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Choosing your kitchen hardware can be one of the most fun and creatively stimulating aspects of designing your new kitchen. The hardware you choose for kitchen drawer handles and cabinet knobs can help pull together the entire design and give your new kitchen a polished and refined look.

Paying attention to the details pays off when it comes to your kitchen design, so we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite kitchen hardware styles. Read on to be inspired by these gorgeous kitchen cabinet hardware ideas. 

Thin Brass Hardware

For a modern yet timeless look, consider a set of brass hardware with a thin, linear design. The minimalist look will keep your kitchen looking clean and streamlined, and the brass finish will evoke a luxurious feel.

Furthermore, the brass style will go well with many different kitchen aesthetics and color schemes. Whether you’re going for a glam retro style or contemporary, thin brass hardware will make your kitchen feel classy and fresh. 

Hexagonal Knobs

Get playful with geometry by choosing an alternative to the classic round knob. A hexagonal knob keeps the practical style of a round knob but has an edgier and more distinctive look. This knob design can also be more minimalist and space-saving than a larger handle design.

Hexagonal knobs would look great as either bright pops of color or with an attractive metallic finish. For an extra design element, consider getting coordinating geometric-inspired drawer handles with a unique angular shape. 

Porcelain Painted Knobs

Try looking for a nice set of painted porcelain knobs for an artsy style. They will add a small element of color to your kitchen, and the painted design is a nice way to reflect your personality and taste.

This type of hardware is particularly well-suited for a bohemian or vintage-style kitchen design. For an even more eclectic and creative look, you can go the extra mile and hunt for original vintage knobs. They may end up being mismatched, but if you stick to a single style or color scheme, it will create a cohesive but original kitchen aesthetic. 

Leather Drawer Pulls

If you want an industrial and edgier look, you may want to try leather drawer pulls. A clever alternative to metal hardware, leather drawer pulls are an attractive and refined touch to your kitchen design.

For an extra element of luxury, attach the leather pulls to your cabinetry with brass or gold rivets. The small amount of shine paired with quality leather will make your home feel pretty fancy and different. 

Cut-Outs

To get a nice clean style, you may want to do away with the hardware altogether. Instead, some well-designed cutouts will give your kitchen a charming architectural style. 

Cutouts will leave the silhouette of your cabinetry undisrupted while also playfully using negative space to create an interesting look. 

Square Arch Pulls

Square arch pulls, especially in a dark or neutral color, go especially well with a light or medium-toned wooden cabinet. The angular shape of the hardware will pair excellently with the simple beauty of the natural wood surface.

If you are interested in a rustic or farmhouse style, a square arch pull hardware set will be a classy and modern touch that will nicely complement the old-school design of your homey kitchen.

Metallic Cup Pulls 

For a sweet vintage twist on the typical arch pull, try experimenting with a cup pull. These half-circle cabinet handles will give your home a timeless feel, especially with a gold or bronze finish. 

This style looks fantastic when the handles are centered on the drawers and paired with a dark contrasting color. If you add in some matching metallic hinges, you will have an extremely well-polished kitchen that is sure to impress all of your guests. 

Wood-Carved Handles

Ditch the metallics in favor of some rustic and wholesome wooden handles. Wooden handles are highly versatile and can come in various shapes and colors. This style goes well with eclectic and bohemian kitchen designs.

For a vintage-inspired appearance, you can opt for ornately carved handles with floral and botanical details. On the other hand, for a more contemporary and minimalist style, you can have a simple set of wooden handles positioned to match your kitchen cabinets’ shape seamlessly.

Final Thoughts

Kitchen hardware is an important detail that deserves plenty of attention when planning your new kitchen design. Whether you want a sleek and glamorous or bohemian and vintage kitchen, the right kitchen handles and knobs will surely complete the look.

 

Demolishing a kitchen can be necessary if there is any previous damage in the home that requires repair or if homeowners want to do a complete kitchen remodel. 

