Streamlined Backsplashes for Compact Kitchens: 10 Choices That Optically Enhance Space
When it comes to small kitchens, every design detail matters. Here are some expert tips and strategies to help you make the most of your limited space while maintaining style and functionality.
Stainless steel backsplashes are a popular choice for small kitchens, exuding a professional kitchen feel and offering numerous benefits. The material is non-porous, heat-resistant, naturally antibacterial, and super easy to clean. [1]
But don't forget, the kitchen color chosen is based on personal preference and the desired atmosphere, not just to make a small kitchen look big. [2] Eilla Pradier, Founder of Eilla Adi Design, places an emphasis on materials that are scalable, such as stone, to create a seamless look and take a small space further than just the kitchen area.
In a compact kitchen, light-reflective surfaces can work wonders. High-gloss paints and shiny backsplashes are often used by experts to reflect light and visually expand the space. [1] Opting for open shelving instead of bulky upper cabinets opens up the visual area and reduces visual clutter. [1][2]
Olivia Outred, a designer, used hand-glazed tiles as a backsplash in a small kitchen design to brighten the room and give it a feeling of joy. [3] Outred, a confessed color enthusiast and lover of great art and unexpected furniture, creates stand-alone spaces that appear to have developed over time.
Incorporating scaled-down kitchen fixtures, like smaller sinks and compact appliances, helps preserve valuable countertop and floor space. [2] For islands, choosing narrow (24-30 inch wide) or rolling islands that prioritize storage and prep space without dominating the room also helps maintain spaciousness and good flow. [4]
Smart storage solutions are essential in a small kitchen. Deep drawers, pull-outs, and vertical storage maximize utility while minimizing clutter. [4] Minimalist organization using pegboards, magnetic strips, and under-cabinet lighting can reduce clutter and keep essentials accessible, enhancing openness. [3][5]
Helen Parker, Creative Director of deVOL Kitchens, suggests that for a moody and atmospheric kitchen, choose dark or bold or busy colors. [6] For a clean and minimal kitchen, choose light pale colors.
Finally, a mirrored backsplash is often used by experts to make a small kitchen look bigger, as it doubles the space and minimizes the appearance of watermarks. [1] Implementing these materials and designs prioritizes light reflection, space efficiency, and visual openness to maximize the perception of size in a small kitchen.
- To exude a professional feel and offer numerous benefits, consider stainless steel for your kitchen flooring or backsplash.
- Choosing a kitchen color should reflect your personal preference and desired atmosphere, not solely aiming to make the space appear larger.
- Hand-glazed tiles can brighten a small kitchen and bring a sense of joy to the room.
- Incorporating scaled-down kitchen fixtures, such as smaller sinks and compact appliances, helps preserve valuable countertop and floor space.
- Minimalist organization methods like pegboards, magnetic strips, and under-cabinet lighting can reduce clutter and promote openness.
- For a moody and atmospheric kitchen, consider using dark or bold colors, or busy designs, suggested by Helen Parker.
- To create a clean and minimal kitchen, choose lighter pale colors.
- Opting for open shelving instead of bulky upper cabinets and using light-reflective surfaces can visually expand the space in a compact kitchen.
- For the trendiest kitchen designs, consider using mirrored backsplashes; they can double the space and minimize the appearance of watermarks, making a small kitchen seem bigger.
