In The Zone - Wendy Moore

It’s a common misconception that the smaller the kitchen, the less functionality it has. In fact when designed well, a small kitchen can punch well above its weight - it’s simply a design challenge that creates an opportunity to break the rules - and live a better lifestyle!

RULE 1: Bigger is Always Better

How to break it: Love to entertain? You’re probably dreaming of a spacious kitchen with all the mod cons. The truth is that not everyone needs a wall of ovens to be a fabulous host. One clever appliance can deliver on your needs while being on the cusp of trends - the key is to shop wisely. 

Choose appliances that work for both your lifestyle and floorplan. If space is tight, look to 60cm ovens that are high on functionality, dish drawers over full size dishwashers and multi-purpose finds like convection - or airfryer! - microwaves. A great example, Belling’s new 60cm Mini Richmond has a combined capacity of 123L. What that means is that you can cook a large roast at the same time as you’re baking a dessert - on completely different settings - thanks to the separate compartments. Clever, right? 

RULE 2: Hail the Kitchen Triangle 

How to break it: If you’ve heard of the kitchen triangle – an ‘optimal’ arrangement of the sink, stove, and refrigerator in a triangle, for efficient work flow – you might also be aware that the concept has been around since the 1940s. A little bit has changed in kitchen design since then, making the whole concept, well, a little redundant. 

For me, it’s about zoning; creating functional areas in the kitchen where activities can be grouped. Perhaps you’re an avid baker - then you might zone your baking equipment by your oven and underneath your marble benchtop. Maybe mornings are a drag - a slide-away small appliance cupboard could be a key feature of your breakfast zone. And in the cleaning zone, dishwasher and sink with all the products you need close at hand. It’s all about making it work for you. 

RULE 3: Keep it Neutral

How to break it: Smaller spaces should be neutral and recede into the background, right? Wrong! It’s a bit of a misconception that light colours always make a space feel lighter and brighter, and besides which, it’s a little boring. In reality, it’s about how much natural light your space gets and whether the colour you choose absorbs or reflects it; is it cool or warm? 

The kitchen can easily be the jewel of your home, it’s beating heart - the place where everyone wants to be. And a modern white kitchen? Well, it just doesn’t always make you feel that way. When designing or updating a small kitchen, embrace a colour that makes you smile. Perhaps it’s a moody blue, or maybe it’s yellow that makes your heart happy. Whatever your shade, splashing out with paint is a great place to start, or dip your toe in the water with a suite of small appliances, or even your oven. Read more about embracing your inner hue in my colour trends blog for Belling. 

Small spaces don’t need to be cramped, cookie-cutter or boring. Switching your thinking to consider design challenges as opportunities that can deliver a hardworking, and smart, space - one that’s perfect for you. 

Wendy Moore

Interiors expert Wendy Moore is renowned for her understanding of what Australians want from their homes. Wendy and her team at The Interiors Edit are focussed on achievable dreams, attainable style and leading trend development and evolution that works with the way we live.

Known across the country as the host of Selling Houses Australia, Group GM of The Lifestyle Group of Channels and Homes Editor at Australian Women’s Weekly, Wendy’s resume also includes a decade on leading trend forecasting publication Australian Home Beautiful, as well as a judge on Channel 7’s House Rules.