As housing prices rise, people evaluate where they can cut off on luxury and space in their living environments. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean a lower quality of life, especially if you know the proper interior design techniques.

These essential spaces may be transformed into highly functional and stylish areas that add creativity, functionality, and efficiency to your home. This is the specialty of companies like Coco Design & Build Co., which specializes in crafting beautiful, space-saving solutions tailored to compact kitchens and bathrooms. Here are some practical tips from the founder on making the most of space in a small bathroom or kitchen.

Utilize Vertical Storage

Vertical space often goes unmentioned when discussing kitchens and bathrooms, but adequately using cabinets, floating shelves, or wall-mounted racks may significantly increase your space. In kitchens, vertical pantries and overhead pot racks help keep countertops clear. In bathrooms, wall-mounted vanities and shelving above the toilet create additional storage without cluttering the room, thus allowing for more effortless movement.

Opt for Multi-Functional Fixtures

When working with limited space, multi-use furniture should become a priority.  Foldable or extendable tables, rolling islands, and appliances with built-in storage may save precious space in a compact kitchen. For bathrooms, vanities with hidden drawers, mirrors with storage compartments, and shower niches may help maximize space without sacrificing style.

Use Reflective Surfaces to Enhance Space

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Mirrors and reflective materials can help make a space feel more open. A mirrored backsplash in the kitchen can reflect light, creating a sense of depth. In bathrooms, large mirrors above vanities or full-wall mirrors can enhance the feeling of space, especially when paired with glossy tiles and glass shower doors that reduce visual barriers.

Choose a Light and Cohesive Color Palette

Using light colors such as white, soft grays, and pastel tones is a great way to make small kitchens and bathrooms appear significant, thanks to their ability to propagate light around a space, especially when combined with specific materials and textures. In kitchens, pairing a white cabinetry set with light wood or marble countertops enhances the sense of space. At the same time, bathrooms benefit from neutral tiles and light-colored vanities that brighten the area.

Incorporate Clever Storage Solutions

Storage can be challenging in smaller spaces, but thoughtful organization can help keep essentials accessible while reducing clutter. In kitchens, pull-out pantry shelves, under-sink organizers, and magnetic knife strips can help make use of available space. In bathrooms, recessed medicine cabinets, floating vanities with drawers, and corner shelving can provide additional storage without taking up too much room.

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Enhance Lighting for a Spacious Feel

Good lighting can help enhance the feel of a space. In the kitchen, under-cabinet, pendant, and recessed lighting can contribute to a well-lit and inviting atmosphere. In the bathroom, layered lighting—such as sconces, backlit mirrors, and ceiling lights—can help reduce shadows and add dimension. Natural light can also be incorporated with sheer curtains or frosted windows for a bright and open look.

Optimize Layout and Flow

We tend to underestimate how a simple change in the furniture configuration can make a space feel completely different. An efficient work triangle between the stove, sink, and refrigerator helps with smooth movement in kitchens. Other good options are the galley or L-shaped designs. Compact fixtures like corner sinks, floating toilets, and walk-in showers can also do wonders for bathrooms.

Combining your creativity with the resources available is the key to making the most out of a compact space. However, planning out your new kitchen or bathroom can be stressful, so if you’re having trouble getting it just how you want it to look, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Coco Design and Build specializes in designing kitchens and bathrooms for homes of all sizes and can do the same for you.

Published by Anne C.