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How to make a narrow kitchen look wider


How to make a small kitchen look bigger: 15 expert tips

(Image credit: Gillian Segal Design)

Moving to the home of your dreams but want to know how to make a small kitchen look bigger? 

While you decide whether to renovate or remodel, there are many design tricks and small kitchen ideas you can use to create the illusion of space in your kitchen - whatever its size - from slimline units, removing wall cabinets and embracing reflection.

Even decluttering can help. The minimalist approach works well in small spaces and simple hacks, such as removing handles and using push/pull catches, are tricks you can use.

However, let's narrow it down for you: these are the best ways to fake square footage in a kitchen, according to the experts.

How to make a small kitchen look bigger

1. Replace a solid roof with a glazed one

(Image credit: Future / James Balston)

This is, of course, the most drastic of all the kitchen ideas for making a small space feel bigger. But any work you can do to visually raise the ceiling will have the most dramatic of effects, bar increasing its footprint with an addition.

Wall-to-wall, self-clean glazing with any framing given the narrowest of profiles will create a seamless, contemporary feel that will maximize the feeling of space. If you are on a tighter budget or do not want to replace an entire roof, a roof light fitted between existing rafters will create a brighter, bigger feeling space.

Raising a cavity ceiling to the rafters will make the kitchen ceiling seem higher, too. Just ensure you have enough insulation to stop heat, noise and kitchen smells travelling to the rooms above.

2. Plan the kitchen layout to the inch

(Image credit: Future / Jan Baldwin)

It's vital that small kitchen layouts are planned meticulously so that there is enough countertop space for prepping, enough thoroughfare space for moving around the room comfortably, and clever small kitchen storage ideas to keep the room neat and tidy.

Of course, using a professional to help you plan is vital, but go armed with what works well for you now and, importantly, what doesn't. Devote your energy to getting the layout just right before you move on to the really fun bit: aesthetics.

3. Choose white cabinetry to fake square footage

(Image credit: Future / Matthew Williams)

Simple but very effective, white kitchen ideas will always be the top choice to make a space appear bigger and brighter. 

‘Despite bolder colors becoming more popular in the kitchen over the last few years, white has never gone out of style. It reflects the light, and adds endless possibilities for personalisation. So think about adding different textures and colors through the countertop material, backsplashes and other accessories to add warmth and interest to the scheme,’ says Melissa Klink, Creative Director at Harvey Jones .

The beauty of white is that it works whether your scheme is sleek and modern or classic and characterful. It looks clean too and works as a blank canvas for the rest of the space. This means you can use accent shades to pep up your kitchen color scheme if you wish, or keep it uber minimalist if bright shades aren’t your thing. 

4. Stick to light-enhancing neutrals

(Image credit: Gillian Segal Design)

Restful and sophisticated, nude shades in a kitchen will create a brighter feel, and you don’t have to use one color, you can opt for two or three. It also allows you to incorporate earthy tones with warm wood and stone. 

Neutral kitchens are highly adaptable too. You can add in metallics to pep it up or pop in some accent colors, for the same reason. In this Gillian Segal -designed kitchen the paler shades are used on the wall units, whilst the warmer tones ground the scheme.

And if you're looking for lighting ideas for small kitchens too, pendant lights like the one shown above are a great option! 

(Image credit: Tom Howley)

‘Lighter wood finishes and paint colors work well to expand the perceived space of your kitchen,’ says Tom Howley, Design Director at Tom Howley .

‘Pair light tones with very light-colored countertops, and your kitchen will look spacious and airy. If you do decide on floor to ceiling cabinets, these should only be fitted with glass door display cabinets. This will open up the space in a way that opaque cabinetry will not in a smaller kitchen. 

'Soft shades of warm whites and earthy beige work well on their own but even better when used in a two-tone scheme. Two of our most loved shades are Tansy and Willow. Beautifully understated, they create truly stunning kitchens, enhancing architectural interest all without the need for bold color.

If you’re using lighter colors to enhance your space then try painting your walls in the same shade. This will focus your eye on the whole area, allowing it to feel larger and lighter.’

5. Keep dark colors to base cabinetry where possible

(Image credit: Kate Lester Interiors)

The single blue cabinet on the wall in this kitchen by Kate Lester Interiors is the exception to the rule. But the main thing to consider when you are choosing kitchen cabinet colors is that by keeping the bulk of the ‘darkest’ color in the lower third of the space, you keep the upper two thirds light and therefore airy. 

