How to make a small kitchen feel bigger
Tuesday, 19 April 2011 4:04 PM
Small kitchens don't need to feel cramped. Jude Keenan, a kitchen planner for the Oxford Street branch of John Lewis with over ten years' experience, offers her tips on how to maximise space in a compact kitchen.
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Before buying a new kitchen, you need to think carefully about how you use your existing kitchen and how, if at all, you want the way you use your new kitchen to differ. Think about how many people use the space, what functions it serves (for instance is it just for cooking or do the kids do their homework in there as well?), and the type of cooking you plan to do in there.
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When selecting your units, remember to take advantage of every last inch of space by employing integral storage solutions like pan drawers, corner cupboards, cantilever carousels and drawer management systems. This will help keep everything you use from day to day tidy and within easy reach.
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Just because your kitchen is small, you don’t have to deny yourself time-saving gadgets – just go for slimline or integral models.
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Your kitchen will feel much more spacious if you choose units in neutral tones. If you want to introduce a splash of colour, do this through the worktops and appliances.
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Having a small kitchen doesn’t necessarily rule out having an island. As long as there's at least one metre between the island and your units, it can still work – in fact it can enable you to build in extra storage, for example deep drawers, integrated chopping boards, warming plates or even a dishwasher.
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Getting the lighting right is crucial if you want your kitchen to feel bigger. By painting your ceiling white and also ensuring the upper areas of your walls are coated with pale hues, the light will be reflected and spread nice and evenly, creating the feeling of space.
To check out John Lewis's latest range of kitchens, visit JohnLewis.com.
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