When you look through the latest design magazines, it seems that everyone has these giant, open kitchens. Everyone, that is, except for you.

You’re not alone. Small kitchens are a way of life for many people, but the good news is that there are plenty of things you can do to feel comfortable and happy in the kitchen you have by maximizing the space around you.

Keep reading to learn about the ideas that can help you thrive in a small kitchen.

Pare Down Your Belongings

When you have a lot of things, the few cupboards in your kitchen fill up quickly. Take a look at what you currently have in your cupboards. Do you have a full set of dishes, including dinner plates, salad plates, soup bowls, and everything else? Do you use all of them? Could you be happy without? People often have a few favourite dishes and cups that they use all the time, while others sit unnoticed in the back. Get rid of the things you don’t use.

Additionally, it’s easier to store things that are all the same size and style. If you have a mismatch of things that you’ve collected over the years, you might be happier purchasing a new set and donating all of your old things.

Hang Things on the Wall or Under the Cabinets

In a small kitchen, making use of all the space is essential. And we really do mean all of it. You can easily put a knife rack on the wall to hold your knives rather than keeping one on the counter. You could attach little hooks on the underside of the cabinets to hang coffee mugs. A lot of people even find ways to use the space on the inside of the cabinet doors: hanging pocket organizers for cleaning supplies on the doors under the sink or putting hooks that will hold the pan lids on the cabinets where you keep the pans.

Personalize the Space

People tend to obsess so much over the functionality of a small kitchen that they forget to add all of those little touches that can make the space their own. For instance, you might be able to hang some family photos or pieces of artwork on the walls. You could add a sun catcher in the window or just include towels and storage containers that really make you smile. Don’t be afraid to make some bold choices, like bright colours. In a small space, they won’t feel overwhelming.

Maximize Your Counter Space

People with small kitchens frequently complain about the lack of counter space. On one hand, you need to keep some things out there for convenience — the coffee maker, the toaster, maybe a blender. Keep those things if you need them, but try to find other places for everything else. For instance, if you have a fruit bowl on the counter, maybe you could use it as a centrepiece on the kitchen table instead. Maybe the flour and sugar containers could go in the pantry.

Another way to add a bit of “counter” space is to purchase a cutting board designed to fit over the sink.

Buy a Smaller Kitchen Table Set

If you have a kitchen table that’s taking up most of the space in the kitchen, it may be time to purchase a smaller set. One good solution is to look for tables that have drop leaves. For everyday use, the table only has seating for two or four people, but if you have guests over, you can increase the size of the table to accommodate more people.

Add Shelving

Look for places where you might be able to add some shelving. If you have several centimetres of space between the cups and the next shelf, you may be able to add a small shelf in there. It could be just enough space to store a stack of plates.

There are also small shelves designed to fit over the back of the sink. They give you a bit of extra space for storing things like your sponges and dish soap.

Improve the Lighting

Often, not a lot of consideration has gone into the lighting of a small kitchen. You might find a single overhead light at the centre of the room with another light just over the sink. This can make the kitchen feel dark and smaller than it really is. Invest in some good lighting. Track lighting is affordable, and it can really brighten the space up. Of course, you might prefer something that has a more unique look. Choose what works for you, as long as it gives you more light.

Our tips can help you love your kitchen, but if it’s still feeling a bit cramped for your style, it might be time to upgrade your home. Sterling offers a wide range of affordable home styles. Come tour our show homes to see how lovely your new kitchen can look.

Photo credits: hanging cups, hanging pans