Attractive and efficient kitchen spaces can provide a more workable area and help increase the home’s overall resale value when it comes time to move. 

But will the cost of a kitchen demo outweigh the benefits? Several factors can help determine the total costs of this project and what you can prepare for this task in your renovation budget. 

Factors That Affect Kitchen Demo Costs

Budgeting for a renovation can be complicated. Before you start swinging the sledgehammer and pulling out old light fixtures, or calling a contractor, consider these elements: 

• The location of your home
• The kitchen components 
• The reason for the remodel 
• If it will be a DIY project or using professional contractor services 

The Location Of Your Home

Where you live will directly affect how much a kitchen demo will cost. For example, some larger cities may have multiple contractor options, while smaller rural centers can bring a higher bill due to traveling costs, labor shortages, or lack of competition. 

The Kitchen Components 

One significant element in kitchen demo costs will be the kitchen components. These critical items include: 

• Cabinets
• Countertops and backsplash 
• Sinks and plumbing 
• Floors and walls 
• Lighting and electrical needs 

Of course, the time it takes to remove these components will affect the total demolition costs. If you are looking at removing only one or a couple of kitchen elements, you can keep the budget low at only a few hundred dollars in labor costs. 

However, if you require a professional to complete an entire large kitchen demolition, you could be facing a final bill of around $1,400 for labor alone. 

The Reason For the Demolition

The reason for the remodel plays a significant part in the overall costs of your kitchen demo. For example, homes with significant structural damage from a flood or fire will require a large-scale demo to remove all the damaged materials. 

The final costs can be significant if you require new cabinets and appliances or want a completely fresh start for better functionality. On the other hand, homeowners looking for an inexpensive remodel to give their home a refreshing new look can keep a tight budget and make only minor changes. 

Will It Be a DIY or a Professional Contractor Job? 

Naturally, homeowners who can do the labor on their own will save money in the demo budget. Unfortunately, not everyone can complete a renovation job themselves, making it necessary to hire a professional contractor. The type of kitchen demo will also determine if you require one person or more to complete the job. 

How Much Does It Cost To Demo a Kitchen? 

So, how do you know what to budget for in a kitchen demo and remodel job? The final demolition costs will reflect how much work is necessary to clean out the space and haul away all the old materials. 

For a simple wall and cabinet removal, homeowners may end up with a bill of around $600. Naturally, the more walls and cabinetry that need removal, the longer hours a contractor will be putting in, increasing the costs. Depending on the complexity, an average price can be as high as $2,500 or more for an extensive kitchen demo. 

On average, homeowners can expect a kitchen demo to take between 10 and 20 man-hours to complete. Of course, professional contractor rates will vary, but once you have an estimate on labor, you can adjust your budget accordingly. 

Finding the Right Help For Your Kitchen Demo

It is beneficial to research contractors in your area that can provide professional demolition services before you begin your kitchen demo. Any company you choose should have the proper supplies and training to complete the job correctly, as well as insurance to protect them and your family from any unforeseen circumstances. 

Being diligent and asking for references from past clients can give homeowners an indication of the type of work a company is capable of and their professionalism. In addition, obtaining estimates beforehand and discussing the elements of your kitchen demo can help clear up any miscommunications before the job starts. 

For many homeowners, it’s worth every penny to have a professional complete their kitchen demo. These individuals will not only gut your kitchen space to get it ready for a new remodel, but they handle all the clean-up, making it the best choice for many busy families.

If you are designing a minimalist and modern style kitchen, you may be struggling with how to find appliances that match the desired aesthetic. One solution is to hide the appliances altogether.

Hidden appliances can make your entire kitchen feel cleaner and more streamlined, with a far more open layout than before. Concealed kitchen appliances can also help with keeping the kitchen design cohesive. 

Read on for some stylish and functional hidden kitchen appliance ideas. 

Secret Refrigerator Door

Refrigerators are usually the most disruptive appliances in the kitchen, so concealing them can make a huge difference in the space. The easiest way to hide a refrigerator is to get a door that matches the rest of the cabinetry.

