Last time you searched for an apartment, rental home, or hotel room, did terms like “compact cooking space” or “efficient kitchen” catch your eye? It’s the kitchen you probably came across.
The kitchen is essentially a small version of a full kitchen, but there are some important distinctions. These compact cooking areas serve a variety of purposes, such as building a home in Indianapolis, if you are renting a studio apartment in New York City. Here’s everything you need to know about Kitchenettes and how they maximize every square foot.
In this article:
What is a kitchen?
Where is the kitchen normally located?
What are the key features of a kitchenette?
Kitchen vs Full Kitchen: What’s the difference?
How to integrate your kitchen into any space
Pros and Cons of the Kitchen
Space-saving hacking for small kitchens and kitchens
Is the kitchen right for you?
What is a kitchen?
The kitchen is simply a compact kitchen. It is usually located in an open area and has minimal appliances and streamlined features. Unlike a full kitchen, kitchens often lack full-size appliances, but usually include essentials such as mini fridges, sinks, strobes tops, countertops and limited cabinet space, explains Matthew Sherborn, owner of Design Ideas for a home design company. Other kitchens can include a small oven or opt for a convection microwave or hot plate instead.
Due to limited space, kitchens are common in urban apartments, condominiums and other small living spaces. It is also a popular addition to spare rooms, basements and other gathering areas, so you can easily access food and drinks without the need for a full kitchen.
But Kitchenettes aren’t just limited to small spaces, and DIY renovation experts Jen and Trent Fancher have nominated Grace.
Where is the kitchen normally located?
Kitchenettes may be associated with small living spaces, but they can be found in a variety of settings. Taylor’s Suzanne Taylor has signed a contract. In addition to being popular in studios and microapartments, she explains that the kitchen might be a good fit.
Basement or Step-Suite: The kitchen of the guest room or Step-Suite offers guests a place to prepare small meals and drinks without access to the main kitchen area. “If your home has a guest, a large family, or another living area for rental purposes, the kitchen offers convenience without the need for a full kitchen,” says Taylor. Small Houses and Adus (Accessory Residence Units): If the entire house is less than hundreds of square feet, the kitchen is an ideal solution for food preparation. “Small separate living spaces on the facility can include a kitchen instead of a full kitchen to save space and meet zoning requirements,” Taylor shares. Rental Units, Airbnb Spaces, University Doors: Taylor explains that short-term kitchenettes can help make the space more self-sufficient for guests and tenants and add value to the overall experience. Bonus Rooms: Bonus Rooms and finished basement wet bars have been popular for decades, but the full kitchen is taking it a step further with more complete spaces. “We personally added a kitchen to our home to create a functional refresh area without spending too much space,” reveals Funchers. Outdoor Space: Large yards, guest houses, poolside areas, or even outdoor kitchens can benefit from the convenience of the kitchen.
What are the key features of a kitchenette?
Most kitchens include some sort of sink, fridge and cooking utensils. “The most popular appliance options in the kitchen are microwaves, mini fridges and cooktops,” Sherbone said. Common kitchen features include:
Focusing on a compact layout: Unlike a full kitchen with a working zone, the kitchen is usually located straight on one wall or corner. This design allows for maximum functionality in the smallest space. Compact Appliances: A mini fridge, small sink and two burner cooktop are common. Appliance styles may also vary depending on the layout. For example, you can place a slimmer kitchen fridge on your side or a shorter mini fridge under the counter. Creatively constructed: When the space is premium, the kitchen can be incorporated into countless different configurations and designs.
Kitchen vs Full Kitchen: What’s the difference?
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How to integrate your kitchen into any space
No matter what kitchen design, it’s important to keep things cohesive. “We recommend matching your design style, color palette and material with the surrounding space,” Jen shares. “Using the same cabinet style, hardware, or complementary backsplash helps your kitchen blend seamlessly.”
Opening the shelf and using a combination of decorative and functional elements is a surefire way to help the kitchen feel a deliberate feeling rather than an afterthought to the space, Jen explains.
Defining zones with subtle boundaries, such as slow rugs and slight variations in wall colour, Taylor shares that defining a kitchen space without breaking the flow. “Barstools, small islands, or nearby dining tables can create a seamless transition.”
Pros and Cons of the Kitchen
Both the kitchen and the kitchen serve as meal preparation spaces, but the kitchen is designed to be more compact and more space-efficient. If you are considering it for your home or rental, weighing the pros and cons can help you determine if it’s right for you.
