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A Detailed House, blue kitchen, city kitchens, Construction and Maintenance, design, green kitchen, House Beautiful, inspiring small kitchens, interior design, Jonathan Berger, Ken Fulk, kitchen, kitchen colors, light fixture, NYC kitchens, Pendant light, Shelving, small kitchens, space saving kitchens, Suzanne Kasler, White kitchen, yellow kitchen
In a previous post, Small Kitchens That Still Inspire, I traversed the world of small kitchens and showed examples of space-starved rooms that were full of beauty. Although space may first be perceived as an issue, creative solutions can be jaw-droppingly elegant and finishes, that would be cost prohibitive in a large kitchen but affordable in a small one, can make the diminutive dimensions quite exquisite.
I love the dichotomy of the worn, warm, wide-plank floors with the sleek, modern appliances …. and the pendant light fixtures centered on each window looks smart!
A great example of maximizing space by going up to appropriate the dead area above the cabinets. The arches take it a step further to make this kitchen grand. Who would think that a galley kitchen could be described as grand??
However….I would pull the rug out as its style is in direct conflict with the light fixtures and weighs the room down a bit. And I’d remove some of the things from the countertops, especially on the right…way too much “stuff” for me.
Mirrors are one of the oldest tricks in the book, but have only recently been a trick capitalized in kitchens. The ceiling, which is all too often neglected, is painted an ethereal blue. (Designed by Jonathan Berger)
Baskets above and a smaller, recessed shelf underneath take advantage above and below. One thing to note, it would have been better to run the tile length-wise; compare this picture with the first two of this post and you will see what I mean.
I love anything shiny – it’s the crow in me – and in a small kitchen having shiny pendants as a foil to the grey is very sophisticated.
If you have it, flaunt it. Copper pans that is š
Why not use the area under the staircase?
Open shelving is a designer’s trick to keep a room looking as large as possible. Here is an unique way to make shelving appear very high end: brass railing! I would totally do this! Finding unusual things turn an ordinary kitchen into the extraordinary.
I’m usually not an advocate of open shelving, as it seems that dishes would get dusty and dirty and they sometimes seem thrown up haphazardly, but here it is done well, which is why I’m showing this kitchen even though it has appeared once before in a previous post. Plus, this kitchen is 60 square feet!!
Despite a very awkward layout, every inch is maximized…
and how utterly brilliant is it to use the typically unused portion, the toe kick, below the base cabinets for a drawer?!?!?!
Glass doors and shelving are a good option (but only if you can keep them neat and your dinnerware matches)!
Large, framed artwork turn a galley kitchen’s unusable wall into a focal point.
Turning a galley kitchen into a gallery kitchen ;-D Note the matching frames and monochromatic theme.
Just because your dimensions are small does not mean you can’t have a dark, heavily saturated color. Break the “rule” of “small space = light color” by adding drama with a deep, sexy black, slate grey or navy.
If possible, go up, up, up!! And, while you’re up there, add an intriguing light fixture to draw the eyes up.
A small floor costs less to do the tile work, so maybe splurge if you can and inset a tile mat.
Some small kitchens are part of a larger space, like a loft, so they need to flow with the overall design and architecture of the entire space.
I hope it is just the photography or time of day, as this kitchen seems a little dark, but pay attention to lighting. An illuminated space does appear largerā¦and happier.
A small city kitchen can still yield fresh herbs!
Infuse color strategically into a neutral palette.
Note the cabinets above and below painted on the interior! And look at the clock above.
Beautiful, serene Tiffany blue.
A glass wall separates and delineates the kitchen from the living area. I love how the pendant light fixtures’ drop are kiwi green!
You can have color in a small kitchen, but be wary of too much clutter. It is visually disrupting and noisy.
House Beautiful labelled this a small kitchen, but I think any kitchen that has room for a table in the middle of the room seems more medium sized. (Designer Suzanne Kasler)
Again, House Beautiful categorized this as a small kitchen, and maybe it is, but it has a very large island! Designer (and owner of the house) Ken Fulk acquired salvaged items to outfit his kitchen, like the bar stools.
With the dimensions of counters and floors being small, you may be able to luck out and get overages, discontinued tile, remaining tiles that do not add up to any large surface area, or what may be labelled scrap pieces of marble/granite slabs because they aren’t large enough for most kitchen counters, but would be perfect for yours. It pays to call around and see.
Well, that’s all I have! I hope that these smaller kitchens were inspirational and gave you some ideas, regardless the size of your kitchen. If so, please consider subscribing to my blog (if you haven’t already) and I hope to see you for my next post š
PS – Is it wrong that I am counting down the days until school starts š
some really wonderful kitchens here. The only one that doesn’t work for me is the one with the prints on the wall. Too gallery looking š
I think they have way on the wall..I would have preferred fewer, so that each piece has more of an impact.
Much more like kitchens in house sizes we have more in UK – thank you for so many great ideas.
Beautiful kitchens! Some of the seriously shiny, monochromatic kitchens seem sterile or right out of a B-movie grade horror flick and about to be splashed with blood.
But I do have a slightly over-active imagination, it’s true. š
I’ll say!! With that imagination I would be scared to stay at home alone š
LOL Some nights…
I love kitchen designs! That first galley kitchen is amazing…although I’d need a step stool or ladder for any that look “up” to maximize space. I totally agree with splurging on a very unique tile floor in the small space…looks terrific.
Oh, and NO it’s not wrong to be looking forward to the start of school…these last few weeks have a lot of us feeling that way! š
I love kitchens too! I wish I could do mine (and my bathrooms) again!! My kids are on a bender everyday to make as much of a mess as possible
ugh!!!!
