In Praise of Smaller Kitchens!

More insight from our friends at Bon Vivant

While the trend towards bigger and more open space is the rule, those who live in studio condos with a limited kitchen area or older homes with tiny kitchens need fear not. You too can create a beautiful, contemporary kitchen with a little planning and by utilizing smaller European products like Gaggenau, Miele, Smeg or Leibherr.

A small kitchen design may seem like a challenge, but it can also be efficient, functional and beautiful. Even with a smaller budget and space restrictions, you may find that there are many options open to you to transform your kitchen into something more ideal for your needs in a small luxurious home.

A 24” wide wall oven can handle a full size turkey or roast. No need to avoid company! The use of 24”, or smaller, cooktops in either gas or electric, will also offer incredible performance while using up less space. 

How about designing your space with a built in Teppanyaki cooktop and a Wok burner or perhaps a built in steamer? Customize your design with a variety of different burners and cooking surfaces. Set them in an island and you are a part of the entertainment!

Reduce the kitchen’s footprint to allow for more living space elsewhere in the house. This open-plan, galley kitchen does all that and even accommodates a bistro table. Using built-in appliances help maintain a linear look with nice clean lines. Built in and under counter refrigeration, like these items from U-line, maintain the symmetry of the room.

After entertaining, cleanup doesn't need to be a chore either. Several manufacturers, like Bosch and Miele have been developing space saving dishwashers for many years. These dishwashers are a mere 18” wide – loads of space inside, very little outside. Even dishwashing drawers!

Even today’s in-demand commercial look and performance can be accommodated in a small space. Every inch counts when making the most of a small kitchen. In Europe, kitchen space has always been an issue. Companies like Smeg have come to the table offering a 24” Dual Fuel, high performance range. Perfect for the serious cook.

Everything you need for the perfect place to create culinary masterpieces. So, three cheers for the tiny kitchen. Be creative and enjoy!