How to organize or decore small kitchen
No kitchen can ever have enough storage, much less an apartment kitchen. Since the storage space in an apartment kitchen is always messy, it can be difficult to keep it organized.
Do you find yourself in this situation and don’t know how to solve it? Well, I have some tips to help you maximize your small apartment kitchen space. A happy kitchen makes a happy home. But it can be difficult, especially when it’s on the short side. A surefire way to make room for more is a dose of decluttering and organization. And the first step is to stop being a hoarder, bring out your inner Marie Kondo, so to speak, and get rid of the things you don’t really need. Here are some practical tips and tricks that will help you transform your kitchen into a highly functional, clean, and well-organized space.
21 More Efficient Ways to Organize a Small Kitchen
Overall look
1. Clear your home of all excess. Scrap extra pots and pans, old appliances, and duplicate and broken items taking up space in your kitchen.
2. To keep it neat and tidy, choose closed cabinets over open shelves. However, you can make the most of bare walls by adding additional shelves.
3. Hang a pegboard organizer on a blank wall. You can be creative and use it for different purposes—to hang cups and saucers, storage jars or extra cookware, or use it as a decorative element. They come in handy especially if the kitchen does not have adequate cabinets.
4. Make sure to keep the counters clean so that the room looks uncluttered.
5. Attach a magnetic strip to the countertop to hang your knife. You’ll thank us later.
Organization Hacks
6. Categorize your kitchen items, and dedicate different shelves for cups, glasses, plates, bowls, and another miscellaneous crockery.
7. For easy access, dedicate a cabinet to all your electronic kitchen gadgets.
8. To avoid lugging around dozens of containers or boxes, invest in clear canisters that will allow you to easily identify and access ingredients.
9. Tackle messy drawers with organizers or put dividers in them to store different sized forks, spoons, knives, and other miscellaneous items.
10. Bring out your label maker to tag opaque kitchen containers and categorize your ingredients in the pantry unit. Not only does it make your kitchen more organized, but it’s also very pleasing to look at.
11. Store your frequently used items in cabinets that are easy to reach. Reserve high shelves for your least-used kitchen items.
12. If you have an L-shaped or U-shaped kitchen, invest in a slow Susan to maximize the efficiency of the corners.
Optimize storage
13. One can never have enough storage space. Double the vertical storage of your closets by adding shelf risers to them.
14. Or increase the height of your overhead cabinets to the ceiling. It also helps maintain the kitchen better as the spaces above these cabinets collect dust and dirt.
15. Where permitted, also attach metal rods or spice racks with S-hooks for hanging cups. This can help free up valuable counter space.
16. Try using different baskets to store your tablecloths, mats and canned goods.
17. Make the most of all the narrow spaces inside the kitchen with slim storage on wheels, pull-outs or sleek cabinets. Make every square inch count!
18. We repeat: maximize the space at your disposal. Install a magnetic rack on your refrigerator that can be used to pack spices, kitchen rolls and other such items.
You need it at hand.
19. To make the most of bare walls, install wall-mounted baskets for things like fruits and vegetables.
20. Try using cabinet hooks, or a narrow rack behind kitchen cabinet doors for extra storage.
21. Don’t forget the area under the sink. This is a great place to store your everyday cleaning supplies that are sore eyes.
Organizing a pantry in your apartment kitchen
Let’s start in the pantry. Remove everything from the shelves and throw away anything that is old and worn out. Separate different foods into preferred groups such as pasta, rice, snacks and chips, so they can be easily stored in bins and baskets.
Label your boxes with what goes in them. This will help keep things organized and let you know when you’re out of something just by looking at your newly organized pantry.
This will help you keep everything organized and visible. Which will help you when looking for something to eat or cook. Now put the box on the shelf but remember to clean the shelf first.
Clean your countertops.
One of the many apartment kitchen ideas is to keep your counters clean and clutter-free. This will make your kitchen look bigger. You’ll also have a clean workspace, whether you’re cooking an elaborate meal or just making sandwiches.
