Did you know that the starting price for a tiny home in Australia is about $103,900 AUD? And that’s for a full turn-key house. It’s no wonder tiny homes are growing in popularity.
While their affordability is attractive, tiny homes come with challenges. One especially challenging area is the kitchen. There are so many essential components that you need to fit into a limited amount of space.
How do you go about designing a functional tiny kitchen? Keep reading for our best tips and tricks.
1. Choose the Right Kitchen Layout
When choosing a layout for your tiny kitchen, the goal is to utilise the space well and make the most out of every inch. Here are a few common kitchen layouts that are well-suited for tiny homes.
Galley Kitchen
A galley kitchen features counters and appliances on opposite walls. This type of kitchen works well in narrow spaces and provides plenty of storage and workspace.
L-Shaped Kitchen
The counters and appliances are lined up along two joining walls in an L-shaped kitchen. This layout works well if your kitchen is in the corner of a larger room.
Single-Wall Kitchen
Single-wall kitchens have all the counters and appliances lined up against one wall. This kitchen layout takes up very little space but isn’t well-suited for lots of cooking.
Island Kitchen
Depending on how much space you have, you might be able to add an island to your kitchen. Islands work well with both L-shaped and single-wall kitchens. If you don’t feel you have enough space to build one, consider adding a portable island.
2. Maximise Storage Space
Every functional kitchen needs plenty of storage space. To get the most out of your tiny kitchen, use all the available space to maximise your storage. Here are some great ways to add storage to your tiny kitchen:
- Add shelves in an unused corner
- Extend cabinets to the ceiling
- Build pull-outs into your cabinets
- Hang a storage rod for pots and pans
There are plenty of creative solutions for storage in a tiny kitchen. If you use the space well, your kitchen won’t feel tiny at all!
3. Opt for Smaller Appliances
With limited space available, full-size appliances aren’t the best option for a tiny kitchen. There are smaller options available for all your kitchen essentials, such as refrigerators, stoves, and sinks. Dishwashers also come in smaller sizes, but you might be able to go without one if you don’t cook very often.
Another great way to save space is with integrated appliances. They are built into your cabinetry so they are flush with the cabinets. The extra few inches this saves you makes a world of difference in a tiny kitchen.
4. Use Colour to Your Advantage
Colour is a powerful design tool and can help make your tiny kitchen look bigger. To make your kitchen feel light and airy, go with whites, pastels, or shades of greens or yellows.
But don’t be deterred if you prefer a darker colour palette. Black or navy blue cabinets will make your tiny kitchen feel intimate and inviting.
In addition to the colour itself, you also need to consider the finish for your walls and cabinets. For a subtle shimmer, go with an eggshell finish. For a reflective look, go with a high-gloss finish.
5. Incorporate Lighting
Proper lighting is one of the best ways to make a tiny kitchen look bigger. Make sure you have the right combination of artificial and natural lighting.
Task lighting is a crucial component of any kitchen. Install sconces or recessed lighting above the work area. Under-cabinet lighting is another great way to illuminate your space.
Make sure there are plenty of windows in your kitchen to maximise the amount of natural light that comes in. Natural light will help your tiny kitchen feel less cramped. If there aren’t enough windows in your kitchen, consider adding skylights.
Once you have your light fixtures and windows figured out, add some components that will reflect light. These can be reflective surfaces or decorative accessories.
6. Use Large-Scale Flooring
Size isn’t the first thing most people consider when choosing kitchen flooring, but it does have an impact on how big your space looks. In a tiny kitchen, it’s best to go with larger tiles. You’ll have fewer grout lines, which will help open up the space.
If you prefer hardwood or vinyl flooring, choose wide planks. Like with larger tiles, this will result in fewer joints, making your space look bigger.
7. Add a Space for Dining
There isn’t always enough space for a dedicated dining room in portable homes, so you may need to add seating in your kitchen. A dining nook with a built-in banquette is a great solution for most tiny kitchens. You can easily fit it into an unused corner and can use the banquette for extra storage.
If you don’t have room for a nook, try adding counter seating at an island. If you don’t have an island, extend your countertops to make a peninsula.
8. Get Rid of the Clutter
As with any other room in your home, a messy kitchen will feel much smaller. Make sure you only keep essential items in your kitchen. Put everything back in its place when not in use and keep the counters free of clutter.
Designing Your Tiny Kitchen
Designing a tiny kitchen is no easy feat. With so many essential components, like appliances, counters, and storage space, it can be difficult to fit it all in and make the space functional.
If the thought of designing a tiny kitchen feels daunting, we can help. We offer a range of tiny home models that can be personalised to suit your needs. Contact us today to learn more!
Leave a Comment