Making a small kitchen appear more spacious can be challenging, but just how can we make a small kitchen look bigger?
This article outlines 10 easy and practical ways to open up a compact kitchen for a bigger, brighter look and feel.
How to Make Small Kitchen Look Bigger?
To make a small kitchen look bigger, use light colours like white or pale yellow on the walls, cabinets, and countertops to reflect light.
Install reflective flooring such as light laminate or glossy tile.
Maximize storage with solutions like open shelving and drawer organizers.
Remove upper cabinets for an airy look.
Elongate the space with rectangular floor tiles.
Let in natural light through skylights or windows.
Avoid dark colours or busy patterns that make the kitchen look closed in.
With strategic paint colours, storage solutions, and light-reflecting surfaces, you can make a small kitchen appear more spacious.
Key Points
- Use light, reflective paint colours on walls, cabinets, and countertops
- Install light, glossy floor tiles in an elongated rectangular shape
- Maximize storage with solutions like open shelving and drawer organizers
Our Opinion
Making a small kitchen look and feel more spacious is achievable with some clever design tricks.
Light, bright colours and reflective surfaces are key for opening up the space.
Strategic layout and storage solutions also go a long way.
We highly recommend removing upper cabinets and replacing them with open shelving to instantly make a small kitchen appear larger.
Glossy subway tiles on the backsplash and light-coloured wood flooring also help reflect light around the room.
With smart renovation decisions, it’s amazing how spacious a tiny kitchen can feel!
Use White or Light Colors
Painting kitchen cabinets, walls, and ceilings in white or light colours is one of the most impactful things you can do to visually expand a small kitchen. The bright, airy look will make the space feel larger and more open.
When choosing your shade, opt for soft whites like dove grey rather than stark bright whites, which can feel cold and sterile.
For accent colours, stick to light neutrals like beige, tan, or very soft sage – deep, dramatic colours will only make a small kitchen feel more closed in. Using the same neutral colour on cabinets, walls, and flooring creates a seamless, spacious look.
If possible, paint the ceiling the same colour too. Be sure to use a durable, wipeable paint for high-traffic kitchen areas.
Some other tips for using colour:
- Add brightness with glossy white or light-coloured backsplashes and countertops.
- Use sheer white window treatments to allow in natural light.
- Choose light wood tones like maple for open shelving.
- Use reflective surfaces like stainless steel appliances judiciously – too much can feel chaotic.
Keeping everything light and consistent creates the illusion of a bigger, airier kitchen. Steer clear of dark, bold colours that will make the space feel smaller.
Install Mirrors
Strategically placed mirrors can make a small kitchen appear larger by reflecting light and images. Position one mirror across from a window so it amplifies the natural light streaming in. You can also place mirrors opposite each other to create the illusion of a longer, wider kitchen. Just be careful not to overdo it with too many mirrors or you may feel closed in.
Here are some tips for using mirrors to open up a compact kitchen:
- Hang a large mirror near the sink to expand the look of the backsplash and give the illusion of more counter space.
- Use mirrored cabinets or apply mirror film to existing cabinet doors for a reflective surface that makes the kitchen feel bigger.
- Install a mirrored backsplash along one wall to optically double the size of the kitchen.
- Place a freestanding floor mirror in a corner to create more perspective.
- Add a small decorative mirror above the kitchen sink to expand the window view.
Mirrors can make a small kitchen look and feel more spacious but be selective about placement and size. A few large, well-positioned mirrors will go farther than many small, scattered ones.
Use Glass Cabinets
Installing glass-front cabinets is an easy way to make a small kitchen feel more open and airier. The transparent glass allows you to see through the cabinets, creating the illusion of more space. Glass cabinets also reflect light, further brightening up the kitchen.
Here are some tips for incorporating glass cabinets to enlarge a compact kitchen:
- Replace solid wood doors with glass on upper cabinets. This maintains storage while opening up sightlines.
- Use glass-front cabinets above the sink or stove to showcase pretty dishes and glassware.
- Install glass shelves inside existing cabinets for a partially see-through look.
- Choose frosted or patterned glass if you prefer obscured views of cabinet contents.
- Incorporate glass-door accent cabinets to break up runs of solid wood cabinetry.
The transparency of glass cabinets can make a small kitchen feel more expansive. Just be mindful of clutter behind glass doors which could negate the light, open effect.
Create the Illusion of Space
When working with a small kitchen, it’s all about tricks to make the space appear larger. Here are some clever ways to create the illusion of more room:
- Strategically place mirrors to visually expand the space. Try a large mirror near a window or backsplash behind the sink. The reflection will make the kitchen look bigger.
- Paint walls, and cabinets, and trim the same neutral colour. Contrasting colours break up the space, while a monochromatic scheme gives the illusion of continuity.
- Maximize natural light with large windows, skylights, or glass cabinet doors. Bright, airy rooms feel more open.
- Install flooring with a reflective surface like glossy tile or laminate. The sheen bounces light around, opening up the kitchen.
- Keep countertops and the sink clear to avoid a cluttered look. Store appliances when not in use and organize items inside drawers.
With some clever visual tricks, you can make a small kitchen space feel airy and expansive.
Add Elongated Patterns
Incorporating vertical lines is an effective way to give the illusion of height in a small kitchen. Here are some tips for using elongated patterns to make the space appear taller:
- Install subway tile or vertical strips on the backsplash. The lines draw the eye up, which makes the ceiling seem higher.
- Choose cabinets that extend to the ceiling, rather than leaving an empty gap. The uninterrupted line gives the impression of extra height.
- Use pendant lights over islands and peninsula counters. Hanging lights lead the eye upward and emphasize vertical space.
- Add tall, narrow shelving on walls, like spice racks, utensil holders, or floating shelves. The vertical storage stretches the look of the wall.
- Paint horizontal stripes on walls or hang wallpaper with vertical stripes. The lines lead the eye up and down, expanding the feel of the room.
With strategic use of vertical lines, you can trick the eye into seeing expanded dimensions in your small kitchen.
FAQ
What colour makes a small kitchen look bigger?
Light, bright colours like white, off-white, light grey, and pale yellow can help reflect light and make a small kitchen appear larger and more open.
What colour kitchen units make a kitchen look bigger?
White or light-coloured kitchen cabinets and countertops can help make a small kitchen look bigger by reflecting light and creating a sense of airiness.
What type of flooring will make a kitchen look bigger?
Light-coloured, reflective flooring like light hardwood, laminate, or tile can help make a small kitchen look bigger by bouncing light around the room. Avoid dark floors that can make the space feel closed in.
What floor tiles make the kitchen look bigger?
Large-format, light-coloured floor tiles can make a small kitchen look bigger. Opt for glossy tiles rather than matte to reflect more light. Elongated rectangular tiles can give the illusion of a longer space.
Conclusion
There are several effective strategies for making a small kitchen look and feel more spacious. Using light, bright colours on the walls, cabinetry, countertops, and flooring helps reflect light around the room for an airy feel. Careful layout and storage solutions maximize every inch. Open shelving, elongated tiles, and glossy finishes enhance the illusion of size. Removing upper cabinets and utilizing windows or skylights introduces more light. When planning renovations for a small kitchen, focus on light colours, reflective surfaces, and smart organization to make the most of the available space. With some creativity and strategic design choices, it is possible to give a small kitchen a more expansive look and feel.
