Seven smart, stylish ideas for small kitchens

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Bigger may be better, but for many Americans today micro is the way to go. Millions of people — from millennials to baby boomers — are embracing the culture of living with less.

This lifestyle of the teeny-tiny is epitomized by the “microkitchen” trend — cooking in small kitchens by choice rather than just because it's all you can afford. But just because the space is the size of a dorm room doesn't mean people are settling for hot plates to whip up a meal.

“A lot of the people do not want to sacrifice the technology in kitchen appliances,” says Lou Lenzi, director of industrial design for GE Appliances. “Just because you're now in an urban setting and a smaller space, that doesn't mean you want to give up that ability to prepare a great meal and having the latest appliance technology available to you. It's just packaging it in a smart format.”

At GE Appliances, Lenzi is helping develop and design appliances specifically for use in the cramped quarters of microkitchens. These designs include drawer-based appliances like microwaves, conventional ovens, convertible refrigerator/freezers and dishwashers. While these concepts still are in the prototype phase, there are other ways to make the most of a small kitchen. Consider these seven tips:

1. Think creatively about storage

The space behind cabinet doors, on the walls or even the ceiling can all be turned into storage spaces. Just add a few hooks and it becomes the perfect place for hanging cooking utensils. Or instantly free up precious counter space by hanging knives from a magnetic strip on the wall. With small spaces every inch is precious real estate — and potential storage space — so make the most of it.

2. Organize things by use

Small spaces also require quite a bit of organization. Instead of rummaging through drawers and cabinets every time you need to find a saucepan, store cookware by how and when you use them. If you don't do a lot of slow cooking, put that crock pot on a higher shelf than your mixing bowls. Smart organization will save you both time and space.

3. Open up your shelving

Switching from closed cabinets to open shelving can help reduce visual bulk, thus making the space feel less cramped and cluttered. With floating shelves or glass door cabinets, your canisters and jars can be part of your decor and close at hand when cooking.

4. Invest in mobile storage

Movable islands or rolling carts are a great way to create additional counter space and storage for your kitchen. This mobility also allows you to shift it from room to room as needed during a party or large event.

5. Use color to brighten things up

Color choice is especially important in cramped quarters. Dark, heavy colors like black can make a space appear smaller because they absorb light. Whites or brighter tones, on the other hand, help open a space up.

6. Add multiuse furniture

Furniture with more than one use is a smart choice for small kitchens. Look for things like a folding table with leaves that can be used as a small island most days and as a larger dining table when you have guests.

7. Use the old mirror trick

Reflective surfaces are a tried-and-true design trick to make small spaces seem bigger. Install a decorative mirror above your sink or on an empty wall to magically add space — or at least the appearance of space.