5 Design Strategies for Small Kitchens

As the cost to build a home increases, smaller floor plans are becoming much more commonplace. The lack of square footage means that kitchens are also getting smaller, but this shift doesn’t necessarily mean that kitchens have to become more cramped or less functional. According to home remodeling and design platform Houzz, there are a number of strategies home design and construction professionals can use to create kitchens that maximize flow and functionality despite their small space.

Some of these strategies include: using open shelving to eliminate the appearance of top-heavy cabinetry; using bright, statement backsplashes to add height and make the space feel bigger; and using every square inch of space—including corners.

As I’ve noted, every square inch counts in a small kitchen, and that means you can’t allow dead corners.

Designing a corner is often a tricky affair that requires a delicate balance between form and functionality. Notice how the open shelves in this wrap around a corner to maximize storage and display space while maintaining an open feel. Also note a few of the other tricks mentioned in this article, such as playing with pattern and running backsplash tile all the way to the ceiling to add visual height.