The kitchen tile design is spot on. It unites the blue of the cabinetry and veining of the marble countertops with the white cooker hood, pendant and ceiling, without making the scheme feel dark. A good example of kitchen flooring ideas that make the space seem bigger than it is, herringbone kitchen flooring also creates a spacious feel, so that’s worth considering too.

6. Balance out dark cabinetry with pale countertops

(Image credit: Yellow London)

There’s a misconception that if you want a light and airy kitchen that feels spacious, you can’t embrace your love of dark and dramatic units. You can – all you need is balance, as you can see in this Yellow London -designed kitchen above. 

The white marble countertops contrast beautifully with the jet black units and we love the decorative aspect of the marble veining within the range cooker alcove.

Of course, the white walls and ceiling help, and the scheme is kept from being sterile because you can see the colored tableware through the glass-door countertop units. 

(Image credit: Paint & Paper Library)

Green and white is always a good color scheme for any small kitchen because it's such a fresh combination.

Here we have three different greens – dark, mid and pale, all working together harmoniously. That’s one trick. But the main trick in this kitchen is the trio of white: white floorboards, white countertops and white ceiling. Note that this starts at the picture rail, which is a guaranteed way of making a room feel more spacious. 

The wallpaper choice is also key, as Andy Greenall, Head of Design at Paint & Paper Library explains:

‘To create a spacious feel in a kitchen, opt for a design that contains space around the motifs in the pattern, such as Lighthouse Palm – Chelsea Green shown here, which works beautifully with Stable Green cabinets. ’ 

7. Create visual continuity with to-the-ceiling cabinetry

(Image credit: Maestri Studio)

When you can’t go wide, go up and make the most of every available inch you can. It’s often worth employing a joiner to do something as specialized as this, as they will be able to create storage that fits to perfection.

Make symmetry your friend too, as it will keep the eye busy and away from the fact that the kitchen is on the smaller side. Opt for gold elements that carry on through the scheme, from the taps to handles and accessories. 

8. Widen the room with wall shelves not cabinetry

(Image credit: Future / Jan Baldwin)

Replacing the solid bulk of kitchen wall cabinets, which fill up valuable visual space and can block light, is a dramatic way to fake square footage in a kitchen. And the best thing to replace them with are beautifully populated kitchen shelving ideas.

The downsides to open shelving are that, of course, you have less storage and that you need to keep them spick and span. That said, you can see what’s what at a quick glance and use the shapes and textures of your pieces to enhance the overall look of your kitchen. 

9. Consider freestanding furniture over fitted

(Image credit: deVOL)

Even if your flooring is dark like these floorboards in this beautiful deVOL cottage kitchen, you can lighten up the scheme with the cabinetry you choose. 

Freestanding pieces that have legs will allow you to see underneath, which creates an illusion of space. Plus, pick a white-painted finish that will help to reflect and bounce light around. Another advantage of freestanding is that you can move the furniture around and therefore maximize the kitchen space you have. 

10. Stretch floor space with light-colored, large format floor tiles

(Image credit: Quorn Stone)

Size does matter and we’ve long been fans of lovely big floor tiles in a single color. They are spot on to use in kitchens, as Isabel Fernandez, Director at Quorn Stone explains below:

‘A smaller kitchen requires careful thought and consideration to give the illusion of a larger space. Contrary to belief we often find a larger tile can work well at achieving this. A smaller tile results in lots of grout joints which can enclose the space and detract the eye from the tile. We often suggest a 900mm x 600mm tile as it is a versatile size that works well in both smaller and larger areas. 

Alternatively, wood effect porcelain is becoming increasingly popular in tighter spaces due to their long and narrow format. If you choose a complementary grout color it makes the grout less noticeable, which again helps to open the space out.’

11. Conjure up space-enhancing reflections with mirrored backsplashes

(Image credit: Harvey Jones)

Of course, light-reflecting kitchen backsplash ideas will make a small kitchen look bigger, but take this a step further by swapping out pale-colored materials for a mirrored backsplash. This is a classic interior design trick for making a space seem larger and brighter, as Melissa Kink, Creative Director at Harvey Jones explains: 

‘Mirrored backsplashes are a great choice as they allow light to travel further within the room. Any use of mirrored surfaces will add energy to an area, helping the kitchen feel more open.’

