17 Ways To Make Your Small Kitchen Look Expensive
You don’t need a big kitchen to get the expensive look. Yes, it would be nice, obviously! But lack of footprint should not be the reason why you cannot have an expensive, high-end, designer style looking kitchen.
In this blog post, I have shared 17 ways to bring the luxe factor in a small kitchen. Some of these methods are so easy you can execute them in a day and enjoy the ‘after’.
1. Under The Cabinet Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in the overall ambiance of a room and is key to achieving a designer look in your home. In the kitchen, under-cabinet lights are an easy and effective lighting solution. Adding a string of these renter-friendly lights can instantly elevate the look of your kitchen, providing both functional task lighting and a stylish aesthetic enhancement.
2. Organized Drawers & Shelves
Organizing your kitchen drawers and shelves is a great way to make the kitchen look cleaner and nicer. Especially for a small kitchen since you’re restricted, functionality becomes primary. You can add a utensil organizer, drawer dividers, spice drawer organizer, use dish racks, utensil holder organizers, lid organizer, etc. These are just some of the ways you can organize your kitchen. When shopping for organizers, remember to stick with timeless designs like bamboo or wood or clear plastic. The colored plastic organizers for example look cheap and since you want to go for a high-end look, stay away from those!
3. Declutter Countertops
Just as important as organizing kitchen drawers and cabinets is decluttering the countertops. Regardless of your kitchen’s size, a cluttered countertop undermines good design. Start by finding new storage solutions for large appliances and items typically left on the countertop. If you’ve optimized your cabinet space effectively, you’ll have room to store these items, leaving your countertops clean and your kitchen visually appealing.
4. Runner Rug
Placing a runner rug in your kitchen is a surefire way to add a touch of luxury. While fatigue mats or small rugs near the stove and sink are common, they don’t contribute to an expensive look. Additionally, having multiple mats or rugs can make the kitchen appear cluttered and cheap. Instead, opt for a single runner rug placed parallel to the longest countertop. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also creates a cohesive and polished look.
5. Countertop Decor
Once your countertop is decluttered, you'll have a blank canvas to decorate! Start by transferring oils and vinegars into stylish glass bottles and placing them on a marble or wood platform. Rejar store-bought salt and pepper into elegant wooden, glass, or brass sets. Add a utensil holder for your spatulas and include a small plant or a leaning frame in a less busy area for a touch of greenery or art. Layer wooden or stone chopping boards for added texture and visual interest. Don't forget to use fruits as decor by placing them in a wide, attractive fruit bowl to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
6. Sink Accessories
The sink is often one of the most overlooked areas in a kitchen when it comes to decor. However, this frequently used space has significant potential to enhance the kitchen's overall aesthetic. A simple yet effective way to elevate the look is by re-jarring liquids like hand wash and dish soap into amber glass bottles and placing them on a stylish holder. This small change can significantly contribute to a luxe appearance, making your small kitchen look more expensive and well-designed!
7. Swap Out Your Kitchen Towels
Another simple way to infuse a designer element into your kitchen is by swapping out colorful, heavily patterned, seasonal decor towels for simpler, neutral, and classic ones. These towels don’t need to be expensive; their soft colors and understated patterns will effortlessly elevate the space, adding a timeless and sophisticated look to your kitchen. Neutral kitchen towels serve as subtle, elegant accents that complement the overall design without overwhelming it, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and making the space feel more refined and cohesive.
8. Repaint or Swap Out Hardware
In designer or designer-style kitchens, the choice of hardware is very thoughtful and deliberate. You'll notice a combination of brass or gold knobs and handles, which add a touch of elegance and sophistication. If your current hardware is dated or lacks variety, consider updating the style or color to achieve a similar high-end look. Alternatively, you can repaint your existing hardware using spray paint for a budget-friendly upgrade. This simple change can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic of your kitchen, making it look more modern and cohesive.
