Small kitchens rely on innovative storage
A small kitchen needs to perform just like a tiny galley on a boat. Every square inch must be designed for maximum function, easy utility and durability.
Hinges, drawer pulls, cabinet knobs and specialty hardware with flipper doors (to eliminate clumsy swinging cabinet doors) are either made of wood or solid brass. Every moving part must operate fluidly and be in good working order so that everything can be stowed away at a moment's notice, like with a change in the weather.
When nautical designers plan a kitchen, they know work centers must serve a dual purpose and must be secured and covered when not in use so nothing falls or spills over. Surfaces can hold cushions or bedding that are tied down for passage. Finishes are selected that are durable enough to fight back against corrosive salty air and water. On land, small kitchens are constantly used and demand the most durable materials. Fortunately, when we consider finish choices, the lesser amount required for a small space allows you to select some of the top-quality materials.
In a studio apartment, the kitchen sink is sometimes covered with a sturdy cutting board when entertaining in order to augment the counter space. Gaining 24 inches of space for bowls and pans makes it possible to arrange a buffet. Generally, a slim refrigerator is used. For generations, the typical Manhattan apartment has come with a tiny 24-inch-wide refrigerator or an under-the-counter refrigerator. Fortunately, modern European appliance manufacturers, such as Liebherr, and American small appliance makers, including Avanti, supply a range of petite refrigerators.
European styles are made to have a very slim door panel and minimum structure so that more of the width is devoted to the chilling cavity instead of the door. In a motor home or sailing vessel, the same principle applies.
One secret weapon in a small kitchen is extreme drawer function. A drawer under the counter could be a refrigerator or freezer drawer, or pull out to reveal a microwave.
This example offers a way to divide and organize a shallow drawer. This is not your mama's utensil drawer! It's not only beautiful to look at but the precise divisions allow for visual and practical organization. It is always best to create more shallow drawers than to drop a hot mess of utensils into a 9- or 12-inch-deep drawer. I am a huge fan of increasing the number of shallow drawers instead of sticking with the old-fashioned concept of three drawers under the counter.
Obviously, if you are renting or moving into a home that already has cabinets, you are not able to go for a custom storage solution. Nevertheless, a quick trip to a store like The Container Store or a quick online search of Rubbermaid products can go a long way toward improving the function of each drawer.
And don't stop at your drawers. Modern design is focused on smaller units instead of a bare cupboard with just one permanent shelf. Consumers demand adjustable shelving and flexible units. Look for racks that allow you to double up on vertical storage in a cupboard and utilize the wasted air space. Pretend that you are an efficiency expert for an afternoon, and look at your available storage with that eye.
• Christine Brun is a San Diego-based interior designer and the author of "Small Space Living." Send questions and comments to her by email at christinebrun@sbcglobal.net.
© 2017, Creators Syndicate