Using one continuous piece rather than a tiled design will help the mirror to be more effective at its job to double your space visually. We like this antique-look finish, as it’s got more character than plain glass and it also adds interest and diffuses the light nicely. Plus it doesn't take as much cleaning as regular mirrored glass.

12. Distract with pattern

(Image credit: Katie Charlotte Photography/Cortney Bishop)

Designed by renowned Charleston based interior designer Cortney Bishop , this charming kitchen shows how you can mix various patterns whilst still achieving a light kitchen space. Cortney’s love of teaming patterns and hues shows through, and the reason it works is because of the clever change in scale. 

The chequered floor tiles are large and tie in with the gray of the countertops. Next we have the hexagonal backsplash tiles that are smaller. They work well with the natural wood from a color scheme point of view.

Finally, the ditsy wallpaper print takes our eye up to the white painted ceiling and that’s how you use three different patterns to create a lighter and brighter kitchen. 

13. Ditch the drapes

(Image credit: Little Greene)

If you’re not overlooked by neighbors you can take down your blinds and/or drapes for instant light. It’s a simple tip, but one that’s very effective.

We love this idea of painting your units the same color as your window too (shown here is Little Greene’s Citrine (71) ); it will create a cohesive look that will become a design feature in its own right and will remove the need to have a decorative blind. 

14. Make the most of architectural details

(Image credit: Little Greene)

‘When choosing colors for a kitchen, it’s important to consider the colors that already exist within the space. Be that furniture, flooring or furnishings, these elements should be included as colors within your palette,’ advises Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at Little Greene.

‘Where a kitchen features an abundance of original architectural detailing or natural textures, from flagstone flooring to beams and exposed brick, opting for a soft, warm, mineral-based white such as flint will not only ensure all these elements are pulled together in a naturally neutral scheme, but that the result is bright too.’

15. Be as minimalist as possible

(Image credit: Kasha Paris/Idha Lindhag)

We all know that clutter makes a space seem smaller, and if you can pare down your kitchen essentials to the point where you can live without wall units then all the better.

There are several other design options that you can implement too. Betsy Kasha, Co-Founder of Paris-based interior design studio Kasha Paris explains her process:

‘In the kitchen, we tend to use Roman shades made from sheer, translucent fabric to maximize the natural light. Not only does it make cooking more pleasant, but it even makes your food look better. We sometimes use the iconic “checkerboard” pattern on the floor or dark stone countertops to bring out the bright walls. In a diner-kitchen, we select simple, elegant furniture for a lighter feel.’

Sophie has been an interior stylist and journalist for over 20 years and has worked for many of the main interior magazines during that time, both in-house and as a freelancer. On the side, as well as being the News Editor for indie magazine, 91, she trained to be a florist in 2019 and launched The Prettiest Posy where she curates beautiful flowers for modern weddings and events. For H&G, she writes features about interior design – and is known for having an eye for a beautiful room.

9 Ways to Make Your Kitchen Look and Feel Bigger

Create Space with Light Colors

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“The three main design components that determine how spacious a room feels are color, lighting, and the contents of the room,” says Dave Lincon, Director of Product Management and Business Development at Sears Home Services. The easiest quick fix, particularly if you're not ready to cut back on your cookware collection or install additional lighting, is repainting. Walls that are dark and bold can make a kitchen feel crowded (or cozy), while, conversely, lighter hues offer an airy feel. Create a sense of openness with antique whites, off-whites, creams, light yellows, or pale shades of gray.

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Avoid Strong Visual Contrast

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Once you pick a light color, commit to it. To liven things up, some homeowners make the mistake of incorporating an accent wall—one strong, bold-hued wall in an otherwise light-toned kitchen. "In a large kitchen, that can work,” says Lincon. “But in a small kitchen, strong visual contrast creates a feeling of segmentation and restriction." A better way to add a little optical oomph into an otherwise monotone kitchen is to play with the extras. “Keep all the walls light and bright,” advises Joe Maykut, the Project Manager for Sears Home Services' Kitchen, Bath, Countertop, and Cabinet division. “Then, introduce color into your kitchen in small, nonpermanent ways—through colorful window treatments, tea towels, or accessories like canister sets. ”

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Add Accent Lighting

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“The human eye is naturally drawn to the highest contrasting point in a room,” Lincon explains, “and in a kitchen, that’s usually the top of the cabinets.” When shadows create a strong visual line between the cabinets and the ceiling, the kitchen can feel as cramped as it would with a high-contrast accent wall. You can erase or soften those shadows by installing uplighting above the cabinets. It casts a gentle illumination that eases the visual contrast created by shadows and as a result makes the whole room feel more open. Lighting installed beneath upper cabinets and directed onto the countertop works in a similar way: “The light will fill in the shadows under the cabinet and reduce the contrast, giving the impression of a larger kitchen,” Lincon says.

