SPACE-ENHANCING DESIGN

When it comes to the aesthetics of a small kitchen, it’s often best to keep things simple. Having a light, neutral palette offers greater flexibility with furnishings and finishes and can make a space feel more open and inviting. Designer lighting and bar stools with strong silhouettes can add to the dynamic.

Matching materials and colours throughout – for example, using the same shade for worktops and door fronts – will provide a modern, modular look that’s fresher than a busy mix of colours and finishes.

Opting for units without protruding handles helps to keep the look clean and uncluttered. Recessed handles, push-touch or electronic opening systems will provide a pleasingly flat surface. If you prefer handles, which can be practical for heavy appliance doors, choose a minimalist design that’s fitted horizontally to maintain linear sleekness.

The trick to choosing cabinetry is to think about quality, not quantity. Shoehorning lots of small cupboards into a space and wrapping them around walls can make a kitchen appear small and busy. Wide, deep pan drawers are far neater and will allow much more internal flexibility than multiple cupboards.

Don’t be afraid to include an island unit, which can be very sociable and provides extra worktop and storage space. An ideal scenario is a kitchen comprising a tall block of furniture, which makes the most of the room’s height and can be fitted with eye-level ovens and integrated refrigeration, and a small island. This should give you a versatile kitchen with good storage that looks great.