Simple Ways to Increase Your Kitchen’s Surface Area

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: the kitchen is the heart of the home where family can gather, create memories, and cook up some delicious, comforting food. Kitchen spaces bring joy to families all over the world; however, some kitchens are more functional and enjoyable to be in—and to cook in for that matter. The house of your dreams might be equipped with an inadequately sized kitchen, but don’t panic—there are ways to bypass the tiny kitchen space and maximize the surface area you have to work with.

Kitchens are not only often the center of a home, but they are one of the major selling points of homes on the market. Even if a kitchen is small, it might still be one of the most functional you’ve come across. It’s important to keep in mind that your kitchen should meet your needs, but while thinking about renovation or remodeling it’s helpful to be forward-thinking and anticipate what buyers could be looking for. Whether you own or rent, there are options to enhance your kitchen and maximize the space working just with what’s available to you.

A Clean Kitchen is a Happy Kitchen

Kitchens can be hectic and busy, filled with energy—and food! Since the kitchen is most often where people like to gather in a home, it’s important to really give thought to the cleanliness and efficiency of the space. The cleaner the kitchen, the happier and freer everyone can feel. Keeping your kitchen clean can also help you better assess the space you’ve got to work with.

Eliminate Clutter and Unnecessary Items

Let’s start with the basics—keeping your counters clutter-free. This is a good opportunity to take a look through all of those cabinets that hold the secrets of our kitchens’ past. Getting rid of older items, or bulkier items you no longer use—like that juicer from the 80s, can free up a lot of storage that you might not have known you had. Also, this will give you more room to keep items stored away when not in use so that your counters can stay clean and clear.

Install Convenient Storage Options

Convenient storage is hard to come by—especially in smaller kitchens. Usually we have to create a functional space out of a smaller area. To do so, you can maximize your storage through the use of convenient options like rolling spice racks, compartmentalized drawers, wall shelving, and even more cabinetry if you’ve got the money and stamina.

Build Your Kitchen Upward

Many home owners looking to adapt a kitchen to their needs attempt to increase surface area by expanding outward. This approach can wind up being costly, and most of all, costly in the other space around your house. Sacrificing square footage for more kitchen area isn’t always necessary—just think upward! Adding shelving to the higher levels of your kitchen and expanding to the ceiling is an option many don’t think of. Now all you need is a folding step stool and you’re good to go!

Install a Kitchen Island

If you have the space in your kitchen, adding a small island can greatly increase the storage and surface area. Kitchen islands come in all shapes, sizes, and options. You can customize your kitchen island to include adequate storage, or you can add stools that neatly store beneath it to add an eating area right in your kitchen. Kitchen islands can also double the amount of prep space in some kitchens!

How We Can Help You

The kitchen remodeling experts here at Kitchen Emporium have transformed countless kitchens into fully functional spaces where family and friends can gather and make memories together. In the Southern California areas, including: the San Fernando Valley, San Diego, and San Marcos, home values are higher than ever, and the kitchen in a home adds significantly to those values. If you’re thinking about upgrading, expanding, or fully remodeling your kitchen area and would like some tips and resources to help increase your surface area, please contact one of the professionals here at Kitchen Emporium. We have an extensive background in home construction and kitchen remodeling, and we are happy to help you on your journey to create your perfect kitchen—or at least a functional one!