The kitchenette is often one of the most underutilized rooms in your home, simply because it doesn’t have enough space to do all the tasks you want to perform in there. But if you think creatively about how you can make this tiny room more functional, you can maximize its usefulness and improve your life by an order of magnitude! Here are some creative kitchenette ideas that will make it much more useful in your daily life.
Take advantage of vertical space
While a lot of people think of kitchens as horizontal spaces and, if you’re shopping for one, you may have even measured your potential space in feet. Kitchens are often vertical. That means that there’s space above cabinets and below counters that can be used to store things like mugs and serving trays. You can take advantage of such vertical storage opportunities by hanging baskets off cabinets or by placing hooks under counters to hang items from.
Add attractive countertops
If you’re short on space, consider a wall-mounted kitchenette countertop to save space and make more room for an island. If you can fit it in your budget, granite or marble counters are more beautiful than laminate and don’t require much maintenance. And, if space isn’t an issue, don’t be afraid to opt for a large kitchen island: they provide extra counter space, storage and seating.
Get a portable gas stove
If you’re planning to live in a studio apartment or need to make use of every square inch of your kitchen, consider investing in a portable gas stove instead of an electric one. These stoves often offer more space for cooking and can be plugged into a kitchen’s electricity when needed. You also won’t have to deal with an extension cord.
Create a palette of storage options
The kitchen is arguably one of the most important rooms in your home; it’s where you prepare healthy meals for your family and where you share quality time with friends. With these considerations in mind, it’s natural to want to keep everything organized and neat, especially if you have a small kitchen.
Make sure you have enough lighting
The kitchenette is meant to be a work space, and it’s important to have enough light. Try positioning lamps and overhead lights in a way that gives you ample brightness for cooking. Be sure you can see all your ingredients so there’s no question about what went into any of your dishes. If there are windows, use them! Natural light from outside can make a small room look bigger, and bring in a pleasant feeling of warmth.
Add an under cabinet fridge
When you have limited space in your kitchen, under-cabinet fridges are a great idea. These mini refrigerators attach directly to cabinetry, providing you with much-needed storage while keeping everything hidden and out of sight. Under-counter fridges come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find one that fits your space exactly. Some include ice makers; others have wine chillers or separate drawers for storing beverages or produce. You can even find touchpad models that connect to WiFi!
Keep it simple with just one sink, etc.
People with small kitchens should try to keep them as clutter-free as possible. One way to do that is by using a kitchen sink on top of an existing counter. The sink comes with a wall-mounted faucet, which allows you to connect it directly to your plumbing system without requiring a countertop for extra storage space. No matter where you live or how much space you have, these creative kitchenette ideas can help you make your small space feel like home.
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