The Confines of a Small Kitchen

comments (0) August 15th, 2012 in Project Gallery

NoShoreKitchensPlus, member

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When it comes to remodeling a kitchen, not all of us have the benefit of a large canvas to work with. Just like people, houses come in all shapes and sizes, as do the rooms that fill them. My own kitchen is on the smaller end of the spectrum. So as I plan for remodeling, I seek out ways to trick the eye and give the feel of a grander space.

Aside from knocking down a wall or adding a window, there are several things you can do to give your pint sized kitchen a bigger feel. Start with color. A lighter, brighter wall color as well as a light shade of wood or paint for your cabinets will certainly help give the illusion of a larger space.

Then there is the lighting. Adding a large, chunky light fixture to an already small space will only intensify the problem. Think under-cabinet lighting and cans or recessed lighting. These lighting options get tucked away into the backdrop of the kitchen. You do not necessarily want to see the light fixture, but you do want to see the light.

With countertops and backsplashes again the idea is to stick with lighter shades that allow the light to bounce and reflect off of them. That is not to say that you should not have the colors you absolutely love in your petite kitchen. If they happen to be dark colors just find other ways to incorporate them. Whether it is a bold piece of art, knobs and handles for your cabinets, or a set of salt and pepper shakers, you can still incorporate deep rich colors into your small space – just don't overwhelm it with them.

In addition to color for countertops and backsplashes think about material. Have you ever been in a carnival fun house and stood in front of the mirrors? Can you recall the depth that they gave that very small space? That is not to suggest that you cover the walls and counters of your kitchen with mirrors, but consider a material that will have the same effect. Glass for instance has become very popular in recent years. Not only is it durable, versatile, and available in a wide array of colors, it has the same reflective quality of a mirror. From small tiles to sheets of glass for your backsplash and giant slabs for your countertops, glass will add to the feeling of a greater space. A modern metal cabinet with a glossy finish or glass front cabinets are another thought.

Don't let your small space limit the possibilities of your remodel. Consider the style you want for your dream kitchen and try to work one or more of the above ideas into it. Regardless of budget and style, the result will be a bigger kitchen – or at least the illusion of one.

This article was written by Ken Dempsey of North Shore Kitchens Plus. To get more great advice from Women's Toolbox Expert, visit his website at: http://northshorekitchens.com

Design or Plan used: My own design

posted in: Project Gallery, space, ken dempsey, womens toolbox, north shore kitchens

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