Glass and mirrors

Small spaces tend to be dark spaces, like caves: dim and dingy. Light, bright places look more spacious, and this can be recreated with clever lighting, glass and mirrors. Gloss or high gloss in creams and ivory will brighten, and enlarge a room.

Colours

Avoid being too bold. Patterns and clashing colours work well in large spaces that can cope with sensory overloads, in small kitchens however, the effect is overwhelming and claustrophobic. This doesn’t mean no colour at all, but consider perhaps a unique styled or coloured kettle or toaster.

Best appliances for small kitchens

Shorter, slimline fridges work a treat in tight kitchen spaces. Smaller appliances also use less energy to run.

Also, avoid stacking appliances too high on top of each other, such as a microwave on top of a fridge, as the towering effect can appear imposing. Instead, try fitting a convection microwave underneath benchtops – convection microwaves double as an oven too!

Dishdrawers or slimline dishwashers are also a good bet. Opting for a single dishdrawer will open up a whole space for storage, too.

Ranges that integrate into and under the benchtop will also remove the clutter of clunky stovetop range.