If you're like many people living in an apartment or small home, you know how difficult it can be to squeeze every inch from your kitchen space. Finding the right storage solutions can dramatically cut down on clutter, helping you create a happy kitchen with plenty of practicality. Here are five of the top small kitchen storage ideas to help maximize your space and make your kitchen truly special. Look Up and Take Advantage of Vertical Storage: The most underutilized storage area is usually above our heads. Installing shelves or hanging rails above your worktops can provide valuable storage space for items like pots and pans, appliances, and kitchen materials that do not require refrigeration. If you are especially crafty, you can even build custom cabinets that will perfectly fit the available space. Make Use of the Space Inside Your Cabinets: Often, cabinet storage is wasted on items that can more easily be hung or stored elsewhere. The inside of your kitchen cabinets can be used for larger items, saving the shelves for items used on a daily basis. Magnetic knife strips are also becoming more and more popular for organizing kitchen utensils, creating an easy-to-access storage solution. Invest in Multifunctional Furniture: Investing in furniture pieces that offer both unique aesthetics and practical features can help to make the most of your available space. Look for tables or countertops that offer built-in storage, or consider a pull-out cutting board or kitchen island to offer an extra workspace when needed. Cabinet Risers and Shelves: utilizing the vertical space inside cabinets with cabinet risers or shelves can quickly double the amount of storage space. By simply adding a second shelf, you can organize items and make them more accessible. Design a Hanging Cuisine Garden: Bringing the outdoors in and adding greenery into your kitchen space, especially in small kitchens, can really transform the space. Utilizing a vertical hanging garden can help to maximize available wall space, bringing the beauty of nature into your home while creating a new storage area for items such as herbs and spices.5 Small Kitchen Storage Ideas to Maximize Your Space
Saving Money: One of the best ways to save money while remodeling your kitchen is to opt for a DIY kitchen sink. You can save up to 50% on the cost of hiring a professional contractor by tackling this project yourself. When ruining a kitchen sink, it is important to use the right tools. Investing in good quality tools can make a world of difference when it comes to ensuring the success of your project. Take Measurements: Measure both the sink and the countertop to determine which size sink will fit best in the available space. It is also important to make sure that the new sink will fit the plumbing connections, so be sure to double-check your measurements. You should also measure the distance from the countertop to the floor and ensure that you can comfortably fit your sink into the designated space. Installing the Faucet: Installing the faucet requires careful planning and focus on precision. You'll need to attach the hot and cold water lines to the faucet, connect the supply line to the sink drain, and connect the post to the base of the faucet. Using the right techniques and taking your time will ensure that the installation is a success. Installing the Sink: Once the faucet is installed, you can move on to installing the sink. Start by attaching the clips either side of the sink and tighten them up. Then, you can drop the sink into the countertop and use caulk or sealant to secure it into place. When the sealer is dry, you are ready to connect the drain lines to your plumbing. Connecting the Drain Lines: Connecting the drain lines may seem like a daunting task, but it's actually quite simple. Start by unscrewing the P-trap from the wall and unscrewing the drain lines. Then, make the necessary connections with the P-trap, drain lines, and sink. After tightening the fittings, double check that all connections are secure and then check the sink for any leaks.DIY Kitchen Sink Ideas and Tips
Install a Dual Sink: If you have a small kitchen sink, you may want to consider installing a secondary smaller sink beneath your main sink. A secondary single sink is usually narrow enough to fit in tight spaces and allows you to have two independent sinks with minimal clutter. For even more efficiency, choose a dual sink model with two separate drains and sprayers. Create Multi-Tasking Trays and Dishes: Maximize the space in your small kitchen sink by investing in multipurpose trays and dishes. Choose trays that fit over the sink and can be used to help with food preparation or washing dishes. Look for dishes that are stackable and have built-in storage, such as colanders or draining boards that can be used to collect dripping water or catch vegetable peelings. Install Specialty Fixtures: To make the most of your sink space, install specialty fixtures such as an adjustable shelf or a hanging storage rack. These accessories can make it easier to organize your kitchen tools and supplies, while allowing you to take advantage of the available vertical space in your small kitchen. Employ Space-Saving Measures: It is important to think smart when creating storage space. Utilize door organizers or drawer dividers to manage items like sponges and cleaning supplies and look for creative solutions like hanging a hose for rinsing vegetables directly over your sink. Install Drain Racks: Installing drain racks under your sink can provide an extra level of organization. Many drain racks are highly adjustable and have dividers and holders for various kitchen tools and supplies, allowing you to store items in a neat and orderly fashion.10 Ways to Make a Small Kitchen Sink Work Harder
