Last week, I revisited some of our Kitchen Tours to look at extra counter space added by way of islands, carts, and tables. But, some of you asked, what about adding counter space to super small kitchens without room for the smallest of stands or carts?
So let's take a look at ways to make additional counter space in really small kitchens:
1. Cutting Boards: Get a large cutting board that fits over your sink or cook top. IKEA makes one that's inexpensive and roomy. Or, you can even have one custom made to fit your sink.
2. Appliance Storage: Do you have a microwave or stand mixer that lives on your countertop? Look into storing bulky countertop appliances elsewhere, especially if you don't use them frequently. Freeing up that extra bit of counter space can relieve a lot of kitchen frustration. I kept a microwave in a coat-closet-turned-pantry for years.
3. Fold-Down Surfaces: Be it countertop, bar-style eating, or cutting board; fold-down surfaces (like this one under a window, or this one, which doesn't fold down, but could be easily adapted with hinges) are great ways to add usable horizontal work space to the kitchen without taking up much room.
4. Pull-Out Surfaces: These fit snugly underneath your permanent countertops, taking up minimal cabinet space below. Here's another terrific example of this space-expanding solution. This is also a great way to add work space at varied heights.
5. Put It on the Walls: Much like the microwave and other appliances, think of ways to move other countertop appurtenances up and out of the way. Look into a wall-mount dish drainer, for instance. The one pictured here, part of an Apartment Therapy competition from years ago, is wall-mounted and it folds up against the wall when not in use.
Related: How to Find More Space in the Kitchen
Images: Emily Ho / The Kitchn, James Hall Photography, Arciform LLC, Precision Cabinets and Trim, Angela's Bright Orange Crush
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The best thing for me to get more counter space is to put all the stuff where it belongs! Right now on my counters that don't belong there- empty vase, mail, some recycling, daughter's school papers, kids art supplies..... guess I should get off the computer & get to work!
Another great idea from photo #1- the magnetic knife rack. Keeps knives handy & off the counters.
I love the pull out cutting board. I've seen these in old homes as well. I think the fold down surface is fantastic!
YES!!! Just the post I was looking for! Merci...
Our kitchen in a mere 20 sq. ft, we are always looking for ingenious ways to make it appear bigger as well as be more functional. I love the over the sink cutting board - great idea!
I just added a three-tier hanging basket to keep fruit and veggies in and was able to clear off of the counter the basket they had been in. The result was a considerable amount of prep space -- probably 1/5 to 1/4 of my counter space in total. And I love the retro look of the basket. I added a folded brown paper bag to the bottom to store more sensitive fruits like tomatoes, avocados and plums.
I have one of those weird little "cutting boards" that pulls out from under the counter. After 7 years in our place, I have NEVER used it. I find it awkward.
http://thesweetest3.com/
I happen to love my pull out cutting board, at this point, I couldn't live without it. It saves so much space!
Thanks for posting this!
I keep my cast-iron Dutch oven, pretty serving pieces, vases, mortar and pestle, Italian espresso pot, and other semi-attractive kitchen gear on top of my cabinets--there is a two-foot gap between the top of the cabinet and the ceiling, and it's the perfect place for these tools. I intersperse them with recycled Trader Joe's coffee cans, many of which are quite pretty. A fold-up step-stool is a necessity if you use this strategy (although I'm less than 5 feet tall, so that is pretty much a given).
A heavy slab of butcherblock works amazingly well on the cooktop (doesn't shift around )... it was so worth having it cut to size to cover the whole cooktop (looks like a LOOK not a make-shift)... NY kitchens (at my income level) have NO counterspace.... I also moved everything I could up onto the walls (ikea has several great lines and styles of those systems)... love all these ideas in yr post, especially the little fold out eating bar...
now I'm in LA (floor space, still no counter... live work loft) I am in love with my large stainless steel cart from ikea
I think little wooden island carts are foul
All good tips. We're having a kitchen remodel right now, and it's coo to see that I'll be able to save even more space. My kitchen is the size of a postage stamp.