Small Kitchen Design

It might seem that no challenge is quite as difficult as reworking a small kitchen space space. It is easy to feel as though you have little or few options when working with such a tiny area. Even if you don't have a very big budget or have to deal with building restrictions, there are still many changes you can make in your kitchen to transform it into something more functional.

Storage
Counter space is always an issue in any kitchen, no matter what the size. In a small kitchen, space, and therefore counter space, is limited. Make the most of what you have by putting in as many cabinets as possible. This will help to get things, like dishes and appliances you use occasionally off the counter, which will give you more space. Installing deeper counters can also help relieve the battle between work space and appliance space on your counter.
Additionally, you may want to put in deep cabinets that will be able to store more. To make your kitchen more practical, organize your cabinets so that their contents are related to the area of the kitchen they are located in. Items like plates and glasses should be stored near the dishwasher while pots should be stored in cabinets by the stove.
Built-in Appliances
A big cause of clutter is often the result of our appliances. When your counter space is limited, having a coffee maker, waffle iron, microwave and toaster taken up what little space there is can just make you feel cramped and crowded. Whenever you can, look to have built-in appliances put in, like a built-in microwave.
For other items that you don't necessarily use that often, install some sliding shelves. Thanks to the sliding action of the shelf, it is easy to quickly access as well as hide small appliances.
Pantry
Just because you don't have the space for a pantry closet doesn't mean you can't have a pantry. If you have an area that is at least two feet wide and 5 1/2 feet tall, then you can pick yourself up a rollout pantry. If you don't even have that much space to spare, then reassess how you are using a closet that is located outside of your kitchen. You may just be able to make space in another closet for your kitchen storage needs.
Good Lighting
Don’t forget that mirrors and lights can create illusions. By using the proper type of lighting, you can easily make your kitchen appear larger and even more comfortable. Consider using halogen lights or even lighting under your counter.
A Large Kitchen Sink
And always remember, your sink does not have to be in proportion to your kitchen. Large sinks are much more practical than small sinks, especially when it comes to cleaning the pots and pans. Large sinks can also be used as a utility sink for those living in an apartment or a small house.

KITCHEN DECORATING IDEAS FOR 2010

Are you thinking of redecorating your kitchen for the new year? Listed below are some great kitchen decorating ideas you can use for 2010 to bring life to the room you spend the most time in:

Use bright bold colors - Kitchens are the one place where you can use bright reds, greens, yellows, and blues and get away with it. If you try to use those colors for a dining or living area, they probably will not look good at all. But if you want your kitchen to stand out and make a bold statement, using bright colors is the way to do it. You can't do this in every kitchen but if yours is one that already has a whimsical look, adding colors can be a great idea.

The clean and neat kitchen - Some kitchens are a mess, with the refrigerator full of magnets, things hung all over the walls, and the counter tops packed with utensils. This kind of a hectic kitchen is not for everyone and you might prefer one that has more elegance and style. If you want a kitchen that you can bring anyone to and not be embarrassed, the clean and neat kitchen is for you. Minimal things on the walls, the counter tops should be clean, and everything should be put away in it's proper spot: which is in a cupboard!

Old style vintage kitchen - Do you remember hanging out in your Grandmother's kitchen. Those were the good old days when a kitchen had character and it didn't have all sorts of high tech gadgets. If you want your own vintage kitchen, think about doing away with all the things that look modern and replacing them with old school ones instead. For instance, you could add something like a mortar and pestle set. Simplicity should be the theme for this kind of kitchen.

Kitchen for chefs - If you like the clean white look of the kind of restaurant kitchen you see in the movies, you can try to model yours accordingly. This kind of kitchen accentuates the basics and when you walk in, it is clear this kitchen is for cooking! Usually there is a lot of stainless steel used for the cabinets, sinks, andstove tops and this is one of the more unique kitchen design ideas. 

Restaurant style kitchen - At some restaurants, you can get aglimpse of part of even all of the kitchen. This is because it is stylishly decorated and it serves as part of the atmosphere of the restaurant. If you have an open kitchen that blends in with your dining room or eating area, you can try to duplicate this look. Think more about what things look like than how well they work because style is the most important aspect of this kitchen.

The casual kitchen - This is the kitchen that is the favorite room in the house where everyone ends up spending a lot of time. Comfort is the key here as all the chairs and stools must be a pleasure to sit on. The kitchen colors must be soft on the eyes and you need to have it big enough for people to congregate. This type of kitchen is designed as the gathering spot both for guests when you have parties and for everyday use.