5 Clever Small Kitchen Ideas to Maximize Space

Very few of us don’t dream of having a wide-open kitchen, complete with vaulted ceilings and oozing with natural light, peering in from the massive windows that surround the entire room. But that isn’t reality, especially if you are living-in off campus student housing or in a place for rent that errs on the smaller side of life. For many of us our kitchen space is generally small, and often poorly laid out. We are forced to make due with what we have.

Here are a few clever yet chic small kitchen ideas that will make your small kitchen feel less claustrophobic, more chic and inviting.

Small Kitchen Ideas – From Cluttered to Chic

Hang a pegboard

When it comes down to maximizing kitchen storage, there may be no better small kitchen design idea to implement in the world than a simple pegboard. Pegboards are commonly used by mechanics and woodworkers alike, but they can easily function just as well in a kitchen. A pegboard will allow you to easily pots, pans, cooking utensils, and more. In addition, they can be adjusted over time to meet the storage needs of the items you possess.

Use the tops of your cabinets & fridge

This should be a no brainer, but the tops of your cabinets provide prime real estate for storage. On top of cabinets, you can store a blender, serving platters, that bread machine you got back in 2012 but have yet to use…the options are endless.

Use a magnetic knife rack

Not only is the utilization of a magnetic knife rack ultra-chic, it is also super practical. When countertop space is limited. every square inch matters. You can completely eliminate a knife block altogether and squeeze out more space for a chopping block, support of a produce basket, and more. Simply mount the magnet to a backsplash or the side of cabinet.

Add free-standing shelves

Do you know how a professional chef optimizes limited kitchen space? By utilizing stand alone shelving. Stand alone shelving can provide enough space for up to 50% more of your kitchen storage needs. You simply can’t beat the extra storage provided by stand alone shelving and the industrial, modern look could possibly add to your overall kitchen design look and feel.