This idea can work with a variety of kitchen styles. For a sleek contemporary kitchen, the front of the refrigerator can be kept smooth and match the color and material of the other cabinets. For a farmhouse or vintage-style kitchen, the front of the refrigerator can be an attractive wood cabinet with ornate hardware. 

Another option for a concealed refrigerator door is to match it with the wall itself, to keep it entirely flat and hidden. This concept works well if you have a textured wall, such as a wood-paneled wall. 

Use a Hutch

You may also be interested in concealing your smaller appliances. In that case, you can install a hutch-style cabinet in your kitchen. With this approach, you can have some cabinets that sit atop the counter and house all of your tiny appliances, such as a toaster or coffee maker.

The hutch can be a separate structure in your kitchen, serving as an attractive and functional storage piece. It can also be built directly into your existing countertops and cabinetry if you want to conserve space and maintain the kitchen’s original layout. 

The concealed cabinet in a huge hidden space created by the hutch will create lots of storage space, making it the perfect hiding spot for small and medium-sized appliances, as well as kitchen tools and any other unattractive clutter that you would like to keep out of sight.

Refrigerator Drawer

Refrigerators don’t just have to hide behind doors—hidden refrigerator drawers work just as well, too! This works well for freezers to go along with your refrigerator but is especially great for a special secret snack drawer or wet bar accessory.

The drawer can aesthetically match all the rest of your kitchen drawers and will just be slightly deeper to accommodate the space required for the cooler. It’s subtle, easy, and very useful. 

If you have kids, a refrigerated drawer would be a handy spot to keep juice boxes and healthy snacks. It’s also ideal for storing alcoholic beverages and mixers. Either way, this stylish and clever hidden drawer will extend your existing refrigerator space without adding any more clunky appliances to your kitchen. 

Faux Icebox

For another creative solution to conceal your refrigerator, play around with the idea of doing a vintage style. One option would be to construct a faux icebox that will house your modern refrigerator.

While this design doesn’t work for most contemporary style kitchens, it is perfect for anyone who lives in an older home and wants to maintain the historical integrity of the kitchen while updating all of the appliances. 

Iceboxes can be beautiful pieces of furniture with intricate woodwork and attractive hardware. If you want to renovate a kitchen while keeping it true to the original, this is a fun and artistic idea. 

Conceal the Whole Kitchen

If a contemporary and minimalist kitchen is your dream vision, you may want to indulge in concealing the whole kitchen altogether. This may seem unfeasible, but with a few sliding doors or large folding cabinets, the major parts of your kitchen can easily be tucked away when not in use.

Hiding the entire kitchen is a great option if you have an open layout and don’t want your guests staring at a messy kitchen whenever they are hanging out in your living room. Hidden kitchens can also work well for small apartments, where the kitchen can essentially function as a large walk-in closet. 

Having a hidden kitchen will help achieve a minimalist style for your home’s interior and will take the burden off when it comes to cleaning for guests. 

Final Thoughts

Concealed appliances are a creative and stylish way to keep your kitchen more open and aesthetically pleasing. We hope this list of ideas helps inspire you to find the best hidden appliance style for your home. 

 

 

The pictures are everywhere. You come across gorgeous and impressive photos of people’s pantries on every social media platform. With a combination of coordinating bins, stylish turntables, and perfectly organized products, you can’t tear your eyes away! Add in the fact that many people don’t have a designated pantry, making the wistful feeling even more potent!

Looking at these images can give you the impression that having a pantry of this style is a lot of work to pull off the end result. But that is not the case! These simple pantry cabinet ideas will give you the pantry organization of your dreams in no time!

Re-Style a Bookshelf

A pantry doesn’t have to be one size fits all. Instead, you can get creative and make one from various furniture items. One of those options is with a bookshelf. 

Coming in various sizes and shapes, you can acquire a bookshelf with floor-to-ceiling shelving, a shorter style with a few longer shelves, or even a cube style with identically shaped box shelves. These pieces make for a great pantry and can hold more items than you think!

