Good solutions for small kitchens?

Question

I'm just in the process of buying a new flat and it has a kitchen that is 6'4" wide and 7'3" long, not exactly a large space to work with and I'm struggling to come up with good ideas.

I was looking at using IKEA as the supplier, and that rules out the U shape because their corner units are too large to allow me to fit any other appliances in with a sink and fridge etc.

I can go for a gallery style (rows of cabinets on each side) but then the entrance of the kitchen would look through at a blank wall with rows of cabinets on each side.

Has anybody had experiences with small kitchens like this?

Ideal goal is to get a built in oven + electric hob, built in dishwasher and built in washing machine, and free standing fridge.

Answer 1

The galley style kitche does sound pretty much like your only option, but why do you need a blank wall--- a picture, paint a mural, a baker's rack, a lot of things can go there, or a pot rack on the wall.

That is it...make it into a functional mural. Use a real pot rack and hang what you can on the wall. But paint the wall so it looks like a base cabinet is there...put on the counter top...even some canisters or small appliances...

They you can hang your pots, maybe a mug rack, your measuring spoons and cups.

Be creative..this is your chance to have fun and make it work.

And if the kitchen is non-functional, here is your chance to save some money and have fun making your kitchen functional.

Answer 2

My kitchen is the same size. After much planning, I went for the Galley style.

On the left side I have a 30" wide fridge, on the back end then counter coming towards the entrance with drawers underneath. Above I have standard Upper cabinets. On the counter I have a toaster oven which is also has a rotisserie.

On the right side I have a dishwasher across from the fridge, a 17" round sink and a glass cook top with a microwave, hood fan, and convection oven combo. And drawers underneath all this.

On the back wall I have hung food related art which always gets me excited to cook up a gourmet meal.

In Canada we do not put washing machines in our kitchens.

In my planning process I was aware how I cook and what I cook, so a regular stove and oven are not necessary for me and I wanted a modern minimalist look. After living here for 3 yrs I just love my kitchen. I only recently added the toaster oven.

You can always check with home renovation stores if they have staff that can help you design and price out your dream kitchen.

Good Luck to you.

Answer 3

I would get a dishwasher that fits under a sink. I would use a single sink. I would use only a 2 burner cook top..one large and one small hob. I would put my top cabinets 12"-14" above the lower cabinets and have them go to the ceiling. I would get a microwave convection oven with broiler. I would forget the washing machine in the kitchen. Washing machines belong in or by the bathroom where the clothes are.I might put a narrow pantry shelf unit on the blank wall at the end. Drawers not cabinets for lower storage.

Answer 4

Hi, some white goods (dishwashers, fridges) are made in narrow sizes, ie 450 mm. Also why not look at the take away flat pack kitchens from Wickes, Focus or B & Q. Some are 50% off at moment and all have staff who will help you plan your kitchen.

Answer 5

There are three solutions...

I am assuming your on your own.

1) There are several manufacturers that make smaller sized appliances, Curry's / Commet etc have them in stock. Unfortunatley due to less demand for these items they are a lot more expensive to buy. You will also sacrifice having them fitted.

2) Reduce your equipment expectations for the kitchen ie loose the dishwasher.

3) Eat out a lot.

Answer 6

Congrats on your new flat.
Galley kitchen sounds great.
For interest, remove the entrance door & get it professionally turned into an archway entrance.Add any kind of cool lighting you like (ceiling spots are popular now) under cabinet lights that illuminate the worksurface below are cool.
Then you have an interesting arch which draws the eye through to a focus piece moodily lit by under cabinet lighting.
Choose your own focus piece: pestle& mortar,retro scales,fruit bowl,flowers,modern art etc.
Good luck.
M

Answer 7

I'd check with someone like Homebase or B&Q. They can produce a design and show you what it would look like.
For the corner your could put a unit into the corner one side with a roatary shelf in it and then do what you wish with the other wall.

This type of question would be so much easier if they could be answered with pictures, as I've got contacts in both of the companies mentioned above.

Answer 8

If, and that i understand you may no longer...in case you have room in or at once adjacent the kitchen (if open to eating section) you need to purchase and low value pantry cabinet and place all your dinnerware/glassware/utensils in this. it is super for youthful little ones or shorter stature persons as they might have glasses and mugs obtainable quite of having to climb atop a cabinet to get what's critical. by doing this, you need to use the limited storage area for different products. it works nicely. in case you have a china cabinet obtainable, it may be used for this storage too. A microwave stand is super for baking dishes/pan storage. i in my view do no longer in basic terms like the open shelving..seems super, yet is dusty on the dishes and that i do exactly in comparison to that component. you may besides the fact that have open shelving and place foodstuff products in storage jars..seems super and frees up area. make the main of the fewer than sink cabinet each and every physique shys far off from..pots and pans could be stored there conserving cleansing soap/cleaners at a minimum in a basket.

Answer 9

put cupboards on the ceilings and put the sink there as well and put the light on the floor with a pole on it so when the wife cums in she can do a pole dance or u could just cut holes in the walls and store every thing in there so your cupboards will be out side and u will have loads of space so in stead of walk in cuboards u will have walk out hope this helps you and many people that reads it as well all the best and have a happy turkey and a merry new year.......

Answer 10

Try MFI. They've got a kitchen design service and can show you exactly what you'll be able to fit in etc.