Strong Points
Minimum Space Requirements: Having a kitchen means more space for living space, dining room and other areas in general. Low Maintenance: Less countertop space, fewer appliances and less footprints will reduce time maintenance and less cleaning. Cost-effective: The nature of a mini-sized kitchen is usually much more affordable to install and dress than a traditional kitchen. Add value: By maximizing functionality in a small space, the kitchen increases convenience and livability while increasing the appeal to renters or buyers looking for flexible, space-efficient living solutions.
Cons
Potentially Costly Installation: If you’re adding a kitchenette to your living space, a full installation often costs at least $10,000 when starting from scratch. Limited Appliances: Kitchens usually don’t have enough space to fit things like dishwashers and garbage disposal sinks. Less counter space means less space for small appliances, such as coffee machines and toaster ovens. Short storage: The kitchen naturally lacks much space for cabinets, drawers and other storage space. Regulations can be a problem. Depending on the building codes or regulations of your city, town, or neighborhood association, a full kitchen may or may not be permitted. @Taylor signed a contract
Space-saving hacking for small kitchens and kitchens
The team at Taylor Made Contracting has evolved to include more all-in-one appliances and multi-functional solutions for small kitchen designs. But making the most of your small space is a small kitchen organization and design solution.
Vertical Storage: Funcher says “Think about it” when the counter and cabinet space is limited. Install floating shelves, magnetic knife strips, and wall-mounted racks to store frequently used items without cluttering your workspace. Vertical pantry and stackable shelves within the cabinet also help to double the storage and maximize space. Multipurpose furniture and appliances: “Go to furniture that fulfills double obligations, like a folding table that serves both preparation area and dining space,” Taylor suggests. Compact, multifunctional appliances, including microwave/convection oven combinations and single units with sinks, refrigerators and cooktops, can also save space. Drawers and Cabinet Organizer: Use drawer shelves, tension rods to separate baking sheets, and stackable bins to make everything easy to access. Lazy Susan in the corner cabinet can also take advantage of the otherwise wasted space.
Space-efficient alternative: Try an oversink roll-up drying mat instead of a full-size drying rack. Reduce cabinet mess with nested bowls and stackable cooking utensils. And if you run out of counter space, Sherbone says, pull-out chopping boards can instantly expand your preparation area. Inside cabinet door: Install hooks for measuring spoons, slim racks for cutting boards, or adhesive organizers for spices and cleaning supplies. Extra surface space: Wall-mounted folding tables and expandable countertops provide additional workspace when needed, but are extruded seamlessly when not in use. A rolling cart is another option, such as extra storage, a preparation station, or a home coffee bar. Visual Expansion: Choose bright colors, reflective surfaces, and open shelves to create a well-ventilated, open feel. Lighting and mirrors below the cabinet can also help you make the space even bigger. @Noting Grace
Is the kitchen right for you?
When deciding whether the kitchen is the right choice, it depends on prioritizing your needs. Think about how you will use the space and what features are most important to you. Even with a compact setup, small convenience can have a big impact on functionality.
“To be honest, we love how our kitchen turned out,” Jen said. “But if we could do one thing differently, we would have added a dedicated waterline to the ice maker. Even in small spaces, convenience is important.”
The size of the kitchen is a bit limited, but it still offers great features for small spaces and can increase the value of the home. If you like to cook big, complicated meals with many ingredients, a full-size kitchen might be a better option. But if you need basics, staying in a short-term location, or if you’re more convenient with the extra living space, the kitchen and a bit more creativity can fit perfectly.
Kitchenette FAQ
1. Can I cook in the kitchen?
yes. There is no full stove or oven, but you can cook it using a microwave, hot plate, slow cooker or an air fryer.
2. What is the difference between a kitchen and a kitchen?
The kitchen is a full-size cooking space with essential appliances such as an oven, a stove top, a full-size fridge and ample counter space designed to prepare a variety of meals. Kitchenette is a compact version with limited appliances, often just a small fridge, microwave and sink, making it perfect for small spaces and simple meal preparation.
3. Is there a dishwasher in the kitchen?
Most kitchens do not come with a dishwasher due to space limitations, but you can add a compact or countertop dishwasher.
4. Is the kitchen cheaper to install than a full kitchen?
yes! The kitchen is extremely affordable as there are fewer appliances, fewer cabinets and minimal space. “But the cost depends heavily on the size of your room, its functionality and the appliances you choose,” Sherbone says.
5. Can I add a kitchen to my home?
absolutely! Many homeowners install kitchens in their basement, guesthouses, or home offices to add convenience and value to their property.