You can either leave your bookshelf exposed and have all the contents organized neatly, or you can attach a curtain to go in front of it and keep the products hidden. For organization, you can use all the same components that you would in a typical pantry, including:

• Turntables for spices
• Baskets for overstock
• Canned goods stand
• Riser shelving 
• Cereal storage
• And much more!

Additionally, you can place decorative items on the top of the furniture piece to tie it in with the rest of your kitchen aesthetic. With this option, you can have your very own custom pantry with minimal effort!

Repurpose an Armoire or Wardrobe

Many consignment shops or secondhand furniture stores have a variety of wardrobes and armoires in many different styles. It is pretty simple to take one of these treasures and turn it into a beautiful addition to your kitchen space for use as a pantry!

If the piece of your choosing doesn’t have adequate shelving inside, you can easily add additional with a few pieces of wood and a little elbow grease. You can then paint the unit to match the rest of your space or leave it as is. While some individuals and households reserve spaces like this for extra dish storage, you can easily use them for food!

As for a few ideas of what you can utilize an armoire or wardrobe for as it pertains to food storage, a few common uses include:

• Extra boxed goods
• Overstock canned goods
• Boxes of cereal
• Baking items
• Potatoes
• Onions
• Snacks

The possibilities are endless! You can also incorporate many of the storage pieces that the Instagram-worthy pantries use, including:

• Clear storage bins
• Baking canisters
• Produce baskets
• Spice organization
• And all the others!

Reassign a Cupboard

You don’t have to use an existing cupboard for one specific item. Instead, you can customize it to meet the needs of your household! Some of the cupboard hacks that you see today include:

• Garbage and recycling storage
• Broom and dustpan space
• Built-in risers for heavy appliances
• Microwave space
• Drawer inserts

Having this information, it’s easy to see how you can take a standard cupboard and renovate the space to create an in-kitchen pantry. After surveilling the different cabinets that you have and selecting the best option with adequate space to fit your needs, you can do the following:

• Add or remove shelving
• Replace doors if desired
• Install or insert storage solutions and containers
• Organize products within the space

The best thing about this option is that you don’t even have to choose a large cupboard to fulfill this need. Instead, you can take the smaller cabinets that act as a catch-all for extra items without a dedicated space and alter them to serve a purpose that better suits your household!

Final Thoughts

All hope is not lost if you find yourself without dedicated pantry space. The suggestions listed above are only a few options that those in that situation can utilize. You can also turn a coat closet into extra storage, make a hallway pantry, or – if you want to put in a lot of time and effort – create a hidden pantry!

Before accepting that it’s an impossible feat, take the time to research pantry cabinet ideas. Whether you do it on your own with existing space, purchase new furniture, or work with a company to build something new, pantry organization is possible in some form for everyone!

If you are in the process of a kitchen remodel, there is one major element in the room that deserves your attention: the pantry. While a regular pantry door works just fine, consider elevating the style of your kitchen with the fashionable and convenient hidden pantry.

A hidden kitchen pantry will give your kitchen a seamless and cohesive appearance. The concealed design of a hidden pantry will hide any inconvenient kitchen clutter and can utilize space better than a regular pantry closet. 

To help give you some inspiration, we’ve put together some of our favorite hidden pantry designs and styles. Read on to learn about some great hidden kitchen pantry ideas. 

White Cabinets

For a fresh and clean take on a country farmhouse kitchen, try creating a hidden pantry with a set of floor-length white cabinet doors. The doors will completely match the rest of your kitchen cabinetry, allowing for an undisrupted and consistent style throughout your kitchen.

Depending on the dimensions of your kitchen, your hidden pantry doors could open up to a spacious walk-in pantry closet with plenty of shelving. Alternatively, you can achieve the hidden pantry look while still having a compact pantry that suits your space needs.

