When you think of your home’s kitchen, what words come to mind? If your is more along the lines of “cramped” and “crowded,” there are likely a few elements in the space making it feel smaller than it should.
Whether you’re a small-space dweller looking for ways to get the most out of limited square footage, or are finding your family home’s kitchen feels a little more snug than usual, these are six of the things design pros say could be the culprits (and their favorite ways to fix them, of course).
Countertop Clutter
No matter what size space you have, all our experts agree that keeping a kitchen clutter-free is one of the biggest differences between a warm and inviting heart of the home, and an overwhelming area you pop in and out of for essential meal prep only.
“Cluttered countertops instantly make a kitchen space feel crowded and therefore smaller, so keep only essential items visible,” says interior architect Inara Tirkkonen. “Make the most of hidden storage solutions for a clean, open look,”
Keep as many items as possible—including infrequently-used appliances, spices, and cooking utensils—stored away for a functional and visually appealing work surface you’ll actually enjoy using.
Too Many Colors
Having a kitchen that lives up to its full potential isn’t just about utilizing clever organization ideas—it’s also important to lean into design choices that work for your space. According to Tirkkonen, an overwhelming, cramped feeling can come from more than just a countertop full of cookware.
“Too many mismatched colors will also create visual clutter,” she says. “Sticking to a cohesive color palette will give the kitchen a more spacious and streamlined look, even in a small space.”
Dark Cabinets
Another color choice both Tirkkonen and interior designer Nina Lichtenstein say will instantly overpower and shrink a kitchen? Anything too dark— especially on kitchen cabinets, which set the tone for the entire room.
“While rich, dark cabinetry can add elegance, it also absorbs light, making a kitchen feel smaller and more enclosed,” Lichtenstein shares. ” If you love the sophistication of dark tones, use them sparingly on a kitchen island or lower cabinets, and keep upper cabinets light to draw the eye upward and create balance.”
To give the illusion of a larger kitchen, Lichtenstein suggests painting cabinets in airy, light-reflecting shades such as creams, greys, and pastels which give the space a welcoming modern farmhouse or Scandinavian-inspired look.
Lack of Light
The more light there is in a space, the bigger it will seem, according to designer Dan Mazzarani. Incorporating paler shades of paint through your kitchen’s cabinetry and backsplash is one way to increase the natural light filling the room, but there are a couple of other steps our designers always take.
“Generally, if you want a space to feel bigger, think brighter,” he says. “Glossy finishes, from countertops to sinks and cabinetry, reflect light to create the illusion of a larger space.”
Window treatments and allowing light to enter are also hugely important.
“To open up the space, try minimalist window treatments such as simple shades, sheer blinds, or uncovered windows for a bright, welcoming kitchen that feels larger and more inviting,” Lichtenstein says.
Poor Proportions
Restoring visual balance and allowing space for an open flow of energy are both key to helping a cramped-feeling kitchen feel larger. One sneaky thing that could be throwing off the feeling of the room is the proportions of your shelves and appliances.
“Scale is especially important in smaller spaces, both visually and practically” Mazzarini says. “Your fridge, for instance, should only be counter-depth to avoid it feeling too big or like it’s imposing on your working space.”
If you’re able to remodel your kitchen and upgrade its cabinets, Mazzarini also suggests going for a look that reaches to the ceiling.
“Much like high-waisted pants do in fashion, they make the bottom half of the kitchen feel longer,” he says.