Use of hooks
Using hooks to display cups or pots and pans is a great apartment kitchen decoration. Hooks come in all different sizes from large to small.
Not only will it offer great apartment kitchen decorating ideas, but it will also give you extra storage and help free up counter space. All you need to do is patch the holes and use finishing nails as you move.
Magnetic decoration
Using magnets is a fun way to free up space in your apartment kitchen cabinets. They can be used to store knives and spices. Simply attach a magnetic strip to the wall and place your knife on the strip. This will keep your knife easily accessible and ready to use.
You can make a DIY magnetic spice rack. Simply place the magnets under the tin and place them on the edge of the fridge or hang a sheet of metal to keep them in place. These two tips will help you free up counter, drawer and cabinet space.
Storage in the apartment kitchen
If you need more storage space, look beyond your main apartment kitchen design. Use things like bookshelves, baker’s racks or china cabinets.
It can also be placed outside the kitchen so that it does not take up valuable kitchen space. You can place beautiful dishes, glasses, cookbooks or even canisters on these furnishings. This will make for beautiful decor as they are usually open and free up cabinet space in your kitchen.
Organize your drawers.
Drawers are usually limited in apartment kitchens. Drawers also tend to be a catch-all for everything. Try buying some drawer dividers and silverware trays to keep things in your drawers neat and organized.
Keeping things organized may seem impossible, but it can be done with the right storage containers. With a little planning, you can keep even that pesky “junk drawer” organized.
Fun and colorful pegboards
How can pegboards be fun and colorful you may ask? Well, I tell you. You can paint the pegboard in any color you choose and it will match your color scheme.
Also, arrange your items on it to look like a piece of artwork. There you have a fun and colorful board that is functional. With the right hook, a pegboard can be used for just about anything. It can be big or small. It’s your choice what and how you use it.
Curtain tension rods
Tension rods aren’t just for curtains anymore. Their uses and places are limitless, you just need to use your imagination. Some of these uses are using as shelf dividers, hanging cleaning bottles, paper towel/towel holders and of course temporary window treatments.
Rolling carts
Rolling carts can be the best use of storage. They come in different sizes. Even if you don’t have room for a bigger one. Try a small one. It can fit into a small corner of your apartment when not in use and will be there when you need it. It will also store your things out of the way.
Space above your cupboards
The space above your cupboards is usually used to collect dust, but don’t waste that space by doing so. Get yourself some cute baskets and boxes to store things that you don’t use on a daily basis. Not only will it provide you with extra storage, but it will also add decoration to your kitchen.
Organizing tools from IKEA
Ikea has plenty of storage solutions for your small apartment kitchen. If you’re looking for ways to organize the kitchen, Ikea is the place for you. They have everything from hanging items to shelves. All these solutions will surely give you a beautiful and organize kitchen.
Appliances
How many kitchen appliances or gadgets do you have hanging around that you don’t even use? Or better still doesn’t work?
If you don’t use them on a regular basis, get rid of them by selling them or donating them. If they are broken or missing parts, just get rid of them. There are many jobs in the kitchen that you can do by hand and don’t need fancy gadgets.
Try using a knife instead of slicing this piece of fruit. Use a spoon instead of that big stand mixer to mix this batter. It might be a little more work for you but it will definitely free up more space in your kitchen. Another idea is to start looking for smaller versions of appliances like a scaled-down fridge or oven.
Low table
Think about how often you entertain. If this happens often, take extra plates, glasses and serving ware and put them in a bin. Label the box and store it in a cupboard or somewhere else. You can remove it if needed.
If you don’t entertain often, get rid of them and free up extra space for yourself. If you decide to move in together, you can always ask a friend or family member to take out a loan for what you need. Keep only the ones you use on a regular basis.
Pots and pans
Pots and pans are like tableware. Figure out what you’re actually using. Do you really need a pot in every size? A large pot will do the same thing as a small pot.
