Updating a small kitchen can really make a difference in your lifestyle. A well-planned small kitchen remodeling job not only makes working in your kitchen more enjoyable, it adds to the value of your home. However, when it comes to small kitchen design, it's important to make the most of your small kitchen layout.

If your kitchen feels cluttered and cramped, you're likely eager to start knocking down walls in an effort to expand your small kitchen space. While the trend in kitchen design is big kitchens, what many homeowners don't realize is that improving the workflow of your small kitchen's layout can make a difference in how "spacious" your kitchen feels. When it comes to designing a small kitchen layout, planning your kitchen's "work triangle" is essential. Because the sink, refrigerator, and cook top are the "busiest" places, these items should never be more than 4 - 9 feet apart in any kitchen design. In addition, when updating a small kitchen you must avoid having the triangle cross any "throughways"the traffic paths between other rooms and doorways. After all, when you finish your small kitchen renovation you don't want to run into someone every time you are carrying a stack of dirty dishes or a pot of boiling water.

In a small kitchen remodel adding storage is usually helpful. For small kitchen design projects, experts suggest having no less than 13 linear feet of base cabinets, 12 linear feet of wall cabinets, and 120 inches of drawer fronts. And, when planning your small kitchen remodel, place the cabinets for holding dishes near your dishwasher with larger cabinets near the oven for holding pots and pans. While it sounds like a small thing, these kitchen storage design ideas will add to your efficiency.

Eliminating counter clutter should be a part of every good small kitchen design plan. One small but effective kitchen remodeling idea is incorporating built-in ovens and microwaves. Another effective small kitchen design idea is planning for the storage of the small kitchen appliances that you use frequently.

Another effective small kitchen remodeling option is adding counter space. The idea here is if you don't have enough food preparation space, you'll think there isn't enough room. One solution... deeper counters. This small kitchen remodeling idea can have big impact, giving you additional work and storage space.

Because kitchen design, even for a small kitchen, can be a big job, even a small kitchen makeover job can benefit from professional assistance. A kitchen design professional can help you make the most of your small kitchen makeover by helping you to focus on how you want to use your kitchen space and then design a plan specifically for improving your small kitchen.

And remember, with the right plan, even small renovations impact!