You will often spot kitchenettes in corners of houses, holiday homes, and hotel rooms. Basically, a kitchenette is any small area that provides the basic functions of a kitchen. It is often part of a larger room. In a kitchenette, you could find a mini-refrigerator, a microwave, beverage-making facilities, and sometimes, a small sink.
You may wonder why homes need kitchenettes. After all, why take up more space for preparing food and refreshment when a separate kitchen already exists?
There are many reasons for this. First of all, a well-planned kitchenette design can do away with the need for a kitchen in smaller apartments. This can be a valuable space-saving tactic. Second, kitchenettes are handy at times when you just need a drink or a snack without having to go all the way to the kitchen to prepare them. They make living spaces more convenient and cosy.
Let’s explore some more aspects of kitchenette designs and the best ways to create one in your home.
A Kitchen Vs a Kitchenette
At the very start, it is important for you to be clear about the function of a kitchenette. That means being aware of the differences between a kitchen and a kitchenette design in the first place. Here are the main features of each.
- A kitchen is a separate room, whereas a kitchenette is often part of a larger space such as a bedroom or a living room. Sometimes, a kitchenette can even be fitted into much smaller spaces, such as a section of a corridor or an unused corner of the house.
- A kitchen has storage space for all the utensils and provisions you need for meals. Kitchenettes have limited storage and just a few essential provisions. For example, an office kitchenette design will follow this principle.
- Kitchens have cooking facilities such as stoves and ovens. In a kitchenette, there may just be a microwave for heating food.
- Kitchens are equipped for you to prepare complete meals from raw ingredients. In a kitchenette design, you largely need to rely on pre-cooked food and simpler activities such as making tea or coffee. There can be exceptions to this, especially in cases where the kitchenette serves as a replacement for a kitchen.
The Features of a Kitchenette
Though kitchenettes are basically mini-kitchens, their features can vary depending on the size and need. Some can be more elaborate, and others can be plain and functional. Here are the aspects for you to keep in mind when thinking of kitchenette designs.
- If the kitchenette is in a small apartment with no other cooking facilities, you need to install a sink. That means checking on the plumbing. You may have to locate the kitchenette on the other side of a shared wall that has laundry or bathroom facilities, for example. Another option would be to see which pipes can be extended to reach the kitchenette.
- The counter space of a kitchenette design will be limited. That is why you will have to carefully plan its use and the number of appliances you will need. A crowded kitchenette means that it will be inconvenient to use.
- Speaking of appliances, the more compact they are, the better. Small microwaves, hot plates, and refrigerators are the starting points. The kitchenette design should depend on your needs.
- As pointed out above, a cluttered kitchenette is extremely inconvenient. The other aspect of this is planning the right storage facilities. You will have to think of innovative and optimal ways to maximise storage space in a kitchenette design. Compact cabinets, wall hooks, pull-out racks and more are some solutions.
- You should also consider the aesthetic elements. Should the kitchenette design blend seamlessly into the surrounding space, or should it stand out? Should there be a strict demarcation between the kitchenette and the rest of the room? The answers to these questions depend on the size of the interior and the uses of the kitchenette. There are many ways to make your kitchenette look attractive.
Appealing Kitchenette Design Plans
Now, let’s look at some creative and attractive kitchenette designs. One or all of these designs could inspire you to come up with the perfect kitchenette design of your own. Below, you’ll find examples of kitchenette designs for small spaces and larger ones.
Minimal
This is a kitchenette design that can fit into the smallest of spaces. In this case, the kitchenette is made even more convenient by being next to a small table and seating area. It is in minimal black and white, with a marble backsplash and concealed lighting to give it a distinctive appeal. Note the big cabinets at the top and bottom for ample storage.
Cosy
In larger rooms, a kitchenette design can be planned along an entire wall. This can serve as a second kitchen itself. The wooden cabinets ensure enough storage space. They blend in well with the rest of the interior to give the entire space a cosy look. There is enough counter space for the appliances to be neatly organised, and there is even a small, modern sink in the corner.
Comprehensive
This is another example of a comprehensively planned and detailed kitchenette design. Here, the kitchenette is planned to fit into one corner of the living room. Note how one corner is devoted to a sink, with the rest of the space serving as a countertop.
There is enough storage space, and the design seamlessly incorporates a convenient refrigerator. The finishing touch is the overhead lighting and seating arrangement. This type of kitchenette design can uplift the entire interior.
Functional
In some cases, you don’t want an elaborate design but just a functional space. In this kitchenette design, there is a small counter, a sink, and a recessed space for a small fridge. Storage is provided by overhead shelves. Metallic lampshades and small plants make it a distinctive corner.
Smart
The use of white, as well as the smart use of space, make this kitchenette design a worthwhile addition to a living space. In this case, there is a large stove, cooktop and ventilation, too. This kitchenette design also incorporates a sink and a fridge. It’s perfect for homes without a separate kitchen area.
