How to Maximize Space in a Small Vancouver Kitchen
Are you struggling with getting the most out of a small kitchen? You’re not the only one. In a city like Vancouver, where most of us live in condos, townhomes and small single family homes, it can be a challenge to have a functional kitchen, with enough storage space to keep your counters clean and still be functional enough to make your essentials accessible.
In this post, we’re going to delve into some of the challenges that come with having a small kitchen and how you can combat these challenges and improve the overall efficiency and functionality of your small kitchen.
Appliances
How much fridge space do you need?
A smaller fridge will allow room for more cabinetry and counter space, however, this may not be an option for you, if you love to cook or have a big family. A larger fridge on the other hand, will provide ample storage for those Costco hauls, but is also going to stand out and be the focal point of your small kitchen.
When choosing your fridge, some things to consider are the number of people in your household, your cooking habits and any pain points you may have with you existing fridge.
Typically refrigerators come in 24″, 30″, and 36″ widths (thought you may be able to find some other options readily available as well). If you have a small household, or rarely tend to cook at home, we suggest going for a 24″ fridge. 30″ fridges are the most common and are referred to as the “condo-sized” fridge. 30″ is typically the happy place for most households of under 3 people. Lastly a 36″ unit will provide you with ample space to keep your food cold, but may come at the cost of leaving you with very little cabinet storage.
Cooking Appliances
Whether gas or electric, most cooking appliances come in 30″ widths. This applies for ranges, as well as cooktop and oven combinations. Same goes for hood fans or over-the-range microwaves. If you’re not big on cooking at home, it might be worth considering 24″ units to utilize the space elsewhere. However, always remember to keep the size of your cooking appliance and ventilation the same. This will both ensure you can achieve a symmetrical design in your kitchen, and make sure your kitchen can be adequately ventilated while you’re cooking!
Dishwasher
Dishwashers are almost always 24″ wide and we recommend sticking with this size, as finding options that are available in different sizes may prove quite challenging.
Cabinetry
Storage is often the biggest pain point for small kitchens. Not having enough space to store pots and pans, small appliances, or the odd items that don’t get used frequently can be frustrating. Sizing your appliances efficiently will help you maximize your storage space but that may not be enough. So what now?
Well there are a couple of more options that can help gain you additional cabinet space in your small kitchen:
1. Build your upper cabinets right up to the ceiling – utilizing the entire height of your kitchen will provide some storage near the ceiling for the one-off appliances and fancy cutlery and dishes that only get used on special occasions. This storage may not be easily accessible for day-to-day use but will sure be a life-saver when it comes to keeping your counters clutter-free.
2. Consider adding a small pantry – incorporating a tiny pantry in your small kitchen can be a huge blessing. Sure, it may cost you 20″ – 30″ of countertop surface, but it will gain you some much-needed additional storage. Depending on how much counter space you have and need, this may be a great option for your kitchen.
3. Add double-sided island storage – having additional cabinetry in your island, can help eliminate some of the clutter in your kitchen. Bear in mind, that this look is quite trendy and might make a few of your guests a little jealous.
Shelving vs. Cabinets
Depending on your storage and aesthetic needs, you may want to consider using shelving above the countertops and hooks underneath the bottom shelf for utensils and even mugs. Large box style cabinets above your counter can create a cluttered look in a small kitchen. Creating shallower cabinets can also reduce the amount of space consumed and force you to be more mindful when stocking your cabinets, often things get lost at the back anyway and it isn’t a great use of space. Custom cabinets with matching shelving is a nice combination for a small space and can keep a sleek, streamlined look while also providing some contrast and uniqueness to your design. Drawers and cabinets that have built in space dividers, racks and hooks are great to get the most out of the room you have.
Expanding Your Kitchen Space
Don’t be limited by what appears to be your current space. By talking to your contractor there are lots of design ideas that can be easily achieved to create space. Older homes placed emphasis on partitions or walls to separate rooms, however, the modern aesthetic is to have an open concept floor plan. Removing walls in your kitchen and expanding into the living room may be an easy option in your home.
Alternatively, relocating your kitchen altogether could provide much needed space and a better design for your home. Typically, relocating your kitchen will require building permits and may not be a feasible option in condos. If you are considering relocating your kitchen and need some guidance on whether it is feasible or what the process entails, you can reach out to us for a free consultation.
Condo floorplans have become smaller in modern buildings. One way to expand your condo kitchen is to repurpose or add a closet into your kitchen space. Sometimes losing a piece of furniture can greatly enhance the usability of the space also. Instead of a bulky kitchen table, a multi-use kitchen island can be installed that acts as a part for the kitchen and also a bar type area that serves as a dinner table. It’s also an easy way to interact as a family while someone is cooking without getting in each others way.
Often space is wasted around appliances also, like above your fridge. Cabinets can be added here for items that aren’t used everyday, extra bowls and specialty appliances for example.
Add a Pantry
Having a pantry allows you to keep your drawers and cabinet space less cluttered. It is also beneficial to keep all of your food in one place. Converting a nearby closet or unused space into a pantry will allow you to get better functionality in your kitchen. Shelving and cabinet space can be less cluttered this way too and be decorated with the things you like, like bowls and vases, rather than looking crowded when overloaded with food.
Having a pantry just off to the side of the kitchen does not reduce functionality but greatly increases space and usability.
Lighting
How’s lighting going to make my kitchen bigger? Good thing you asked.
Incorporating recessed light (aka pot lights) in your kitchen, instead of ceiling mount lighting, such as bar or pendant lights, can go a long way in make your kitchen feel bigger and less cluttered, specially if you have 8′ or 9′ ceilings.
Also, having ample lighting in the kitchen is essential, as a well-lit kitchen will feel bigger and more spacious!
Final Thoughts
It’s important to remember just because your kitchen is small, doesn’t mean you have to be resigned to an inefficient or cluttered kitchen. With adequate planning and the help of a professional contractor it is easy to create a new space you can be proud of and get the maximum level of functionality. Thinking outside the box, doing some research and exploring our site will provide you with a myriad of options and ideas to piece together and help create your own unique space.
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info@quayconstruction.ca
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