Tiny kitchen tips and inspo

[WhoIsnt]

We live in a flat with a miniature kitchen - really tiny (the ones that are often advertised as 'small' in Ikea etc are twice the size of ours).

Do you have a little kitchen that's done up/works well for you? I need some inspiration...

Also, any info about costs of renovation for a small kitchen would be super useful. Trying to budget!

Another diagram attached! Hopefully more clear?!

To clarify:
Currently there are wall cupboards above the worktop/sink/hob/washing machine etc in an L shape (extractor in middle)

There is a worktop below boiler and above the fridge (directly below the boiler). There's a freezer next to the fridge. Then a tiny little shelf then we're at the door.

There's a window opposite washing machine etc. Two external walls - one where the window is and one where the hob is.

Sadly absolutely zero option to move the washing machine or anything out of the kitchen. Bathroom is similarly minute and you can barely stand in it.

It's a converted flat and really wasn't designed to be a whole family kitchen/bathroom - they just squeezed two flats out of it!

Collapsable things seem like maybe a good shout - and sink cover. Also didn't know you could get half width washing machines - will definitely investigate that.

@Allthegoodnamesarechosen how big is your combi oven thing? We could probably make do without - but is it that much smaller? Wouldn't it still take up one 'unit' so to speak? Definitely thinking combining oven and microwave in general might help

https://www.diy.com/departments/goodhome-datil-silicone-stainless-steel-silver-roll-up-drying-mat-trivet/3663602633372_BQ.prd

Lifewit Cutlery Drawer Organiser, Small Cutlery Tray for Kitchen, Plastic Narrow Utensil Silverware Holder for Spoons, Forks and Knives, Flatware Storage Organization, Grey https://amzn.eu/d/06gM5mOA

If there is enough height above, it might be possible to move the boiler up above the cupboards. It won't look pretty if you don't box it in but you'll get a cupboard back.

sadly not - it's not a super high celiing, only about 20cm spare above the boiler. Like the idea though!

Ah Damnit! Collapsible washing baskets are next on my list. And you can get fold down washing up bowls. Think of camping and caravan items.

Careful with induction hobs - ours beeps endlessly if you put something that’s not a pan on top of it even when it’s cold and switched off. So would be no use other than as a hob.

Things that have helped me:

Utensils and pans hanging on an IKEA pole rack with S hooks above the oven/hob

Open shelving with everyday plates, bowls, glasses in easy reach, neatly arranged (moved special/used rarely stuff to a cupboard in the sitting room)

a few nice glass jars for some incredients - the others hidden in a cupboard and, like a PP, using under stairs cupboard as a larder.

Agree with fresh bright paint! White always good but a soft sage worked well in my small space. Plus a nice plant on top of the cupboards

Also some matching lidded storage boxes for on top of the cupboards (after being ruthless about what you really need. I charity-shopped the pasta maker…)

There was show on years ago called something like The Little Paris Kitchen with Rachel Khoo? Might be worth a watch for some small kitchen inspiration? As well as Pinterest and Houzz.

I just checked, it is called that and you can watch it on Apple TV+.

We've just finished one that is 2.5x2m, we do have a connecting dining room which opened up overspill storage options. I'd strongly recommend having a go on one of the 3d design plans - DIY Kitchens have one, a lot of the high street brands have the same sizes units so you could have a play around and visualise a bit without committing to a supplier. It becomes a bit more obvious as to whether it's going to feel cramped when you see it modelled out and if anything doesn't make sense in the design. We added in some reduced sized bottom cabinets to increase storage and worktop space. Have you thought about having any cabinetry under the window? Might be nice doing food prep with a view if there's space!

brill, I'm gonna check it out. thanks so much - loads of practical tips!

what are your room measurements?

Small can mean all sorts on mumsnet, our kitchen is under 7.5m2 and I would say a good size but some mumsnetters would act like thats small. I did however view 2 houses over the time we where looking where I was baffled they could even call them kitchens they where so microscopic (fit a small sink and 1 single unit and a small oven not even room for a fridge).

If you have the measurements you can play around on DIYKitchens online planner. That's what I did to design my kitchen and it turned out perfect.