9. Shades & More For Windows, If You Have One
I absolutely love windows in kitchens! They allow abundant natural light to flood the space, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. You can place small plants on the windowsill to add a touch of greenery and life, and choose window treatments that elevate the vibe to the next level. If you're lucky enough to have a kitchen window, adding shades can bring in warmth and coziness.
10. Swap Out Ceiling & Pendant Lights
In addition to under cabinet lights, you can incorporate more variety of lights around your kitchen. Install pendant lights, swap outdated ceiling light (like a boob light) with a more modern light, add small lamps on the counter, dimmer switches to add ambience. By combining these diverse lighting solutions, you can create a well-lit, functional kitchen that also feels warm and inviting.
11. Floating Shelves
If you have a blank wall in your kitchen, consider adding floating shelves to transform the space. Floating shelves are an elegant solution for displaying your crockery collection, such as coffee mugs, or for showcasing art and plants. Depending on your style, you can opt for sleek, minimalist shelves for a clean, modern look, or choose shelves with decorative brackets to introduce more design elements and character into your kitchen. This addition not only enhances the visual appeal of your space but also provides practical storage solutions.
12. Extended Cabinets
One common feature among designer-style kitchens is the use of extended upper cabinets that reach all the way to the ceiling. Not only does it look pretty, it also has a functional benefit. You don’t have to worry about dust collecting on top of the cabinets! Even in a small kitchen, extending the cabinets to the ceiling is a guaranteed way of making it look expensive.
13. Display Appliances
Yes, decluttering the countertop is important when aiming for a high-end look in a kitchen but that doesn’t necessarily imply hiding away all your belongings! A standing mixer in the corner or a toaster on the countertop look beautiful and enhance the way your kitchen feels. Take a look at all your appliances, big and small. Which are the ones you use on a daily or weekly basis? These would usually be your coffee maker, toaster, standing mixer, instant pot. While an instant pot may not make the cut for aesthetically appealing applicances, you can place the others across the countertop. Don’t place them all next to one another, spread them around thoughtfully.
14. Declutter The Fridge Magnets
This is by far the easiest way to make your kitchen look expensive. You may enjoy collecting fridge magnets as travel badges but they don’t make a good home on the fridge. A clutter of fridge magnets is the enemy of high end look. Usually designer kitchens opt for hidden fridge by adding matching cabinet panels which isn’t feasible for all, hence decluttering fridge magnets and keeping the panels clear is the easiest way to get the expensive look.
15. Adding Greenery
In addition to placing a plant on the floating shelves, you can also add greenery on the countertop. There are multiple ways of doing so and it largely depends on the layout of your kitchen. If you have an island or a peninsula, you can add a vase with stems. If you don’t have either, you can put small pots of basil, mint or other herbs on the countertop next to each other. Another option if you don’t prefer any of these is to put small stems in a tiny glass vase and place it near the glass oil dispensers.
16. Adding Elegant Barstools
If you have a peninsula or an island in your kitchen, adding bar stools is a great way to introduce extra seating, which can be especially beneficial in a smaller kitchen. Bar stools not only provide a functional seating solution but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space. When choosing bar stools, opt for designs that are simple and elegant, ensuring they blend seamlessly with your kitchen’s decor. Pay attention to the wood tones, selecting ones that either match or complement the rest of your kitchen. This thoughtful coordination will create a cohesive and stylish look, making your kitchen both practical and visually pleasing.
17. Elegant Essentials
Saving my favorite tip for last! If you really want a high-end look in your kitchen, you’ll see the importance of incorporating simple white or beige plates, bowls, and coffee mugs. These neutral-toned essentials not only blend seamlessly with any kitchen decor but also exude an understated elegance. Their simplicity enhances the overall aesthetic, making your kitchen feel more organized and inviting. Whether displayed on open shelving or used daily, these classic pieces add a touch of refinement to your kitchen space.
That’s it! These were the 17 ways to make your small kitchen look expensive, something all home decor enthusiasts crave for. How do you decorate your small kitchen?
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