A large kitchen is on the wish list of many home buyers and homeowners alike. Upgrading the kitchen can "return more than 100% of the cost" according to HGTV. If knocking out a wall just isn't going to work, is it still possible to achieve that spacious, roomy feeling? Of course it is! Here are four steps you can take to make your kitchen feel larger.
Illuminate the Space
In order to make a kitchen feel more substantial, lots of light, especially task lighting, is essential. There are a few different ways that you can vary light in a room in order to expand the space.
Add under-cabinet lighting- Illuminate the dark spaces under cabinets to not only increase the functionality of the countertops beneath them but also visually add space.
- Update ceiling fixtures- Place recessed lighting above the main space and track lighting along the walls to vary the amount and direction of light in the room. Also, adding hanging lights gives the appearance of a taller ceiling.
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Open the curtains- If possible, take advantage of the airy ambience that natural light can add to a room.
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Hang a mirror: A well-placed mirror can reflect just the right amount of light for kitchen needs.
These tips will not only add more efficient lighting for kitchen purposes but also visually add to the space of the room.
Monochromatic Color Scheme
When you choose contrasting colors in a room or colors that are darker in hue, the room will feel smaller and cozier. To achieve the opposite effect, select bright, neutral colors throughout the room. According to The Nest, "white, cream, pale grays and blues" will keep the room fresh and light. Achieving a monochromatic color scheme can be hard to do in a kitchen with wood cabinets covering most walls. To make upgrading the cabinets' hue a little easier, consider cabinet door replacement.
In keeping with the monochromatic scheme, Slumberland suggests adding a non-textured, light-color rug. A small rug in front of the sink or a runner for galley-style kitchens will make the floor of small rooms appear larger.
Revamp Use of Current Space
Lots of homeowners don't make the best use of the space they have. By making storage go from floor to ceiling, you're using every inch available. Pot racks and open shelving can also make great use of wall space. You can also purchase slimmer appliances such as counter-depth refrigerators and microwaves that can be hung under a cabinet to increase floor and counter space respectively.
Ditch the Clutter
Nothing makes a space feel smaller than lots of items sitting on every available counter. Make a place inside the cupboards for everything and get rid of what isn't used regularly. Even keeping the decor to a minimum allows the eye to keep moving around the room, therefore making it seem larger.
There are lots of great products out there to help expand existing storage for things that just can't be trashed. Make use of the inside of cupboard doors with a cabinet door mount to help store cutting boards out of sight. There are also towel racks, spice racks, and small shelves of this same nature.
Turning a small kitchen into a spacious one doesn't have to involve major construction. Lighting the room well, keeping color and clutter to a minimum and making efficient use of the space available may not only make you love your space more, it may increase your home's value. Your kitchen will be more organized and it will appear fresh, open and much more roomy.
