Your kitchen is so much more than a place to stash your slow cooker and tumbler glasses. It’s a gathering spot for your family and the banquet room for every party you host.

It’s no wonder why the open kitchen design trend is so popular. Open kitchens give you the space you need for everything from hurried mornings to crowded family feasts.

If you want more space in your kitchen, try these design ideas.

1. Install a Hideaway Breakfast Nook

A breakfast nook is a handy spot for extra seating. You can even use the breakfast table for extra preparation space if your counter space is limited.

If you want the perks of a breakfast nook but you don’t want it to take up space every day, try a foldout table

You’ll have the best of both worlds: either extra space or extra seating at the drop of a hat.

2. Convert a U-Shaped Kitchen to an L with an Island

It used to be common for kitchens to have U-shaped layouts. In other words, the countertop covers three sides of a square. That layout may give you extra storage space, but it makes the kitchen feel smaller and more closed-in.

Instead, knock out the third side of the square and put an island in its place.

You’ll lose less storage and counter space than you expect. You can even have seating at the island if you choose. The difference is that your kitchen will look far more open because you can see all the way through it at once.

3. Rethink Your Appliances

Believe it or not, you can make your kitchen look more open, clean, and uncluttered by merely updating your appliances.

If your appliances are mismatched, the extra colors and textures make the kitchen look messier and chaotic. At the minimum, all your appliances need to match each other.

If you want to go the extra mile, you can get an even cleaner look by making your appliances blend in with your cabinets.

Regardless, be careful to dispose of your old appliances in the right way. Read more about safe and eco-friendly disposal.

4. Cut out the Cabinets

The best way to make your kitchen look more open might be to cut back on your cabinets. This doesn’t mean you’ll lose a ton of storage space, though.

Swap out your upper cabinets for open shelves. This makes your kitchen look larger because you can see all the way to the wall, instead of the cabinets ending your eye line.

The best part of this strategy is that you can make it match any style. For a modern look, choose stainless steel shelves. Iron shelves look great with an industrial look, and reclaimed wood is perfect for a rustic kitchen.

Embracing an Open Kitchen Design

An open kitchen design is one of the most desirable features a home can have. Whether you want to enjoy your home for decades or sell it soon, a cleaner layout is your best bet.

The ideas above will help you get inspired and get started.

If you’re looking for more great ways to enhance your home for maximum convenience, check out more articles right here on our blog.