I'm an interiors expert – here's 5 ways to make your kitchen feel bigger, follow my triangle rule for a start

The Sun

08-05-2025

WITH so much to pack into a kitchen, it can quickly feel cramped if you don't have a lot of space to work with.
Luckily, interior experts have a few clever tricks up their sleeve to make the room feel bigger.
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Andrew Wright, founder of leading tabletop appliance company Cookology, revealed it's all about creating the illusion of space.
And one key way to do this is by using his foolproof 'triangle rule'.
But there are four other things you can do if you want to maximise the space as much as possible.
Andrew says: 'All properties differ in design, and kitchens are no different.
"A small kitchen can be just as functional as any other large kitchen, with mini versions of everyday appliances available to make life just that little bit easier.
"These tips are easy to implement and can make a huge difference to the way you engage with your kitchen day-to-day.
"With simple enhancements such as lighting and removing clutter and debris, you can make a small space feel much more spacious quickly.'
The triangle rule
The idea behind the triangle rule is simple, but effective. Just split your kitchen into three areas or zones - cooking, preparation and washing up.
This forms an imagined triangle so that if you were to look down on your kitchen from above, you should be able to connect each of these zones together with a virtual line.
Each 'zone' should be as close to the next as possible, with only a few feet between them.
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This makes your kitchen much more efficient - by placing the most heavily-used areas of your kitchen close to each other, you can reduce the amount of legwork required to prepare a meal, cook it and clear up afterwards.
Andrew explains: "The triangle rule is nothing new, but it is important for making a small kitchen feel larger.
"To put it simply, you create three key 'areas' within your kitchen for prepping, cooking, and cleaning, the idea being that you can use your kitchen more efficiently.
"This can make your kitchen feel bigger due to having set areas for set tasks, and cleaning as you go, something restaurant employees use as an efficiency tool."
Declutter your kitchen
Another thing that the experts suggest is decluttering your kitchen.
Mess can quickly make a room feel smaller, and getting rid of it can make the space feel bigger.
Andrew advises: "Mess is the quickest way to way to make a room look smaller and less spacious.
"In a small kitchen, often the workspace can fill up with shopping, cleaning products and other debris, so investing in storage to declutter will make a huge difference in making your kitchen feel roomier.
"Kitchen counters can quickly become cluttered with appliances and your kitchen staples.
"Dedicating some time to go through cupboards and clear your surfaces can make your kitchen feel larger."
Use some light
You might not realise it, but natural light can work wonders for any small room in the house.
The experts suggest: "The easiest way to create the illusion of space in a kitchen is with light, especially natural light.
"If you have blinds or anything blocking out natural light, then opening these to let light in will create the illusion of more space in your kitchen.
"However, if you have a small kitchen with little to no natural light, then by using light colours in paint, tiles or cabinets, your kitchen will look and feel bigger due to the reflective nature of lighter colours.
"To save even more space, utilise appliances that have a dual use, such as extractor hoods with built-in lights.
"These are designed to provide extra light without taking up extra space."
Under-cabinet lighting
It's not just natural light that can transform your kitchen.
Similarly to putting some lights in your extractor hood, adding some under your cabinet can make a huge difference.
Andrew explains that it's all bout chasing away those shadows to make a room feel bigger.
He said: "Cupboards can cast shadows and create dark chasms within a kitchen quickly, which can have a huge effect on smaller rooms.
"Under-cupboard lighting is a quick and easy way to use light to create space on counter tops.
"Not only can it bring a quiet charm to your kitchen, but also create a greater illusion of space."
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Olivia Crosher an expert interior designer at Naturewall, shared six ingenious tips to make your bathroom feel bigger.
1. Unified Colour Scheme - 'Choosing a light, soft hue and pale colours can further enhance this effect, making the bathroom feel airy and open."
2. Embrace Texture with Tiles or waterproof wall panels - "Opt for panelling or tiles with subtle, natural textures or patterns to add interest without overwhelming the space, it can add layers to the room, making it feel cosy.'
3. Strategic Mirror Placement - "Consider positioning it opposite a window or in a spot where it can catch and bounce light around the room. This not only makes the space appear larger but also brighter.'
4. Minimalist Fixtures - "Wall-mounted taps and sinks can save space while adding a modern touch that's both functional and stylish."
5. Smart Storage Solutions - "This helps maintain a serene and spacious atmosphere without sacrificing functionality.'
6. Soft Lighting for Warmth - "This approach allows you to adjust the lighting as needed and adds a cosy ambience that's perfect for relaxing baths.'
Tabletop appliances
It's a common thought that small kitchens can't have any appliances that those blessed with larger spaces can have.
But experts have said that there's no reason they can't - as long as you embrace the space in the right way.
And tabletop appliances are absolutely the way to go.
Andrew says: "There's a belief that small kitchens are limited to what products you can have.
"However, by embracing counter space efficiently and using smaller tabletop appliances such as tabletop dishwashers and tumble dryers, there is no reason that a small kitchen can't be fully functional too."