Faux Refrigerator Door

Fake cabinetry isn’t the only option when designing a hidden pantry. Another fun option is to build a faux refrigerator door. Install a large door that mimics the shape of a refrigerator but—surprise—opens up to a large walk-in pantry.

For the perfect aesthetic look, use material and color that matches your cabinetry, and then decorate the door with a decorative mirror. A mirrored faux refrigerator door will add a unique artsy detail to your kitchen while serving a useful function as the entrance to your pantry.

Cabinet Doors with Brass Hardware

A hidden pantry can be further accentuated by including brass or metallic hardware to mimic the appearance of drawers and cabinets. Aside from the necessary hardware for the door handle, you can add faux drawer handles or extra fake cabinets.

Complete the false cabinet and drawer style by using wood paneling to add extra dimensionality to the door’s surface and fully create the illusion effect of drawers. The use of metallic hardware will stylistically elevate your kitchen, evoking a glamorous or industrial aesthetic depending on the metal finish you choose.

Hidden Pull Out Pantry

Despite popular belief, hidden pantries are not just meant for big kitchens in large houses. Some types of hidden pantries are perfect for a small kitchen in need of compact storage solutions. 

For a petite hidden pantry, consider a sliding pullout pantry. Similar to the concept of a drawer, a pullout pantry will slide right out of the wall. This floor-length pullout pantry style can be made as narrow as you need based on the size of your kitchen, with plenty of shelving for all of your dry goods. 

Secret Wall Decor

Another variation of the hidden pantry can go right on your wall. More of a hidden spice cabinet than a hidden pantry, this handy compartment functions as a floating cabinet on your kitchen wall.

In terms of the hidden aspect, the door to the cabinet is kept flat and painted with an attractive image. When the cabinet is closed, it will simply look like an attractive piece of wall art. This style of hidden storage is perfect for anyone looking to add some personality and color to their kitchen.

Sliding Door

For a nice minimalist hidden pantry style, consider installing a sliding door. Without the fuss and trouble of a swinging door or secret cabinet, a sliding door will make your kitchen look contemporary, stylish, and ultra-functional.

Sliding doors are also a great space-saving option, reducing the footprint of the door and allowing for extra storage areas. As a flexible design, a sliding door can be made to match cabinets, or it can be a statement piece with a bright color or metallic finish. 

Final Thoughts

Storage is one of the biggest concerns when designing a kitchen, and a hidden pantry can be a great way to improve the appearance of your kitchen while maximizing your space. When deciding on a hidden pantry design, you can make choices based on the dimensions of your kitchen and your kitchen’s aesthetic style.

 

The open concept kitchen is a popular way to create a functional space that doesn’t feel shut off or separate from the rest of your home. When you open your kitchen space, you’re inviting family and friends to socialize while preparing delicious meals, tasting wine, and a few snacks.

An open concept kitchen offers some great benefits to your home, including a friendlier space, more options for décor, and making the most of your home’s layout. The following design ideas are great options if you’re considering renovating your kitchen to embrace a more open style.

Bright, Decorative Lighting

Once you remove barriers and walls to your kitchen, you’ll want to brighten the space to create an inviting, engaging area. Modern, decorative lighting shines a spotlight on your newly remodeled home, and you can find great lighting options without setting aside most of your budget. You can add a row of recessed ceiling lights, vintage bulbs, and other unique designs to add personality to your kitchen space.

If you have specific fixtures in mind for your kitchen space, you’ll want to ensure they offer adequate brightness to further “open” your kitchen and create an inviting space. You’ll find excellent ideas at local home improvement stores, online designers, and specialized light fixture manufacturers, where you can find the perfect style for your room.

Create a Theme in Your Open Kitchen

If you’re a fan of the industrial style, French décor, or contemporary design, you’ll find many beautiful themes and unique ideas to incorporate into your kitchen. If you’re considering a minimalist design, you can arrange your kitchen to accommodate the color, lighting, countertop, and island centerpiece to coordinate your style.

