People with small kitchens often wish that they could have a larger workspace, more Cabinet space, or simply just a more luxurious kitchen.  Unfortunately, this is not always possible due to space constraints, permit problems or budgetary restrictions.  Still, there are many ways through which we can maximize the efficiency and beauty of any small kitchen.  The following small kitchen ideas will yield big results- and will enable you to love your small kitchen instead of cursing it.

– Install cabinetry up to the ceiling.  If you are lacking storage space, a great way to take full advantage of even the smallest kitchen is to put double cabinetry on top, so that you utilize every inch of available space for storage.  What’s more, double cabinetry is not only useful, but it’s also beautiful.  Of course, my favorite benefit of having cabinets up to the ceiling is that you eliminate the need for dusting above your cabinets…

– Optimize your corner cabinetry.  If your corner cabinets are a mess, implementing a more efficient system will improve the entire look and feel of your small kitchen.  Ideas for making this happen include installing blind corner cabinets or a large lazy Susan that can make it easy to find what you’re looking for without rummaging through the entire corner cabinet.  While lazy Susans are definitely a more affordable option, there’s no question that blind corner cabinets offer optimal efficiency and can completely revolutionize any corner cabinet.

– Paint your kitchen with a light color.  Small kitchens often feel even smaller because they are painted with dark colors which will make the space feel closed.  Choosing a light and warm color such as cream, warm yellow or beige can make a big difference in the way the room feels, and can make the room feel instantly larger.

– Take things off the countertops.  If you find that your kitchen countertops are cluttered with accessories, get rid of them.  Instead of having a counter-mounted paper towel holder, install a hanging paper towel holder under your cabinetry.  Instead of keeping your bread box on the counter, hide your bread in a bread drawer organizer.  Instead of keeping your mixer on the counter, stash it in your cabinet on an appliance lift, which will prevent the mixer from ever taking up space on your countertop again.

–  Use long cabinet pulls to create an elongated look. Oversized cabinet pulls are a great way to trick the eye into thinking that a space is larger and longer than it is.  Replace your old cabinet hardware with cabinet handles that are at least 8 inches in length.  Place the handles horizontally on drawers and vertically on cabinet doors to make the most of the look.

Whether you try just one of these small kitchen ideas or implement them all, you won’t believe how a few small touches can really change the feel of your kitchen.