New Kitchens for Smaller Spaces

Smaller spaces are becoming more and more popular right now especially that more people are moving into metropolitan where getting a big house is means you have to be rich. Small apartment units require much creativity just to make things fit.

Certainly kitchens should not be taken for granted just because of smaller space. Fitted kitchens seem to be the solution for this to make sure that you get what you need and you are more comfortable using it. 

     Here are some of the things that you can do for smaller spaces: 

    1.   Hanging cabinets

Cabinets are indispensable. These are where you should place your utensils. Those include plates, bowls, glasses, and cups. These cabinets should be hanging way above your sink to make sure that they are out of your way if you are preparing meals or washing dishes.

You can also use hanging cabinets to store food and can goods. You also have to make sure that your cabinets are securely attached to the wall.

    2.   Electric cooker

For smaller apartments, it is best not to use gas. The gas tank is too bulky to store. Electric cookers, which are usually flat, are the best alternative for gas stoves. They can also be slow cookers compared to gas stoves because they do not give off instant heat.

Electric cookers are best especially if you are not always in a rush, or if you do not have a lot of time to watch over what you are cooking.

    3.   More under compartments

Under your sink, you should utilize space, and this means having more compartments. Here, you can place all your cooking pots. It should also work more of a cupboard so that you can go for smaller refrigerators.  

You can also use these under compartments to place kitchen appliances after you use them. These appliances would include microwave oven, a toaster, or a blender.

    4.   Lighting

Good lighting is very important for smaller kitchens since you have to make sure that spillages and things that may lead to accidents are prevented. You do not have to worry, because you just need one piece of light for this, preferably to be positioned right above your sink.

This light should be flat as much as possible, and most of the time should be installed with a protective casing to make sure that it does not get disturbed or short circuited when bumped into.

5 Tips in Buying and Planning Your Kitchen

source: echoleigh via flickr

Having functional and comfortable kitchens would indeed make your everyday life easier especially if you are the one who is preparing food for your family. Getting things done in an appropriate manner and justifiable duration of time would even make it better.

If you are getting a new kitchen or upgrading your old one, here are some tips that might help you during the buying and planning process:

1.   Know what you need

When upgrading your kitchen, it is inevitable to buy new appliances. Dishwasher, electric cooker, oven, and refrigerators are just few of the appliances which a functional kitchen should have. Check if your appliances are still working fine and replace them if not.

Do not forget to include the number of sockets in your kitchen. You might find it hard preparing meals if your sockets are not enough to accommodate the appliances you need to use.

2.   Don’t spend too much

We have a tendency to believe that when something is expensive, it is beautiful. But actually it is not. Most of the time, a kitchen unit becomes expensive because its manufacturer is already established.

It doesn't also mean that once a unit is second hand, it will eventually break down. If you have decided to check some second hand shops, you will find items which are still in good condition.

3.   Bargain and compare

Do not be shy in bargaining especially if you know that the shop is entertaining such.  You can ask your friends whether they were able to bargain at a certain shop and do the same.

To save some amount, it also would not hurt if you compare shops, their prices, and the quality of their products. It may take so much time to do so, but with the aid of the internet, it will become more convenient.

4.   Get a detailed schedule

After purchasing a kitchen unit, you may be offered an installation from the shop. If this is the case, verify if it is going to be free or not. When you agree with the installation, do not pay more than 25% of the upfront payment to avoid being busted.

You also have to get a detailed schedule of the items that they are going to install on that day so you can track if everything you need is going to be done.

5.   Think of alternatives

Always ask the installers how long the whole process would last so you would know the workarounds that you are going to do in cooking. Think of alternatives if the kitchen will not be available yet for your kitchen routine.