A kitchen in a tiny or compact home doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice functionality or style. You can enjoy space-saving techniques and ample prep space without frustration. While kitchen sizes are typically more compact in tiny homes, you can still maximize counter space with a little creativity. You don’t even have to break the bank!
Fold-Down Countertops
You don’t have to choose between countertops and floor space for your kitchen. With some neat fold-down custom countertops, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Fold-down countertops are typically mounted to the wall and can be folded down into a traditional countertop surface when needed. When counter space isn’t necessary, you can fold them back up against the wall to use the space for other purposes. Fold-down counters save space and can make the room multifunctional.
Kitchen Island or Cart
If you’ve got ample floor space in your kitchen, consider adding a kitchen island. A kitchen island is a small piece of furniture or counter space situated in the middle of the floor plan to act as an additional prep or storage space in the form of an “island.” Not only are kitchen islands a timeless trend, but they are perfect for those who need more space. You don’t have to install a permanent kitchen island, either. A rolling kitchen cart can act as a gorgeous and functional kitchen island, while the wheels allow you to move it whenever you need more room. Kitchen carts or islands come in many styles to match any kitchen design, too. Look for carts with a butcher block top, shelves, or drawers to maximize their utility. When not in use, simply roll the cart into a corner or closet.
Over-the-Sink Cutting Boards
With just a bit of adjusting, the sink can be a great prep space. Many homeowners need to pay more attention to the potential of the kitchen sink. When you need more room to prep, you can purchase or build a cutting board that lays flat over the top of the sink. Built-in containers or colanders can make an over-the-sink cutting board even more useful. You don’t have to use the cutting board specifically for cutting; think of it as an extension of your countertop! The key to maximizing a compact kitchen’s potential is to make the space multifunctional, and an over-the-sink board does just that.
Extendable Counters
If you’re not a fan of mounting fold-down counters to the wall, you still have some options. You’ll need to install new cabinetry for this, but you can hide pull-out counters beneath them for peak multifunctionality. Pull-out counters can be extended when more prep space is required and then put away as needed to make the kitchen more walkable. It’s an excellent way to add extra counter space without permanently changing your kitchen.
Use Vertical Space
You may need to use your existing counter space more efficiently in a compact kitchen. If your countertops have small appliances, spices, or kitchen utensils that are interfering with your prep space, consider using the kitchen’s vertical space for these items instead. Put away small appliances on shelving or in cabinetry when not in use. You can use more of your existing counter space when more items are removed. Open kitchen shelving is growing more popular for these reasons. Pot racks are also a great solution to free up cabinet space for other items. When you hang up your pots and pans, you can place small appliances and other items taking up your counter space in the cabinets.
Cover the Stovetop
Your stovetop can serve as an additional prep space when you aren’t using the burners. For flat or glass cooktops, the surface is already ready to go; just place a cutting board or mixing bowl down and get to work! For stovetops with raised burners, you can purchase over-the-stove cutting boards or burner covers to make the surface more even and multifunctional. Get creative with your prep space; there’s no wrong way to use your kitchen as long as your burners aren’t in use or hot.
Multipurpose Furniture
If you have room for furniture in your kitchen, you can use it to increase counter space. The furniture can provide additional surfaces for prep or contain storage to free up your existing ones. Kitchen carts, microwave cabinets, pantry cupboards, over-the-fridge shelving, or bar carts can serve dual purposes and increase your kitchen’s functionality.
Conclusion
Regardless of your kitchen style or prep preferences, the key to adding more function and counter space is to think outside the box. Consider how you can use the room you’re in to your advantage. What simple changes could you make to improve how you use your cooking area? From portable carts to foldable surfaces, these solutions can make even the smallest kitchen more functional and enjoyable.
Interlinking Opportunities
From (https://www.pinuphouses.com/5-ways-to-renovate-your-kitchen/) with the anchor adding kitchen counter space
From (https://www.pinuphouses.com/picking-the-best-appliances-for-your-tiny-house-6-expert-tips/) with the anchor free up counter space
