Decorating any space can feel daunting, and although a small space might seem easier than a larger room at first this isn’t always the case. Rooms of all shapes and sizes come with their unique challenges, and we are here to help!

In this guide, our expert interior designers, who specialise in bespoke kitchens, share their top tips on how to decorate your small kitchen!

Choose your appliances carefully
The key to any design project is planning and this is especially important in smaller spaces where every tiny detail really does make a difference. If you’re able to invest in appliances, countertops or storage that can double up, then this is going to be really helpful. For example, if you can have an expandable countertop which you can utilise when you need more space for cooking or bespoke storage units to maximise all possible spaces, this is going to help with the functionality of your kitchen. There are some helpful bespoke additions to your small kitchen that you may not have thought of, for example, these downdraft extractor by Miele, or these multi-functional cabinets by Zalf.

Light colours
Using light colours is a great way to give an airy feel to a room, but this isn’t always functional in a kitchen. So if you’re a messy chef then perhaps cream walls next to the hob aren’t the best option for you, think practically at the same time. A great way to brighten the kitchen could be through light-coloured marble tops, countertops are easy to clean but help give an open feel to the room. This is the tactic our designers used in this property in Belsize Park, London.

If you do choose to have light walls within a kitchen, don’t go all white, leaving a clinical feel to the room. Instead, choose pale neutrals for a cool open feel to the room. Additionally, if you pair these light neutrals with light-coloured worktops and accessories, you are able to create the illusion of an airy, spacious area.

Organise
Get clever with organisation! When you’re decorating a space from start to finish, you have the ability to be able to ensure you’re utilising all the storage and space in your kitchen, and this is especially true with bespoke kitchens. From stackable jars to pull-out shelving, make sure everything is exactly where it needs to be so that usability in your kitchen is as easy as possible. There are different stages to the organisation, from the planning of the decoration to the actual space itself. If you get organised from the start of decoration and plan ahead, you won’t be left with design mistakes that you regret later down the line. Another key part of the organisation is decluttering. Have a think about what you really need, and what you could probably do without. This way, your kitchen won’t be cluttered with junk that you don’t use or don’t need. Remember, you don’t have to fill every space or every shelf in a room, this is especially important in small spaces!

Mirrors

Mirrors reflect light which means they can give an extra element of space and brightness to a small or dark space. If you want to bring mirrors into your kitchen, they should be in proportion to the space and not too big. Of course, there are exceptions to this, but a general rule to follow if you’re not sure is to have a mirror that is around two-thirds the size of the furniture it’s above.

When it comes to the material and framing of the mirror, if you have a traditional style in your kitchen, you could look at an antique finish, but if you’re looking for a contemporary style, why not try a tinted mirror with a dark frame? Another great option for mirrors within the kitchen (especially if you don’t have space to hang them) could be mirrored furnishings, such as lampshades or tiles.

Use height
Although you don’t want to have a kitchen full of high shelving, none of which you can use, make sure you are using the full height of the room. Could you have some high shelving to store your best glassware, that only comes out once a year? Also, using the height to add your decorations to a kitchen is a great way to make sure that you’re not wasting the space that you use regularly. For example, don’t have planters and vases on your countertops if you’re already struggling for space, but instead put them on a high shelf, it still allows you to add personality to your home, without comprising on the logistics of a kitchen.

Let the light in
This may seem obvious, but make you’re letting as much light as possible into the space you have. Don’t have thick heavy curtains that don’t allow the light to fully come in, opt for blinds or shutters so that when they are open you’re allowing all possible light to enter the room. If you are completely redesigning the kitchen, think about placement in relation to where the light enters. You don’t want your cooking area to be sheltered by the light if this is a space you use a lot!

Company Bio
Hi-Spec Design is a family run interior design agency based in Chelsea, South West London. We specialise in bespoke kitchens and work with some of the best appliance manufacturers across Europe, this company is remembered by its customers for its unique and luxurious designs. Read more about our story here.