When we moved into our flat, I knew immediately that we did not have a functional kitchen. Apart from it being a really small space, it was poorly designed and was seriously lacking storage. Sadly it was a brand new kitchen so it feel right to rip it straight out and we didn’t have the budget to either. We knew that in order to create a functional kitchen I would need to make some additions to make it work for us. Bearing in mind our limited budget and limited space, we had to get really creative with our small kitchen makeover. If you find yourself in a similar predicament and need to create a more functional kitchen, here are some ideas that might work for you.
1. Upgrade and Extend Your Worktops
Tracery II 78 Georgian Shaker by Willis & Stone
One of the first things we wanted to do to upgrade our kitchen was to replace the worktops. They were black and in such a small kitchen they really absorbed a lot of light. We knew that if we switched them out for lighter worktops it would completely transform the space. And it did. However, in hindsight, white may not have been the best option for us. Whilst I love the look of our white worktops, they don’t stand up all that well to my husband’s cooking habits. He’s a very messy cook and not that careful about spillages. Coffee, red wine and beetroot do tend to put the white laminate through its paces. If I were going to make that choice again, I would probably be tempted to choose something more durable like quartz worktops which are non-porous, highly stain-resistant and would better withstand the abuse that they get in my home.
2. Add a Kitchen Island or Breakfast Bar
Chester Dove Grey Kitchen Island from The Cotswold Company
If you have small pockets of unused space like we do in our kitchen, consider adding a small moveable kitchen island or breakfast bar. The Island doesn’t have to be huge but it can provide extra storage and also extra worktop. The fact that you can move it around the kitchen also makes it possible for multiple people to prepare food without getting in each other’s way.
A breakfast bar can help to make a small kitchen into a more functional kitchen too. It doesn’t need to be particularly deep, just deep enough to perch on for quick meals. It also doesn’t need to be part of the built-in kitchen. A free-standing breakfast bar would work just as well and wouldn’t cost the earth. But the benefits would be well worth it.
3. Add Free-Standing Storage Furniture
Frances Woven Rattan Kitchen Cabinet from daals
If you have free wall space and your kitchen can accommodate it, consider adding extra free-standing storage units. This could be used to accommodate smaller appliances like the microwave, breadmaker, smoothie maker and all the other gadgets that we are convinced will make our lives infinitely easier or more fulfilling. It can also be used to store crockery, cutlery or glasses to free up cupboard space in the main kitchen units.
4. Install a Hanging Rail on the Ceiling
Preloved Reinstalled Kitchen From Rehome.co.uk
We often overlook the potential of the ceiling when it comes to planning home decor. In my kitchen, I moved all the cabinets right up to the ceiling and then installed an open shelf below them. I was tired of having that dust-gathering void above the cabinets that was a huge waste of space.
In order to maximise the unused space near the ceiling, another option could be to place open shelving around the room just below the ceiling. This could then be used for cook books, pottery or ceramics, little used small appliances or anything else that you struggle to store. Just make sure that it is kept tidy and dusted regularly so you don’t end up moving the clutter up the walls.
In more traditional kitchens, preferably those with higher ceilings, you could also install a hanging rail or a pot rack on the ceiling. This could be used to hang all your pots and pans from the ceiling freeing up cupboard space to store more food or other items.
5. Maximise the End of Cabinetry
Contemporary Handleless Kitchen with Waterfall Island from Simon Taylor Furniture
If you have end units in the kitchen that are simple end panels, you can create a more functional kitchen by hacking these end panels and turning then into more storage. Obviously if you are installing brand new kitchen you can factor this into the design. But if you are making small DIY upgrades like I did in my kitchen makeover, you can simply use a bookcase or add some shelving to the end panel so that it can be used for additional storage.
6. Upgrade to Appliances that Feature Smart Tech
The final way I’d like to share for creating a functional kitchen is to invest in appliances that incorporate smart technology. Everyone loves technology these days and some of the smart tech for your kitchen could make your life a little easier. Consider a kettle that you can set to boil before you even get to your kitchen in the morning using your phone. or maybe consider smart fridges that allow you to see what is inside them from your phone so you can check if you need to buy milk while you are at the supermarket.
These are a few ideas I have had for creating a more functional kitchen that do not require you to install a whole new kitchen. These ideas can all be DIYed or implemented using tradesmen and won’t break the bank. But they will make life a little easier and who doesn’t want that?
Let me know in the comments if you can share any other ideas that have worked for you or that you have seen online.