Ever wondered how to make a small kitchen feel bigger? Colliers Kitchens understands the dilemma homeowners face when their kitchen feels more like a shoebox than the hub of their home. However, limited square footage doesn’t mean limited options, and with a few design tricks, you can make it feel bigger without the expense of knocking down walls and building out.
Use Light Colours
Small kitchen ideas in the UK are all about tricking the eyes, and it starts with the colours you choose. Pale tones reflect light and visually push walls outward. White, soft grey and warm cream are all excellent choices for cabinetry and walls. Dark colours absorb light, which makes small rooms feel even smaller. Keeping your palette light is one of the simplest and most effective tricks you can incorporate in a kitchen makeover.
Smart Storage
Another way to maximise space in a small kitchen is to include built-in storage solutions, such as pull-out drawers and corner carousels. Working with a designer who can cleverly add storage means you don’t have to introduce additional storage solutions that take up floor space, while keeping clutter to a minimum. When every item has a home, the kitchen instantly feels more ordered and more generous.
Integrated Appliances
Freestanding appliances break up the visual flow of a kitchen. Integrated models, including fridges, dishwashers and ovens hidden behind cabinetry, create a seamless look that feels far less busy. The result is a cleaner, calmer space that appears larger than it is.
Clever Layouts
The layout you choose has a huge impact on how a kitchen functions and feels. A galley layout maximises efficiency in narrow spaces. An L-shape opens up floor space for movement. Getting the layout right means your kitchen works harder with less wasted space.
Add Mirrors
Mirrors are a trusted trick in interior design because they double the perceived depth of a space. A mirrored splashback can make a small kitchen feel significantly more open without any structural changes.
Include See-Through Elements
Glass cabinet doors, an open partition or a window between the kitchen and dining area all add a sense of depth. They allow the eye to travel farther into the space, rather than abruptly stopping at a solid surface.
Choose Reflective Surfaces
Gloss cabinetry, polished stone worktops, and metallic fixtures all bounce light around the room. Similar to incorporating mirrors, reflective surfaces amplify natural and artificial light, creating a brighter, airier feel. Even small touches, like a glossy tile splashback, can make a noticeable difference.
Consider Open Shelving
Replacing upper cabinets with open shelving removes visual weight from the walls. It creates a lighter, more relaxed feel and lets you display items that add personality to the kitchen. Just be mindful to keep shelves tidy, as clutter will have the opposite effect.
Keep Clutter Off the Counters
Speaking of clutter, it’s a killer when it comes to creating a spacious feel. Counter space is precious in a small kitchen. Consider storing appliances in cupboards when not in use or using wall-mounted knife racks or hooks. These tricks make the kitchen feel bigger and more practical. Less on the counter means more room to work and more visual breathing space.
Plan Your Lighting
The light from above can transform a kitchen. Recessed ceiling lights provide general illumination, while under-cabinet strip lights eliminate shadows on worktops. A well-lit kitchen feels larger and more inviting. Poor lighting, on the other hand, can make even a well-designed space feel dull and small.
Work With a Professional
Knowing small kitchen design tips is one thing, but effectively applying them in your space is another. When you partner with a professional kitchen design and installation team like Colliers Kitchens, we’ll conduct a thorough assessment to understand how you use your kitchen. This allows us to combine these principles into a cohesive design that makes every inch count.
Our award-winning designers have been creating bespoke kitchens across West Sussex for over 60 years. We design around your lifestyle, your tastes and your space, so the result is always personal, always practical, and always beautifully finished.
Do You Want to Make Your Kitchen Feel Larger?
These space-saving kitchen ideas from Colliers Kitchens in Worthing are just the start. Some can be done without a major renovation, but if you’re planning to redesign your kitchen and get beyond the limitations of what you see in front of you, we’d love to help. Get in touch with our team to book a consultation, or visit our showroom to explore our range of bespoke designs. Your perfect kitchen is closer than you think.