Yes! Like black granite is nice…..until little hands find it!
Gives me hope for my small kitchen in my rented house. Its quite uninspiring, but now I’m going to have a search round to give it a bit of a make over. Large matte green tiles are not my cup of tea :s
Haha!! Accessories may be able to help… if they’re on the floor, maybe some mats. Hopefully those large green tiles aren’t prevalent everywhere in the kitchen!
Beautiful kitchens, Ilove them all but the second to the last is one of my favs.
Cynthia
It is gorgeous and I loved the fabric that was used for the window treatment!
Me too.
I love the examples with open shelving!
LOVE this!!!!!
Thank you for this. Just the prod I needed to remember to be thankful. My kitchen Reno has stalled due to hubby getting rheumatoid arthritis. We are hopeful of good management and a return to renovating. I am now very thankful that I will one day have a 5-6 meter galley kitchen. I don’t like the wall cupboards because I think they can bring a cluttered look or make the kitchen look smaller/darker. I hadn’t thought of using mirrors but am hoping to have timber ceiling painted gloss white to maximise light. There were lots ideas here for me to store away too so thanks again.
You’re welcome š I’m so sorry about your husband – being in pain can be so emotionally debilitating too because it’s frustrating not being able to do the projects you want. Btw – happy birthday!!
Large kitchens are overrated–once the photo shoot is over, you really just have a lot more horizontal surfaces to attract junk…we have 50 feet of counter not including our island, and only a few small swatches of workspace (at least that is how it goes at my house). I kind of miss the L-shaped cottagage kitchen in my first home–then again, I was the only one cooking in there at the time.
I love the idea of slightly darker color for the most ‘distant’ point in the room, as in the kitchen with the blue ceiling. ‘Forced diminished perspective’ adds the distinct impression of larger space, this is a design tip that can be used in any close-feeling space. It is particularly effective in a dark and narrow hallway, especially in conjunction with mirrors.
I’ll bet no one has ever sat upon the loadspring stools. Great idea, and they look cool, but they also look tremendously uncomfortable. Plus, after two people pull out the 200 pound spring so someone can sit on it, crack goes the guaged Brazillian slate.
50 linear ft? Our kitchen island gets dumped on so quickly…I can clean and clear it and within 24 hrs, papers and toys have found their way back š¦
On a different note, I was thinking about you because I know how you feel about about the home section in newspapers, design mags, etc. regurgitating stale info; I gave an interview to a reporter and I just saw the article, which is underwhelming
She didn’t use the best info I gave her and now I’m disappointed…sigh.
Give or take a foot or two. When we did the kitchen in our old house, the contractor started talking ‘work triangles’ and I said, Nah, she’s just gonna stand right here and do everything, and that is what happened. Didn’t matter how big it was. This one is a shallow U shape, 12 feet in, 28 across, 8 feet out, with a 7 foot island. It’s still a one person kitchen! It would probably be quite photogenic were it not for the stuffed animals, lunchboxes, mail, homework, gadgets, and such…
The reason the feature didn’t turn out the way you hoped is because your P.R. Department didn’t write the release for the reporter to byline. That, I think, is how it’s done. We need better P.R. Directors.
Love all the great examples you shared with us, and your explanations! Thanks!
I’m so glad you liked them š
gorgeous post !! š
cheers
Archana
loved all of them!
Your posts are always a feast for the eyes, and this one is no exception.
Aww!! Thank you!!
Hey there! I nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award! If you want to accept and participate just click here and follow the steps!
http://copperleaftreasures.com/2012/08/24/one-lovely-blog-award/
Thank you so much!!
Your blog is beautiful – I look forward to following your posts! (PS – My pleasure!)
Just wanted to say thank you for compiling this collection of small kitchen ideas. They are so unique and what an inspiration. I have always loved off white cupboards contrasting with black counter tops. Ahhhh… maybe one day.
I love the idea of painting the inside of the cabinets a bright pretty color. I need to do that!
These are all great ideas. I especially like the galley kitchen in the second picture, and I usually hate galley kitchens!
Reblogged this on purpleplusdesigns and commented:
Great!!
Fantastic photographs!
Kristin
Beautiful kitchens! I’ve got myself some future ideas.
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Very nice post you have provided great tips and nice brief explanations related to small kitchen. It’s very true that style is not about space its having your own style statement that you follow. Good mix and match of material and textures is must along with beautiful upholstery for the complete look.
No matter the size, I love looking at these & saw some that I really really love. You’re not going to believe it, but I think we’re going to completely gut the kitchen now… omg, it was just supposed to be a floor.
O-M-G!!! I can’t believe it!! That’s a huge process! One thing that keeps costs down is not to move any appliances and pipes (if it’s possible)…
I know, I know but what can I say – I fell in love with these off white glazed cabinets & this designer I met has so many great ideas. Not for sure yet because we’re still considering it all. I would talk to one of those salvage places though about having them remove the existing cabinets & the designer said the 1st suggestion would be to knock the soffets out & go with cabinets to the ceiling. I agree totally with that & am pretty sure there’s no funky wiring in the soffets. Everyone we did talk to though did say that once we’ve put the granite counter tops down, you don’t want to be changing your mind about the cabinets & that the current cabinets give the house a dated look. You know how you just fall in love with a certain look though?
I love some of these Kitchens. I would love to have a stylish Kitchen to work in, though I still love my little one lots.
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Hello! I wanted to stop by and immediately was drawn to this post. I adore your selection of kitchen designs–you definitely do not need a lot of space to make a beautiful room–you just have to maximize all the space you have. Great post!
Some very nice kitchens in here.
Love the one under the stairs, small, but really beatiful!
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