
Augment your kitchen's storage capabilities with storage space in unexpected areas. Build pull-out garbage bins into your cabinetry. Add spice racks, lid racks and plate racks to the inside of your cabinet doors. Outfit the interior of your cabinets with lazy Susans. Install cup hooks on the undersides of tall shelves and upper cabinets. Utilize ceiling space by hanging a pot rack above your stove. Increase your counter space by installing pull-out cutting boards in your counters. Use any nearby broom closets or alcoves as pantries.
Keep it Bright
Paint your kitchen in pale, glossy colors like daisy yellow or off-white to make it feel more open. Incorporate reflective surfaces, such as stainless steel, glass or mirrors, whenever possible, as these create the illusion of spaciousness. Enhance your reflective surfaces by using bright, plentiful lighting.
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