Small kitchens: Appliances, units and lighting

ABOVE (click on gallery image to view full picture): These HD LED 24V Triangle lights, from Sensio (sensio.co.uk), are activated by a movement sensor, preventing hygiene issues with kitchen light switches and saving energy.

Once you have worked out your available space and decided how to use the area effectively, you need to start considering what appliances and units to choose. Lighting is also an important factor, and it's important to bring in as much natural light as possible.

Using light efficiently

Bringing as much natural daylight as possible into a small space will make the room seem larger than it is, so be sure to consider all the options.

Could you bring in light from above via rooflights or a roof lantern? Is there scope to enlarge existing windows – a floor-to-ceiling opening filled with a fixed, frameless glazing unit can look spectacular and fill a space between a run of units. Is there an opportunity to have a high-level ‘clerestory’ window? That is, one above eye level, avoiding any issues of overlooking neighbours, to bring in light from another direction.

As well as daylight, design in plenty of electric lighting from multiple sources. In addition to ceiling lighting – spotlights recessed in the ceiling remain a good space-efficient and clutter-free option – consider lighting beneath the pelmet on wall units, subtle strip-lights above the units, lights within recessed shelves or alcoves, LED lights in plinths that wash light over the floor, as well as decorative lights above any dining surfaces.

Changing roles

As well as trying to find new ways to expand your kitchen, consider freeing up some of the space in your existing room. Is there, for example, a boiler in the kitchen, either wall- or floor-mounted – and could this be moved elsewhere to free up the space? A boiler can be located almost anywhere – in a bedroom, the bathroom or, best of all, hidden up in the attic. Flue it through the roof or an existing chimney.

Do you currently have a washing machine and tumble-dryer in the kitchen? Could you combine the two into one and fit in a space-efficient washer-dryer instead – you can now get one as small as (W)50cm. Alternatively, could you move the laundry facilities elsewhere – for instance, into an airing cupboard upstairs (the storey where most laundry is generated) or into the cupboard under the stairs?

Do you have a breakfast table and chairs in the kitchen, and could this be swapped for an island unit with a breakfast bar? This would provide an extra work surface, storage and a dining area all in one. In some instances, it makes sense to totally relocate the kitchen to a different part of your home, where there is perhaps more room, or just a better space or views. Moving hot and cold plumbing, rewiring the electrics and fitting waste pipes is usually straightforward; the key is finding access to connect to the drains/soil pipe.

Space-saving appliances

When choosing appliances, look for narrow, compact models. You can now get fully integrated dishwashers from just (W)45cm, and fully integrated washer-dryers and fridge-freezers that are just (W)50cm.

Try to find room to integrate other features such as the waste bin. Also available are modern designs that compact your rubbish, so you can fit in a more space-efficient bin without having to empty it too often, too. Fitting a tap that delivers boiling water on demand is another space-saver, as it could get rid of the kettle.

If workspace is limited, choose a half-basin instead of a full-size sink, and go for a domino hob, which has two rings instead of four. A flush, glass-topped electric hob can fit seamlessly into your worktop, using minimum space.

Where there just isn’t room for the door swing of a fridge-freezer, as well as the oven, consider a drawer model instead. You can buy drawer-design appliances, including fridges, freezers and dishwashers, from specialists such as Fisher and Paykel (fisherpaykel.co.uk).

Large extractor hoods are a popular design feature, but they can take up valuable wall space. Instead, try a compact model or a simple ceiling or wall extractor fan fitted nearby.

Versatile cooler: This WF121 wine cabinet (above, left), (H)51x (W)43.5x(D)44cm, is freestanding, so it can be plugged in anywhere in your kitchen. Priced around £200 from Caple, it can hold up to 12 wine bottles, and incorporates a UVprotected glass door with stainless steel handle and frame, plus beech shelves to ensure that labels aren’t scratched.

Space-saving dishwasher: With five wash programmes, and able to accommodate six standard place settings, the GIC63140 AX compact integrated dishwasher by Gorenje (above, middle), (H)45x(W)56x (D)56cm, costs around £1,095. It comes in black and stainless steel, with A ratings for energy, washing and drying, a delayed start, and an automatic water softener dispenser.

Simlpe warming drawer: The HW290562B model (above, right) from Siemens can be installed alone or with a single oven. The heated drawer in stainless steel, (H)29x(W)59x (D)54cm, can hold up to 40 plates and costs around £430.

Choosing kitchen units

In a small kitchen, choosing units that make the most of the space is essential. Especially important is the space under sinks and hobs, and in corners, that’s difficult to access.

Make use of small gaps or spaces for storage; you can always adapt extra end panels or shelves from your kitchen supplier to make bespoke shelves or niches. Getting in as much storage as possible is important where space is limited, so make sure you use the full height of the space by opting for taller wall units, or a double stack of wall units.

If you can make do with less worktop area, consider having a solid bank of units taking up one whole wall. You can integrate lots of your appliances into this – for example, the fridge-freezer and oven, a microwave/grill, coffee maker and so forth. Kitchen units are also available with all sorts of additional integrated features, such as a fold-down ironing board. Another space-saving option is a pull-out/folding dining table and chairs.

In a smaller kitchen, choose units with low-profile or, better still, recessed handles. Or go for push-to catches on doors and drawers – this could be especially useful in a galley kitchen with very limited space.

Minimising clutter, especially on worktops, will make a small space seem less cramped. So, choose integrated appliances and consider concealing the toaster and kettle, even a TV, behind pull-down shutter doors. Fitting units that are freestanding with feet can also help a space feel larger, as you can then see a larger, unobstructed area of floor.

Light-coloured and glass-fronted wall units can also give the impression of more space, providing they are not too cluttered inside. Glass doors, gloss surfaces, stainless-steel appliances, doors and splashbacks will all reflect light, which will give the illusion of space and help the room feel less cramped.

WORDS MICHAEL HOLMES
All prices correct at time of publishing
Featured in the February 2010 issue of Real Homes. Updated with content from the December 2011 issue of Real Homes