The kitchen should be a focal point in your home — a comfortable place where everyone comes to hang out, check in, and share their day. However, if you have a small or cramped kitchen, the experience can be quite the opposite. There’s no need to settle for a claustrophobic kitchen, even if you aren’t ready for a renovation. These five kitchen design tips can give even the smallest kitchen the illusion of more space. 

Easy Shortcuts to Expand Your Kitchen

1. Light Colors

The simplest way to make a small room look larger is to use light-colored paint on the walls, cabinets, and floors. Dark colors or bold hues in a kitchen design can close a space in, making it look smaller and more cramped. Instead, look for lighter, airier colors, like whites, light yellows, or pale blues. Additionally, try to avoid contrasting colors in the furniture and cabinets. Keeping everything light will make the space feel bigger and breezier.

2. Accent Lighting

Making a small space seem large is all about tricking the eyes, and accent lighting can help a lot here. Your eyes naturally go to parts of the room that are in high contrast, such as the shadows between the ceiling and your cabinets, which can make the ceiling seem closer. Accent lights above your cabinets or over your countertops can reduce shadows, and make these spaces seem wider. 

3. Reflective Surfaces 

Shiny surfaces like glass and stainless steel reflect light colors back into the room. If your cabinets are painted a light hue, like cream, that color is reflected off your steel appliances, ultimately lightening the whole space. Glass or shiny ceramic tile backsplashes can also help your counter space seem bigger, as well as adding some sparkle to the room. 

4. Floor Space

If you’re dealing with a very small kitchen, an island or a table can take up valuable space. Consider investing in furniture that folds up easily or rolls off the side. Rolling islands, for example, can double as storage when you’re not using them. Instead of purchasing a large solid kitchen table, look for tables with foldable or removable wings or inserts. 

5. Hire Professionals

If you’re not having much luck getting the look you want with DIY solutions, professional kitchen planners can bring years of experience tackling tricky rooms to the table. Ask about your options for kitchen remodeling within your budget. Sometimes, it’s best to trust the people who know what they’re doing, and a professionally designed kitchen design will feel satisfying for many years. 

Spyglass Design in Hopewell, NJ, is known for creating luxury kitchens at affordable prices. From custom cabinets to entire kitchen renovation, get the kitchen you’ve dreamed of without going bankrupt. Their expert kitchen planners will work with you to create a luxury design that fits your needs. For more information, call (609) 466-7900 or visit them online today.