Home Style Decorating

Decorating small spaces will always bring on a headache because it will always be a delimma how to marry function with style in the kitchen. The following are some ways on how to make a small kitchen sizzle as well as functional:

1. Downsize it

Your kitchen can be multi-functional but the main purpose is meal preparation. Focus first on the function by making sure that you have the appliances and work areas needed. You can save space if you use scaled-down and innovative appliances like built-in refrigerator and freezer, small microwave and toaster, stoves with just two burners and single sinks. The important thing is that the functionality is there without taking much needed space. If you require additional workspace, you can have a counter-topped cart that can be rolled away if not in use.

2. Open it up

A small kitchen can be claustrophobic if you have overhead cabinets towering over you. Opt for open storage spaces and make sure that it is not too deep so that it will be easy to reach what you want without requiring a step ladder which will take up valuable space. You can also use shelves, pot racks and magnetic knife and spice holders.

3. Mix and match the materials

Mix and match the wooden materials with the metal ones in order to get that function and look that you like. A small kitchen cannot have elaborate architectural details but style can be added through the countertop surfaces, cabinets, fixtures, lighting and color. To unify the look, use the same color and style of fixtures.

4. Look into it

One of the simplest ways of “expanding” a small kitchen is by incorporating glass which will make you see through the objects in the storage spaces. Glass kitchen doors, to the outside world or to the next room, can also visually expand the space. There is even highly reflective glass tile that can give your kitchen sparkle. Mirrors, in a backsplash or strategically placed around the room, also lighten up the look.

5. Light it up

Lighting plays an important role in every room of the house. The kitchen requires task lights as well as lights that will create an ambiance suitable to eating. Use incandescent lighting underneath the upper cabinets shining down on the countertops. Ceiling incandescent spot lighting, when directed at the cabinetry, will increase the shadowing of the space and give the area greater visual movement through light and dark contrast as opposed to cabinetry simply shown in the cold blue of fluorescent lighting. Cabinets lit from within and spotlighted backsplash tiles will lighten up a small kitchen.

6. Get floored

Flooring is also important in small kitchens because it can make up for the lack of detail and size as well as provide a great impression. An inexpensive choice is the linoleum flooring in black and white checkerboard design. Tumble marble flooring will give you a touch of the outdoors. You can also choose from the wide array of designs of laminate flooring.

7. Color it big

The overall color scheme of your kitchen can change the atmosphere and the perceived size. Good use of color affects the space visually and fools the eye into making the space seem larger. Pastels or light colors, with good doses of white, reflect light drawing the eyes upward and make the room seem taller.

8. Go for the cozy

Go with the existing architecture of the small area to create a cozy space. So instead of using tricks to enlarge the space, maybe you want to embrace it just the way it is. Perhaps you make sure there is a little nook where you can sit with a visitor knee-to-knee. Or choose a dark, rich color that creates a sophisticated feeling and use accessories that emphasize that look.

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