Kitchen ideas for tiny kitchens

This article is about making a small kitchen functional. It is for renters or people using an existing kitchen. If you are remodeling a kitchen from scratch, this article is not geared for that, but you still might glean a few good tips out of it.

We have such a small kitchen that if two people try to cook in it at the same time, you end up hating each other. Counter space and storage space are two major issues.

If you've ever gone to one of those motor home retailers and taken some tours, you will see the incredible ways they get a lot of kitchen usefulness out of a very tiny space.

Before you go shopping to outfit a small kitchen, take some measurements. Exactly how much space do you have? Will the microwave fit? Decide what appliances you really need on the counter. Do you use a bread machine 3 x's a week? A crockpot? I know I use a microwave every day so that's priority 1. Does your refrigerator door open the right direction? I'm right handed and live with a lefthander, so we have to consider that. You can hang the door to open either way on my refrigerators.

Decide how many dishes and storage containers you really need. Pare down those items that you use rarely and either get rid of them or store them outside of the kitchen area.

One local store that caters to kitchen storage ideas is IKEA. Tour their showrooms for ideas on how to get the most out of your kitchen. Sit down with anyone else that uses the kitchen and discuss priorities. Do you make 80% of your meals in a microwave? Do you bake? Do you use a wok? Figure out your cooking habits and give them priority.

Use your wall space. You can increase your storage space by hanging hooks and nails and shelves up on the walls. Hang your pans, potholders and utensils and get them off the counters.

If you have a built in dishwasher and never use it, convert it to a storage area. Don't let any space go unused. Hang some baskets from the ceiling or the wall to store onions, peppers, and garlic.

Don't forget cabinet locks if there are babies or toddlers in the area. Get down on your hands and knees and see things from their perspective. Do not leave appliance cords dangling. Use some velcro or twist ties to secure the excess cordage.

To save cabinet space, think 'nesting'. Get storage containers, dishes, glasses and utensils that nest together. There is always that one bowl that doesn't fit anywhere. Get rid of it! It will drive you crazy every other day when you put dishes away. Start taking it to potlucks and sooner or later you will forget to take it home.

1. Get rid of square pegs that don't fit into the plan of round holes.

2. Put the things you use the most at eye level. Put things you use once a month or less in the harder to reach spaces.

3. If you haven't used an appliance in a year, you probably don't need it.

4. Look for compact utensils.

5. Remove drawer clutter.

6. If you do dishes daily, you need fewer dishes. Fewer dishes take up less space.

7. Consider putting an extra freezer or refrigerator in the garage. That way you can still save on buying in bulk, yet not take up space in the kitchen.

8. If you never use the oven you can use it for storage. Just be sure to hang a sign on it or take the oven knob off so no one turns it on to pre-heat it.

9. Magnetic paper towel holders and cuphooks can help in tight spaces.

10. To optimize space, clean up one mess before you start another.