How To Make Your Kitchen Look and Feel Instantly Bigger

If you have a kitchen with small square footage, you've probably been considering ways to make it feel more expansive. For a kitchen area that looks immediately bigger, start with these X smart design strategies recommended by a kitchen designer Los Angeles.

Take Advantage of Natural Light

Eschew curtains on your small kitchen window and let the outdoors shine through. Try hanging a mirror opposite the window to reflect even more sunshine, or install a mirrored backsplash with tinted glass for a subtle but eye-catching sheen. Task lighting and under-cabinet lighting can also help brighten and expand a tiny kitchen, while accent lighting removes the shadows that can make a room look smaller than it actually is.

Choose a Sleek, Minimal Color Palette

Monochromatic tones make spaces look larger by creating visual unity. White is a classic choice for the kitchen, but any light hue will create an open, airy feel. Add pops of color with accessories, but avoid areas of contrast that break up the flow of the room. Look for paints that have an eggshell or satin finish rather than flat mattes, and use washable enamel formulas that wipe clean easily.

Embrace Open Shelving

Removing the doors from the cabinets exposes more of the wall, which will make the kitchen look larger. Glass doors have the same effect, but keep in mind that you'll need to keep the shelves relatively clear to preserve the effect. If you opt for standard cabinet doors, choose cabinet frames with additional height. This lets you take advantage of vertical storage space while drawing the eye upward to make the room appear bigger. Do you have open space on the wall? Try adding just a few open shelves for items such as cookbooks and mixing bowls.

Get Rid of Clutter

Speaking of clear shelves, decluttering your kitchen will make a big difference in terms of utility and function. Get rid of items you rarely use and take advantage of the expanded prep and storage space.

Paint the Ceiling

A white ceiling reflects light, a visual trick to boost the impact of small spaces. It will also seem higher compared to a dark-colored ceiling, which can make a room feel cramped.

Opt for Downsized Appliances

Small versions of standard appliances work just as well as their larger cousins, especially if you live alone or with only one other person. You can find scaled-down versions of dishwashers, refrigerators and stoves. When it comes to small appliances, look for versatile items with more than one function like a griddle that doubles as a grill pan or a toaster oven. Panel appliances that are designed to blend in with your cabinet-fronts are another space-saving solution.

Install an Island

An island serves multiple purposes for a small kitchen, including extra storage and counter space as well as an area where two people can comfortably sit and eat. Look for a slim version that fits seamlessly into the room's footprint.

Consult an interior designer Los Angeles for even more information about how you can make your small kitchen look and feel much larger. Smart design techniques can improve both the appearance and function of this all-important space.