Most people have small kitchens and are always looking to adjust their kitchen space. No matter how challenging it seems, it’s possible. All you need is to look for clever solutions for how to expand a kitchen and create more room.
There are many DIY methods of making extra kitchen space. Alternatively, you can get help from kitchen remodeling experts, who help make the kitchen more than just a cooking space. But for now, these quick tips will go a long way in helping expand your kitchen for extra space.
Adjust Your Kitchen Shelves
Kitchen shelves take a significant amount of kitchen space. So, if you can adjust them, you can create space for several items in your kitchen, including utensils.
Avoid keeping bottles on your kitchen shelves. Not only do these take up a lot of space, but they block the whole shelf area too. You’re better off removing them from the shelves and storing them elsewhere.
Make an Instant Kitchen Island
If you have enough space, go for a permanent solution. This involves creating a small island in the center of your kitchen to provide ample storage and counter space.
You can use a second-hand dresser to create a kitchen island. After placing it in the middle of the kitchen, paint it with your cabinet colors to ensure it blends in. You can make the surface more durable by adding a wooden cutting board on the top.
Sometimes, it can be challenging to find a dresser with a perfect height to fit an island. Don’t worry. You have the option of removing or cutting off the legs to shorten them if the dresser is taller than you need. On the other hand, if it’s too short, consider adding rolling casters to the bottom of the dresser.
But what if your space is limited? Then consider a portable kitchen island that you’ll only get out when required and set aside after use. A portable kitchen island takes no extra space in your kitchen.
Create More Counter Space
If an additional flat surface is what you desire for meal preparations, look no further. Believe it or not, your kitchen drawers are the solution. All you need to do is open the top drawer, get a cutting board, and lay it across the drawer. You have an extra flat surface within no time.
Also, if you hardly ever use your stove, resting a cutting board on top of its burners will give you some additional meal prep space. Just ensure the burners are off and not hot or warm when placing the board.
Utilize the Space Underneath Your Cabinets
Here’s another answer to how to expand a kitchen for more space. Utilize the dead space at the bottom of your cabinets.
Consider attaching a magnetic strip or hanging organizer that can handle the weight of several items you can keep there. You can also add mug hooks, a wine glasses rack, a storage rack, or a knife or silverware drawer.
Add a Ceiling Pan Rack
Have you ever thought of utilizing your ceiling space? Most people don’t even think it’s possible. Surprisingly, you can use your kitchen ceiling to help expand your kitchen. Installing a ceiling rack creates extra space to keep other kitchen items.
Use the ceiling rack to hang knives, frying pans, or cooking utensils. In addition to making your kitchen look tidy, ceiling racks make your kitchen appear modern.
Utilize the Cabinet Doors
You can also hang some racks on the inside of your cabinet doors to store cutting boards, pan lids, and cleaning supplies.
Consider using plastic adhesive hooks too. These allow for hanging plastic and foil wrap boxes on the inner side of your cabinet doors.
Lastly, you can make a magnetic storage area on the inside of the cabinet door for your measuring cups.
Get Rid of Your Cookbooks
If you’re not actively involved with your cookbooks, get rid of them. Consider replacing these books with a more compact item that still gives you access to all the recipes you need.
Some great examples of such options include an Alexa device with recipes, Google Home Hub, or a tablet with all your favorite recipes bookmarked.