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Struggling to come up with new storage solutions and decorating ideas for your super narrow kitchen? From clever wall niches to secret slide-out pantries, here are 15 creative ways to make the most of your closet-sized cooking space.
Kitchens
15 Ways to Maximize Your Extra-Narrow Cooking Space
August 25, 2017
Struggling to come up with new storage solutions and decorating ideas for your super narrow kitchen? From clever wall niches to secret slide-out pantries, here are 15 creative ways to make the most of your closet-sized cooking space.
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Maximize Awkward Corners
1/15Maximize Awkward Corners
1/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Most kitchens have extra, unused wall space, often to the side of upper cabinets. <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/maximize-narrow-cooking-space-1905517/">Maximize these corners</a> by installing simple open shelves to create additional storage for items that might otherwise clutter your counters. In narrow cooking quarters, every inch counts!Kitchens15 Ways to Maximize Your Extra-Narrow Cooking SpaceMaximize Awkward Corners
PHOTO 1 of 15READ LESS -Most kitchens have extra, unused wall space, often to the side of upper cabinets. <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/maximize-narrow-cooking-space-1905517/">Maximize these corners</a> by installing simple open shelves to create additional storage for items that might otherwise clutter your counters. In narrow cooking quarters, every inch counts!Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Embrace Counter Shelving
2/15Embrace Counter Shelving
2/15Photo Credit: O.coSource: www.overstock.com
Portable shelves offer extra storage in extra-small nooks and crannies. Invest in space-saving styles like this modern, stacked corner option designed for a kitchen countertop. <a href="https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Cook-N-Home-2-Tier-Corner-Storage-Shelf-Stainless-Steel/8239632/product.html" target="_blank">Cook N Home 2-Tier Corner Storage Shelf</a>, US $27.Kitchens15 Ways to Maximize Your Extra-Narrow Cooking SpaceEmbrace Counter Shelving
PHOTO 2 of 15READ LESS -Portable shelves offer extra storage in extra-small nooks and crannies. Invest in space-saving styles like this modern, stacked corner option designed for a kitchen countertop. <a href="https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Cook-N-Home-2-Tier-Corner-Storage-Shelf-Stainless-Steel/8239632/product.html" target="_blank">Cook N Home 2-Tier Corner Storage Shelf</a>, US $27.Photo Credit: O.coSource: www.overstock.com
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Welcome White
3/15Welcome White
3/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
When used properly, lighting can make a space seem larger than it is. Consider installing a classic white subway tile backsplash — not only will it add modern flair, but it will allow light to bounce off of it, making the room seem brighter in an instant.Kitchens15 Ways to Maximize Your Extra-Narrow Cooking SpaceWelcome White
PHOTO 3 of 15READ LESS -When used properly, lighting can make a space seem larger than it is. Consider installing a classic white subway tile backsplash — not only will it add modern flair, but it will allow light to bounce off of it, making the room seem brighter in an instant.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Install a Multi-Purpose Pot Rack
4/15Install a Multi-Purpose Pot Rack
4/15Photo Credit: Crate & BarrelSource: www.crateandbarrel.com
Don't use precious counter space to store large pots and pans. Instead, invest in a stylish pot rack with a built-in shelf that can be easily installed on unused wall space or even hung from the ceiling. And if you're worried about your cooking utensils being on display, simply work with them as part of the decor. <a href="https://www.crateandbarrel.com/enclume-copper-bookshelf-pot-rack/s244402" target="_blank">Enclume Copper Bookshelf Pot Rack</a>, $948.Kitchens15 Ways to Maximize Your Extra-Narrow Cooking SpaceInstall a Multi-Purpose Pot Rack
PHOTO 4 of 15READ LESS -Don't use precious counter space to store large pots and pans. Instead, invest in a stylish pot rack with a built-in shelf that can be easily installed on unused wall space or even hung from the ceiling. And if you're worried about your cooking utensils being on display, simply work with them as part of the decor. <a href="https://www.crateandbarrel.com/enclume-copper-bookshelf-pot-rack/s244402" target="_blank">Enclume Copper Bookshelf Pot Rack</a>, $948.Photo Credit: Crate & BarrelSource: www.crateandbarrel.com
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Snag a Stylish Bar Cart
5/15Snag a Stylish Bar Cart
5/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Invest in a compact bar cart that will look fashionable in any space. A cart on wheels can also be relocated as needed, such as this chic brass find that can just as easily serve as a living room side table.Kitchens15 Ways to Maximize Your Extra-Narrow Cooking SpaceSnag a Stylish Bar Cart