Floor-to-ceiling Cabinet Storage

Make a Bold Statement with a Backsplash

A backsplash is a beautiful way to make a bold statement and boost the appearance of your kitchen. You can choose from unique textures, colors, and patterns, including incredible mosaic tiles, specific designs, or a more traditional set of porcelain tiles in a pearl white or cream color. While some kitchens look great with a solid-color backsplash, you can review samples of many textures, patterns, and themes to liven your space.

There are unlimited backsplash ideas to choose from for your kitchen, including vinyl wallpaper designs, faux wood finishes, marble, porcelain tiles, mirrors, and more. If your kitchen is a high-traffic area, you’ll ideally want a backsplash material that will wipe clean easily and doesn’t require too much maintenance to look great.

Installing an Island to Your Open Kitchen

Kitchen islands may seem like a luxury addition to a spacious area, though they are a great way to extend your counter space. Many islands offer drawers and storage space for food prep utensils, mixing bowls, and similar equipment you can quickly access to create a meal. Some kitchen islands are ideal for keeping culinary items handy such as knife sets, mixing spoons, or you can add a few decorative items for appearance. 

If you’re working with a larger space, and your goal is to maximize countertop space, you can extend to an L-shape or a U-shape, in addition to installing an island. This option is ideal if you accommodate several people in the kitchen at once, so there’s plenty of working space.

Two-tone Kitchen Color Theme

A smaller open kitchen stands out with a stunning two-tone color theme, which is a great way to create an eye-catching space. If you choose this style, two contrasting colors often work best: emerald green and pearl white, black and white, deep blue and grayish-white. You can incorporate real or faux wood cabinets with a solid-color countertop or pair marble or granite with bright yellow or red cabinets.

Summary

Open concept kitchens are a great way to create the illusion of more space in your home by uniting the living room, dining space, outdoor terrace, or patio with your kitchen. When you work with a professional interior decorator, you’ll find many great options for your current kitchen space and how you can open this space to many new possibilities.

Interested in upgrading your kitchen to a new, modern look? Your kitchen cabinets are an excellent place to start. However, you might be confused about which cabinets to choose and which styles will fit your aesthetic and budget.

Generally speaking, there are three types of kitchen cabinets. These types of cabinets include pre-made stock versions, semi-custom, and complete custom designs. 

When remodeling your kitchen or purchasing new construction materials, knowing which types of kitchen cabinets are available and their corresponding costs can help you make the best decision.

Let’s get into the different options and types of cabinets out there.

Pre-Designed Cabinets

Pre-designed kitchen cabinets do not allow any room for customization. You usually have a choice of standard colors and designs. 

For example, when you go under contract on a new home, the builder may offer a range of cabinet designs and colors that will not add to the home’s final price.

You might choose between:

• White 
• Oak
• Cherry
• Maple

If you’re remodeling an existing home, a particular brand or store could offer a pine, dark brown, and white finish. 

Standard designs may include handles or are handle-free. With these types of kitchen cabinets, you usually don’t have to wait as long for delivery and installation. They’re already pre-made. 

If you just want a basic look or are on a tight budget, pre-designed cabinets can be the optimal way to go. However, if you plan on selling your home someday, you might not appeal to as many buyers’ preferences, and you could face lower offers or appraisal values.

Partially-Custom Cabinets

Semi-custom kitchen cabinets allow you to personalize some of the design and finish aspects. For instance, you might choose between various:

• Handle designs 
• Colors 
• Paint types
• Finishes

You’re not limited to a cherry finish without handles or a white finish without see-through glass.

Semi-custom cabinets can offer homeowners the best of both worlds. However, they cost more and are considered an add-on by most builders. 

If you choose a partially-customized design when building a new home, expect to pay a little more. It’s completely worth it if you can get the look and feel you want from the get-go. You’ll save on remodeling costs later on.

Homeowners who are remodeling also reap some cost benefits from semi-custom designs. Since these designs and options are often more sophisticated or unique, the home’s resale value can go up when it’s time to sell. 

While semi-custom cabinets are considered mid-tier in price, they can take longer to deliver and install than standard or pre-designed versions.

