From Woman's World · Lauren Jarvis-Gibson · · 1m
Kitchen Space Feels Cramped?
Your kitchen has space but feels cramped, here’s how to fix it without renovations.
In brief
Your kitchen has space but feels cramped, here’s how to fix it without renovations. Poor kitchen zoning and clutter cause cramped feelings, but simple fixes free up counter space. Originally reported by Woman's World.
Why kitchen feels cramped
Kitchen space exists but feels tight due to poor zoning and hidden clutter.
“Kitchen space is almost always there, you just can’t see it.”
Poor zoning causes bottlenecks
Separate food prep, cooking and cleaning zones prevent traffic from piling up.
“Poor zoning creates unnecessary bottlenecks and makes the kitchen feel more cramped than it actually is.”
Clutter to clear first
Remove duplicates and unused items like coffee grinders and water bottles.
“You probably don’t need fourteen water bottles (maybe just two or three).”
Sink area clutter
Appliances and sink clutter take over counter space, making the sink zone look messy.
“The appliances were completely taking over the space, and no matter how clean I kept them, they always looked cluttered, just from the counters being taken over by appliances.”
Use vertical space
Walls, backsplash areas and under cabinets can store items without taking counter space.
“Each one moves daily-use items like knives, spices and utensils out of drawers and up to eye level, which frees the drawer and counter space those items used to occupy.”
Store appliances off counters
Place small appliances in garages, pull-out shelves or lifts to free counter space.
“Appliance garages hide gear behind a roll-up door, pull-out shelves bring heavy mixers up to counter height on demand, and lifts raise them out of a lower cabinet.”
Create a drop zone
Designate a spot for mail, keys and other items to prevent counter clutter.
“Mail and keys drift into kitchen work zones when no other spot is set aside, along with reusable bags, lunch containers and water bottles.”
The essence
Poor kitchen zoning and clutter cause cramped feelings, but simple fixes free up counter space.
