Every homeowner dreams of having a spacious kitchen, but sometimes, it isn’t meant to be. Are you starved for counter and storage space in your pint-sized kitchen? Does the area always appear messy and disorganized as a result? Make the most of your small kitchen space by helping it work better for you.

• Put the backsplash to good use: When horizontal space is at a premium, go vertical to increase your storage options. One clever idea is to install a backsplash made of stainless steel pegboard. This allows you to arrange hooks, shelves, and magnetic strips to store everything from knives and utensils to salt and pepper shakers off the counter but still within reach.
• Make your cabinets work harder: Put every square inch of storage space to good use with pull-out shelves and tilt-out bins, lazy Susans in corner cabinets, door-mounted spice racks, and other creative kitchen storage solutions.
• Hang pots and pans overhead: Bulky cookware is a pain to store. Reclaim an entire cabinet by installing a pot-and-pan rack high on the wall or ceiling.
• Buy space-saving kitchen gadgets: Maximize counter and storage space with clever tools such as over-the-sink cutting boards, collapsible colanders, stackable mixing bowls, flat whisks, and fold-flat cheese graters.
• Select your appliance wisely: Small kitchens call for small appliances. Fortunately, many sleek, high-efficiency models are available in compact sizes with all the same luxuries you would expect from full-size versions. Also, if the layout allows for it, install a built-in microwave above the stove to free up precious counter space.
• Utilize the area around the refrigerator: By choosing a small appliance, you may create a sliver of space between the fridge and the wall. This is your chance to install a roll-out pantry to store canned goods, cleaning supplies, paper products, and other nonperishable supplies.
• Create a kitchen overflow space: Perhaps your kitchen has reached its storage capacity, but you have a little room to spare in the hall closet, laundry room, or cupboard under the stairs. Dedicate a particular niche to storing kitchen overflow items, including small appliances, rarely used pots and pans, baking sheets, nonperishable food, bottled water, and lunchboxes.
• Clear the counters of knickknacks: You may want to add your own personal touch, but in a small kitchen, “decorations” tend to look like clutter. Think of the kitchen as a practical space, and keep the knickknacks to a minimum.

The final way to make the most of your kitchen is to physically expand it. Maybe you can knock down a wall and steal a few square feet from the adjacent room to make the space larger and more functional. Even if you have no square footage to spare, the services from Capitol Design Build can make your small kitchen feel bigger. We have over 30 years of experience designing and remodeling luxury kitchens of all sizes. To schedule your free, no-obligation estimate, please contact our Lorton, VA office at 703-436-6919 today.