Remodeling Contractor Tips for Designing a Functional Small Kitchen

Small kitchen spaces can be a challenge to design well. Not only do they need to look good and have the feeling of a larger space, but they also need to be functional for the people who cook in them. 

If you are currently living in a home with a small kitchen that doesn't meet your needs and you want to remodel it, then consider each of these remodeling contractor tips when you work on the new kitchen design: 

Consider Open Shelving Instead of Upper Cabinets

Since cabinets are bulky and close off large sections of your small kitchen space, you really should consider replacing at least the upper cabinets with open shelving. The lower cabinets are already tucked below the countertop but the upper cabinets clog up space that is much better left open.

Elevate Small Appliances to Free Up Counter Space

One of the biggest complaints home cooks have about their small kitchens is that they have too little counter space for food preparation. And, when the counters get clogged up with coffee makers, can openers, and microwaves, then there is even less available counter space for this vital task.

The best way to create a remodeled small kitchen with ample free counter space is to elevate your small appliances or build them into the cabinets. For example, you can install a can opener inside the door of one of the lower cabinets, hang a coffee maker from an upper shelf, and you can opt for a built-in microwave/vent hood combination to save a lot of counter area. 

Use Minimal But Very Bright Lighting

Since light fixtures take up valuable space in your small kitchen and large fixtures will make the space appear even smaller, you need to opt for smaller fixtures with very bright bulbs in your kitchen designs. Rather than opting for pendant lights or other fixtures that intrude into the food preparation space, instead, opt for fixtures that are flush to the ceiling and can accommodate very bright lightbulbs.  

Use a Professional Kitchen Design Service

Finally, while it's always fun to sit and sketch new kitchen designs while you watch your favorite primetime television show, it's advisable for you to use a professional kitchen design service to at least finalize your design. A design pro will point out things you may not have considered and make sure everything meets your local building codes so the remodeling contractor can complete the work. Contact services such as Burton's Luxury Bath Kitchen to learn more.