So unless you always cook big fancy meals or downsize your pots and pans for large numbers of people. If you find yourself needing more because you cook for a reunion once or twice a year, try borrowing from family and friends. You’ll have less to maintain this way.
Bulk items
If you have a small kitchen but want to make it cute, try getting some cute towels and potholders, magnets or use your own things as decorations. Above and more to come are some great decorating tips. Opt out of buying bulky items just because they’re cute. When you do this, you lose valuable kitchen real estate.
Copies
Most of the time we don’t even realize that we have more than one of the same item. This is where organizing your belongings will also come in handy.
You’ll be able to see what you have and get rid of the extra if you have more. Re-evaluate your equipment, make sure they can multi-function. Keeping things to a minimum will give you the extra space you need.
Cooking powers
Explore your strengths in the kitchen. Are you a baker, an elaborate cook, or do you just cook for a living? If you don’t bake, do you really need all those pans or that big stand mixer it’s taking up? Chances are you don’t, consider getting rid of them. You can always buy or borrow them later if you find yourself needing them.
Multiple use products
Make sure the items you keep in your small apartment kitchen have multiple uses. With today’s technology, many gadgets have many uses.
All those items you see in specialty stores are great and you want some of them, but if you have a small kitchen, you don’t have room for them. Be sure to get items that can be used in many different ways to help you save space and money.
Keep your kitchen up to date
Regularly check the expiration dates of your food and items you no longer want. Get rid of expired foods and foods you know you won’t eat. If you won’t eat it and it’s still good, try donating it.
Also, check your cabinets and drawers for duplicates or items you no longer use. Get rid of what you find. This will help you stay organized and on top of things.
Administrators
Using things like pantry risers, slow Susans, and small shelves will help you keep things visible and organized. No more lost food or items because you can’t see them. All of this seems like a lot of work to subdivide a small space, but the results are worth it.
Very little cabinet space organization
How to arrange apartment kitchen cabinets? Especially when there are so few of them. Apartment kitchen designs can be small and very cramped. They provide little or no cabinet space. This can make the area very difficult to manage.
However, fear not, here are several ideas to help you with this challenge. If you are worried because you rent and think there is no hope, these ideas will work for you too as they are not permanent fixes but will help you a lot. Try to implement one or more of these to make the kitchen space very clean and organized.
Use a rolling cart.
Using a rolling cart is a great way to add cabinet storage that’s temporary. It can be placed anywhere and you can use it to store your stuff. You’ll be able to roll it out when needed and put it back when not in use. Even when it is not being used, it is still functional because it contains your kitchen equipment.
Stacking shelves
Stacking shelves inside your closets will help you utilize the vertical space inside which doubles your cabinet storage. You will be able to stack anything on top of each other. This will not only double your space but also make everything look organized and organized.
Curtain rods.
Hang some curtain rods and you’ll find yourself with extra storage and organization. You can place one above the stove with hooks to hang pots and pans or one under the sink to store cleaning supplies and towels or paper towels. Tension rods work perfectly for these things. Use your imagination and be creative. The uses are endless.
Mobile Island
Get a mobile island, not only will you gain storage space, but you’ll also gain counter space. You can get one with a butcher block top so you can also use it as a cutting board. Therefore, more storage space will be freed up because you will have a built-in cutting board. It’s a win-win situation all round.
Open shelving
Getting things like bookcases or china cabinets can also help you add more cabinet space to store things. You will be able to put beautiful dishes in them and it will also serve as a decoration solution for you.
You will be able to store cookbooks, canisters and anything else in them. They can be placed anywhere in the apartment, not just in the kitchen.
Wall shelf
You can use wall shelves for many different reasons. They can serve as a drying rack or a simple place to display your plates. It will also give your small kitchen much-needed storage and decoration. The holes in the walls left by hanging them can be easily filled and patched up, give them a try.
