Make your kitchen look – and feel – bigger

Shallow cabinetsNot all of your lower cabinets need be the standard depth. Using slimmer lower cabinets for one area has its advantages: It opens a bit more floor space, which can make a big difference in a tight kitchen. It reduces your storage slightly, and often the backs of deep cabinets are hard to reach anyway.

Reduce hardwareEliminating counter clutter is important for keeping a kitchen looking open and breezy, but you can take this a step further by removing the hardware. Using cabinet doors with touch-activated latches or integrated reach-in pulls reinforces the clean lines of your new kitchen, which subtly helps it appear bigger. It also gives you fewer little items to bump into or get caught on your clothing, so the space will feel easier to move in too.

Rethink the double sinkLarge double sinks have their uses, but if you’re willing to compromise and choose a single sink (or even a one-and-a-half sink with a slim second bowl), it can open up better storage options and more unbroken counter space.

Put your fridge on a dietOpting for a slimmer refrigerator can really open up your kitchen. If you don’t cook often or frequently shop for fresh produce, try slimming down your fridge, leaving more room open for other essentials.

Mirror your backsplashUsing a mirror for the backsplash opens up the sightlines, making the room seem much bigger, especially from close up. For a smart, moodier effect, use a tinted glass so the reflection is more subtle.