Make The Most Of Your Medium Size Kitchen

Medium size kitchens range from 100 to 200 square feet and offer the best of all worlds. You get enough space for cooking, baking, and crafting meals without feeling cramped or overwhelmed. The key is choosing the right layout and design elements to maximize storage, workflow, and style.

When planning your medium size kitchen, start by considering how you use the space. Do you love to cook elaborate meals or focus more on quick weeknight dinners? Is baking a hobby or just an occasional treat? Factor in how many people are using the kitchen and what tasks you'll need it for - meal prep, homework, entertaining, etc. This helps inform the best layout and features.

Keys To Maximizing Space In A Medium Size Kitchen

Even though medium size kitchens offer ample room, it's still important to make the most of every inch. Optimize storage, arrange appliances efficiently, and choose multifunctional fixtures to avoid a cluttered feel.

Smart Storage Solutions

Since many medium kitchens lack a pantry, you'll need clever storage hacks.

• Install pull-out drawers or roll-out shelves in base cabinets to neatly corral pots, pans and small appliances.
• Utilize specialty organizers inside cabinets to hold spices, cans and other items.
• Try open shelving or glass-front upper cabinets to display cherished dishes while keeping everything visible and in reach.

Multitasking Fixtures

Look for sink bases with built-in drying racks or islands that offer extra seating and storage. An island on casters can easily be moved out of the way when prepping large meals or to open up space for entertaining guests.

Optimize Appliances

Arrange appliances in the most convenient order for your kitchen workflow. Place the refrigerator near the prep space and stove for efficient cooking. Locate the dishwasher near the sink to simplify clean-up.

Layout And Workflow Considerations For Medium Kitchens

With a medium kitchen, you have an array of layout options to choose from depending on your needs and preferences. Consider how you cook, entertain and move through the space when deciding on a layout.

Galley

The galley layout features cabinets and counters lining two parallel walls. It's highly efficient for cooking along one wall and adds a cleanup station along the other. Galley kitchens work best in narrower kitchens.

L-Shaped

The versatile L-shaped layout turns the corner to utilize two adjoining walls. It provides ample cabinet and countertop space in a compact footprint. One leg can house the cooking zone while the other offers cleanup and storage.

U-Shaped

As the name suggests, the U-shaped layout places cabinets and counters along three walls. The open end creates an efficient work zone and allows multiple cooks. Add a kitchen island to get more prep space.

Island

Including an island adds extra storage and countertop room for meal prep and serving. For smaller kitchens, opt for a wheeled cart-style island that tucks against a wall when not in use.

Peninsula

Peninsula layouts add seating space and an eat-in component to the room. The extended counter juts out from cabinets rather than being surrounded on three sides by them.

Storage Solutions To Stay Organized

Even though medium kitchens offer ample space, you'll want to maximize every inch with smart storage solutions. Customized organization keeps items handy but out of sight.

Pull-Out Pantry Shelving

Install pantry pull-outs or roll-outs in your base cabinets to neatly store canned goods, baking ingredients and small appliances all in one spot.

Drawers And Rollout Trays

Use deep drawers to arrange pots and pans vertically so everything is visible. Add customized inserts or trays to corral utensils, spices and other clutter.

Wall-Mounted Pot Racks

Free up precious cabinet space by mounting a pot rack on the wall over your work area. Opt for one with a pulley system to easily raise and lower it.

Decor And Design Tips

While maximizing storage and workflow, don't forget about style. Use these decor tricks to give your medium size kitchen personality and visual appeal.

Lighting

Proper lighting prevents a cramped feel. Opt for overheard fixtures, pendant lights and undercabinet lighting. Place lights over the sink, stove and island to illuminate task areas.

Backsplashes

Creative backsplashes make a big visual impact. Handmade tiles, natural stone and glass mosaics elevate the look. Use an accent color or keep it classic with white.

Multi-Purpose Islands

A kitchen island appeals aesthetically while adding counter space and storage. Look for ones with cabinets, open shelving or overhang space for seating.

Budget-Friendly Updates

Luckily, even modest medium kitchens can get a fresh new look on a budget with easy DIY upgrades. Focus on high-impact spots to get the most bang for your buck.

Paint Colors

A new coat of paint is the simplest kitchen refresh. Opt for soft gray, warm white or soothing blue-green hues. Paint the cabinets, too!

Hardware

Dress up existing cabinets with new knobs and pulls in an eye-catching shape or finish like brass or black. It makes a big impact for little cost.

Countertops

For an instant facelift, have existing countertops resurfaced with fresh paint or laminate. Or install peel-and-stick tiles as an affordable backsplash option.

Remodel Ideas For Medium Kitchens

Ready for a more extensive remodel? Tailor these bigger ideas to your medium kitchen's footprint and layout.

Open Shelving

Remove upper cabinet doors and replace with open shelves for a lighter, more modern look. It also displays your favorite dishes and cookbooks.

Peninsula Seating

Extend countertops on one side of the kitchen to create space for bar-height seating without eating up floor space.

If your medium kitchen lacks surface area, consider bumping out one wall to extend counter space. Add extra storage with a new bank of lower cabinets.

The beauty of a medium size kitchen is the flexibility to include must-have features without overcrowding the space. Take time to analyze your habits, cooking style and preferences. Choose a smart layout and incorporate specialized storage and multi-functional elements. With careful planning and design, your medium kitchen can be cozy, elegant and super functional.