Oven storage
It’s okay to put things in your oven. There is usually a drawer at the bottom so keep your pots and pans there. Chances are you don’t always use your oven so it’s also possible to store things in the actual oven. They can be easily removed when you need the oven.
Over the stove
Search when searching for storage. A lot of vertical goes unused. When working with a small apartment kitchen you have to look at every inch of the area and that includes the stove top. Placing pots and pans above the stove will keep them easily accessible to you when you’re ready to cook.
Tight spaces
Unless you are living in a luxury apartment, you must have tight spaces. Look everywhere, use any tight space you can find. A great place to find extra storage is between the wall and the fridge. You can put a ladder, brooms and mops, and even a shelving unit, and lots of different things here.
A shelving unit will provide space for canned goods and spices as well as other items. Get creative with every inch of kitchen real estate you have.
Create a display
Creating a display with your servingware or nice dishes will not only serve as a work of art for you, but will also help with much-needed storage.
Baskets and bins
Using beautiful baskets, bins and boxes in your above cabinet space will create storage for things you need but don’t always use like batteries, light bulbs and tools. This will free up junk drawer space. Make sure they are beautiful and match your decor.
Pick up your essentials
Storage baskets and shelves will keep all your essentials together and easily accessible for you. It will also keep your counter prep area clutter-free.
Did you forget this place?
The side of your cabinets is a great place to hang pot holders or odd items like colanders or odd-shaped pans. You can also use the inside of cabinet doors to hang your measuring cups and spoons.
Magazine file
Use a magazine file to keep space for your wraps, foil and paper rolls. This will keep them organized and out of the way. Magazine files also make a great place for cutting boards.
Storage bench
Using a storage bench on your small apartment kitchen table will take up less space than chairs and provide extra storage under the seat. You can also add decorative seat cushions to match your decor.
Cabinet doors
The inside of your cabinet doors is a great place to use for hanging measuring cups and spoons and pot and pan lids.
Fake sink drawer
With very little hardware you can turn those fake drawer fronts into valuable storage space. It won’t make them drawers but you will be able to lean them out and store your dishes in them
Pot lids
Handles on pot lids can make it difficult to find a place to store them. Try using a tension rod to store them vertically or place a lid rack inside a cabinet door to store them.
Finishing ideas on how to decorate a small apartment kitchen
Hopefully, you’ve picked up a tip or two on how to organize that small apartment kitchen space. With a little planning and work, you can have a stylish and organized kitchen.
Clutter
Clutter is usually a side effect of not having enough storage. Often, more storage isn’t the solution—simplifying and decluttering your kitchen is. Go through your closets and drawers (especially the back) and donate or throw away anything you haven’t used in a while. Ask yourself if you really need a cherry piecing tool or an egg slicer. Once you’ve cleaned out the cabinets, clear the counters by storing away items that cause visual clutter.
Lack of counter space
You’ve reclaimed some counter space, but still feel like it’s not enough? This is a common problem. We’ve got ideas for maximizing (and even adding to) counter space in your small kitchen, including a trick to turn your sink into a cutting board.
A dark kitchen
Dark rooms feel small, so brighten up your walls with a fresh coat of paint in a lighter shade. If you like your cabinets rich, dark, add a variety of lighting. Use undercabinet lighting to illuminate the work area and brighten up your cabinets. Good lighting makes a kitchen look bigger, regardless of color. Try some of the following lighting ideas:
- Add LED strip lights to shelves and under your cabinets to brighten up your counter space. Just peel, stick and plug in.
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with the latest energy-saving versions.
- Opt for pendant lights that can be clipped onto an existing track lighting system to complement your room lighting.
- Replace old light fixtures.
- Add a mirror to the kitchen wall or consider adding a mirrored backsplash to reflect light.
- Brighten up the walls: To remodel a small kitchen, consider painting your walls in light greens, blues, or pale yellows. Then, paint the cabinet doors and walls the same color. As our eyes move around the room, consistent colors can actually make the room appear larger than it is, while sudden changes can trick our eyes into thinking the room is smaller.