To best address a kitchen's unique set of shadows, Sears Home Services representatives visit customers in their own homes to help them select the most suitable types of lighting.

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Heighten Spaciousness with Cabinets

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Considering new cabinets? Opt for taller-than-standard upper cabinets, which "raise your eye level and make the ceiling feel higher,” Maykut says. If you need more inducement, let's not forget that taller cabinets mean more storage, something that's often at a premium in compact kitchens.

To make the decision as easy as possible, Sears Home Services allows homeowners to compare a host of cabinet door styles and veneer samples right in the space. Key points to remember: Keep the color of the cabinets light (like the walls) and avoid intricate door designs, which can be too busy for a small kitchen. Flat-front door styles tend to best complement a kitchen's clean lines. Keep cabinet hardware simple as well: Opt for concealed hinges, low-profile bar pulls, or recessed grooves in cabinet doors rather than large, ornate knobs and pulls.

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Find a Place for Everything

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When they're left out on the countertop, cookbooks, spices, and small appliances eat up valuable work space and draw attention to a kitchen's insufficient size. If you're thinking about new cabinets, consider the host of customizable solutions offered by Sears Home Services. Aside from taller upper cabinets, options like concealed storage racks and pull-out or swing-out shelves maximize storage space behind tidily closed doors. Remember: The less cluttered the kitchen, the larger it will feel.

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Opt for Glass-Front Cabinet Doors

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Replacing solid cabinet doors with glass-front doors can add visual depth, tricking the eye into thinking the kitchen is more spacious than it really is. Your gaze is drawn into the cabinet rather than stopped at the door, which creates the illusion of space. If you're considering glass panes, go with white or light woodwork to maximize their effect. “Glass-front doors offer a feeling of space when installed on light-colored cabinets, but they’re not very effective on dark cabinets,” Lincon says.

Glass-front doors don't necessarily have to show off your jumble of mugs or every mismatched plate that you own. Sears Home Services customers who don't want their cabinets' contents on display have the option to choose opaque glass, which helps conceal what's inside. Even opaque glass, however, reflects light, which brightens the kitchen overall.

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Choose Reflective Materials

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Shiny surfaces can bounce light and ultimately make any kitchen feel larger. “It has a lot to do with the way shiny surfaces pick up and reflect the hues of the walls and cabinets,” Lincon says. For example, if you have antique white cabinets, the sheen of stainless steel appliances will reflect some of this off-white hue and amplify the space-enhancing effects of your choice in cabinet color.

“Another great way to add reflectivity to your kitchen is to install a glass tile backsplash,” Lincon says. Paired with undercabinet lighting and a new reflective countertop like polished quartz, it “creates a wonderfully open transition between the countertop and the upper cabinets,” he explains.

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Open Up Floor Space

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A small kitchen table—or at least one with leaves that can be folded down between meals—will give you more floor space to maneuver in the kitchen. The same goes for other space-devouring items, such as a freestanding kitchen island or china cabinet. By choosing downsized models, you will increase space for foot traffic and meal prep. These items are much easier to downsize than, for instance, your kitchen appliances, Maykut says. Major appliances (stoves, refrigerators, and dishwashers) come in standard sizes, and smaller, apartment-size models don’t always fit well in cabinet configurations and may not be suitable for the needs of a large family.

Let In Natural Light

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The view from a kitchen window should make the outdoors—be it a deck where you entertain or a large, lush backyard—seem like an extension of the kitchen. Swap out heavy draperies and blinds for sheer curtains or simply a valance, and leave the rest of the window uncovered. The additional natural light will not only visually expand the space, but will also help instill that coveted airiness.

