{"id":22860,"date":"2021-03-31T14:51:40","date_gmt":"2021-03-31T21:51:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=22860"},"modified":"2024-03-15T07:39:48","modified_gmt":"2024-03-15T14:39:48","slug":"kitchenette","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/kitchenette\/","title":{"rendered":"Design the Perfect Little Kitchenette with These Designer-Approved Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

A kitchenette is just a “simplified kitchen paired down to the essentials,” shares MacKenzie Cain, interior designer for Chicago’s Habitar Design<\/a>. Those essentials depend on the use of the space, but generally include a small refrigerator, microwave, sink, stovetop, countertop, and cabinetry. “If it is not the main source of someone’s daily kitchen needs, it might only feature a fridge and microwave. If this is an in-law suite, it would include more features,” Cain adds.<\/p>\n

Still, despite its miniature nature, a kitchenette is an important part of the guest quarters, just as the kitchen is the heart of a home<\/a>. That\u2019s why we’ve rounded up these 14 tips to help you create the perfect kitchenette and make the most of your (tiny) space.<\/p>\n

\"An<\/a>
Source: (Megan Markham \/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1. Limit your appliance selection<\/h2>\n

Most kitchenettes aren’t large enough to house as many appliances as a regular-sized kitchen. Depending on how you intend to use the room,<\/a> you may just want to include a microwave oven<\/a>, a mini-refrigerator, and a sink. But if you want guests to have the ability to cook as they would in a full kitchen, you’ll need to do some extra planning.<\/p>\n

Measure the kitchenette space and research narrow appliance models that will fit without compromising too much counter space. Here are some tips to help you choose the essential appliances. You should skip non-essentials like trash compactors and dishwashers, by the way.<\/p>\n

Select a mini or narrow refrigerator<\/h3>\n

“The most important would be the refrigerator,” Cain says. All of the appliances selected should be a smaller or narrower size to maximize space and function in the kitchenette.<\/p>\n

Look for compact refrigerators<\/a> or mini-fridges that are only 19 inches wide compared to a standard-size refrigerator’s<\/a>\u00a0 28-inch to 39-inch width. One popular model is the Liebherr UIK 1550<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Opt for a two-burner stove<\/h3>\n

A two-burner stove<\/a> should suffice for most meals and will save space. Just understand that slimmer doesn’t necessarily mean less expensive. Don’t forget to install a sleek range hood<\/a> just above it.<\/p>\n

Alternatively, you can choose a dual-purpose convection microwave<\/a> that combines the functions of a microwave and convection oven in one small package. You can bake and roast food<\/a> in a convection oven, making it a good option for small spaces.<\/p>\n

2. Add a narrow sink with a floating dish rack on top<\/h2>\n

Even if you skip the stove, don’t scrap the sink. A small sink that’s just 9 inches deep by 15 inches wide will do. This Fyndig sink<\/a>, which is 15 inches by 13 inches, is an affordable option. Even if your kitchenette can fit a larger sink, it’s probably not worth losing limited countertop space over.<\/p>\n

For even more functionality, consider purchasing a sink with a wood-cutting board cover<\/a>. Choose a drying rack that sits over the sink<\/a> to save even more space.<\/p>\n

3. Choose a coffee maker that tucks away<\/h2>\n

Most of the world drinks coffee, so whether you have the occasional overnight guest or a long-term resident, you’ll probably want to provide them with a coffee maker. Slim it down with a single-serve machine<\/a> that easily tucks into a cabinet when not in use.<\/p>\n

\"An<\/a>
Source: (Rural Explorer \/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4. House small appliances in an appliance garage<\/h2>\n

If you can’t let your guests live without small appliances, add an appliance garage<\/a> to store items like the coffee maker, toaster, and blender. This cabinet features doors that fold up and down like a garage door<\/a> so you can easily access plugged-in appliances and hide them just as easily when you finish using them.<\/p>\n

5. Keep countertops clear with a magnetic knife rack<\/h2>\n

In a small kitchenette, every inch of drawer and countertop space is precious. Instead of storing knives in a drawer or knife block, mount them on the wall with a magnetic knife bar<\/a>. You can efficiently store other small cooking utensils here too!<\/p>\n

6. Store pots and pans overhead with a hanging pot rack<\/h2>\n

To continue with the vertical storage theme, install a hanging pot rack<\/a> to organize pots and pans. A simple oval pot rack<\/a> with 12 hooks should be large enough, but a smaller, wall-mounted rack <\/a>may better suit more petite spaces.<\/p>\n

If you care more about your kitchenette’s appearance than functionality, consider skipping the pot rack for a less visually cluttered space.<\/p>\n

\"An<\/a>
Source: (Annie Spratt \/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7. <\/b>Add a rolling island for a versatile workspace<\/h2>\n

You might assume that a kitchenette is too small to include an island<\/a>. However, a proportionally sized kitchen island can add additional counter space, storage, and seating to your kitchenette. A rolling island<\/a> is a great option for small spaces since you can easily move it aside if needed.<\/p>\n

“Adding a rolling island will likely double your workspace,” Cain adds. For maximum space savings<\/a>, choose a fold-up rolling island<\/a> that collapses and tucks away into narrow storage spaces.<\/p>\n

8. <\/b>Combine open shelving and closed cabinets<\/h2>\n

The debate rages on: upper cabinets or open shelving. “This really depends on the space itself,” Cain notes. While shelves contribute to an open feeling that can make a space feel larger, she suggests including some closed cabinetry for general pantry storage. This way, you don’t need to keep your kitchenware perfectly organized for the room to look neat.<\/p>\n

Whichever route you choose, add extra storage by installing hooks<\/a> for coffee mugs under the overhead unit. “Every inch of space is important and should be utilized,” Cain admonishes. Knife racks, spice racks, hooks for mugs, shelving for plates \u2014 all of it helps.<\/p>\n

“You definitely want to look at all open areas for storage potential to maximize space.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

9. <\/b>Chose durable countertops<\/h2>\n

No matter how slight your scullery may be, you’ll need a decent amount of workspace, counter space. If you go for more traditional countertops, choose quartz, granite, or butcher block. “All are durable and will hold up nicely over time,” Cain says.<\/p>\n

Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular countertop materials:<\/p>\n