How often do you find yourself cooking in the kitchen, struggling to find room for everything? After taking out all of your pots and pans, you might come to realize you have almost no counter area left. Or perhaps the fancy new pot you were excited to bring home does not fit inside your cupboard. Cooking should not be a laborious and annoying task – and a small, cluttered kitchen might contribute to that feeling. If your kitchen has a small footprint, there are ways to make the most of your space. Here are five simple ways to create more elbow room and work area in your small kitchen – turning a stressful activity into one of joy.

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  1. Only Keep Necessary Equipment: One of the most obvious solutions might be the most effective. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the number of pots, pans, appliances, and tools in your kitchen, it might be time for downsizing. If you often use the same pots and pans time after time, consider donating or giving away your hardly used items to make more room. Single function items, like an apple slicer or waffle press, might not be needed if they do not receive a lot of use. Anything that might be handy on a rainy day can be stored in a different part of the house until needed or stored in the kitchen in areas that are out of the way. In general, make sure that all of your commonly used items are easy to reach and accessible.
  2. Utilize Wall Space: If you have many items that you would prefer not to get rid of, making use of your walls might be the solution. Additional pots and pans can be hung on racks that attach to your wall, providing easy access and freeing up space inside your cabinets. Wall racks may also provide quick access to utensils you find yourself needing to grab in the middle of a recipe. Hanging up pots and pans can even add a pleasant rustic look to your kitchen, enhancing its appeal.
  3. Create Additional Counter Space: Building an entirely new extension to your counter may be out of the question, but having an additional rolling counter space off to the side is a simple and effective way to increase the area you have to work with while cooking. When not in use, simply return the table to its place, either in the adjoining room or tucked into a corner. This table can also be used as additional storage when not used for cooking. You can also look into combining eating areas with storage underneath.
  4. Buy Space-Efficient Items: If you replace a set of unstackable bowls with a new set of nesting bowls, that alone can free up a whole portion of your cabinets. Take this idea to the next level and find space-saving options for all of your commonly used items. Pots, pans, spoons, plates, and bowls are all options to replace if your kitchen is full of unwieldy and difficult-to-organize versions.
  5. Redesign Your Cabinets and Appliances: Not every home requires a massive refrigerator or dishwasher. If you feel your kitchen is working against you, creating and redesigning the entire space can create a kitchen that fits your needs. Downsizing your fridge can free up room for more counter space, and installing cabinets with slide-outs or lazy-susans can help you to maximize your space. Consult with a kitchen designer for ideas on how to best utilize new cabinet designs to expand your storage.

Small kitchens can present logistical problems, but they are not insurmountable. If you are looking to reimagine your small kitchen, call the experts at West Coast Design Build Florida. We are experts at making the most of any kitchen space – and making it beautiful.