Let’s get real about kitchen space. More specifically – about small kitchens. It’s easy to wish for a huge, fancy kitchen when it comes time to whip up a big holiday meal. But, remember – it’s not about the size of the kitchen, it’s the love that comes from it! Even with a teensy cooking space, you can still create some culinary magic. Think about all of the chefs around the world who began in a tiny, little kitchen. Let’s take a look at some small kitchen ideas on a budget!
Here’s how we can bend the rules a little and make every inch of your kitchen work for you:
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I’m a little fed up with everyone’s picture-perfect kitchens. They’re always perfectly clean. Everything matches. The dream cabinets are a reality. Stop it. Most of us are making it through with a regular, everyday type of kitchen. Not everything is updated. You’ll probably find some dishes from last night in the sink, and I feel like another year with last year’s color on the wall is my reality.
The truth is, most of us have a run-of-the-mill kitchen, and although I don’t wish to dash hopes and dreams, and hope you get that dream space someday, that’s just not the reality for most of us.
So where do we start working with what we’ve got??
First, let’s rework that counter space you’ve got. It’s like a blank canvas just waiting for you to make a masterpiece. Try investing in a cutting board that fits over your sink or stovetop. This isn’t only a serious space-saver, but it also offers easy cleanup as you can slide the scraps right into the sink and voila, it’s gone! How about a set of They are an affordable and quality option for storing spices! Inside a cabinet and off of your counter is a win! When kitchen space is at a minimum, maximize the counter space!
Second, never underestimate the power of temporary storage. Ever tried under-bed storage boxes? They’re not only for seasonal clothes! Pack those non-essential kitchen tools and lesser-used appliances away into a box and slide it under your bed or couch. Trust me, your blender won’t mind having a short vacation.
Buckle up for the Top 10 tips to Make Your Kitchen Space Big on Efficient:
- Plan Ahead: Take a moment to breathe and plan your meal ahead, from appetizers to desserts. Opt for a few make-ahead dishes. It’ll save you time, space, and sanity.
- Good Quality Tools: Invest in one set of good quality kitchen tools like this set of heat-resistant, silicone kitchen tools from Zulay Kitchen. Having the right tools in your kitchen makes everything you make a breeze. I love Zulay because they make their products with quality and longevity in mind. For under $30 you get eight pieces of quality kitchenware that you’ll have for ages.
- One-Pot Wonders: Keep it simple. One-pot recipes can deliver delicious flavor while saving precious cooking space and reducing cleanup time. Slow cooker meals are also an amazing way to maximize your space while serving a delicious meal
- Station-ize Your Kitchen: Allocate specific zones for specific tasks. Think a chopping station, mixing station, and assembly station. Operating like this enhances efficiency, saves space, and keeps chaos at bay.
- Maximize Your Fridge: Store prepped ingredients in stackable containers. Remove unnecessary packaging. And remember, your fridge is cooler in some spots than others – use that knowledge to your advantage!
- Get Creative with Serving: Small kitchens mean less space, but why not use that as an opportunity to get inventive with your serving style? Opt for a buffet-style meal or utilize your largest table for a family-style feast. This not only frees up some space in your kitchen but also encourages a casual, cozy gathering where everyone can reach for their favorite dishes with ease. Plus, it’s way more fun to mix and match tableware for a one-of-a-kind look!
- Clean While You Cook: Just like you’d wash your hands between tasks, make a habit of tidying up your workspace too. It’s like a mini refresh button that keeps chaos at bay. You’ll be amazed at how a simple wipe-down can make a small kitchen feel roomier.
- Use a Space-Saving Dishrack: Ever thought about a roll-up dishrack? It fits over your sink, creating vital space for drying dishes, and rolls up effortlessly when not in use. Not only is it a space-indexer, but it’s a secret weapon in keeping your kitchen looking neat and tidy.
- Remove Your Cabinet Doors: Consider this a mini home makeover. Open shelving gives the illusion of a larger space and allows you to locate your stuff easily. See the photo above for a great example of using open shelving for everyday items. A friendly reminder to keep things looking neat since everything is on display now!
- Rethink Your Spice Storage: Turn your cabinet door into a spice-storing solution with these Bellemain clips. It’ll be your new spice haven. Organize your spices in small jars, label them, and voila! You’ve got yourself an instant, space-efficient spice rack. This company really does make it easy for you to get organized in your kitchen!
- Have a Stackable Cooling Rack: They’re like life-size Legos for your kitchen! When your oven’s working overtime for that holiday meal, these stackable cooling racks can be a lifesaver! Plus, when cooling multiple batches of cookies or pies, they’re like having a vertical kitchen!
Another trick is to use more verticle space. Consider purchasing a stainless steel hanging rack! Use this trick to get utensils, pots, and more off of your counter and utilize space that would often go unused. Store the lids for pots on cabinet doors with this awesome product that frees up all sorts of space in the cabinet!
Remember – quantity never outweighs quality! Invest in one quality set of pots and pans. This set from Caraway is a favorite, and you should check it out!
Remember, it’s the quirks and constraints that make your kitchen fun and uniquely yours. Embrace them, get creative, and most importantly, enjoy the process. After all, good things – like a big meal – sometimes come in small packages.
Cheers,
JJ
You also might be interested in this content:
Decorating Small Spaces for the Holidays
5 Tips for Holiday Entertaining in a Small Space