10 Tricks to Get More Out of Your Kitchen Space

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It’s a myth that a kitchen has to be huge to be hardworking; even the most compact of spaces can be super-practical and ultra-efficient thanks to some clever ideas, thoughtful planning and nifty restyling.

So, whether you’re embarking on a big kitchen reno, or simply want some useful hints for upgrading an existing space, find some inspiration from these savvy solutions and get the best out of the busiest space in the home.

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1. Mix & Match Shelves

If the thought of cluttered open shelves in your kitchen fills you with dread, then why not introduce some wall units as well? Add just one cubby-hole into the mix and you can style it with colour-coded cookbooks, your favourite earthenware bowls or even a trendy trailing houseplant. By popping in one or two open shelves, you can change the dynamics of a bulky wall of units, helping the space feel more open and adding a touch of interest.

Design tip: Love the simple Scandi look? Opt for white handleless cabinetry for a pared-back feel.

2. Choose Sleek, Easy-clean Surfaces

Laminate or solid wood are both great surface options if you’re after durable, family-friendly benchtops, while a one-sheet surface with no joins or grout lines is ideal for a quick, wipeable splashback.

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3. Design a Layout to Suit Your Lifestyle

Whether you’re planning a new space or just need to rework an existing one, take time to assess the way you use your kitchen and what you need from it. Think about your daily routine, from the morning rush to the evening meal, so you can plan an efficient space. Do you need a dedicated coffee area for your morning fix? Maybe a cereal-making station, so the kids to help themselves? Or, what about an easy-to-grab herb shelf, so keen cooks can whip up a delicious dish? The devil is in the details, so take time to plan and you’ll ensure every inch works for you and your family.

Design tip: Use an online 3D Kitchen Planner to help you plan the perfect layout.

4. Create a Versatile Food Prep Zone

No space for a huge island in the centre of your room? Try a freestanding kitchen trolley instead, which can be commandeered as a dedicated chopping station and moved conveniently to wherever you need it – preferably to a spot where the food waste bin is within easy reach.

Design tip: If you have the space, position your freestanding island below the central ceiling light to ensure plenty of task illumination.

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5. Create a Cohesive Connection with Other Rooms

Ensure your kitchen scheme ties in with the rest of your interior spaces – particularly if your kitchen is part of a larger open-plan room – and you’ll create a pleasing, cohesive flow through your home. Whether it’s through the colour palette of your cabinetry, the mix of textures, or a similar window treatment, such as chic shutters, you can create a beautifully seamless transition from room to room.

6. Opt for Durable Fittings That Last

Busy kitchens that see lots of activity need strong, robust fixtures and fittings that can withstand endless wear and tear. A stainless-steel sink and tap, for example, is very forgiving on marks and dirt, while hard-wearing metal handles are ideal for cabinets that witness lots of action.

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7. Expand Your Entertaining Space

There’s a reason why kitchen islands or peninsular units with seating are so popular. Not only do they add extra benchtop space while you cook – ideal for an array of activities, from homework to Zoom calls – but they can also transform your functional kitchen into a super-social, entertaining space. Turn it into a bar area during house parties, the serving space on Christmas Day, or the ‘lean-and-chat’ spot for an impromptu get together. A well-planned island is the true superhero of any sociable kitchen set-up.

Design tip: Leave an area free of base units at the end of your island or peninsula, so you can seat people either side.

8. Combine Benchtop Materials for Versatility

Finding it hard to pick the right benchtop to suit all your needs? Then why not combine two or more? Laminate or stainless-steel benchtops are great for food prep, and can be teamed with a solid wood surface for a more tactile and warm base for eating at.

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9. Pick Practical Flooring

A kitchen floor is constantly being put to the test, whether it’s intensive cleaning, a sharp knife falling edge-down, or a pan spilling its hot contents. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose flooring that will withstand whatever you throw at it, such as waterproof laminate or luxury vinyl flooring. What’s more, these types of floorings will always remain warm underfoot, unlike ceramic tiles or stone.

Design tip: Love the look of wood-effect flooring? Then ensure any other timber features, such as floating shelves and benchtops, have a similar wood tone for cohesion.

10. Choose Appliances to Suit Your Cooking Style

Before buying any appliance, think about your needs, such as how you cook, store and eat food. For example, do you have a big family and therefore need a large capacity oven and refrigerator to handle the demand? Maybe you’re someone that likes to batch cook and therefore a big freezer is important? Or maybe you’re a keen cook wanting to practise your skills on a cooktop with a wok or BBQ burner? Take the time to consider your lifestyle and the way you cook, and we guarantee you’ll get the very best from your kitchen.

Book in for a virtual design consultation. Bunnings kitchen design consultants are available for a virtual consultation to help you design your perfect kitchen. Click here for more information.

Tell us: Do you have any savvy kitchen tips? Share with your fellow Houzzers in the Comments section below.

This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.