PHOTO 5 of 15READ LESS -Invest in a compact bar cart that will look fashionable in any space. A cart on wheels can also be relocated as needed, such as this chic brass find that can just as easily serve as a living room side table.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Score Stackable Stools
6/15Score Stackable Stools
6/15Photo Credit: IKEASource: www.ikea.com
Always have a stack of stools on hand in your slender cooking space. They can serve as extra seating for guests, or even double as cocktail tables when entertaining. And the best part? When you're done using them, just stack and store them away! <a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/10135659/" target="_blank">Marius Stool in Black</a>, $7 each.Kitchens15 Ways to Maximize Your Extra-Narrow Cooking SpaceScore Stackable Stools
PHOTO 6 of 15READ LESS -Always have a stack of stools on hand in your slender cooking space. They can serve as extra seating for guests, or even double as cocktail tables when entertaining. And the best part? When you're done using them, just stack and store them away! <a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/10135659/" target="_blank">Marius Stool in Black</a>, $7 each.Photo Credit: IKEASource: www.ikea.com
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Build a Wall Niche
7/15Build a Wall Niche
7/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Struggling to find extra cabinet space to store your cookbook collection, or even non-food related reads? Amplify your decor with an in-wall storage nook for displaying colourful paperbacks. Bonus: it doubles as an art installation.Kitchens15 Ways to Maximize Your Extra-Narrow Cooking SpaceBuild a Wall Niche
PHOTO 7 of 15READ LESS -Struggling to find extra cabinet space to store your cookbook collection, or even non-food related reads? Amplify your decor with an in-wall storage nook for displaying colourful paperbacks. Bonus: it doubles as an art installation.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Find a Fashionable Cart
8/15Find a Fashionable Cart
8/15Photo Credit: WayfairSource: www.wayfair.ca
Focus on function with a fashionable cart on wheels. Not only can it serve as an extension of your counter (aka a mobile kitchen island) but various designs also offer extra cabinetry and shelving. As with any good decor, invest in a unit that blends into your space or acts as a stylish statement piece. <a href="https://www.wayfair.ca/Andover-Mills-Terrell-Kitchen-Island-HODE1239.html" target="_blank">Terrell Kitchen Island</a>, $228.Kitchens15 Ways to Maximize Your Extra-Narrow Cooking SpaceFind a Fashionable Cart
PHOTO 8 of 15READ LESS -Focus on function with a fashionable cart on wheels. Not only can it serve as an extension of your counter (aka a mobile kitchen island) but various designs also offer extra cabinetry and shelving. As with any good decor, invest in a unit that blends into your space or acts as a stylish statement piece. <a href="https://www.wayfair.ca/Andover-Mills-Terrell-Kitchen-Island-HODE1239.html" target="_blank">Terrell Kitchen Island</a>, $228.Photo Credit: WayfairSource: www.wayfair.ca
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Get Inventive
9/15Get Inventive
9/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
When decorating a narrow kitchen, don't be afraid to embrace your creative side (that means you, DIYers). Come up with thoughtful solutions that suit your space, such as building makeshift furniture that can serve dual purposes. In this instance, the designer created an island countertop with a plank of wood, which hides a bulky radiator and also works as a breakfast bar.Kitchens15 Ways to Maximize Your Extra-Narrow Cooking SpaceGet Inventive
PHOTO 9 of 15READ LESS -When decorating a narrow kitchen, don't be afraid to embrace your creative side (that means you, DIYers). Come up with thoughtful solutions that suit your space, such as building makeshift furniture that can serve dual purposes. In this instance, the designer created an island countertop with a plank of wood, which hides a bulky radiator and also works as a breakfast bar.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Slip in a Secret Pantry
10/15Slip in a Secret Pantry
10/15Photo Credit: RichelieuSource: www.richelieu.com
Make use of the extra space beside your fridge by installing a customizable slide-out pantry with built-in shelving. Use the unit to store spices and other non-perishables, freeing up tons of counter and cabinetry space. The best part? No one will know it's there! <a href="https://www.richelieu.com/ca/en/category/kitchen-and-bathroom-accessories/kitchen/wall-unit-and-pantry-cabinets-storage-systems/pull-out-pantry-system/pull-out-pantries/sliding-pantry-with-non-slip-baskets/1198618/sku-537308GR" target="_blank">Sliding Pantry with Non-Slip Baskets</a>, available through designers.Kitchens15 Ways to Maximize Your Extra-Narrow Cooking SpaceSlip in a Secret Pantry
PHOTO 10 of 15READ LESS -Make use of the extra space beside your fridge by installing a customizable slide-out pantry with built-in shelving. Use the unit to store spices and other non-perishables, freeing up tons of counter and cabinetry space. The best part? No one will know it's there! <a href="https://www.richelieu.com/ca/en/category/kitchen-and-bathroom-accessories/kitchen/wall-unit-and-pantry-cabinets-storage-systems/pull-out-pantry-system/pull-out-pantries/sliding-pantry-with-non-slip-baskets/1198618/sku-537308GR" target="_blank">Sliding Pantry with Non-Slip Baskets</a>, available through designers.Photo Credit: RichelieuSource: www.richelieu.com
