This article is a guest contribution written by Julia Bare

A mini-kitchen at home isn’t just a luxury, it’s now a necessity. That’s because a small kitchen creates a new and unique focal point for any room in your home that needs an auxiliary kitchen, one that adds both ambiance and flair. This customizable kitchen is also quite useful, as it can be used by guests with allergies or on special diets to prepare their own treats.

For all those benefits, you’d be surprised that installing a small kitchen in your home isn’t as daunting as it seems. In fact, you even have the option of hiding it! YesterTec’s Armoire Mini-Kitchens are exquisite pieces of furniture that are both functional and stylish, as one can help any homeowner hide a small kitchen under the guise of an elegant-looking Armoire. Aside from that, you have plenty of other options starting with the design tips below, which will help you get the most out of this unique addition to your home.

Go for a compact but sensible layout

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A small kitchen means fewer layout options, and you can use that to your advantage. Rather than incorporate open expanses or high ceilings and install a kitchen island, look to layout your kitchen in a way that maximizes the functionality of every available space. A great option is the galley or corridor-style kitchen, which clusters together services, like dishwater, sink, and stove, within a confined area. This also reserves upper and lower cabinets for
storage, and leaves the counter space free so it can be used entirely for cooking.

And remember, a small kitchen can be quite functional. The kitchen below is the galley in the WWII era submarine USS  Bowfin, tasked with cooking  for a crew of 80 men. Now you may not want your kitchen to look like this, but it shows that enormous kitchens are not necessary to prepare meals for families or even large crowds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treat the kitchen as a collection of furniture

YesterTec’s idea worth keeping in mind when making a small kitchen is to redefine kitchens into pieces of furniture by safely concealing appliances where possible.

 

 

Unsurprisingly, doing so has become a trend, with the interiorzine.com blog on  detailing how the hide it if you can principle has become popular among designers, who are also espousing functional, stylish, and minimalist utilization in the kitchen.

A great example in this case is concealing appliances, like cooking ranges and ovens, as if they are just cabinets. Incidentally, YesterTec’s range of workstation furniture (shown above) will allow you to incorporate the ‘hide it if you can’ principle into your kitchen — safely, stylishly, and conveniently. Even the ‘hot’ appliances can be tucked away utilizing YesterTec’s unique U.L. Listed safety features.

Use modern, space-saving equipment

Any kitchen can be superbly functional regardless of size or design, and you needn’t sacrifice either its look or functionality. The way to do this is to opt for kitchen equipment that fits your style and has all the functions you need. A great example is Zojiruchi’s latest range of rice cookers that boast excellent functionality, including artificial intelligence assistance that ‘learns’ your rice cooking preferences. These rice cookers, even come in a sleek, stainless brown color that makes them perfect for any classy, furnished kitchen.

Equally impressive is Bosch’s Induction Cooktop and Speed Microwave combo. The Induction Cooktop is a sleek, space-saving combination of a cooking range and a countertop with digital touch controls and 17 heat levels. The Speed Microwave, on the other hand, combines two vital kitchen appliances — a traditional oven and a microwave oven — into one, elegant-looking powerhouse that will give your kitchen that 21st-century look.

Add greenery

Finally, add plants as they can add natural color to any small space. They can also purify your kitchen air by pulling toxins into the soil and converting them into nutrients. Plants can even make breathing easier, and improve focus, too! As to the choice of plants, start with  the seven listed by All Recipes . The ivy plant, in particular, is an excellent choice, as you can hang it to save space and is a great air purifier. Aloe vera is another good option, as it is extremely easy to take care of and can be useful for burns and rashes.

Now, as you ponder your small kitchen project, make sure to keep in mind the above tips. At the same time, remember to be as creative as possible, too. Mix and match to your heart’s desires, and go bold if you feel like it.

Your kitchen, your style, your rules!