Small kitchens are a minimalist's dream design challenge, mostly because they don't require a major overhaul to look functional and stylish. It's all about making sure you use only the essentials, finding multi-purpose appliances, smart storage, and even taking design cues from larger kitchens. Small kitchens, in fact, are on trend in a sort of cottagecore, European aesthetic. Whatever your style though, there are plenty of small changes you can do to make your small kitchen look spacious. Now let's get cooking.
Idea #1: Pretend You Just Moved In
Let's start with the idea that you just moved in by doing an inventory of your kitchen haul. Pull out the things that you don't use daily and find another place for them (maybe a closet or garage). Declutter and organize: Keep quality items, reduce plastic as much as you can, and find your inner minimalist by keeping the kitchen clutter-free by only storing essential items. Then decide where you could use organizers, dividers, and bins to keep drawers and cabinets tidy.
Idea #2: Maximize Your Counter Space
Counter space is essential in a small kitchen, so shed any non-essentials sitting on top of it. Can you move a microwave you barely use to a small island? Your juicer into a cabinet? Choose smaller or multi-functional appliances to save on counter space, and install cutting boards that can slide over the sink or stove. Foldable or extendable counters that can be tucked away and used only when needed are another great idea for small yet functional spaces.
Idea #3: Play With Vertical Space
Think high when designing a small kitchen. Maximize vertical storage if you have tall cabinets. Use hooks or racks for pots, pans, and utensils to free up cabinet space. And add shelves for frequently used items to create an airy feel and make the most of wall space.
Idea #4: Embrace Light Colors + Reflective Surfaces
Light colors for walls, cabinets, and counters can make the space feel larger and bring more light in. Reflective surfaces like glossy cabinets, glass tiles, or stainless steel can enhance light too.
Idea #5: Install Layers Of Lighting
A small kitchen can really benefit from lighting high and low, especially if you're not graced with a lot of natural light. Look for a fun (but small) pendant, install under-cabinet lighting to brighten up your cooking stations, add wall sconces to add extra charm.
Idea #6: Keep Your Design Consistent
Beyond decluttering and organize, use a consistent style for containers, cookware and organizers to create a cohesive look and feel.
Idea #7: Label Everything
Label containers and shelves to keep everything organized and easy to find. Use clear containers too so you don't inadvertently double up on items. Now enjoy your clean and happy space!
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Main image via ArtHouse Studio and cottonbro studio
I've been working from home since long before it became the norm. And my "office" has evolved from a spindled-back chair at the kitchen table to an airy home office with a view. Back then, my productivity took a hit without essentials like adequate storage space, comfortable seating, and a bit of privacy. While it has its perks, working from home comes with its fair share of challenges; your home office setup doesn't need to be one of them.
Here are 10 ways to redesign your home office for better productivity!
1. Bad Lighting
Dim or harsh overhead lighting can strain your eyes and limit your focus. Try to get close to a window for natural light or use daylight bulbs to mimic sunlight to boost your mood, creativity, and focus. Find a desk lamp that works for you too!
2. Clutter Everywhere
A cluttered desk equals a cluttered mind, IMO. Reduce the stress that comes with a disorganized and cluttered desk by bringing in shelves and organizers; finding sleek cable-management solutions; and removing any unnecessary items to reduce visual distractions.
3. Uncomfortable Furniture
If you're sitting most of the day, it's so important to invest in a good desk chair. An unsupportive chair or poorly sized desk can be uncomfortable, making it harder to stay focused for long periods of time. Your back will thank you!
4. No Boundaries Between Work and Home
Distractions at home like kids and partners can kill your productivity. Avoid blurring the line between work and home life by designating a private space, separate from high-traffic spaces, for your work hours if you can. Use rugs, curtains, or acoustic panels to reduce noise too.
5. Lack of Storage
I get it, they're not the best-looking pieces in your home, but without proper filing systems you’ll waste time hunting for important documents or supplies. Invest in modern storage options that look good too from Mustard Made and The Container Store.
6. Unoptimized Tech Setup
Slow Internet or outdated tech tools can make you feel totally frustrated and can slow down your productivity. Upgrade your Internet to a faster connection, and refresh your tech gadgets and programs to make sure you work more efficiently.
7. Awkward Desk Placement
Placing your desk in a spot with too much noise, traffic, or distractions — like facing a TV — will guarantee to disrupt your concentration. Find a more zen spot where you can focus on the tasks of the day.
8. Ignoring Ergonomics
Check your monitor height, keyboard positioning, and add a wrist rest so you don't lead to feeling uncomfortable and fatigued, cutting your workday short.
9. Lack of Personalization
A sterile, uninspiring office design does your motivation and creativity no favors. Make work feel less like a chore by adding personal touches through artwork, personal photos, candles, some fresh flowers or plants. Greenery can improve air quality and actually reduce work stress. Add a little snack station for quick energy boosts and keep water handy. Also, your Zoom backgrounds should reflect your personality!
