5 Kitchen Design Ideas for Limited Budgets

Many renters have experienced the pitfalls of working in a comically tiny kitchen, and attempting to cook in such a kitchen can be a messy and frustrating ordeal. But through careful planning, and smart, space-saving kitchen design ideas, your kitchen can be functional, efficient, and a joy to work in.

Here are some simple ideas for turning your cramped kitchenette into a bona fide kitchen:

1. Insert Hooks Into Unused Wall Space

One of the primary problems posed by a small kitchen is the lack of storage space. Often, there are not enough cabinets and cupboards to house the myriad pots, pans, baking sheets, appliances, and bric-a-brac that commonly fill the apartment kitchen.

A simple and inexpensive solution to this problem is to insert hooks (or long, sturdy nails) into an unused wall in your kitchen. You should be able to pick up the hooks or nails at your local hardware store for under $5. This will allow you to hang most small and medium sized pots, pans, and other kitchen tools without using up valuable cabinet space. As an added bonus, it will also give your kitchen a rustic, homey feel.

2. Use Your Oven for Storage Space

Another way to free up space and to keep your kitchen looking neat and uncluttered is to use your oven for storage when it’s not in use. This may seem a tad obvious, but storing a few of your largest cooking implements, such as your baking sheets, roasting pans, and large pots in your oven will really help to clear up cabinet space for some of the smaller items that don’t fit on the wall hangings.

3. Install Sliding Shelves

Another inexpensive way to free up space in your kitchen is to add a sliding shelf underneath a cabinet. You can purchase this type of shelving for around $20, and it should take only a limited amount of handyman skill to install. These shelves will provide you with either added storage space or another work surface, depending on how you choose to use them.

4. Purchase an Over-Sink Cutting Board

If you have limited counter space, pick yourself up an over-sink cutting board. These boards have extendable ‘feet’ that allow you to fit the board over nearly any size sink, allowing you extra space for prep work. Expect to spend between $12-15, and avoid the pricier wooden boards, as they are prone to cracking and splitting. The cheaper plastic versions are more durable and easier to clean. If possible, look for one that has non-slip grips on the ‘feet’ to hold the board firmly in place while you use it.

5. Keep Appliances to a Bare Minimum

As a home chef, you will need to stock your kitchen with a few appliances, however, too many appliances will do nothing more than take up space and hinder your ability to use your kitchen effectively. Rid yourself of any appliances that are redundant or unnecessary.

For instance, there is really no need to have a toaster oven, or a toaster for that matter, if your regular oven is in working order. While a toaster or toaster oven may save you a few minutes, your regular oven should suffice for simple tasks such as toasting bread and re-warming food.

Follow these simple steps and you can maximize your space, minimize clutter, and have fun working in your kitchen.