Small Kitchen, Big Potential:
Smart Storage Ideas for a More Functional Space
At Plain English, our bespoke design language and attention to detail lend everything we turn our hand to towards a distinguished and functional look–one that is particularly well-suited for smaller-sized kitchens. Even the smallest kitchens can feel more spacious and functional with the right small kitchen storage ideas, especially when rooted in timeless design. Read on to learn more about our process for designing rooms of any size or scale.
Why Thoughtful Storage Matters in a Small Kitchen
When space is at a premium, creative thinking is required to maximize efficiency for the kitchen in question. Our design expertise and bespoke offerings mean that every inch of available space in a small and challenging room is utilized to arrive at a kitchen that is both functional and inviting.
We design kitchens with an awareness of the basic elements required: work stations for preparation and washing up, cooking facilities and equipment, and storage for fresh and dry ingredients. When working with Plain English, we prepare a thorough inventory of your kitchen items in conjunction with your wishlist for the space. This methodical approach improves the usability of the finished space and creates a room that is timeless and welcoming, day in and day out.
Custom Cabinetry: The Heart of Small Kitchen Storage
Custom cabinetry offers you freedom from the limited constraints of standard-size, mass-produced cabinet dimensions. Reviewing your inventory and wishlist means your Plain English designer can ensure space is allotted for every item required in the kitchen. We embrace the unique needs of our clients to propose considered storage solutions and internal customizations that are expressly tailored to the small room in question.
At Plain English, we value form and function equally. We design spaces that work on both a practical and aesthetic level. Embracing bespoke joinery allows us to play with proportion and add specific features that both benefit the usage and look of the completed kitchen. We find the main benefit of having bespoke joinery is building cabinets that perfectly fit the room and allow the space to be comfortably used for all everyday tasks without compromising on design.
Clever Kitchen Design Tips to Maximize Every Inch
In considering a small kitchen renovation, we balance storage requirements with visual impact. While it is common to pack in wall-to-wall cabinetry in an attempt to maximize space, this often makes a small room feel more closed-in. When well-positioned, open shelves create a feeling of airiness and offer functionality for accessing plates and bowls, as well as a welcome opportunity to display a favorite painting or set of cookbooks. These small kitchen organization tips can create a more approachable and open layout without sacrificing utility.
If your kitchen is large enough to accommodate an island, our Worktable provides deep drawers for additional storage while the space below the table’s legs creates a sense of lightness and flexibility.
Our built-in cabinetry is designed as the backdrop of a home and made to feel like subtle pieces of furniture in and around the kitchen. By integrating appliances, we can utilize an available wall to position a tall cabinet that conceals a refrigerator. It’s common for us to place a larder cabinet adjacent to the kitchen or dining room that can house small appliances like a microwave or toaster as well as miscellaneous packets, bottles, and dry goods.
Beyond the kitchen, a banquette or bench seating in a dining nook or breakfast room can offer additional storage with a lift-up seat or drawers below. This is especially useful in compact kitchen design layouts where every inch counts.
What Are the Best Small Kitchen Storage Ideas?
Some of the most effective storage solutions for small kitchens include custom kitchen cabinets built around your inventory, open shelving to reduce visual weight, integrated appliances to free up counters, and dual-purpose pieces like banquettes or worktables with deep drawers.
Bespoke Joinery Details That Make a Difference
Our goal is to prioritize the highest level of craftsmanship in every project we undertake at Plain English. We design all of our kitchens using in-frame cabinetry of solid timber with classic detailing that will last a lifetime. The painted exterior of each cabinet is applied by hand, ensuring a silky finish and highlighting our handcrafted nature – one that can be easily wiped down and touched up through the wear and tear of daily life. Applying our renowned sensibility and astute approach to even the smallest of kitchens allows total enjoyment and use out of the space.
Planning Your Small Kitchen Storage: Practical Steps
When working with us, we will introduce you to a Plain English designer who is committed to achieving your design brief from start to finish. After reviewing the floor plan and the possibilities that exist, our consultation includes a conversation about your needs for the space as well as your ideal vision for the design. Technical drawings and elevations allow us to explore the internal and external customizations that utilize the space allotted. Our designers advise on selecting unique finishes that complement the form and function of the room in question. Together, we arrive at a thorough understanding of our clients’ lifestyles and wishes for the kitchen that leads us towards a completed project that is elegant and enduring.
A typical planning process includes:
- A detailed review of your kitchen inventory
- Your wishlist of appliances and storage needs
- Elevations and cabinetry customizations
- Bespoke finishes selected for long-term use
Ready to Unlock Your Kitchen’s Potential?
If you’re looking for practical space-saving kitchen ideas that complement your design goals, our team can help. Plan a consultation with our team to start planning a space that’s made to last and tailored just for you. We invite you to visit us in New York, Los Angeles, or London to experience the possibilities in person or to view our brochure at any time to get inspired.
