Friday, February 10, 2012

Making the Most of a Tiny Space


A small kitchen can be as beautiful, functional and efficient as its bigger neighbor. And the designers at Morris Black have a myriad of options to choose from to make your kitchen feel bright and airy while putting every inch to use.

Start by considering smaller and more compact appliances. Counter-depth refrigerators are 24” deep, instead of 30”deep, therefore do not extend into the room beyond the countertops. Microwaves can be built into the cabinetry or hung below wall cabinets, saving precious counter space. A micro-hood combination can serve both as a cooking appliance and the source of ventilation for your kitchen. Hardly ever use the dishwasher? Opt for a single dishwasher drawer.

Our designers know how to optimize storage for efficiency. Islands, peninsulas, and banquettes with built-in seating can add much needed storage. Consider built-in plate racks or pot-and-pan racks. Interior accessories such as cutlery dividers, knife blocks, pantry pull-outs, and rollout shelves, organize the many different items stored in a kitchen. The tiny kitchen shown in the photo includes a corner cabinet with a lazy susan and tall wall cabinets to maximize storage.

Opening the kitchen into adjacent rooms by removing all or part of a wall can also give the illusion of more space. Skylights or larger windows allow more light to enter the kitchen, making the space feel bigger. A window at the sink could be bumped out and brought down to the countertop for a deeper counter while also creating a focal point. A niche in the backsplash could be built to store spices and oils used at the range.

Come in to the showroom with your wish list, and let the Morris Black designers apply some of these ideas to your kitchen design - and give you a kitchen that’s just the right size for the way you cook!

Susan E. Steuer, CKD