We’ve assembled some great advice that should help as you work with your designer to make the very most of your small kitchen. Experienced kitchen designers know all the tricks-of-the-trade when it comes to selecting inserts, and configuring cabinetry and design elements to ensure you make the most of every square inch of space.

After you read our advice, please be sure to ask us any specific questions about your home or project in the comments section at the end of this post. We are happy to provide the kind of information that is sure to transform your small kitchen into a space everyone will love to use.

1. Cabinet Inserts: Magic corners, LeMans units, and pull-out pantries are some of our favourite inserts for accessing space that may be difficult to reach otherwise. Inserts will also help organize your space and reduce clutter. Drawer inserts to better organize spices, knives and cutlery are also worthy considerations.
2. Drawers: We recommend that you favour drawers instead of base cabinets with shelves. Drawers make it easier to access hard-to-reach storage space, and when pulled out, place the storage area directly in front of you, within easy reach.
3. Glass: Cabinet doors with glass and open shelving add depth to your kitchen. Because they allow you to see the back wall of your cabinets, they create an airy and spacious environment in your kitchen.
4. Recessed Storage: An innovative idea is to recess storage into your walls. You can gain much needed floor space in your kitchen by recessing the fridge and pantry. Also, building cubbies between the studs of your kitchen walls creates space to store shallow items, and lends a decorative element to the space.
5. Backsplash Storage: Consider utilizing one of the many great rail systems that mount on your backsplash to create additional storage for knives, spices, and other frequently used items.
   Appliances: Choose appliances and furniture that don’t overwhelm your space; make sure they are to scale with your room. The fridge, in particular, can be a monstrosity in a smaller room. Opting for a counter-depth refrigerator helps reduce its impact.
6. Declutter: Store only items you use on a daily or weekly basis in the kitchen, and move items you use less frequently to a place in the home where you have more space. Also, limit the number of items stored on the countertop – this will open up the space visually.
7. Lighting: Lighting is a very important, but often neglected element in maximizing the space of a small kitchen. We recommend under-cabinet task lighting and pot lighting for every kitchen.
8. Colours: Favour the use of lighter colours. It’s also interesting to know that cooler colours recede while warmer tones bring objects visually closer. Using low-contrast colour schemes also help to open the space. When the elements in your kitchen are all a similar colour value – meaning the room is less broken up by lights and darks – the space appears less ‘chopped up’ visually.
9. Seating: Consider bar-height seating versus table-height seating. Elevated seating usually takes up less space because you need less leg and knee room.
10. Zones: Consider creating dual or multi-use zones. For example, a bar top can be used for prepping, serving and eating food, and for completing paperwork, homework, or small projects.
11. Surface Selection: Reflective surfaces lend depth to a space. Glossy ceramic or glass backsplash tile, chrome faucets and stainless-steal appliances are all good choices.

As always, we look forward to your questions and comments.