Install an Under-Sink Organizer: Under-sink organizers can be a great way to add extra storage space to a small kitchen sink. Choose an organizer that fits the space beneath your sink and has pull-out drawers or shelves. This type of organizer can provide an additional level of organization and make it easier to quickly find items when you need them. Hang a Magnetic Knife Rack: If your sink area isn't large enough to fit a variety of kitchen tools and accessories, then consider hanging a magnetic knife rack next to your sink. Magnetic knife racks provide a slim and stylish storage solution and are the perfect way to keep your knives on hand and reduce clutter. Build a Kitchen Island With a Sink: If you have ample space in the center of your kitchen, then installing a kitchen island with a sink can be a great way to make the most of your space. Kitchen islands with sinks are perfect for meal prep and food preparation, while also providing additional storage beneath the sink and on the surrounding surfaces. Install a Sink Tray: One of the best ways to make the most out of a small kitchen sink is to install a sink tray. Sink trays help reduce clutter around the sink by providing a place to store frequently used items like sponges, dishcloths, and cleaning supplies. Sink trays usually slide right into the existing sink and can be easily removed for cleaning or when you need additional space. Incorporate a Step Stool: If you have a dishwasher or large appliance that is located near your small kitchen sink, then consider incorporating a step stool into the design. Step stools are perfect for reaching items on higher shelves or for accessing the back of the dishwasher more easily.8 Small Kitchen Sink Ideas to Make the Most Of Your Space
Double Bowl Small Kitchen Sink: For a truly functional kitchen that fits in a smaller space, a double bowl small kitchen sink is the perfect solution. This option offers plenty of extra workspace and a separate area to drain dishes and utensils without taking up too much counter space. Wall-Mount Vessel Sink: Wall-mounted vessel sinks are perfect for saving space in tight quarters. This type of sink requires minimal installation work and can be easily lifted off the wall for cleaning. Most vessel sinks also offer the added bonus of easy access of both hot and cold water. Space-Saving System Sink: System sinks are a great choice for small kitchen spaces. This type of sink has a drain that is built into the countertop, making it a space-saving option. System sinks are easy to clean and require minimal installation. Flush-Mount Sink: Flush-mount sinks offer an urban look without compromising on space. This type of sink fits flush with the countertop, giving your kitchen a modern feel. They also require minimal installation, making them easy to install and maintain. Pedestal Sink: If you're looking to make the most out of a small space, a pedestal sink is the perfect solution. Pedestal sinks are easy to install and require minimal plumbing. They also offer the added benefit of being able to fit into tight spaces.10 Apartment-Sized Kitchen Sink Ideas For Small Spaces
Install a Mobile Kitchen Island: Mobile kitchen islands are a great way to maximize your space without taking up too much floor space. There are many different styles and sizes of mobile kitchen islands, ranging from compact models that fit in tight spaces to full-size models with built-in storage and seating. Use an Oversized Kitchen Cart: Oversized kitchen carts can be great for creating extra working space in a small kitchen. If you are looking for more versatility, consider opting for a kitchen cart that has plenty of drawers and shelves for storage, as well as an open shelf or butcher's block for extra workspace. Outfit a Bar Cart as a Kitchen Island: Bar carts are a great way to create an island in a smaller kitchen. They offer a great deal of storage and workspace, while also adding extra seating when needed. Bar carts can be outfitted with wheels to create a portable kitchen island, or with shelves and drawers to provide extra storage for your kitchen items. Build an Eat-In Kitchen Island: If your kitchen size allows, then consider building an eat-in kitchen island. This type of island can provide extra storage for dishes, glasses, utensils, and other kitchen items. An eat-in island can also be a great place for a quick meal or snack, and can double as a breakfast bar or home office. Install a Prep Counter: Installing a prep counter in a small kitchen can be a great space-saving solution. This type of countertop provides extra workspace without taking up extra space, and also offers a comfortable height for food preparation and serving.15 Smart Ideas for Kitchen Islands in Small Spaces
A Butchers Block Kitchen Island: A butchers block kitchen island is perfect for creating extra workspace in a small kitchen. Most are portable, making them easy to move around and store when not in use. A butchers block is also a great way to add extra counter surface for meal prep and food preparation. Add a Wheeled Island: Wheeled kitchen islands can be great for small kitchen spaces. They offer extra storage, workspace, and mobility, making them the perfect choice for when you need to move items around or store them away. Wheeled kitchen islands are also easy to move and can be tucked away when not in use. Utilize Flipping Stools: Flipping stools are a great way to save on space in a small kitchen. When not in use, they can simply be flipped up and stored away, giving you extra room space. Flipping stools are also perfect for providing extra seating when entertaining guests. Add a Compact Kitchen Island With Drawers: If you're looking for maximum storage with minimal floor space, then a compact kitchen island is the perfect solution. These islands typically fit in tight spaces, offering drawers and shelves for ample storage. Choose one with open shelves or a butcher's block for added convenience. Install a Serving Bar: Serving bars are perfect additions to small kitchens. They provide extra counter space and provide a convenient spot for serving food or entertaining guests. A serving bar can also be used to provide extra storage without taking up too much counter space.15 Small Kitchen Island Ideas
Built-In Sinks: Built-in sinks are perfect for small kitchen spaces. A built-in sink is typically shallower than a standard sink, which makes it ideal for small island spaces. They also offer the added benefit of keeping the plumbing hidden, which can help keep the island clean and clutter free. Add a Prep Sink: Adding a prep sink to your kitchen island can provide ample workspace for food preparation and cleanup. These sinks typically fit in tight spaces and can be outfitted with a deep basin for cleaning tasks such as vegetable washing. Undermount Sinks: Undermount sinks are a great option for small kitchen islands. This type of sink is installed directly beneath the counter and offers the convenience of easy cleanup. Undermount sinks also offer plenty of counter work area and the added benefit of being able to related tasks side by side.Compact Kitchen Island With Sink For Small Spaces