Big impact small kitchen design ideas

Not all Christchurch homes include a big open plan space for a modern kitchen design and social area. If your kitchen is small and you want to renovate it but don't know how to plan the design, don't worry. Your kitchen can be tiny yet mighty. Size really doesn’t matter, even with a compact footprint you do not need to compromise on style.

Why does kitchen design matter so much in small kitchens?

From a design viewpoint, kitchens are typically more complicated than the other rooms in a house. When designing a home, you need to think about plumbing, gas, and electricity. You also need to consider the layout, fixtures, appliances, and storage. It should be able to accommodate guests and look nice.

Designing a kitchen with a small footprint amplifies these complexities. A bad kitchen design can greatly restrict your enjoyment, so it's important to get the design right the first time.

Here Finesse Joinery’s kitchen design Christchurch team share 3 tips on how to overcome the challenges of a small kitchen.

Opt for built-in appliances

Integrated appliances are fantastic for helping small kitchens look larger. Custom cabinets hide appliances, creating a streamlined look and a sense of space without distracting the eye. The cabinet door style dictates the aesthetic, so integrated appliances work in both more traditional and modern kitchen designs. 

Let there be light

To make small kitchens feel bigger, optimize natural light by arranging the kitchen layout. Maximizing natural light creates a bright and open atmosphere in the room. If there isn't enough natural light, smart kitchen lighting design can help achieve a similar effect.

Use spotlights rather than low-hanging pendant lights to keep visual interruption to a minimum. Fit lights under cabinets to illuminate worktops for task lighting but make them dimmable for ambience.

Open shelves and glass bespoke cabinets

Closed cabinets and a pantry cupboard are the best storage for a tidy kitchen, but sometimes less is better.

In a small kitchen, closed-wall cabinets can make the room feel even smaller. The goal is to have a bright and open space, so avoid using these cabinets.

To solve the problem, use closed cabinets for the lower cupboards. For higher storage, opt for open shelves or glass-fronted cabinets. This design combo adds luxury with different materials and more light-reflecting options to brighten even the darkest corners.

There’s a lot at stake when you’re designing a small kitchen renovation. A seemingly small oversight can significantly impact the overall success of the design. Before finalizing your purchase of the cheapest kitchen cupboards in Christchurch, please reach out to Finesse Joinery.

Our team of kitchen designers are experts in creating stunning bespoke solutions for small kitchens. They have expertise, dedication to excellence, and a skilled team of joiners. They work together with you to turn your ideas into a beautifully practical and customized design. Tell us about your kitchen renovation project or visit our Christchurch showroom to see our carpentry services in action.