Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.
Britain’s houses have a reputation for being among the smallest in Europe. According to data experts at LABC Warranty, the average size of the British kitchen is under 15m2. If your house was built in the 1960s, you might be enjoying a “huge” space, with an average size of 15.37m2. It is the biggest the average kitchen has been in houses built between the 1930s and today. The 1930s, the decade of the smallest kitchen, shows an average size of 12.27m2, which is approximately 1.2m2 smaller than modern kitchens.
What does this mean? To put it simply, the British home is tiny compared to our European neighbours. But rather than feeling cramped in your kitchen, you need to identify the areas that can be improved.
It’s not too small, but it’s poorly decorated
How to arrange and decorate the room can transform your perception of space. A dark kitchen, for instance, is likely to appear small and confined. On the other hand, choosing a colour scheme that enhances natural light instantly creates a spacious kitchen. When it comes to paint, white is a good base. Ideally, you want to combine it with other shades that can inject energy and dynamism to the space. Pale green, for instance, can keep you on your toes as it’s a positive reminder of health. Did you know that you’re more likely to stick to a healthy diet in a bright and positive kitchen?
It’s crowded with useless stuff
It’s hard to limit yourself to the essential appliances when there’s so much choice available. Most households accumulate appliances and utensils they don’t regularly use, such as the oversized saucepan you use to make jam in summer. You may not be ready to separate yourself from large items, but the truth is that they take unnecessary space in the kitchen. For seasonal devices and tools, why not keep them in a local storage centre so that they don’t clutter your kitchen unnecessarily? What should you keep in storage:
- The ice-cream maker you use only during summer,
- The fancy French raclette dish you brought back from a vacation in the Alps and that you use during the Christmas period,
- Any oversized utensil that serves only a seasonal purpose (yes, that includes your jamming saucepan),
- Cookware, cutlery and China services that you only use for special occasions.
It’s designed for a single function
In the Feng Shui philosophy, each room has a clear purpose, which defines its decor. The kitchen, for instance, should only serve as the area where you prepare food and eat. Open plan kitchens can introduce a dining area., using an island to add a multi-storage table. However, in a small room, you need to eliminate anything that doesn’t support the primary function. In other words, the TV, for instance, doesn’t belong in the kitchen. It should be relocated to the living room, where entertainment is the core purpose.
There’s no denying that our British kitchens are small in townhouses. However, strategic interior design and smart thinking can transform a tiny space into a functional and enjoyable room. Who said your tiny kitchen couldn’t be sufficient?