Organizing a Small Kitchen – 10 Ways to Clean Up Every Inch of Space
1. Create a flexible zone
When considering kitchen layouts, you may have heard of zoning. For example, cabinets around the cleaning zone – the sink and dishwasher – will host cleaning products, kitchen towels, waste bins, white cabinets, and drawers around the oven and hob will house pots and pans and Should be bakeware, etc. Dry ingredients can be neatly tucked away as part of organizing the pantry, but should otherwise have their own kitchen zone.
It’s a very efficient way to organize a small kitchen, but when space and storage are at a premium, you’ll need to get a little creative.
Emma Cowburn, kitchen designer at Harvey Jones (opens in new tab) says: ‘In small kitchens where zones are close to each other, or in some cases even cross, this can further reduce activity. I help. Tea/coffee making zone, seasoning zone, baking zone etc. Gather essentials into containers or baskets, then move them around the kitchen as you need them.’
2. Store occasional items elsewhere.
There’s no hard and fast rule that says all kitchen storage must be in the cooking zone, so think outside of a small kitchen for things you don’t use every day.
‘I have a sideboard in the dining room, right next to my small kitchen, where I store my big crock pot,’ says Alexandra, co-founder and interior designer at Claro (opens in new tab). ‘I don’t use it every day and moving it around means I free up storage space.’
The same goes for extra gadgets and utensils – put them in baskets to keep them neatly together and consider storing them above kitchen cupboards if you have them. As for table linens, they can be kept away from kitchen work areas as part of your laundry room organization.
3. Keep countertops clean
When organizing kitchen countertops in a small kitchen, minimalism is key. Keeping them free of clutter frees up cooking space and creates a clean kitchen that’s easy to maintain. A good rule of thumb is to keep only the devices you use daily – put the rest away. If bespoke cabinetry is an option, consider installing countertop cabinets with doors that open to reveal your coffee maker, toaster, etc. It creates a messy look when closed.
Grouping items on a tray or in a jar reads as one item on the countertop as opposed to several. For example, place your groups according to your workflow, spices and seasonings by the cooker. When deciding which everyday items to leave on show, practicality is key, but it’s important that they also look the part.
‘It’s more rewarding to invest in and showcase everyday items that not only get the job done but also look beautiful while doing it,’ says Heather Horzen, design editor at Heavenly (opens in new tab).
4. Think vertically.
Storing items vertically instead of horizontally in a small kitchen is a real space saver. This makes them much easier to access, plus you’re more likely to fit in oversized items.
‘We love providing vertical storage for oven trays and cutting boards,’ says Neil Matthews, director of kitchen designers Lewis Alderson (opens in new tab). To sort or use by size, we want to add at least three partitions, making four slots. They are especially useful for the oversize trays used in larger range cookers, but I advise all my clients to have one as the vertical storage is so versatile.
Also with custom options, you can create the same effect with vertical dividers when organizing kitchen drawers and organizing kitchen cabinets. It’s also a handy trick for storing pan lids – and something to keep in mind when organizing Tupperware.
5. Use drawers instead of cupboard
If your cupboards are full, consider using drawers for items traditionally stored in cupboards – they’re great for organizing pots and pans, utensils, crockery, spices and more. Not only does it open up your kitchen storage options, according to Tom Hawley. This makes for a better-functioning kitchen overall, says Tom Hawley, design director of Kitchen Specialists (opens in new tab).
Kitchen storage ideas, especially when planning a small kitchen, kitchen drawers are essential, as they often offer maximum use of space. They can be tailored to your exact specifications, allowing for easy access to kitchen essentials rather than having to peek behind kitchen cabinets.
While standard drawer dividers like kitchen organizers are essential when it comes to organizing kitchen drawers, bespoke inserts are the way to go to maximize space and keep items neat, tidy and easily accessible. pay attention.
