There are many other clever ways to maximize the space in a small kitchen.  Whether you’re downsizing or moving to a tiny home, or are getting used to a smaller condo kitchen, it’s important to use the space you have, and take into consideration what you’ll use the most, and keep it close.  Check out these tips for ways to make the most out of your small kitchen: 
 

  • - Wherever you have available wall space, add shelving or purchase easy-install shelves or holders from your local home center. 

  • - A stylish towel rack can be installed virtually anywhere to hang pots and pans with S-hooks and keep them out of the cabinets. 

  • - If drawer space is at a minimum, keep the long-handled cooking utensils nearby in an unused cookie jar on the counter, or hang a basket on the wall or cabinet side to hold these important items. 

  • - Use racks that can be mounted to the insides of cabinet doors to store spices and other smaller items that take up precious cabinet space.   

  • Domestically Speaking has a great how-to for adding tip-out storage onto false drawer fronts for smaller items like sponges and scrub pads. 

  • - If pegboard storage is good enough for Julia Child, it’s good enough for our kitchens!  It can be cut to fit any wall space, then painted to match any decor, making it even more stylish for your pots and pans. 

  • - Magnetic strips can store lots of things:  cutting knives and metal cooking utensils on your backsplash, or spice jars (with metal lids) under cabinetry.  Mount smaller strips with sticky backs to baby food jars, and store spices in them on the side of your fridge. 

  • - The open space over cabinetry is the perfect place to use baskets to store lesser-used items.  Anything to save precious cabinet space. 

  • - Very small kitchens leave little space for a table or an island, so mounting a folding table or shelf to the wall can help you during prep or mealtimes, and fold out of the way when you don’t need it. 

  • - Stove covers aren’t just for RV’s.  They’re great for providing extra space for prep and storage, and come in many styles and sizes. 

  • - Use a tiered cooking rack inside cabinets for storing virtually anything--plates, coffee cups, or your smaller baking pans.   

 

According to the building industry, the average size kitchen is 70 square feet, and many homes have an even smaller space. Taking the extra steps to make the space work best for you will make a big difference in meal prep, and meal times, not to mention satisfaction with your home. 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.   

Photo credit: shapemasters.info