Many Australian homes, particularly in urban areas, feature kitchens with limited square footage. At Harrison Kitchens & Cabinets, we've designed hundreds of small kitchens that prove size doesn't have to limit functionality or style. With thoughtful planning and innovative solutions, even the most compact kitchen can be transformed into an efficient, beautiful space that meets all your needs. Here are our top strategies for maximizing small kitchen spaces.
1. Vertical Storage Solutions
When floor space is limited, look upward. Utilizing the full height of your kitchen walls can dramatically increase storage capacity without encroaching on precious floor area. We often design cabinetry that extends to the ceiling, eliminating the dust-collecting gap while providing space for items used less frequently. Vertical pull-out pantries can fit into narrow spaces as small as 150mm wide while storing an impressive amount of dry goods.
Don't overlook the inside of cabinet doors, which can host spice racks, cutting board storage, or small shelves for cleaning supplies. Wall-mounted magnetic knife strips, rail systems for hanging utensils, and overhead pot racks all free up drawer and counter space. For clients with suitable ceiling height, we've even designed custom overhead hanging storage for stemware or rarely used specialty items.
2. Smart Appliance Selection
Appliance choices make a significant impact in small kitchens. European and Asian-inspired compact appliances can offer full functionality in significantly smaller footprints. Consider refrigerator drawers instead of full-size models, single-bowl sinks rather than double, and 60cm cooktops instead of 90cm versions if your cooking style permits.
We're particularly fond of combination appliances for small spaces: consider microwave-convection oven combinations, washer-dryer units if the laundry needs to share kitchen space, or refrigerator-freezer drawers that can be installed under counters. Built-in or integrated appliances create cleaner lines and a more spacious feel. For truly tiny spaces, we sometimes recommend forgoing some traditional appliances—perhaps a slimline dishwasher drawer is sufficient, or maybe a high-quality convection microwave can handle most cooking tasks without a separate oven.
3. Multi-Functional Work Zones
In compact kitchens, each area needs to serve multiple purposes. We design prep stations that can transform into dining areas with fold-down tables or sliding countertop extensions. Pull-out cutting boards installed above drawers create instant additional workspace. Mobile islands or carts provide flexibility—roll them out when you need extra prep space, then tuck them away when not in use.
Sinks with custom accessories like cutting boards that fit over the basin turn the sink area into a prep zone when water isn't needed. We also install bifold or pocket doors that can conceal small appliance garages or even entire work zones, allowing portions of the kitchen to "disappear" when not in use, maintaining a clean, uncluttered appearance.
4. Strategic Cabinetry Design
In small kitchens, standard cabinetry often wastes valuable space. We customize every centimeter with solutions like corner drawers that utilize otherwise hard-to-access spaces, full-extension drawers that allow complete accessibility to contents, and specialized storage for specific items like vertical dividers for baking sheets and cutting boards.
Pull-out systems maximize accessibility—consider a pull-out pantry with adjustable shelving on both sides, or specialized base cabinet pull-outs for trash and recycling. Drawer-within-drawer systems provide separate storage for different items while using the same footprint. For extremely narrow spaces, we can create slim pull-out units for spices, oils, or cleaning supplies that fit in what would otherwise be wasted gaps.
5. Visual Space-Enhancing Techniques
Beyond physical storage, visual techniques can make small kitchens feel larger. Light colors, particularly for cabinetry and countertops, open up the space. Glass-fronted upper cabinets or open shelving create depth, while properly positioned lighting eliminates shadows that make spaces feel cramped.
Many of our small kitchen designs incorporate mirrored or reflective backsplashes that visually double the space. We often recommend handleless cabinetry with push-to-open mechanisms or subtle integrated pulls to eliminate protrusions. Consistent flooring that extends beyond the kitchen into adjacent spaces creates flow and the impression of a larger area, while continuous, uninterrupted countertops without seams or color changes contribute to a sense of spaciousness.
6. Custom Organization Systems
Internal organization transforms standard storage into highly efficient systems. We install custom drawer dividers, adjustable shelving, and specialized inserts designed for specific items ranging from spice jars to stemware. Rather than mass-produced solutions, we create custom organization systems scaled precisely to the client's possessions and the available space.
Consider specialized storage like vertical knife blocks that fit into narrow drawers, tiered systems that maximize vertical space within drawers, and custom pot lid organizers. We've even designed specialized storage for small appliances like stand mixers that can be lifted to counter height when needed, then lowered back into cabinets when not in use.
At Harrison Kitchens & Cabinets, we understand that small kitchen design requires thoughtful consideration of every centimeter. By combining these space-optimizing strategies with attention to your specific needs and cooking habits, we can create a kitchen that feels surprisingly spacious while providing all the functionality of a much larger room.
If you're struggling with a small kitchen, we invite you to contact us for a consultation. Our designers specialize in space-efficient solutions that don't compromise on style or functionality. We'd be delighted to show you how your compact kitchen can be transformed into a space that exceeds your expectations.
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