How to squeeze more storage out of your small kitchen

After several years cooking in a small Nairobi apartment kitchen, I have learnt how to be creative when it comes to maximising available space.

When limited by space, getting clever on storage is your best bet on having a functional and aesthetically appealing kitchen. You have to make every square inch count.

Here are five ideas to maximise small kitchen space:

1.) Make use of vertical space
If your cabinets and drawers are full, make use of your walls by installing some hooks where you can hang your cutlery including knives, spoons, strainers, pots and pans.

Another clever way to utilize your vertical space is by installing slim open shelves all the way up to the ceiling.

They allow for more storage space and are a perfect place to display your best dishes while maintaining an open ambience in your small kitchen.

2.) Add shelves inside cabinets
Dishes and pantry items can only be stacked so high before cabinets start to feel totally disorganized.

Most cabinets never seem to have enough shelves, and the best solution to get the most storage is to add expandable shelves, or even baskets that hang just below the shelf.

3.) Utilise the open side of a cabinet
If you have a cabinet that does not butt up against a wall on both sides, go ahead and utilize the open side. Use the space to mount shelves or hang smaller items such as cutting boards.

4.) Invest in small appliances
To avoid making the already cramped up space feel smaller, buy small appliances such as a compact dishwasher or oven.

Additionally, you can also choose multifunctional appliances to free up more space.

5.) Minimise hardware
If your kitchen is narrow, avoid bulky knobs and pulls since they will keep obstructing your movement.

Any over-elaborate detail whether functional or decorative can be overwhelming in a small kitchen.

6.) Avoid clutter
Have a strict minimalist mentality. Anything that you haven’t used in a long period forms clutter even if it is in perfect working condition.

Keep only the best of your collection and kitchen tools that you actually use.

7.) Clean regularly
A pile of dirty dishes in the sink and kitchen surfaces makes the place look cramped up.

Make a habit of cleaning regularly preferably after each meal otherwise you will discover that preparing the next meal in such a kitchen will be a chaotic task.

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