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Dine Modestly
11/15Dine Modestly
11/15Photo Credit: Mikael AxelssonSource: www.mikaelcreative.com
A bistro dining set is the perfect stand-in for a bulky table that takes up precious real estate. Consider purchasing a table for two, with character and style to enhance your space. This nook, styled by Stockholm's Cristian Lind, features an antique bistro set with a marble tabletop — perfect for a casual-meets-chic kitchen.Kitchens15 Ways to Maximize Your Extra-Narrow Cooking SpaceDine Modestly
PHOTO 11 of 15READ LESS -A bistro dining set is the perfect stand-in for a bulky table that takes up precious real estate. Consider purchasing a table for two, with character and style to enhance your space. This nook, styled by Stockholm's Cristian Lind, features an antique bistro set with a marble tabletop — perfect for a casual-meets-chic kitchen.Photo Credit: Mikael AxelssonSource: www.mikaelcreative.com
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Get Reflective
12/15Get Reflective
12/15Photo Credit: Brandon Barr
Mirrored surfaces are one of the best ways to visually expand a tiny space. In a kitchen, opt for reflective upper cabinetry doors. The light bouncing off the mirrors will offer the illusion of a wider room, while giving the space sleek and modern appeal.Kitchens15 Ways to Maximize Your Extra-Narrow Cooking SpaceGet Reflective
PHOTO 12 of 15READ LESS -Mirrored surfaces are one of the best ways to visually expand a tiny space. In a kitchen, opt for reflective upper cabinetry doors. The light bouncing off the mirrors will offer the illusion of a wider room, while giving the space sleek and modern appeal.Photo Credit: Brandon Barr
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Consider Counter-Height Dining
13/15Consider Counter-Height Dining
13/15Photo Credit: Wayfair.caSource: www.wayfair.ca
A counter-height table can have multiple purposes in a narrow kitchen: it can be used as a buffet space for entertaining, a dining table for everyday meals, or even a countertop while cooking. Placing the table against a wall will also clear up hallway space. <a href="https://www.wayfair.ca/Charlton-Home-Prosser-3-Piece-Counter-Height-Dining-Set-CHLH1673.html" target="_blank">Prosser Counter Height Dining Set</a>, $186 per 3-piece set.Kitchens15 Ways to Maximize Your Extra-Narrow Cooking SpaceConsider Counter-Height Dining
PHOTO 13 of 15READ LESS -A counter-height table can have multiple purposes in a narrow kitchen: it can be used as a buffet space for entertaining, a dining table for everyday meals, or even a countertop while cooking. Placing the table against a wall will also clear up hallway space. <a href="https://www.wayfair.ca/Charlton-Home-Prosser-3-Piece-Counter-Height-Dining-Set-CHLH1673.html" target="_blank">Prosser Counter Height Dining Set</a>, $186 per 3-piece set.Photo Credit: Wayfair.caSource: www.wayfair.ca
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Choose a Functional Island
14/15Choose a Functional Island
14/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
If you have room for a kitchen island, make sure it's one that's packed with storage solutions. Consider purchasing a unit with shelving and cabinetry to store formal dinnerware or other lesser-used pieces. Plus, open shelves are the perfect place to display cookbooks and other stylish finds.Kitchens15 Ways to Maximize Your Extra-Narrow Cooking SpaceChoose a Functional Island
PHOTO 14 of 15READ LESS -If you have room for a kitchen island, make sure it's one that's packed with storage solutions. Consider purchasing a unit with shelving and cabinetry to store formal dinnerware or other lesser-used pieces. Plus, open shelves are the perfect place to display cookbooks and other stylish finds.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Use Cabinetry Doors
15/15Use Cabinetry Doors
15/15Photo Credit: Lowes CanadaSource: www.lowes.ca
Don't underestimate the storage potential of cabinetry doors. The interior side can serve a variety of functions, from a hanging spice rack (find this one <a href="https://www.lowes.ca/cabinet-organization/rev-a-shelf-4sr-spice-rack_g645161.html" target="_blank">here</a>) to a peg board with hooks for storing utensils to a magnetic board for kitchen essentials. The options are endless, so put on your DIY hat and get creative!Kitchens15 Ways to Maximize Your Extra-Narrow Cooking SpaceUse Cabinetry Doors
PHOTO 15 of 15READ LESS -Don't underestimate the storage potential of cabinetry doors. The interior side can serve a variety of functions, from a hanging spice rack (find this one <a href="https://www.lowes.ca/cabinet-organization/rev-a-shelf-4sr-spice-rack_g645161.html" target="_blank">here</a>) to a peg board with hooks for storing utensils to a magnetic board for kitchen essentials. The options are endless, so put on your DIY hat and get creative!Photo Credit: Lowes CanadaSource: www.lowes.ca
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