Show Special kbb Birmingham 2018
How to… design a small kitchen
As the average size of houses in the UK continues to decrease significantly, designers are having to learn how to be creative in the smallest of spaces. Graeme Smith, head of retail and commercial design at PWS, offers some advice and tips on how to design kitchens where space is limited
M
ost people don’t have the luxury of a large kitchen these days, generally because the recent influx of space-saving appliances
and gadgets has led builders and architects to reduce the size of the room.
Whereas in the past, kitchen designers didn’t hesitate to recommend structural changes to achieve a dream space, today there’s certainly no need to feel restricted by a compact space. A little care in the design process will ensure that a compact kitchen can function just as efficiently as a large one, without compromising on its visual appeal. Here are the processes I follow when designing a kitchen that’s on the small side.
Before you start Ask your customers to walk around their kitchen and write down how they use it now and how they would like to use it in the future. Where would they like things to be? What works and what doesn’t?
Consider the appliances, the sink area, the storage and the workspace. These are all good starting points and can help pin down their priorities, particularly when a small space is used throughout the day for a range of uses.
Love your layout
Wrap the kitchen around the architecture to create the most workspace and storage. U-shaped and L-shaped layouts can work particularly well in small areas. Use tall wall units to accentuate the height of the room, while providing storage, and also consider split-level surfaces to accommodate a dedicated dining area.
Define space
In a compact kitchen, it’s more crucial than ever that the entire space works in the most efficient way. Try to define different zones for preparation, cooking and washing, but if you can’t, then you may need to double-up activities in the same zone, for example a worktop could be used as a breakfast bar or for informal dining, while a covered sink can become an additional preparation area. Think carefully about your choice of work surface to ensure that the material is suitable for a range of activities.
Choose appliances carefully
There are many appliances suitable for smaller kitchens, for example various widths of freestanding cookers, built-in ovens that can be installed in vertical columns to save space and 45cm- tall appliances instead of the standard 60cm. Slimline dishwashers also save space, as do linear or domino-configuration hobs. You could also consider an undercounter larder fridge for the kitchen and a separate chest freezer for the garage.
Clear the clutter A lack of worktop space is often a problem in a small
kitchen, but by only placing essential and regularly used items on worktops, the available workspace can be maximised. You can avoid cluttering worktops with chopping boards by incorporating a birch end-grain chopping block in them. Flush-fit sinks and hobs can enhance the feeling of space. Some are available with glass or timber covers to enable them to become part of the worktop when not in use.
Clever storage Resist the temptation to pack in as many units as possible, as this will make the kitchen feel cramped and claustrophobic. Instead, use storage solutions like a Kesseböhmer full-height larder or a Le Mans unit to make the most of every inch of cupboard space. Open shelving looks great in an alcove as an alternative to a wall unit and splashbacks can accommodate hanging rails.
Illuminating ideas
Good lighting can make all the difference to a small kitchen. Use feature lights to enhance open shelving or the interior of glass-fronted cabinets and plinth lights to make the floor space appear larger. Light-reflecting materials such as high-gloss units, glass splashbacks, polished porcelain flooring and stainless-steel appliances can also make a small kitchen appear more spacious.
Keep it simple
Less is more, so don’t try to cram too much in and be realistic about what your client’s kitchen can accommodate. Keeping the design consistent in terms of decor, furniture and flooring will also help create the illusion of space. High-gloss, handle-free cabinets, pale flooring and neutral colour schemes will all help to make the room appear lighter, brighter and bigger, although bold colours and materials can also make a massive impression in a small space.
March 2018 kbb Birmingham Special Edition kbbreview 105
Opinion
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