How to make a small kitchen feel bigger

With a history in precision-engineered components and a commitment to innovation in the furniture industry, we’re here to share our expertise and guide you through the process of transforming a small kitchen into a space people enjoy spending time in – regardless of its size.

Read on for more about the challenges of a small kitchen, as well as some handy tips and tricks on how to make a small kitchen feel bigger.

The small kitchen challenge

Small kitchens present a unique set of challenges. From limited counter space and storage constraints to concerns around noise and slamming, it’s easy for a small kitchen to feel crowded and overwhelming.

It’s not an uncommon struggle either; surveys have found that many of today’s kitchens in the UK are too small and lack food preparation and storage space – particularly as we continue to move towards the concept of multipurpose spaces in our homes.
In a small kitchen, every inch matters, but with a little smart thinking and the right tools, these common challenges can be overcome.

How to make a small kitchen feel bigger

In the quest to turn a compact kitchen into an inviting, spacious-feeling part of the home, let’s take a look at some practical design and functionality principles that can enhance the space.  

1. Light colours
   Colour plays an important role in creating an illusion of more space. Light-coloured paint, cabinets and countertops all reflect more light, bouncing it around the room and making the space feel brighter and more open. If you’re wondering what colours make a small kitchen look bigger, we’d suggest neutral shades like whites, creams and light greys, as well as soft pastel colours like pale blues, greens or lavenders, all of which can help create a sense of spaciousness.
   
   
2. Clever storage
   In a modest kitchen, embracing efficient storage solutions is key to getting the most out of your space. Optimising your vertical storage is a great way to maximise your space – consider using the full height of the available wall space with high cabinets and shelves. Slimline drawers are another space-efficient way to store your kitchen items.
   
   
3. Strategic lighting
   Proper lighting is a great way to make a small kitchen feel bigger. Well-placed lights and under-cabinet cabinet lighting can brighten up even the darkest of kitchens, creating an inviting atmosphere and eliminating shadows that make the space feel smaller.
   
   
4. Create space with mirrors
   Strategically using mirrors in a kitchen space amplifies the effects of light, creating the illusion of more space. Using mirrored accents on cabinet doors or backsplashes can help visually expand the room. A large mirror as a decorative focal point is also a perfect way to create a sense of airiness and openness in a small space.
   
   
5. Sliding doors
   Sliding doors like pocket doors are an ideal practical choice for tight spaces. Unlike a traditional swing door, a sliding door doesn’t need any clearance space to open into a room, instead moving horizontally along a track. This means they won’t take up room in the kitchen so no valuable square footage is wasted.
   
   
6. Soft-close finishes
   in the pursuit of making a small kitchen feel bigger, it’s not purely design elements like lighting and colour that should be considered. Functionality also plays a role, and that’s where soft-close components can help. Soft-close components like drawer runners and cabinet hinges operate quietly and smoothly, eliminating loud slamming and creating a serene environment that feels instantly more open and welcoming.

Innovative solutions from Titus

At Titus, we create hinges, connectors, furniture-damping components and drawer systems that deliver consistent quality and simple mounting. Our solutions are used in millions of products worldwide, with some of the most renowned furniture manufacturers relying on Titus to give them a competitive edge.

• T-type Soft Close Hinge Made to enhance functionality and user experience, the T-type is a great choice for a small kitchen project. It ensures cabinet doors close smoothly and evenly, preventing misalignment issues. It’s also designed to be discreet and unobstructive, providing a sleek and clean look to a kitchen.
  
  
• Quickfit TL5 Dowel: Quickfit TL5 dowel connectors simplify furniture assembly in tight spaces, allowing for quick and easy cabinet construction. They save time and effort during the installation phase, perfect for kitchens where space is limited. The TL5 is strong and durable, lending itself perfectly to heavy, daily use in a kitchen.
  
  
• Tekform Slimline Drawers: The sleek and efficient design of the Tekform Slimline Drawers makes them a perfect option for making a small kitchen feel bigger. With their easy installation and soft-close functionality, they’re a perfect fit for small kitchens.
  
  
• Soft-close mechanisms: Our expansive range of soft-close products includes Slidix for sliding doors, Glissando Hinge Dampeners and Titusoft Drawer Runners. Using soft-close mechanisms in a small kitchen can help make it quieter, calmer and more functional.

Thoughtful design and the right components can go a long way towards making a small kitchen feel bigger, calmer and more functional. Incorporating Titus components into a kitchen design helps address the challenges that come with a small kitchen and creates a more spacious and inviting environment to cook, eat and socialise.

We hope you enjoyed learning more about how to make a small kitchen feel bigger. If you’re a furniture manufacturer or fitter looking for quality hardware in high volumes, please get in touch to see how we can help.