**This article was originally published on March 8, 2019, but was updated on February 15, 2021.
Part of the reason why we call the kitchen “the heart of the home” is that a kitchen symbolizes closeness and comfort for many people. If a rental home’s kitchen is small, cramped, or unattractive, it can leave a negative impact on a landlord’s ability to rent the property out. Increasing square footage is not always the solution; however, Bangor property owners can implement proven design principles that are sure to help make a small kitchen look more prominent and, therefore, more attractive to renters.
Use Light Colors
When making space look bigger, one of the top approaches is to go with light, coordinating colors. Design experts advocate for the favorite white on the white color scheme. White naturally reflects light, creating a more spacious appearance. Although white isn’t your ideal choice for your rental home, try painting the walls and ceiling in a neutral shade that matches the floor. The concept is to create color uniformity, thus making the illusion that the area is more extensive.
Play with Lighting
Another important design principle is to use proper lighting. A dark kitchen will feel tiny and gloomy. When making the most of your space, experiment with more than just a single light on the ceiling. Place additional lighting under, inside, and above cabinets. If the kitchen has windows, drape sheer curtains (or none at all) to use natural light to your advantage.
Incorporate Shiny Surfaces
To improve the efficiency of lighting even further, try incorporating shiny surfaces wherever possible. Stainless steel appliances, glass shelving, polished tile, and other touches can add a sense of depth and space to a small room. While these types of upgrades may not be the marks of your dream kitchen, they can do much to attract tenants to your property.
Another space-expanding upgrade could be replacing the upper cabinet doors with glass doors. Or, for an even more professional feel, try open shelving. This is a prevalent option for many small kitchens because cabinets can make a small space feel packed.
Opt for A Narrow Island
Features that typically crowd a small space are large or bulky elements such as large kitchen islands. Instead, opt for narrow profiles and slim widths in the architecture. Many kitchen islands are now created specifically for limited spaces, keeping a fair amount of counter space while eliminating the bulky cabinets underneath.
Creating a sense of spaciousness in a small room can be challenging, but we at Real Property Management Acadia are here to help. We have contacts with trusted industry professionals who can help you make your Bangor rental home the kind of place that renters will love. Contact us or call us at 207-561-7482 for more information.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
