Large kitchens have become a luxury, rather than a ‘standard feature’ in an average American home. Most homes today have small kitchens. However, just because you have a small kitchen, that doesn’t mean that you have to compromise on functionality and style. One of the smart ideas that you can try out is eat-in kitchens. Top Remodeling, one of the most trusted remodeling contractors, have extensive experience in building eat-in kitchens. Here are some of the eat-in kitchen ideas for small spaces, recommended by their team of experts.
What is an Eat-In Kitchen?
An eat-in kitchen is a kitchen space that has a designated area for dining within the kitchen itself. So instead of a separate dining room, an eat-in kitchen combines seating and dining features into the kitchen layout. This is what makes it a convenient and space-saving solution for small homes and apartments.The Advantages of an Eat-In Kitchen
So, what should you consider building an eat-in kitchen? Well, for starters, it provides you a cozy and convenient dining area within the kitchen space. Here are some of the key advantages of having an eat-in kitchen. It saves space: As it combines dining and kitchen into one unified space, you don’t need to build a separate room. Needless to say, this saves on your space. Reduces Underutilized space: Kitchen corners and other areas often lie underutilized. With eat-in kitchen ideas, you can optimize the layout and use every inch of the space more efficiently. Increased Home Value: A well-designed eat-in kitchen seems attractive to potential homebuyers. This boosts the value of the property in the real estate market.How to Maximize Functionality in a Small Eat-In Kitchen
Let us now take a look at some of the eat-in kitchen ideas for small spaces that will help you maximize functionality, even if you have limited area to work with.Use Multi-Functional Furniture
These are pieces of furniture that serve multiple purposes. By doing so, you don’t need to get several pieces of furniture, saving space and increasing usability. Here are some of the ideas that you can try out:- Try to install kitchen islands with built-in seating. These will provide space for prepping meals as well as dining areas.
- You can also use storage ottomans which serve as both seating space and hidden storage.
- Get foldable chairs, which can be stored when not needed.
Use Lighting for an Open Feel
As most remodeling experts will tell you, having proper lighting makes a small kitchen feel larger and more attractive. Here are some of the ideas that you can explore:- Use pendant lights over dining areas. They don’t overwhelm the space but creates a stylish focal point.
- It is recommended to use under-cabinet lighting. They will be ideal to brighten up workspaces and reduce dark areas
- Try to use mirrors or glossy finishes on countertops and cabinets. These reflect light, giving the illusion of spaciousness.
Choose a Light and Airy Color Scheme
Colors are another important element that you need to consider when exploring eat-in kitchen ideas for small spaces. Here are some tips to follow to choose the right scheme for your eat-in kitchen space.- If you want, you can go for lighter colors. These make a space feel bigger and more open.
- To brighten up the room and make it feel less cramped, you can use white or pastel walls
- Try to get neutral-colored furniture, as that will create a seamless look.
- Last but not the least; you can use Glass or acrylic furniture as it effectively reduces visual clutter.
