Apartment living means one thing – incredibly small kitchens. Sometimes, figuring out how to maximize your space when you’re stuck with very little of it is hard to do.
Small studio apartments and even larger apartments with narrow galley kitchens make both counter space and storage seemingly impossible. It doesn’t have to be, though. These days, there are a ton of quick tips you can implement in your kitchen to make it more functional.
We’ve narrowed down a few of our favorite ways to maximize kitchen space so you can keep all your gadgets and gizmos right where you want them.
Clear off your counter space
In small kitchens, counter space is hard to come by. It becomes necessary to do what you can to clear up that space for the most important items or the ability to prep your food while cooking.
Some simple ways to do that is to bring magnetized pieces into your house. From spice holders that stick to your fridge to kitchen knives that hang from the wall, there are lots of ways to keep your counter clear of clutter.
Adding additional space can be helpful, too. Think about adding a chopping block or piece of marble over your stove or sink for extra prep room.
When in doubt, hang things
If you can manage to hang things from your ceiling, it’s both excellent storage and exciting decor. Hanging pan racks are all the rage right now, clearing up precious storage space for other items by allowing your pans to hang from a rack instead.
Floating shelves can also be a big help. If you’ve got space on your walls to house some items you don’t use often, it’s a great way to leave the cupboards empty for what you need every day.
Let the light in
Most small apartment kitchens don’t come with a lot of natural light. This small setback can make a kitchen feel smaller than it already is.
Many design experts suggest adding light in the form of mirrors, unique fixtures, or bright paint. Brightening up the space can make it feel bigger, even when it isn’t. That will help both you and those who visit focus less on how small your kitchen is.
Buy a storage cart
Storage carts can be a huge help. They offer more space for you to house things and can serve as additional counter space when you need it.
The bonus is that once you’re done prepping and cooking, you can wheel the cart to another location in the apartment, so it doesn’t continue to take up space. Or, you can keep it in the kitchen as additional daily storage.
Hide larger appliances
Got a crockpot? Maybe a big coffee maker? Even a toaster can take up space and make a kitchen appear smaller. If you have the option, store these things off the counter and in a cabinet or pantry.
The bulkier the item, the more space it takes up. So, do your best to keep your kitchen clear of space hoggers.
Small kitchens are the downside to apartment living. Luckily, there are tons of things you can do to maximize the space and utilize your kitchen the way you need to.