Fully-Customized Cabinets

If you want to create a unique look in your kitchen, a fully-customized design is for you. Although these types of kitchen cabinets take the longest to make and usually cost the most, they’re worth it if you can afford the expense. Maybe you want a white finish using premium paint, crown molding, and special wood. 

A few homeowners are willing to do work with a store and manufacturer to get the best possible fit. They don’t mind the wait or expense to get the exact look they want for their kitchen. Some kitchens that already have luxury appliances or unique looks need custom cabinets. A stock version or semi-custom look just doesn’t fit.

With fully-customized cabinets, you’ll probably have to spend more time upfront describing exactly what you want. You may have to see several blueprints and custom design ideas before reaching a final version. Consequently, it may take more than a few months to get exactly what you want. 

You’ll also want to prepare for supply chain issues or disruptions for customized materials. But when it comes time to sell or pass down your home, you probably won’t have to worry about sprucing up your kitchen.

Conclusion

The types of cabinets you choose for your kitchen are ultimately a personal decision. It involves striking a balance between the look and features you want with the limits of your budget. 

While some homeowners prefer a basic look that blends in with their appliances and backsplash, others want a 100% unique look.

Before you go out and choose your next set of kitchen cabinets, consider the available types. Pre-designed, semi-custom, and fully-custom are typically available through most outlets, manufacturers, and builders. 

Think about whether you desire some flexibility in the aesthetic and how your choice will impact your home’s resale value. You can choose the best kitchen cabinets for your needs with these things in mind.

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.

 

There’s nothing more frustrating than a lack of kitchen counter space. Prepping, washing, cutting, cooking—there’s just no room! 

As hopeless as the situation feels, we’re here to tell you it isn’t! There are plenty of contemporary ways to add extra kitchen counter space to your home. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular. 

Make Use of Your Backsplash 

The space between countertops and cabinets has potential but is often left empty. We get it–limited counter space usually means limited backsplash too. 

Still, hanging shelves for dishes, hooks for utensils, a paper towel holder, or even a magnetic knife holder will free up extra counter space you didn’t realize you needed. 

Utilize Shelf Risers

Many victims of small kitchen counter space avoid shelf risers because they view it as just more clutter on their counter. However, if you strategically utilize shelf risers, they can create an abundance of room. 

For example, you can place your seasonings and cooking oils on top of the shelf, but use the bottom for storing napkins, frequently used dishes, or whatever you please. A corner shelf riser is especially useful as it adds space to the area we place our items anyway—the corner!

Shrink Your Kitchen Sink

If you have a small kitchen, you likely think you cannot afford to shrink anything. Hear us out! Compromising just half or even a quarter of your sink to place a cutting board or dish drying rack will add counter space you probably didn’t even realize you were missing. 

Besides, giving up a portion of your sink doesn’t have to be permanent if you don’t want it to be. When you aren’t washing, you can place a long cutting board over the entirety of the sink to add extra prep space and remove it once you are finished. 

Find a Strategic Dish Dryer

Dish drying racks are bulky and often take up more counter space than any other item. As mentioned above, you can find a dish dryer that fits on one side of your sink, but if you’re not up for giving up sink space, find a strategic dish dryer!  

If you have a wall behind your sink, consider finding one that hangs on the wall. Alternatively, you can opt for an over-the-sink dish dryer that extends above the sink rather than beside it, clearing up extra kitchen counter space.

Make Use of Your Cake Stand

Free up cabinet and counter space by taking your cake stand out of storage and using it to organize the clutter on your counter. Cake stands work similarly to shelf risers as they create elevated space. 

Even better–their vintage look has become extremely trendy in the past few years! Because they’re a bit larger, many people choose to use them for the more significant items they keep on their kitchen counters, such as fresh produce like bananas and apples.

Invest in a Kitchen Cart

Chances are, you don’t have room to add an entire kitchen island. However, you can add a smaller, portable version. Kitchen carts are popular amongst small kitchens because they add both counter and cabinet space. Most kitchen carts fit perfectly against a wall or already present kitchen island.

