STORE THINGS IN PLAIN SIGHT
If you see it, you’ll use it. And if you don’t, chuck it. Open shelves are a quick fix, cheaper than built-ins and sometimes preferable because they don’t shrink a room. There are plenty of good-looking options around, that can be attached to virtually any surface. The best are fat enough to make a statement (about four centimetres). And look great stacked with glassware, china, crockery, the lot.
RACK IT UP
Hang racks. Creating storage takes advantage of whatever space is available, no matter how unorthodox. Speciality racks can utilize walls, ceilings, the side of a counter, any vertical surface, freeing up limited cabinet and benchtop space.
USE A MONOCHROME PALETTE
Go for a blank canvas Painting the walls and ceiling the same colour gives the impression of space, making the space seem harmonious, reflective, calm and serene.
ADD PLANTS
Potted or freshly cut herbs such as rosemary, oregano, parsley, bay leaves can add instant life to a kitchen, soften the room, creat instant focal points plus be used for cooking. A lemon or fig tree can make a big difference to the hardest working room in the house.
SPEND ON FITTINGS
Invest in door hardware, light fixtures, and faucets. Details that get used daily need to be not only good-looking but also durable.
HANG UTENSILS ON THE WALL AS ART
What could be simpler? Function, however, should have great form, and if you want chic storage you’ll need to look beyond a slab of pine. Luckily, there are lots of great room-spanning utensil racks to choose from.
PAINT
Never underestimate the transformative powers of colour. Paint offers immediate gratification, even the good stuff is relatively inexpensive, and a careful amateur can do a good job. Hate your kitchen? Try paint first.
ABOVE ALL, KEEP IT SIMPLE
Small spaces are all about editing. The more pieces, possessions, and patterns you have in a room, the more cluttered it will feel. Avoid too many knickknacks or at least group them so they read as an installation. Ditto with art; concentrate your framed pieces on one or two walls. Avoid busy patterns and overwhelming colors. The bottom line is you need to be strict with yourself.
