Guide to Micro Kitchens & Replacement Cabinet Doors

A large, open-plan kitchen has been on the must-have lists of many prospective house buyers for decades now, however the increasing popularity of micro kitchens indicates that bigger doesn’t always equal better.

The popularity of micro kitchens is soaring 

Many in the interior design industry refer to the ‘Jamie Oliver phenomenon’ when talking about homeowners’ desires to achieve the dream of having a huge kitchen with plenty of space to cook up delicious food.

Why? Well, just look at almost all of Jamie Oliver’s cooking shows on TV where he’s standing behind a vast kitchen island with meticulously curated open shelves featuring ingredients, cookware and serving bowls. However, there’s currently a noticeable shift happening that’s taking people away from large kitchens towards more intimate cooking spaces.

There are a number of reasons for this, including socioeconomic factors such as rising housing costs and the proliferation of small apartments in urban areas. But for many people, downsizing their kitchen space is a choice, perhaps in response to making the switch to working from home and realising that a dedicated office is a more beneficial use of space.

Quality and charm are not the reserve of huge kitchens 

Not everyone needs a vast kitchen, particularly if you prefer to spend your time doing things other than cooking. Plus, large kitchens also aren’t necessarily suited to every property.

So, regardless of the reasons why you are personally drawn to the concept of the micro kitchen, it’s worth emphasising that bijou spaces can also be just as charming and impactful as more spacious kitchens.

What are the benefits of micro kitchens?

When space is limited, it naturally creates an element of privacy as people will be less likely to wander in and potentially distract you from the task at hand. So, if you’re someone who prefers cooking in privacy, a smaller kitchen space may be something to consider. 

Additionally, separating your kitchen and living areas can also have practical benefits, such as limiting the reach of cooking sounds and odours, the former of which can often prevent others in your household from catching up with their favourite TV shows.

Whether you’re drawn to micro kitchens out of choice or necessity, understanding how to make the most out of a smaller space is key. So, let’s run through a few small kitchen must-haves.

Everything needs a place in a micro kitchen 

It’s no secret that compact spaces can very quickly start to look cluttered. So, while you may need to be a little more selective when it comes to the amount of pots, pans, dishes and ingredients you have, it’s incredibly important to ensure that everything you own has a dedicated home within the space.

Pro Tip: Making use of wall space in smaller rooms can be hugely beneficial. Consider installing a hanging rail and using S hooks to hang up utensils and pans. As well as being within easy reach, they’ll also become a decor piece and add an extra layer of personality into your space.

Introduce personality with fresh kitchen door fronts 

Small doesn’t automatically mean boring. In fact, it can actually be the opposite and encourage you to play with colour in fun and unexpected ways. Kitchen door fronts are available in a wide range of styles and colours, providing a simple way to completely transform the way your space looks and feels. 

Pro Tip: Rather than sticking with classic colours, choose replacement cabinet doors in a more intense shade to create a small space that makes a big impact.

The traditional shaker style of the Bella Elland Handleless range lends itself well to colour experimentation and is available in a variety of rich tones, including matt kombu green and supermatt indigo blue.

Refresh your kitchen space with Happy Doors replacement cabinet doors 

Whether you love your large, open-plan kitchen or you’re working with a much smaller floor plan, our range of kitchen door fronts features an array of styles and colours to help you design your dream cooking space. For more information, please get in touch by emailing hello@happy-doors.co.uk or calling 01256 845 816.