Tiny kitchens are a reality for many people nowadays, and making more space is usually the top reason for making any improvements. When planning a kitchen remodel, the trick is finding the right design to create, or at least seem to create, more space. Making your kitchen seem bigger is the next best thing to making it bigger when expansion is not an option.
This is a common problem with old-style apartments and new-style condo units. It is usually a case of poor design and space management in uneven and odd positioning of cabinets, appliances, and countertops as well as poor use of light. In most cases, these design and structural mistakes make a tiny kitchen seem much smaller and more cramped than it has to be.
A kitchen remodel can solve some or all these issues with a bit of design savvy and professional help. In many cases, focusing on kitchen countertops can go a long way towards making the most of your tiny kitchen. These design tips for kitchen countertops in tiny kitchens might show you the way.
Reflect the light
A big reason why some kitchens look smaller is that it does not get enough light. This is particularly true for kitchens with small windows.
An easy way to solve this problem is by replacing your kitchen countertops with highly polished granite or quartz countertops and backsplashes. A polished or glossy finish reflects light very well, so this will make your kitchen look brighter and bigger. It also helps to remove anything that blocks the source of light into the room, such as a refrigerator.
Look up
A eat visual trick interior designers use to make a room look bigger is to lead the eye up. This gives the impression of height to the room, which in turn makes it seem more spacious.
One way to lead the eye vertically upward is to put in a full backsplash. The continuity of the visual line opens up the space, and if it has reflective qualities, also makes the room look brighter.
Another way to lead the eye up is to have tall cabinets that run all the way from the floor to the ceiling. This is a great idea if you have a kitchen with a standard ceiling height, as tall cabinets provide better storage access. However, you might need to customize your tall cabinets if you have a low ceiling.
Measure everything
Make the most of your available space by measuring everything carefully before you start swinging that sledgehammer. Kitchen countertops form the base for almost everything, so you want to make sure you have a place for everything.
Include everything you plan to put into the kitchen into the plan, and make adjustments when needed. For example, the standard is 48 inches of aisle space for efficient work in a kitchen, but that is not always possible. However, if you can claw back two or three inches more of aisle space without compromising the storage space by putting in narrower countertops, do it.
Smart move
Sometimes, moving things around the kitchen countertops can help a lot. Putting the sink in the corner instead of leaving it in the middle of the countertop, for instance, makes full use of an awkward space while freeing up some workspace. However, moving the sink can be an expensive proposition, so make sure you ask your contractor if this is something that is in your price range.
The same applies to removing a wall or moving a door. Both can free up some much needed space as well as make your kitchen look bigger, but they can be pricey. Make these decisions only after you have weighed the pros and cons.
Matching orders
The best design tip for kitchen countertops to make a tiny kitchen bigger is to go for a monochromatic look. The one-color theme makes a room seem bigger because it is cohesive. White quartz countertops and white cabinets, for example, open up the space admirably. This is especially true for kitchens that get little or no natural light. You might want to avoid choosing dark colors, however, as these tend to shrink a room.
Conclusion
Tiny kitchens are not a problem if you can make the most of the available space. Since kitchen countertops play a major role in space management and design, you want to choose the right ones for your kitchen. These design tips for kitchen countertops in tiny kitchens should help, as would be the advice and expertise of a reliable countertop specialist.
KNC Granite is your best resource in the Washington DC, many areas in Maryland (Baltimore, Annapolis, Bethesda, Rockville) and Virginia (Alexandria, Arlington). We have a large inventory of granite and marble slabs from which to choose. You can check actual slabs at our showroom in Lanham, Maryland.
We also carry carries some of the top brands of engineered stone. This includes Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone, and MSI, and they all come with manufacturer warranties.
We do not only supply top-quality engineered and natural stones, however. We are experts at fabricating and installing kitchen counters or bathroom vanities. Also we are an authorized installer for these companies, so our warranty will remain intact if you contract with us.
We specialize in kitchen remodeling and bathroom upgrade projects, delivering on time and on budget. Give us a call or email us for your free in-home consultation and quote for your quartz countertops.