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How to make a narrow kitchen visually wider and more comfortable

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Design

Mister

Agree, even now the ideal housing that would meet all your requirements is very difficult to find. And that is why there is often nothing left but to discount your wishes a little and make a compromise, which often takes the form of a rectangular narrow kitchen. However, the good news is that with a few simple tricks, you can optically expand a narrow space and make it not only practical, but also cozy. nine0003

Are you one of those who are not satisfied with the space of their own kitchen? If you are annoyed that it is too narrow and looks like a nook on a train, then you can try the tricks that we will outline in this article, after reading which you will definitely know how to make a narrow kitchen cozy.

Contents of the article

Walls in light colors

The fact that a narrow room will look wider and more spacious when you paint the walls white and buy a white kitchen unit is probably not new to you. However, it is not necessary to strictly adhere to only white, which often creates a monotonous or cold impression. How about painting with cream, soft peach, blue, green or lilac? You will see that the result will pleasantly surprise you. But if you need to keep the room from looking like a narrow and long noodle, use a rich color tint on the shorter wall (or both). With this simple trick, you can optically cut it. nine0003

Stripes on the floor

In addition to light colors that ventilate a narrow kitchen, use the magical power of stripes when you "expand" it. And you don't have to limit yourself to textiles. The room will look wider not only thanks to the horizontal striped curtains on the windows, but also due to the right choice and properly laid floor.

With flooring you can literally enchant, whether it's tiles, other materials or just a tread in the kitchen. Also in this case, you optically expand the floor with transverse stripes. This means that all decors should run from one longer wall to another, and not connect two shorter walls with their optical line. nine0003 Of course, it is not necessary to change the floor by choosing contrasting finishing materials. It's enough to lay a striped rug

Don't forget the textures

In addition to the simple trick with stripes, which literally works wonders in a narrow room, you can try another trick. Play with structures. This is very important when planning the composition of a narrow kitchen. First of all, they affect how you perceive color. For example, a rough fabric with knots will be different from a glossy reflective fabric, even if they are the same color tone. Simply put, a rough surface scatters light, and the colors used appear darker and duller. But since you need to brighten up and expand a narrow kitchen, you should opt for the opposite - smooth and shiny surfaces reflect light, and so colors appear lighter and spaces appear larger. nine0003

Read more tips on how to visually expand a narrow kitchen in our recent article:

Designing a narrow small kitchen: how to furnish a long narrow kitchen respectively. To expand a room, there is never a shortage of mirrored surfaces. Mirrors are just a reliable assistant when you need to give the impression that the room is more spacious. And their effect works best when there are several of them. nine0003

But how to do it in the kitchen, where most of us do not hang mirrors and there is no place for them? Get a glossy kitchen set. Cabinets with such a surface will cause a so-called mirror reflection, and, like a classic mirror, the kitchen will expand, especially if you have them opposite.

The kitchen has various appliances such as refrigerators, kettles, hobs and ovens. You can also use them to enhance the mirror effect. You just need to choose the ones that have a shiny stainless steel surface. nine0003

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60+ photo examples, solutions for the most complex layouts

Kitchens in typical homes often have a disproportionate configuration. Under these conditions, the owner of the apartment will have to try to plan a convenient and functional design of the kitchen space - so that the set fits in and there is a place to gather the family in the evening. However, in narrow kitchens you can equip a comfortable environment. nine0003

Contents

Design features of a narrow kitchen

In order not to look too gloomy in a long kitchen, it is worth giving preference to wallpaper in pastel colors. It will look good white in a milky shade, as well as peach and cream tones.

Cream kitchen is a wonderful choice for a small kitchen.

If the kitchen is very long, a bright picture can be placed on one wall as an accent, which will visually divide the room. nine0003

Furniture in a narrow kitchen will also look better with light fronts. However, this is not an axiom. The combined version will also look great, when the lower cabinets are made in deep bright light, and the facades of the upper ones are lighter.

Light facades and walls of the same color visually expand the kitchen.

An important role is given to the choice of flooring. The main task of finishing the kitchen is the visual expansion of the room. If you decide to use floor tiles, you can lay them diagonally. nine0003

If laminate is used, lay it perpendicular to the longest wall. The dark color of the floor will add a little depth and height to the room, and the light color will brighten the perception of the long kitchen tunnel.

The floor covering makes a big difference in the limited space.

Stretch ceilings are the best choice for ceilings. The lower they are, the lighter the shade should be.