Stocking a Kitchenette
Once you have a modular kitchen design in mind, you should also consider the everyday use of the kitchenette. You already know of the importance of proper storage and organisation. No one likes to use a disorganised kitchenette, where it takes time to find the things needed.
Having said that, these are among the essentials for a modern kitchenette design.
- Knives and cutting board.
- Fruit bowls.
- Openers for cans and bottles.
- Coffee maker.
- Oven mitts and pot holders if your kitchenette contains heating appliances.
- Plates, bowls, mugs and cups, along with other necessary spoons and forks.
- Pots and pans.
- Safety equipment such as a fire extinguisher.
- A trash can.
- Plastic wrap, aluminium foil and boxes for food storage.
Caring for a Kitchenette
Once you have a well-designed and well-stocked kitchenette, you need to make sure that it is an appealing and clean space. Just like with a full-fledged kitchen, that means daily cleaning, replacement of provisions and proper organisation. After all, a dirty kitchenette will be unappealing, can attract insects and can even be unhygienic.
You can strategically divide kitchenette cleaning into two types of activities: daily and weekly. Here’s a simple checklist to keep in mind for each period.
Daily
- Wipe down the open surfaces and cooking appliances. Clean any food debris and spills.
- Sweep up the floor space around the kitchenette.
- If there is a sink, scrub it down.
- Rinse and wash used dishes and cutlery so that they remain sparkling.
- Use basic organisation skills to put away items where they belong.
- Remove anything that doesn’t belong to the kitchenette area.
- Check for any leftovers that need to be tossed out or kept in the fridge.
Weekly
- Check to see which appliances need a thorough cleaning. That includes fridges and microwaves.
- Give the special sink attention to get rid of stains.
- Use an antiseptic cleanser on surfaces.
- Sort out the refrigerator and get rid of whatever is past its prime.
- Clean cabinets and other storage spaces.
- Check to see if towels and dishcloths need replacement.
- Remove fingerprints and smudges from the exteriors of microwaves, fridges and cabinets.
Kitchenette Design and Care In A Nutshell
A kitchenette is basically a mini-kitchen. In small apartments, a kitchenette can even replace a kitchen. In other homes, a kitchenette makes it convenient to access and prepare basic beverages and food.
A kitchenette design can vary depending on its primary function. Some can be larger and more elaborate. They can contain a sink and stove. Others are more basic, with pre-cooked food and coffee and tea-making facilities.
The best kitchenette designs take the rest of the space into account. They can blend seamlessly with the interiors, or they can have a few distinctive touches. They can even provide a striking contrast.
Some kitchenettes are next to small seating areas. Others simply make use of corners and other vacant spaces.
Because space is at a premium in kitchenettes, you should give careful thought to organisation and storage. That means a proper countertop, recessed areas for mini-fridges and microwaves and enough cabinets, whether on the walls or as part of the design.
Design apart, kitchenette care is also important. At all times, it should be clean, inviting and hygienic. A daily and weekly checklist of activities will go a long way in making your kitchenette ready for use at all times.
The design experts at HomeLane have many other useful pieces of advice to ensure that your interiors are at their best. After you’ve figured out the best kitchenette design, you can take a look at these space-saving furniture design ideas.
FAQs
How Much Space Do You Need for a Small Kitchenette?
According to some decor experts, a kitchenette should take up about 80 square feet of space. Many people enlarge this by making the kitchenette a part of the room itself and not keeping it entirely separate. Others create more space by using shared walls or even removing part of them. In case you’re thinking of this last option, be sure to first take the opinion of an architect or interior decorator.
How Do You Make Space in a Kitchenette?
In a kitchenette, it’s always best to have a proper plan to organise space and material. It’s an important skill to utilise every bit of space available. Here are some useful tips:
- Select only those appliances you absolutely need.
- Get a set of cutlery trays.
- Hooks can be very handy for mugs.
- Racks and dividers help in organising utensils.
- Overhead shelves can increase storage space.
- Dish racks and knife bars can be mounted on the wall
What Should Be Included in a Kitchenette?
The exact supplies and appliances of a kitchenette will depend on its specific space and nature. However, a kitchenette generally contains a microwave, a hot plate, and a small fridge. Some of them contain a sink, too. Storage is also important for a kitchenette. There should be a suitable number of shelves and cabinets. Other kitchenettes also contain kettles, toasters and hot plates. Do keep in mind that there should be no inessential items — otherwise, precious counter space will be reduced.
How do you clean a kitchenette?
In general, the same principles apply to cleaning a kitchen. Since a kitchenette is a more compact space, these are the aspects to consider:
- Create a weekly and daily cleaning schedule.
- Ensure that counters are clutter-free.
- Wash cutlery daily.
- Keep the fridge clean and remove unwanted leftovers.
- Clean the sink and make sure to remove food stains.
- Surfaces of appliances such as fridge doors should also be cleaned.
- Clean the inside and outside of other appliances such as toasters.
- Replace towels and tissues regularly.
- Dust storage areas well.
