Although we’re best known for our bathrooms (it’s in the name, after all), our kitchen range is growing fast and adding to the ways we help our customers to achieve their dream living spaces. If you’re in the process of designing a new kitchen space, there’s a lot you can do even if the space you have to work with is slightly smaller than you may like. Many homes in South Africa feature smaller kitchens in order to give more room to other areas. The key to get the most out of this kind of space is to stay informed about how others are doing so. These trends will make the job a lot easier. 

Practical Design Layouts

No matter what size space you’re designing for, always think about whether you’re working with a practical option, considering the needs of everyone that will be using it. U-shaped layouts are ideal in smaller kitchens, as they tend to increase the potential to add a lot of cabinets. This maximises storage and means you don’t have to squish past your other half when you’re both after a caffeine fix in the morning. It also helps with keeping the space organised, which can be a challenge when you’re working with a limited amount of counter space. 

Out with the Unused

Smaller kitchens can quickly become cluttered, so right off the bat, think about what you don’t need. A good starting point is to look at what you already have in terms of appliances, and remove those you don’t use from circulation. This will also get you thinking about gradually replacing larger, bulkier appliances with smaller alternatives. Although you don’t have to go completely minimalistic, and a lived-in feel to the space is still a winner, there’s a fine line that shouldn’t be crossed from a design perspective. 

Open Shelving

One of the other popular kitchen trends this year relates to choosing open shelving. Selectively doing so is not only practical, but also means you won’t be struggling to open doors in areas that simply don’t allow you to do so. Careful placement of these shelves is essential, in order to make the most of the existing space you have to work with. Many homes and offices in South Africa have moved to open shelving across different design styles, in a bid to do the most possible with however much room there is to work with. 

Glossy Touches

Last but not least, refined, glossy touches are popular when it comes to kitchen spaces in 2022. At Bella Bathrooms, we encourage this across everything that we do. There’s no need to go overboard with this when you’re dealing with limited space. Think of it in the same way you or your partner might accessorise one of their outfits before leaving home. Classy touches with a bit of pizazz is a game-changer in a kitchen space, which will never look drab or dreary with a bit of shine and shimmer.