Organization and Design Ideas for Your Kitchen in a One-Bedroom Apartment
For many seniors, one of the main advantages of moving to a senior living community is downsizing to a more manageable home from their previous house. While a move like this means living a maintenance-free, independent lifestyle with services, amenities and quality health care, it also means getting accustomed to living in a smaller space. Here are plenty of small kitchen ideas that can help you adapt to your new kitchen and turn it into your favorite space in your apartment.
1. Downsize Kitchenware
As you prepare to move to your one-bedroom apartment, pay special attention to kitchen utensils and appliances. Many family homes have duplicate utensils and silverware, and the fact is you simply don’t need 20 forks, spoons and knives. Unless they’re family heirlooms, they’re just taking up space in your drawer. The same can be said for any kitchen appliances you don’t use or have more than one of. Carefully inventory your pots, pans, plates, bowls, and any other kitchen item you plan to take with you, and ask yourself, “Is this important enough to take the place of something I’ll use?”
2. Pantry Organization
Organization is your best friend in downsizing to a one-bedroom apartment with less storage space. Your pantry is one of the most important places to maximize space. Storing dry food items in neatly organized clear containers with labels is a great way to keep your pantry looking clean.
3. Vertical Storage
Utilizing all available storage space is key to keeping your one-bedroom apartment neat and accessible. Don’t limit small kitchen storage ideas to the flat surfaces in your apartment. The sides of cabinets can be used to store plates, pots and pans with just a few DIY modifications. Likewise, you can mount towel bars to any available wall space to transform it into usable vertical storage space. A little vertical creativity can go a long way in small kitchen ideas.
4. Hanging Space
Just like vertical storage space, you should look for opportunities to utilize any and all hanging space, from your ceilings to above your sink. Fixing a curtain rod above your kitchen sink to hang mugs, pots or pans is a great start. Also try installing hooks underneath kitchen cabinets from which to hang mugs. Or fix a curtain rod above your kitchen sink to hang mugs, pots or pans. Even something as simple as attaching a paper towel holder to the side of a cabinet can make a big difference — anything to clear countertop space.
5. Utilize the Inside of Cabinet Doors
The insides of cabinet doors are perfect places to add extra storage. You can easily make use of these spaces by simply screwing in some thin baskets to store small items like tea bags, cereal boxes, or anything else you can fit. Another creative design idea is to hammer some nails to the backs of cabinet doors to hang and arrange measuring cups for easy grabbing while you’re cooking.
6. Tea and Coffee Caddy
Coffee pots, tea collections, and all the accouterments that go with them tend to take up a lot of counter space. Getting yourself a small caddy to house all your drink accessories is a great way to cut down on the clutter and add a neat arrangement on your kitchen counter.
7. File Folder Organizers for Fruits and Veggies
One of the more unique small kitchen ideas is to use office supplies to aid your organization. Using file folders organizers to neatly store fruits and vegetables may seem quirky, but it’s an innovative way to keep your groceries organized and out of the way. Plus, it makes for an interesting talking point when guests come to visit.
8. Keep Drawers Organized
We’re all familiar with the infamous family “junk drawer.” In a one-bedroom apartment, one junk drawer can easily multiply. Keeping your kitchen drawers tidy makes it easier to keep the rest of the kitchen tidy. Try using drawer dividers for silverware and kitchen utensils. And for that junk drawer, office drawer organizers work great to keep it neat.
9. Store in Decor
When searching for kitchen decor for your new senior apartment, do your best to balance decorative with functional. A great example of functional yet decorative small kitchen ideas is using mason jars to store things like salt, pepper, flour and sugar. Mason jars add a trendy look and feel to your kitchen while adding precious storage space to your counters.
10. Open Shelving
They key to making a one-bedroom apartment kitchen feel bigger is giving it an open-air design. While vaulted ceilings and wide-open space might not be feasible for all apartment kitchens, there are things you can do to give it a similar feel. Open or floating shelves are the perfect workaround. Not only will they give your kitchen a nice breezy feeling, but they’re perfect for extra storage space.
11. Magnetic Spice Rack
If you’re an at-home chef, you’re probably inundated with various spices. And that’s a good thing, except for having to store all the spices in a convenient place you can easily reach while cooking. A magnetic spice rack could be the answer you’re looking for. Simply arrange them on your refrigerator or purchase a sticky magnetic mat to attach to the inside of a kitchen cabinet, cupboard or wall.
12. Tool Holder Backsplash
If you want to really push the boundaries of functional design in your kitchen, a tool holder backsplash is your ticket. Just like a wooden pegboard you’d find in a workshop or garage, a pegboard backsplash allows you to hang kitchen utensils where they’re always within arm’s reach. This innovative design is peak kitchen efficiency.
13. Kitchen Sink Cutting Board
One of the simpler small kitchen ideas, an over-the-sink cutting board is an ideal way to save counter space and increase the efficiency of your kitchen. Cutting boards are fairly easy to store, but having one that fits right over your sink will allow you to utilize more of your counter while cooking and make clean up so much easier.
14. Furniture Rightsizing
Next to proper organization, the most important thing you can do for your one-bedroom apartment kitchen is making sure you have the right furniture to fit. Long, bulky dining tables are probably not going to work in your new place. Instead, find a smaller table with expandable leaf inserts so you can still host dinner guests but give yourself enough space in your day-to-day living area. Kitchen stools are another great space-saving furniture option — they’re easy to store in a spare closet or under a table. Also consider purchasing a bar cart you can store bottles, wine, coffee, appliances and anything in between. A bar cart with wheels that you can move when company is coming over is ideal. Whatever you choose, your top priority should be maintaining as much open space as possible while ensuring there’s room enough to host friends and family in your new senior apartment.
Find Your Perfect Fit at Regency Oaks
Small kitchen ideas are only the beginning of transitioning from your home to a senior apartment. From the moment potential residents first visit to their move-in day, we’ve helped countless seniors make a seamless transition to our community. The peaceful, maintenance-free, hassle-free independent lifestyle you’ve always wanted is exactly what you’ll find in the spacious yet manageable apartments at Regency Oaks. If you’re interested in one-bedroom apartments or want to explore our floor plans, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Our team is here to be a helpful resource for your senior living journey.
