Designing a kitchen is not easy. As much as you may seek the help of a professional, you need to have a rough idea of what will work for your needs. And that starts by understanding kitchen layouts.
Kitchen layouts come in 6 most popular types:
- The One-Wall Kitchen
- The Island Kitchen
- The L-Shaped Kitchen
- The Peninsula Kitchen
- The Galley Kitchen
- The U-Shaped Kitchen
Of these 6 types, the one-wall kitchen is the most appropriate layout for small kitchens. Since you’re dealing with limited space, this layout is space-efficient while not compromising on functionality.
Generally, cabinets are fixed against a single wall, and both upper and lower cabinets are used. The galley layout is also very popular with small kitchens.
So, how do I go about designing with such limited space?
Limited space doesn’t mean limited creativity. Since you have very little width to work with, small European kitchens are designed thinking upwards. This is to maximize storage space while reducing the clutter that might further compress the already limited width.
Is it possible to make such a layout look beautiful? Yes.
For instance, if your cabinets can’t reach the ceiling, you can use the space above the lower cabinets to store a few items that will also support the theme you intend for your kitchen since they blend in with the color and design.
That way, you’ll have utilized space efficiently, while still not compromising on aesthetics. How exactly can you do this? Read on. These small European kitchen design ideas will get you started.
1. Invest in Useful Kitchen Tools
Invest in Useful Kitchen Tools
Your drawers are always going to be full. So, to capitalize on the limited space, you should invest in useful kitchen tools. These will keep most appliances and utensils out of the drawer, freeing up more space for you to use.
From a functional perspective, you’d want the items you use daily closest to you as you work in the kitchen. Kitchen tools help you keep such items nearby so you can move them less in the kitchen.
Which tools should you look for? You should shop for items such as magnetic wall knife holders, which keep the knives you use most often out of the organization trays. Instead, they’re kept in an accessible area next to the sink, where you’ll reach out to them most.
Ensure that the tool's design and color match the backsplash. Because of the confined space, any odd differences will be quickly noticeable.
2. Consider Using Exposed Cabinetry
Open-Shelving For Small Kitchen
A one-wall or galley layout will save you a bit of width while adding much-needed storage space. However, having closed cabinets might not be the best idea. Every time you open one, you’ll be battling for working space.
That’s where exposed cabinets come in. Not only do they save you from endless battles for working space with the cabinet doors, but they also create an airy feel to the kitchen. This creates an impression of more space, which makes the small kitchen even more comfortable to work in.
You can extend this cabinetry style to the adjoining room to further drive this impression. Through the sense of unity, this small European kitchen design makes the compact space look even bigger than closed cabinets.
3. Try the Galley Layout
Yes, the one-wall layout is deemed to be the most space-efficient kitchen layout available. However, the galley layout is another layout that can save you a lot of space by creating more. The galley layout converts the kitchen into a narrow aisle. The cabinetry and appliances then go against separate walls.
The downside of the galley layout is that the second row of cabinets will need to be narrower. This is unlike the one-wall layout, which uses only a single wall.
The plus? You get an extra set of cabinets to store more items. Thus, if you are a big fan of storage, the galley layout might serve you better, albeit with limited working space, than the one-wall layout.
4. Work with a Recessed Kitchen Nook
In a studio apartment, for instance, the one-wall kitchen layout is the most prevalent. So, how do you go about designing one while still working with the limited space for not only the kitchen but also the apartment itself?
By using a recessed kitchen nook. A recessed kitchen nook hides the kitchen cabinets away from the rest of the space in the open-plan apartment. This creates an almost separate room that contains all the equipment you need for your small European kitchen.
You can set the dining area in the remaining space or any other strategic location that will optimize the available space. In some designs, the washing machine is tucked into the last cabinet, saving even more space in the apartment.
5. Use Light-Colored or White Paint
Use Light-Colored or White Paint
Dark colors create an illusion of constriction, making them undesirable in a small kitchen. Instead, you should choose light colors or white paint.
These colors create an airy, light feeling, which makes the small space feel even bigger. Combine the white paint and light colors with the open cabinets, and the small kitchen will feel larger.
Remember to use the sense of unity with the adjoining room to amplify this effect further. An important thing to note here is that the monochromatic colors must be uniform. This uniformity creates the impression of a big space in a rather confined environment.
6. Use a Bit of Luxury
Saving space doesn’t mean saving every bit of dime you can get. A bit of luxury in your small European kitchen can go a long way in making your kitchen look splendid. And as far as finances go, since you’ll not be covering such a large area, not so much cash will be spent on adding a bit of glamor.
What exactly will you be spending on? Marble, for instance. Thanks to its light colors, marble adds not only aesthetic and sophistication to the kitchen but also a light, airy feel as a backsplash. If you have a bit more to spend, you can make the countertops out of marble, too.
Wood will work fine for the rest of the small kitchen design, such as the cabinets and storage cupboards. However, you can get creative with the colors by using dark colors on the storage cupboards to create the impression of a warm frame surrounding a cool scheme.
7. Add a Semi-Permanent Prep Area
Multi-Purpose Table Instead of Kitchen Island
Kitchen islands are a no-no in small kitchens since they occupy much space. However, their need cannot be eliminated since, in most cases, a one-wall layout won’t offer a large prepping area.
The solution? Getting a semi-permanent prep area. In its simplest form, this can be a table that doubles up as your dining area. So, when you’re busy creating in the kitchen, you can place your ingredients here and do all the necessary prep work before cleaning up and enjoying your meal.
You can also use a narrow console to set your tools while prepping, giving you more kitchen space while cooking. That way, you would have conserved a ton of space you desperately need.
