How to Maximize Space in a Kitchen

a small kitchen with a wooden countertop and white tiles

Kitchens are a place of solitude, peace, and enjoyment. As the hub of the home, they can bring people together for fun gatherings, delicious meals, and unforgettable family events. Kitchens come in all different shapes and sizes, and making the most out of your space is vital.

When you plan to sell, a kitchen can be a huge factor in how quickly it sells. It can also make a big difference in how your property is valued and what type of buyers you attract. For example, larger, more spacious kitchens are more likely to attract families and high-end buyers.

If you’re thinking about renovating your property for added resale value, the kitchen is a great place to start. Keep reading to learn our top tips on how to maximize space in a kitchen to boost its potential and your resale value.

1. Choose Built-In Appliances

a microwave built into a kitchen cupboard above an oven

Kitchen appliances can take up a ton of room on a countertop. Some of these items are somewhat unavoidable, like a coffee machine, air fryer, or blender. However, some items, like a microwave, can be built into the cupboards to save space.

Other items that can be built into cupboards to maximize space include a washing machine, tumble dryer, or trash can. According to Dinner Mom, a clear countertop makes a kitchen appear cleaner and more spacious. It can also make it easier to clean (a win-win!).

2. Opt For Smaller Appliances

a woman staring into a small open fridge

Kitchen appliances can vary dramatically in size. Some items, like refrigerators, can take up so much space and make a kitchen look darker. Take a look around your kitchen and ask yourself if a smaller version could still suffice for this room and your cooking needs.

In 2023, appliances are getting more compact and efficient, so they still work well at a small size. They are also becoming more popular in the modern-day home. Ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, coffee makers, microwaves, and refrigerators are all appliances that come in varied sizes. While updating your kitchen appliances with a smaller version may not suit all families if you are doing a ton of cooking, it can help save space within your kitchen.

3 . Remove Walls

Kitchens can sometimes come with a funky layout. If a property is narrower than most, the kitchen, in particular, can feel congested. A common way to increase the size of a kitchen is to remove a wall that doesn’t serve many purposes. For example, if it’s a non-load-bearing wall. This step is more costly than the previous two, but it can have the largest impact on adding additional space to your kitchen.

According to Angi, the cost of removing a non-load-bearing wall can be between $300 to $1,000. This doesn’t include the costs of remodeling the kitchen around the new space. Based on research by Homeserve, the average small kitchen can cost between $7,000 and $17,500 in the states to renovate, depending on the quality of finishes chosen. However, such renovations can add value to a property when reselling, making the investment well worthwhile.

4 . Add Reflective Surfaces

Another way how to maximize space in a kitchen is to boost its natural light. A cheap and easy way to do this is to add more reflective surfaces around the room, like mirrors. By adding mirrors to a room, you increase the feng shui of the space, highlight different angles of the room, and make it appear larger.

A basic mirror can make a room appear nearly twice as large if placed in the right spot. To enhance the effects of the mirrors and accentuate natural light even further, add lighter colors to the kitchen, too. For example, paint the walls a neutral color or install lighter tiles. Or choose light accessories, like photo frames, artwork, blinds, and curtains.

Considering Selling Your Property in Philadelphia?

The kitchen is a room where you will most likely spend a ton of time in. Whether you enjoy hosting, socializing, or simply cooking for yourself, the kitchen is a sacred space. It’s important to only complete certain value-adding renovations before selling – and leave other things to the new owners to potentially do.

If you’re renovating a property before selling, Brotherly Love Real Estate buys houses throughout Philadelphia, PA. We’ve been serving homeowners in Philadelphia for many years and our team specializes in selling homes fast for cash.

If you are curious about what your property is worth, contact us today. Call or text us for a free consultation at (215) 769-9875.