For example, with low ceilings, glossy PVC stretch ceilings will look good and visually enlarge the room due to the reflective surface. High ceilings can be decorated with canvases with stained glass or linear patterns. nine0003 The light ceiling does not distract attention and gives the kitchen extra volume.

Which layout to choose for a narrow kitchen

There are several layout solutions for narrow kitchens.

Linear layout

The saddest option is a very narrow kitchen. In such it is impossible even to combine the dining area with a suite stretched along one wall. The refrigerator is placed in one row with the headset, usually near the entrance.

Such a kitchen is also inconvenient because the hostess has to wind extra meters while cooking, constantly moving between the refrigerator, sink, stove and work table. nine0003 Placing a headset along one wall is the most obvious solution, but not ergonomic.

Such kitchens are so narrow that in order to create a comfortable environment it is necessary to move the dining area into an adjacent room. The only alternative is a narrow transformer table or a tabletop folding from the wall like a bar counter.

Several tricks will help to brighten up the tunnel syndrome:

  • place a TV on the wall above the entrance;
  • stick a photo wallpaper with a kitchen theme on the opposite wall from the set; nine0062
  • Use wallpaper with vertical stripes or vertical patterns to shorten the room a bit.
To enhance the impression of the kitchen, you can use patterns and shift the focus on decorations and color.

Parallel layout

This can be called a kitchen in which a kitchen set will fit on both sides or there is a place to place a dining area opposite the furniture.

In such a room, it is already possible to more conveniently arrange the working area - move the stove with a refrigerator in front of the sink. The main thing is that the width of the passage should not be less than 90 cm. You can, on the contrary, build up the kitchen up, solving the problem of storage at the same time.

Rarely used household appliances or dishes can be stored in an additional row of drawers under the ceiling. So that the boxes do not hang over your head, it is better to order a set with light wall cabinets.

Light furniture will not "crush" in an already very limited space.

P-kitchen

You can place the furniture set with the letter P in kitchens that are closer to the square. In this case, the window sill is removed and a working area with a sink is installed in its place. nine0003 A lack of planning can easily be turned into an advantage by moving the sink.

For the hostess, this option is the most convenient in terms of cooking and storage. But to create a eating area, you will have to use again either a narrow table along the wall or a transforming table.

However, planning problems can be solved by placing a dining area near the window and placing a corner sofa there. At the same time, work surfaces should end in front of the dining area.

The seat at the foot of the window is the perfect dining area in a small kitchen. nine0066 D-kitchen

This is another planning option that is acceptable in cases where the door to the kitchen from the corridor is not installed in the center of the wall, but asymmetrically.

There are 2 options for furniture placement:

  1. The set forms an angle near the entrance, and a dining table is placed near the window.
  2. The set forms a corner near the window (the window sill is removed and a work area is put in its place). A narrow dining table is placed near the free wall.
By placing cabinets and appliances near a narrow wall, you can reduce the "tunnel syndrome".

In conclusion, some general tips for planning a narrow kitchen:

  1. Move the eating area to a separate dining room. In order not to interfere with the doors when serving dishes, replace them with sliding ones.
  2. A bar along the wall will help solve the problem of daily lunches and breakfasts. Guests will be received in the living room.
  3. Corner sofa and stools take up less space than a table with chairs. nine0062
  4. If cabinets cover part of the doorway, just narrow it by 25-30cm. This will solve the problem and there will be no need to puzzle over planning decisions.
  5. Buy narrower kitchen sets - they will widen the aisle and leave room for the table.
  6. Provide additional lighting - it is unlikely that one ceiling lamp can provide the necessary level of illumination. You can stretch 2 rows of spotlights along the ceiling or separately illuminate the work area with lamps located at the bottom of wall cabinets. nine0062
To make a narrow kitchen comfortable, you can order a custom-made set.

Narrow kitchen with a window

A window in a narrow kitchen is the only source of natural light, so it needs to be groomed and cherished. Curtains should be short and translucent, blinds should be light. Since the window seat is functionally important, it does not need to be littered with curtains.

Roller blinds, Roman blinds and blinds save space near the window, especially in the working area.

Near the window in the narrow kitchen, you can install a dining table with a kitchen sofa. You can zone the site with the help of lighting - put a couple of rows of spotlights along the ceiling along the working areas, and hang a long beautiful chandelier above the dining area. nine0003

If the dining area is taken out into the dining room or placed along the wall, this place can be used more functionally. If you install a desktop near the window and combine the countertop and window sill under a common countertop-window sill made of artificial stone, such an area can look really luxurious.

