Kitchen Space Saving
In our last issue, we gave you ten great space saving tips for small kitchens. Here’s more! Learn how to save space in your small kitchen and make it your favorite room in the house

Words Hazel Santos

Photos courtesy of Hăcker Kitchens

Layouts for a Small Kitchen
Having a small kitchen is not a bad thing. It saves room and creates efficiency in the work space. There are many types of designs and creative ideas you can use to make the layout for a small kitchen more comfortable to your situation. Knowing your needs and the space you have to work with are the two most important items to deal with when working with this problem. How you will use the small kitchen is the next concern, followed by the actual layout and function.

The Shape and Space
Consider one of the four types of kitchen shapes to use: the single line kitchen, the “L” shape, the “U” shape and the galley kitchen. Use the single line kitchen when you have a long wall with no windows or doors and limited width to work with. Use the “L” shape when you need minimal traffic and want to combine it with a dining room. Use the “U” style if you are a gourmet chef or need maximum storage space and workspace utilized from three walls. Use the galley kitchen when you need two rows of preparation space and convenience. Professional chefs mostly use this type of layout. Know how much space you have available, and how it will relate to the shape of your kitchen. You can also adapt these layouts with an island counter top, which allows the cook to visit with guests and family while working.

For more of CONDO TIPS, grab CONDO LIVING, Volume 5, No. 1, 2010.