Graeme Smith, head of retail and commercial design at Life Kitchens (opens in new tab) says, ‘Alcoves are increasingly popular for holding chopping boards to organize spices, knife blocks, coffee pod refills and more. have been.’
6. Opt for open shelving.
Wall cabinets can feel imposing, especially in a small kitchen, but removing them to create an airy feel solves the storage problem. This is where open kitchen shelving comes into its own. When managed well, it can be a great way to inject style and personality, while maximizing kitchen storage at the same time. This is an undeniably convenient place to place a dinnerware set for easy access and display purposes.
To keep shelves neat, tidy, and organized, organize items by grouping them into odd-numbered clusters, ideally of three items, and adding different heights and sizes to each cluster.
‘We often recommend pairing a large linear item such as a cutting board with a horizontal item, such as some stacked cookbooks. Then introduce some sculptural objects, such as a lemon bowl or a salt and pepper shaker. Voila! Useful, organized and very pretty, says Heather Horzen at Heavenly.
Follow the rules for organizing deep pantry shelves for sized kitchen shelves, and keep the most-used items at a height that’s easy to reach.
7. Customize the corner cabinet
When organizing a small kitchen, every space needs usable space, including corners. Sometimes awkward and hard to reach, they can be difficult to store and access, but if you’re smart, they can become an efficient place for storing larger kitchen items like pots, pans, and appliances.
‘Racks that slide in and out of the unit when you open the door make use of all the available space in a user-friendly way, relieving the stress of lifting heavy items at awkward angles and storing large pieces such as pots and pans. Display neatly,’ says. Grimm.
Small kitchen decorating ideas that are easy to implement:
- Dish rack
- Cooking Tool Wall Storage
- Hideaway Furniture
- More counter space
- Additional shelving
1. Dish racks
While most small kitchens don’t have the space needed for large, rectangular utensil racks, there are options for smaller spaces. Pot racks do not need to be hung from the ceiling. Some can be wall-mounted, like the pegboard wall above.
2. Cooking Tool Wall Storage
Get inspiration from some of the busiest restaurant kitchens, which use industrial wall hardware and racks to store utensils. Some ideas for storing utensils and tools on the wall:
Hang racks for dishes.
A simple bar with some hooks can hold tools with loops or holes in them. There are baskets that can be hung on the rack to hold small items.
- Paint and hang pegboard, and use it to hang your tools. Organize items by color or use.
- Use wall magnets to store knives and spice jars.
3. Hideaway Furniture
Try creative approaches to maximize the functionality of your small kitchen. Find ways to create a multi-purpose space with practical furniture items that are useful but can be easily stored. Some ideas include:
- Backless bar stools that can be removed.
- Roll out kitchen cabinets or tables.
- Drop-down, wall-mounted tables or cutting boards.
4. More counter space
If your goal is to create a modern kitchen space, one of the most important design elements is a minimal, uncluttered kitchen counter. Not only does it look modern, but it increases the counter area, making it easier to prepare and cook. The first step is to remove all small appliances and countertop items. Some other ideas for increasing counter space include:
- A low profile ceramic cook top. Today’s electric cooktops are sleek and modern. They have the added benefit of being almost flush with the counters, so you can place a cutting board or other items on it when not in use.
- Cooktop cover. If you have a gas range, you can purchase a cover for it so you can safely operate your stove when it’s not in use. Some covers come as wooden butcher block surfaces.
- A rolling butcher block or cart as extra counter space. Buy one with wheels, or add a seat yourself so you can move it out of the way when not in use. Add a few simple stools to your rolling butcher block for a quick breakfast bar.
5. Additional shelving
Look for places to add shelving for extra storage. A row of narrow shelves added to a kitchen island can be perfect for cookbooks. Look for additional spaces including corners, or on counters. We hope this post has inspired you to update your small kitchen. What’s your favorite small kitchen decorating idea?
