Small spaces can be challenging but rewarding.  In today’s housing climate we are seeing more and more demand for less overall square footage.  In order to make the most of smaller spaces, one must be smart and practical.  However, smart, practical spaces and designerly spaces are not mutually exclusive. 

In today’s housing climate we are seeing more and more demand for less overall square footage.

Open floor plans including a centralized kitchen are standard now.  The challenge, especially in a small space, is not to make it feel like you are in the kitchen all the time.  One way to accomplish that is to consider repeating colors from the surrounding spaces into the kitchen for a seamless connection.  For example, use one floor throughout.  Use the same paint color throughout.  Mix up your metal finishes in hardware and lighting and repeat!

Consider repeating colors from the surrounding spaces into the kitchen for a seamless connection.

Streamlining interiors works doubly to achieve a modern feel and maximize space.

We are seeing an industry-wide push for contemporary design.  Streamlining interiors works doubly to achieve a modern feel and maximize space.  For example, integrated appliances save space and do not interfere or distract from the aesthetic.  Dishwashers refrigerators and warming drawers blend seamlessly behind coordinating cabinet panels.  Visually speaking, the more color blocking you do with materials the easier it is for the eye to move from space to space.  If a countertop is dark- try a dark faucet and sink as well, its bold but has a surprisingly quiet effect. 

Visually speaking, the more color blocking you do with materials the easier it is for the eye to move from space to space.

Designers are using more and more drawers in their kitchen and bath design.  Everything from glassware to plates and food can be stored neatly and efficiently in drawers.  The look of all horizontal lines is fresh and clean, not to mention the storage where nothing gets lost in the back! 

Drawers within drawers are also an amazing space-saving technique, not only does it keep your small space looking more refined it allows you to access a deeper middle drawer while still having a place for small items like cutlery and utensils.

When it comes to seating in a kitchen of small stature try using a banquette.  This allows you one free wall where you don’t have to consider traffic flow or allocating enough seat depth.  Additionally, you may find the banquette allows for more overall dining than with a central table.  Another space-saving technique is to connect the dining table or booth to the island. 

Windows, doors and ceiling heights can be artful and architectural highlights in a small space.  If the opportunity is available to have high ceilings- take it!  Sometimes, however, that luxury is not available.  If you are working within a small space and have low ceilings, make your own interest.  For starters, paint the ceilings the same colors as the walls – whether dark or light this trick makes it harder to see the break of the ceiling and fools the eye into thinking they are taller. 

Shutters can be translated from modern to traditional.

Make the doors a feature - Try using a deep contrasting color for maximum interest and to turn the focus away from the overall space and into the details.

Make the doors a feature too.  Try using a deep contrasting color for maximum interest and to turn the focus away from the overall space and into the details.  Finally, when it comes to windows, in a small space and especially in kitchens and baths use plantation shutters.  The wood feature takes up little visual space while still adding an interesting and impactful design element.   The look of shutters can be translated from modern to traditional and the optional colors make this application relevant in any design.

Small spaces are like jewel boxes, all of the hard work and attention to detail pays off tenfold as you can enjoy the fruits of your labor all at once.  Whether sleek and modern or just little and charming a small home can pack the punch and function of any of its larger counterparts.