An experienced kitchen renovation contractor or designer knows that finding space in the kitchen is all about making the most of the space you have. When you have a small kitchen or you need extra storage, you can’t afford to squander one square inch. Just think creatively. Even large kitchens shouldn’t waste space. Wasted space is inefficient. After all the kitchen is a work space for a cook. No one wants to work inefficiently. Whether you need to be efficient or make the most of a small area, here are some real tips from a real Orange County kitchen renovation contractor, Inspired Remodels.

Look Up and Down

These days, it’s pretty common to have a little room left over the top of the fridge. Cabinets over the fridge provide room for items you don’t need often. Think Thanksgiving turkey platter or crystal punch bowl. Now this isn’t earth shattering news. People have been storing things on the top of the fridge or putting cabinets up there for years.  This is a common site in kitchens.

Not only is the space above the fridge utilized, but look over the microwave oven. There’s a cabinet tucked up there too.  This kitchen may be small on square footage but it is absolutely huge on storage. Using a knife block to store knives on the countertop also makes good use of space. A knife block doesn’t occupy much room, but it can hold the contents of an entire drawer if you own many knives.

Now, a creative kitchen renovation contractor looks around every appliance for space. See how Inspired Remodels captured the space under this double oven?

This is a storage trifecta. There is a cabinet above the microwave oven and a cabinet over the fridge. But, genius puts a pull out drawer under the double ovens mounted in the wall. You know this is the perfect place for storage of sheet pans, pizza stones, Silpats, or any other baking-related items. Most contractors would install a toeplate in this space. But crafty contractors know that space can be converted to storage with a drawer.

Islands are Opportunities

You want an island in the kitchen because it gives extra work space. Maybe you want an island because you see all the cool kitchens have one. No matter the reason, islands are opportunities for space.  Large islands frequently are built upon large base cabinets. But what about small islands? Should you use just a small cabinet base?  You might get more storage if you think creatively.

This small island incorporates three  drawers. Store just about anything in these drawers. Napkins and place mats or other kitchen and dining linens. Bake ware is perfectly shaped for storage in drawers. Flatware and kitchen utensils go in drawers. Even small appliances like hand mixers and induction mixers fit in drawers. Drawers with enough depth for mixing bowls are convenient.

Islands are a great way to create an eat-in kitchen if you don’t have room for a traditional table and chairs. Instead of visioning the island top as a workspace or place to set appliances, think of it as a table top. 

Even though this kitchen had enough room to place a table, the island is still used as an eating surface. You may not want to set the table each morning for breakfast. Between the rush to get the kids to school and yourself to work, it is much easier to eat at the island. Clean up is easier too. Fewer steps equals less effort means breakfast isn’t a hassle. If this were a small kitchen space, that island is still large enough to easily fit four diners and could be used for any meal. Remember, islands are an opportunity to create an eat-in kitchen in a small space.

Don’t Cut Corners

When hiring your kitchen renovation contractor, don’t cut corners. The cheapest bid might not make the most creative use of space.  For example, see how Inspired Remodels made the most of challenging conditions in this small kitchen. First, the corners have corner cabinets. Other kitchen remodeling contractors would simply place a cabinet on each wall to create the corner.  But, Jason and Joe Mueller don’t waste corner space.  Custom cabinets fit into the corner and add storage. Even the counter has a “garage” storage unit in the corner. Keep bread, appliances, or anything else you use frequently close at hand but out of sight.

Also, don’t let obstacles stand in your way. If there is an obstacle, work around it. Just look at this creative solution used in the same kitchen to take advantage of the space below the beam.

You aren’t getting rid of that beam. It’s an integral support for the integrity of the house. But, it would stand in the way of most contractors. Instead, Inspired Remodels thought creatively. Custom storage under the beam is the perfect size for wine storage. This kitchen makes the most of the square footage available. There’s no cutting corners and no obstacles in the way of a functional and beautiful kitchen.

Inspired Remodels – The Kitchen Renovation Contractor for Orange County Kitchens

Whether you need to make the most of small space or make a large space functional, Inspired Remodels is the contractor to call. As a design/build firm, they will be with you every step of the way. From dreams to reality, they are making it happen in homes all over Orange County every day. Call (949) 716-1938 today.