A large window expands the kitchen, letting in light and dividing a long wall into sections.

A bold option is to move the sink to the window. Of course, it will be necessary to provide for the redevelopment of the water supply system. As for the radiator, you can make a cabinet for it with holes in the doors. The efficiency of the radiator, of course, will decrease in this case. nine0003

If the kitchen faces north or is located on an upper, windy floor, you can move the radiator to an open wall. To prevent the faucet from interfering with opening the sash, install a bayonet faucet model that can be removed and laid on its side.

Tastefully selected set, lighting and accessories will make even the most inconvenient narrow kitchen cozy and chic.

Narrow kitchen with a sofa

A narrow cozy sofa will increase the number of seats at a narrow table and take up little space. This is a great alternative to a table with interfering chairs. nine0003

You can place the sofa along the window, creating a separate dining area. To fit into the style ensemble, the upholstery must match the color scheme of the table.

Light range - the most suitable for furniture in a narrow room.

Narrow kitchen with a balcony

The balcony in the kitchen is a real planning find. In the kitchen with a balcony, a full-fledged place for the dining area appears. First, you will have to perform work on combining the balcony with the kitchen: remove the balcony door with a window, insulate and glaze the balcony, and conduct wiring there. nine0003

Panoramic glazing will allow you to admire the city landscapes while eating. The remaining wall can be used as a table for serving dishes and dirty dishes, or you can remove it by moving the radiator to a free wall. Then in the vacant place you can put a bar counter.

If there is a balcony next to the kitchen, then it can take on part of the load of furniture and appliances.

Balcony-dining room - the best option for using additional space that does not require additional refurbishment. If the balcony is narrow, in any case, it will help expand the space for the dining area. nine0003

If a spacious loggia is adjacent to the kitchen, then you can equip a full-fledged dining room there. In this case, 2 zones can be separated by an arch or transparent sliding doors.

Please note that any redevelopment work requires a permit. Especially it is necessary if you assume that someday you will sell an apartment.

Attaching a balcony and placing a dining group on it is the most logical solution for a narrow kitchen.

Narrow kitchen-living room

If you are lucky enough to become owners of a narrow kitchen-living room, you will have to reconsider the principles of furniture placement. All furniture should not be placed parallel to a long wall, because in this way the room will stretch even more.

A long set and a longitudinal arrangement of the floor boards are the two main mistakes in the arrangement of a narrow kitchen. It is advisable to zone the room with furniture.

You can consider the option of a kitchen with an island. The island can be used as a work surface, or you can install a hob on it. nine0003

The essence of this arrangement is the installation of large objects across the room: sofas, an island. A narrow room will seem more proportional.

You can divide the room into 2 zones: at a distance, closer to the window, make a kitchen, and closer to the entrance, arrange a living room, or vice versa, dividing 2 zones with a bar counter.

Sofa by the window - a romantic variety in the interior of the kitchen.

Small narrow kitchen

Small narrow kitchen is the most complex layout option.

First, you need to try a cardinal option:

  • organize a dining room in the next room;
  • demolish the partition with the next room and make a combined kitchen/dining room;
  • move the partition deeper into the next room, expanding the kitchen and reducing the room;
  • if there is a balcony, combine the room with a balcony;
  • expand the kitchen with a corridor.
For a family of 1-2 people, a small kitchen may be enough for cooking, but you still have to look for a place for a table outside it. nine0004 If all this cannot be realized, you will have to get out with the arrangement of furniture:

  • buy a narrow kitchen set, and arrange a narrow reclining table from the wall for eating. Folding chairs will also help save space;
  • to increase the storage area, place the top tier of cabinets under the ceiling. Use the lower cabinets to install built-in household appliances - dishwasher,
  • oven, refrigerator; nine0062
  • efficient use of a window sill to create a table;
  • replace the standard 4 burner stove with a narrower 2 burner stove.
Multifunctional furniture and appliances are just a godsend for arranging a small kitchen.

A narrow kitchen does not tolerate clutter, perfect order must reign in it. It must necessarily contain decorative elements: bright utensils, flowers in pots, a picture or a panel on a free wall - all these accents will not only attract the eye, but also distract the attention of guests from the disproportion of the room.

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