Take a moment to look around your kitchen. Yes, it may be small and not how you dreamed it to be. But no, you’re wrong for thinking it can’t be as useful and spacious as a chef’s kitchen.

You may have a small kitchen but it can function just as effectively as a big one. Size isn’t everything. It all comes down to the design and layout of the kitchen. So buying a six-burner stove and a double bowl sink isn’t going to help maximize the small space you have to deal with.

Opt for scaled-down, innovative appliances as well as clever storage and space-saving elements. Set aside your grandiose desires for a moment, focus on functional yet stylish pieces. For instance, a small island, mini microwaves, single-bowl sink, and a two-burner stove.

small kitchen layout

Photo from BHG

Pay attention to even the smallest details when furnishing your kitchen. Avoid to commit these 6 common small kitchen mistakes many homeowners make when designing their small kitchen:

1) You neglect all the other space.

You already have a very limited space, make the most out what you have. The key to embracing and surviving in a small kitchen is to find as much storage as possible without making the space look cluttered and messy.

Don’t just stare at the blank wall. Make use of the wall space available—mount up racks and/or cabinets for storage. Got an open space on the side of your leftmost cabinet? Install S-hooks or command hooks to hang other tools such as pots and pans.

2) You keep clutter in the counter.

Clutter is the number one enemy and a major don’t in any small space. Not only does it wastes a could have been useful space but also instigates mess. Look at your countertop, if you see a lot of unnecessary items, tools, and other knickknacks out in the open, you’re guilty of this.

No, we’re not saying you should eliminate everything on the counter; we’re implying you should keep in mind how much counter space you have and how relieving it would be to see it clutter-free. All those decorative pieces and displays only makes your kitchen look messed up, what you want to do rather is to open it up.

3) You’re fond of open shelving.

Open shelving is a great way to put your chinaware, decorative accents, and other tools on display. However, it can also be a recipe for a recipe for disaster for small kitchens.

Yes, it’s a huge trend right now but if it’s not a good fit for your space, opt for the good old cabinets. If you want, you can still have one section of open shelving, while still keeping the rest as cabinets.

4) You don’t take advantage of the lighting.

Lighting is the best friend of every small space rooms—especially the kitchen. It opens up and breathes air and illusion of a wider space in an otherwise tiny space. Statement lighting such as pendant lights or under-cabinet lighting are great ways to sizzle up your kitchen.

5) You put everything on display.

That new mixer sure looks nice as well as that decorative accent by the corner. And let’s not forget the colorful fruit basket on the counter. These elements sure emboss your personality in your kitchen. Kudos for that!

However, it’s not always a good case especially for small kitchens like yours. Instead of coming off as display, it comes out as clutter. If you can afford to hide away your mixer and get rid of your decorative accent, while only keeping the fruit of basket (and other stuff that adds color), that could be enough to bring out the beauty of your kitchen.

6) You feel as if you have a huge kitchen.

Hey, it’s your own kitchen anyway so feel free to do and place whatever you want in it; however you want it. But do be mindful of the space you have.

The thing is, you desire for too many things which you want to incorporate in your kitchen, yet you only have so little space to work with. Create a balance between your want and what your kitchen space actually needs.

No matter what size, the kitchen is the heart of every home. Bring the best out of your favorite part of the house.

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About the Author: Chie Suarez is a passionate writer for PAAL Kit Homes, a company that manufactures and supplies steel-framed kit homes that help Australian families build their dream home. Chie has a deep interest in home design and decoration.