Bigger is Not Always Better in the Kitchen

Several recent trends in home construction have resulted in trends involving compact kitchens. Apartment construction has been on the rise and tiny homes for a more eco-friendly living have also garnered a lot of attention. Even in large homes, homeowners are adding compact kitchens in the basement or other parts of the home as elderly parents move in and adult children stay longer than expected. This trend is proving that bigger is not always better in the kitchen.

If you have a compact kitchen, here are some of our favorite tips for designing this space.

Get Creative with Space

You may have room for additional kitchen appliances in places you never expected, like adding additional refrigeration and storage under the stairs. You also need to make sure you are using the space all the way up to the ceiling in your cabinets and shelving. Open shelving can be decorative and also functional by taking the doors off.

Arrange your Kitchen According to its Shape

Whether you have a galley kitchen or a U-shaped or L-shaped kitchen, don’t try to make the space something it’s not. Just go with it and design the kitchen to fit the space.

• In a galley kitchen, you want to center the cooking equipment on the main wall. Consider adding Thermador’s 30-inch Range and their 30-inch Under Cabinet Wall Hood that slides under the cabinets when not in use. Then the sink and dishwasher and the fridge can go on the sides.
• In a U-shaped or L-shaped kitchen, you will likely have a kitchen island or bar seating. Thermador’s 30-inch Cooktop can fit perfectly on a built-in island so that you can stay open to the rest of the space while cooking. You might also consider adding their Under Counter Double-Drawer Refrigerator/ Freezer, an Under Counter Wine Refrigerator, or the 24-inch MicroDrawer MicrowaveⓇ into a bar that can also handle seating on the other side.

Uniformity is Key in Cabinets and Appliances

By avoiding a patchwork of mismatched appliances, you can create the illusion of space in your small kitchen. Choose from Thermador’s Masterpiece or Professional Collections or opt for their panel-ready appliances so that they can perfectly match your cabinets.

Choose a Countertop Material that is Durable and Has Multiple Uses

You want a high-quality workspace that matches the style of the rest of your kitchen. For example, stainless steel is used in professional kitchens because of its versatility and how easy it is to clean.

Give Everything a Place

In small kitchens, clutter gets magnified and makes the space feel even smaller. Add hooks and open shelving so that every item has a place.

Add Decorative Touches

By choosing an interesting chandelier or pendant lighting, you can add a lot of character to your space. You might also create an accent wall with paint or unique wallpaper. Under-the-cabinet lighting creates the illusion of space and using plants or other decorative pieces can soften a stark modern space.

If you are looking for luxury appliances for your compact kitchen, we can show you everything Thermador has to offer for these unique spaces. You may have to sacrifice space, but that’s no reason to sacrifice quality. Let us help you find exactly what you need for your space!