Small kitchen design – Making the most of a small kitchen

People often assume that to feel the benefits of bespoke design they need to have a vast open space for a kitchen. However, this could not be further from the truth. Opting for a bespoke kitchen design means that you can fit far more into a compact kitchen than you may initially think. Every inch of space can be designed to provide optimum storage; a combination of handmade cabinetry and clever storage solutions will result in a small kitchen being far more practical than first assumed. Regardless of the size, we will design and create a stunning and ergonomic kitchen for you.

A perfect example of this is the recent project we carried out for Mr and Mrs C in Hertfordshire. When they first contacted us they felt that the small proportions of their kitchen would make it impossible to meet all their ideal requirements. In a room measuring just 2.1m by 4.2m their wish list seemed ambitious. This included a Wolf oven, steam oven and warming drawer, Miele hob and dishwasher Quooker boiling water tap, wine storage and a utility cupboard large enough to house the boiler and vacuum cleaner amongst other items. As well as this, they wanted the kitchen to incorporate the oversized stainless steel Sub-Zero fridge/freezer they already had. People often wrongly assume that a wish list like this can only be fulfilled in a large room. However, thanks to a handmade design with lots of clever storage, all of these requirements were fulfilled to create a beautiful kitchen in a compact space…

The property itself is a converted stable block. In order to make the most of the space a floor to ceiling chimney was removed from the building. Reconfiguration like this is sometimes necessary when working in a small room, otherwise the logistics of the room could restrict the design possibilities. This allowed the small space to house large appliances.

The Audley kitchen was chosen for this refurbished stable block as the owners were looking for a design that reflected the building’s age without looking outdated. The shaker-style cabinetry of the Audley kitchen perfectly balances classic with modern. The colour choices in this small kitchen were integral as the wrong colour palette in a small room can result in it feeling cramped and enclosed. Hand painted cabinetry using Farrow & Ball ‘All White’ was chosen to give a fresh and airy feel in the room, producing the illusion of more space. The worktop and splashback, both Carrara Marble, enhanced the soft colour scheme of the room.

Even the slightest amount of clutter in a small kitchen can amplify in a compact area so clever storage was a necessity. Bespoke kitchen design and inventive storage solutions are intrinsically connected. The utility cupboard built to hide away the boiler and vacuum cleaner provides a large cupboard space without taking up valuable square footage. The vertical wine rack in between the utility cupboard and fridge provides a large amount of bottle storage in a very narrow space. It is bespoke design specifics like this that can take a small space and make it as functional as a larger room.

As well as this compact kitchen being very practical it is also beautiful. The smaller proportions of the space have not limited the aesthetics. The colour scheme is timeless, with the light airy feel giving a hint of contemporary design. The glass fronted cabinet for displaying glassware is internally lit, again adding to the sense of space in the design. Everything is in proportion, resulting in an understated look of classic, ageless elegance.

Clearly there are limits to how much can physically fit in a room. However, with our help you can have a bespoke kitchen that is designed for you, making the most of every square inch of space, so that even a compact kitchen can burst with functionality.