Kitchen Nightmares: 10 Decor Mistakes Shrinking Your Space!

Your kitchen should be a welcoming hub where culinary creations come to life, but sometimes, despite your best intentions, it can feel a bit cramped. The culprit? Often, it’s the decor.

In this blog, we’ll delve into 10 common kitchen decor mistakes that might be making your space feel smaller than it actually is. 

10. Overloading With Upper Cabinets

While upper cabinets provide valuable storage space, they can make our kitchen feel closed-off and small. Instead, consider open shelving or glass-fronted cabinets to create a lighter, airier atmosphere. This way, you’ll maintain storage without sacrificing the feeling of openness.

This is especially true in older kitchens that have cabinets free hanging over a peninsula style countertop.  Consider taking those particular cabinets downs to open the view between spaces. 

9. Using Dark Colors On Walls and Cabinets

Dark colors tend to absorb light and make a room feel smaller. In a kitchen, opt for lighter shades on walls, cabinets, and countertops to create a brighter, more spacious feel. If you love the idea of darker hues, use them as accents rather than primary colors.

8. Not Maximizing Natural Light

Natural lights work great in creating a space, so don’t overlook their importance in your kitchen. Keep window treatments minimal and ensure they don’t block the light. You can add reflective surfaces, like glossy tiles or a mirror, to spread light throughout the room.

7. Cluttered Countertops

A clutter-free kitchen is key to making your space feel larger. Keep countertops as clear as possible, and only display items that you use regularly. Store the rest in cabinets or drawers, and create a lifestyle of putting things away when you are done using them.

6. Over-the-top Patterns

While patterns can add personality to your kitchen, too many bold or contrasting designs can make the space feel chaotic and cramped. Instead, choose one or two patterns and stick with a cohesive color scheme to develop a pleasing look.

5. Ignoring Vertical Space

Don’t forget to utilize your kitchen’s vertical space! By installing shelves or hooks on walls and the insides of cabinet doors, you can store items without taking up valuable counter space. This helps to keep your kitchen looking clean and open.

4. Poor Lighting

A well-lit kitchen feels more spacious, so make sure you have a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Recessed or under-cabinet lights can brighten countertops, while pendant lights or a chandelier can create a focal point and add warmth to the room.

3. Oversized Appliances

Large appliances can overwhelm a small kitchen, so consider your space when purchasing new items. Smaller, more compact appliances can still pack a punch and help your kitchen feel more open and airy.

2. Skimping on Storage Solutions

A well-organized kitchen is crucial for making the space feel larger. Put your money into storage units like drawer dividers, pull-out shelves, or even a pot rack to ensure your kitchen is clutter-free and streamlined.

1. Neglecting Focal Points

Establishing a central point in the kitchen can effectively attract attention and impart a sense of expanded space. This could manifest as a striking backsplash, an exquisite light fixture, or even a captivating piece of art. Opt for something that mirrors his unique aesthetic, ensuring it harmoniously coexists with the rest of the room’s elements.

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