You can use it for cutting boards, utensils, paper towels, fruit bowls, and so much more. However, their mobility is what makes them most popular. You can roll them to whatever area of the kitchen you need more space in at any given time!

Mount a Folding Wall Table

A folding wall table conveniently saves space as it can be folded up and hidden away whenever you’re not using it. No counter space kitchens make it difficult for more than one person to work in.  

Because folding wall tables are usually off to the side, they’re perfect for multi-person households or people that frequently host dinner. Not only does it create additional working space to prepare food, but it gives guests another place to sit when they eat or as you cook for them. 

Final Thoughts

Limited kitchen counter space is a headache that seems impossible to cure. Luckily, today’s market has risen to the occasion. There’s an abundance of attractive ways to give yourself some extra kitchen counter space. 

Sometimes it’s a simple fix like finding a clever way to dry dishes, and other times it requires installing the extra space yourself. We hope you use this article as a guide to help you find the best solution for your home.

When picking out appliances for your new kitchen, don’t forget to take the time to pick the perfect sink. The kitchen sink is where you will spend many hours rinsing vegetables, washing dishes, and getting water, so choosing a functional and attractive design is essential to having a functional kitchen.

One of the most important elements of your kitchen sink will be the size. If you are designing a new kitchen, it can be challenging to determine which size sink will be proportionate to your kitchen and appropriate to your needs. Read on for some helpful tips on choosing between kitchen sink sizes.

Overall Kitchen Size

The first element to look at is the size of the kitchen. If your kitchen is smaller, you will want to be discerning about how every square inch of real estate is used. For instance, a large kitchen sink will take up precious counter and cabinet space. 

On the other hand, if you are dealing with a larger kitchen, you will want to consider which type of large sink would work best. A sink that’s too small will look a little silly in a larger space, but getting a sink that’s too oversized will shrink the space and make it seem crowded.

As a general rule, most people find that a 150 square foot kitchen can handle a sink that is up to 24 inches wide. This standard kitchen sink size can be a useful starting point for deciding what will work best in your kitchen.

Cabinet Size

Another helpful measurement guide is the cabinet that will be directly below the sink location. Naturally, the larger the sink, the larger the base cabinet required to house it. To determine the largest sink size that will work with your base cabinet, measure the inside width of the cabinet, but subtract a couple of inches. 

If you are also selecting new cabinetry, it is good to choose your sink in tandem with the cabinets. This way, you can ensure that the cabinets you choose—especially the cabinet that will be the base cabinet for the sink—are the right size for the kitchen sink.

Window Size

Think About Your Everyday Needs

You should also think about what kind of tasks you will regularly do with this kitchen sink. For those who wash large amounts of dishes by hand, you may want a larger sink with plenty of space, ideally with a divided bowl.

Consider the typical sizes of the dishes that you use most frequently—you wouldn’t want a sink that doesn’t have enough space for the baking sheet you use multiple times a week. It’s also worth remembering how many people are in your household and if any young children go through lots of bottles or sippy cups. 

Alternatively, if you aren’t an avid cook or live alone, a small kitchen sink may work just fine, and you can go ahead and use the space and money on the oversized sink of your dreams.

Consider Getting a Statement Sink

To flex your interior design muscles, you may want to play around with a statement sink. Some sinks are rather plain and basic, but there are plenty of funky designs that will make your kitchen sink the star of the show. 

Get an oversized sink in a unique material or design, such as a bronze or copper apron sink. You could also get a sink with a pop of color. On the smaller end of the spectrum, if you don’t have lots of dishes to deal with, consider getting a sink with an attractive geometric shape, such as a narrow rectangle or curved oval.

Final Thoughts

You will be spending a lot of time at your kitchen sink. So it’s worth it to put in some research and choose the right size and style for your home. We hope this list helps guide you in selecting the best size sink for your kitchen.