10. No Inspiration
No matter what you do — whether it's a creative work or something more analytical — you want to feel inspired. Personalization can help, but dive into vision boards, books, magazines, quotes that inspire your work and help you bring fresh ideas to your workday. Color psychology can help too: blues and greens encourage focus and reduce stress while pops of yellow or orange can spark creativity! Break out the paint if needed!
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Lounging on a sectional sofa makes reading a book and Netflix binges all the more cozy. But sometimes a small space doesn't have the square footage to accommodate a sofa and chaise, and fears of Ross's pivot scene in Friends (still cracks me up) start to creep up. Not to worry, though. We've rounded up sleek sectional sofas that don't take up too much space, provide tons of comfort, and look stylish to boot. Sit back, relax, and scroll for the comfiest couch made for you.
Anthropologie Kori Modular Armless Sofa
Great way to save space? Lose the arms! With this comfortable modular sofa you can do just that. We are digging this clay color too. It's 100% linen, has a tropical hardwood frame, and there's no assembly required on your part!
Castlery Hamilton Sofa (Performance Brilliance White)
This sectional is a minimalist lover’s dream while the removable cushion covers makes it easy to keep it clean. You'll receive the maximum amount of coziness without sacrificing the contemporary aesthetic you're going for.
LEISLAND Modern Sectional
Pet-friendly chenille fabric in a gorgeous blue will cheer up any small space. Two arm cushions make it extra cozy.
Albany Park Kova Sofa + Ottoman
Get sucked in for all your movie nights with this deep and cozy, cloud-soft sofa. The ottoman provides extra storage too!
Living Spaces Emery Chiffon Sofa With Reversible Chaise
This affordable sectional seats three comfortably and gives you the option to move your chaise from left to right and vice versa (the extension below the chair cushion is detached). Available with an optional storage ottoman too.
Novogratz Magnolia Sectional
This small space sectional sofa with reversible chaise has what's called a slender mailbox arm that maximizes seating space. Extra throw pillows included!
Modway Revive Modern Upholstered Right or Left Sectional
Clean lines with mid-century vibes make this sleek sofa in a rich jewel tone an easy fit for your snug space.
UO Modular Velvet Sofa
Small sectional sofas should be super cozy and chic like this modular design.
Available in a bunch of candy-colored hues, this velvet sofa is super versatile, featuring three separate pieces that you can arrange to suit your space.
Ami Sun Sofa With Reversible Chaise
Soft, suede-like fabric make this reversible chaise sofa an elegant addition to any small space, from living room to office.
Geo 2-Piece Vegan Leather Sectional
This sleek silhouette, reversible sofa and chaise is made in vegan leather upholstery that's super easy to clean.
All Modern 2-Piece Reversible Chaise Sectional (Burnt Orange Performance Velvet)
This space-conscious sofa doesn’t overwhelm a room and it's upholstery stands up to sun and spills, win-win!
Etta Avenue Chella Upholstered Sectional (Gray)
This black velvet chaise lounge has a bit of Old Hollywood vibes. It's reversible and has a unique tufted feature on the back rest. Two round pillows included — score!
Eafurn Convertible Modular Sectional Sofa
This modular sofar is easy to assemble, super affordable, and comes in a soft corduroy upholstery.
West Elm Oliver 2-Piece Chaise Sectional
West Elm has great sofas and this one is totally affordable and small-space-friendly at just under 80 inches wide.
APT2B Harper Reversible Chaise Sleeper Sofa (Blush Velvet)
You’ll get to have one of the cutest sectional sofas out there while creating a sleepover situation with the sleeper option! It’ll be ready 30 days after you make your purchase because it’s made to order!
IKEA FRIHETEN Sectional (Skiftebo Blue)
This convertible sleeper sofa is great for studio dwellers and comes with built-in storage to boot.
Burrow Field 3-Piece Sectional Lounger
This compact, two-seater with chaise has deep seats, plush cushions, and comes with an ottoman (you can also add seating as you grow into a larger space).
Mario Capasa Feathers Sectional (Grey)
This washable sectional is water-resistant and stain-resistant and the feather-and-fiber blend batting make it so cozy.
Best Choice Linen Sectional Sofa w/ Chaise Lounge (Black)
For less than $800, you’ll be able to say that you have one of the best sectional sofas that doesn't require you to spend a ton of cash. I’m all about finding ways to save money so I made sure this linen beauty is at the top of my list.
It’s a modular sofa that comes with a reversible ottoman and is designed to fit three people comfortably. This works perfectly if you’re in the mood to catch up on Bridgerton Season 3 Part 1 with your besties.
Latitude Run 2-Piece Corduroy Sectional (Dark Green)
With its 4.8 rating on Wayfair, this is one of the best sectional sofas you’ll find under $1000. You’ll get free white glove delivery (such an advantage) so you can spend more time worrying about how many naps you can take on it.
It’s incredibly comfortable with its deep seating and has a moderate height that comfortably fits short and taller people. If it’s just you and your roommate or S.O., you should definitely consider this two-seater!
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Header image via Albany Park
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Jasmine Williams.