Small Kitchens
Preston are specialists in designing small kitchens in Wiltshire and the surrounding areas. We are frequently tasked with creating attractive, highly functional kitchen designs that work perfectly within the limited spaces found in many homes. Our clients understandably want to make the most of their kitchens, but often feel let down by designers who lack the expertise to deliver customised solutions that truly maximise the potential of compact kitchen spaces.
Colour For Small And Compact Kitchens
Lighter colours are an ideal choice for smaller kitchens, as they help create the illusion of a larger, more open space. But there’s no need to worry about the room appearing too stark, our extensive colour palette includes soft, subtle shades like Cashmere and antique white, which can also be combined in stylish two-tone schemes. While gloss finishes are a natural option for brightening small kitchens thanks to their light-reflecting qualities, we’ve also found that our satin lacquer finishes are a popular alternative. They offer a softer look for those who prefer not to use gloss, without the light-absorbing effect often associated with matt finishes.
Why Do Lighter Colours Reflect Light?
Selecting colours that help reflect light is key when designing a kitchen, especially in smaller spaces. While most surfaces will reflect light to some extent, how effectively they do so depends on the colour, material, and texture of the surface. Simply put, when light,as an electromagnetic wave, hits a transparent or light-reflective surface, it bounces back.
In contrast, the more opaque or dark a surface, the less light is reflected. For example, a black matt surface absorbs much of the light’s energy, causing its atoms to vibrate and generate heat, which is why dark surfaces feel warm in direct sunlight. This absorption also means dark colours are less suited for small kitchens, as they can make a space feel more enclosed by soaking up light rather than reflecting it.
Lighter shades and smoother finishes reflect more light, which is why a shiny white gloss is an excellent choice for creating a brighter, more spacious feel in compact kitchens.
Maximising Natural Light Within Small Kitchen Spaces
Tall Units And Extra Wall Units For Small Kitchen Spaces
Tall wall units are a fantastic way to make the most of otherwise unused upper space in a kitchen. These units are perfect for storing items that are used less often or for keeping things safely out of reach of children. At Preston, our maximum height for a single tall unit is 910mm, but where space allows, these can be stacked to increase storage further. For handleless designs, this stacking is only feasible with push-to-open catches, something we see as a benefit, as too many visible handles can make the kitchen feel cluttered.
Our tallest standard units reach 2360mm from the floor, including the plinth. If your room height allows, this can be extended with additional wall units up to 910mm, bringing the total maximum height to 3270mm. While units at this height aren’t suitable for everyday items, they can still be accessed with a store-away stool or ladder system, making them practical for occasional use.
Space Maximising Solutions For Small Kitchens
Research by Blum GmbH, a leading manufacturer of kitchen storage technology, has shown that clever integration of the right storage solutions can increase a kitchen’s usable space by up to 55%. At Preston, we offer a variety of innovative options to help you achieve this. Our tall pull-out larders glide smoothly on high-quality damped supports and rotate 90 degrees for easy access to their spacious shelves. Le Mans corner units are expertly designed so their trays glide effortlessly around corners and fully extend outwards, making hard-to-reach cabinet spaces easily accessible by bringing the contents directly to you. Similarly, carousels provide excellent corner storage, while base units with fold-out tables offer extra workspace, ideal for appliances like blenders or bread-makers. These smart solutions greatly improve the functionality of small kitchens and help keep your worktops clear and tidy.
What Makes Preston & Co. unique
Bespoke design service tailored to your home
Expert guidance through every stage of the project
Installation carried out entirely by our own team
Consistent communication and dedicated project management
Get Started: Free Home Visit & Quote
Ready to transform your kitchen? Contact Preston&Co today to book your free home visit and quote. Our friendly team will listen to your ideas, assess your space, and provide expert advice on creating a kitchen that truly enhances your home. Let’s bring your dream kitchen to life.
