Image: Clair Strong Interior Design

If your small kitchen feels cluttered and claustrophobic, it’s time to make some changes. If an extension or a full kitchen refit isn’t on the cards, simply finding ways to use the space more efficiently can create a functional kitchen you’ll love to cook in. Here are some clever tricks to make your kitchen look bigger and work harder:

Optimise Existing Storage Space

Keeping cupboards and drawers meticulously organised is the first thing you can do to create a more efficient kitchen. Decluttering is an important step. There’s no room for extraneous items here so donate anything you haven’t used in the past six months. Then fit cabinets with internal organisers such as plate racks, hooks and wire baskets to really optimise the space.

Choose Small Appliances

A small kitchen is no place for a huge range cooker. Be sure to choose appliances that suit the size of your space. This goes for things like the toaster and microwave too. Most appliances can be bought in smaller sizes (including the dishwasher) so you don’t have to go without. Just don’t clutter your worktops with so many gadgets there’s no space to cook.

As for the washing machine and tumble dryer, consider if there’s somewhere else they can live. Removing them from the kitchen makes room for more storage.

Invest in a Kitchen Trolley

A kitchen trolley is practically a small kitchen essential. Choose one with multiple shelves and a butcher block top so it can serve as both storage and work space. Buying one with wheels adds another layer of practicality, making it easy to move around the kitchen as needed. Some kitchen trolleys, such as the Bramante Kitchen Island from MADE.com, even double as breakfast bars.