Affordable and Versatile Condo Kitchen Design Add-ons to DIY
Kitchen DIY: 5 Easy-to-install budget-friendly condo kitchen design add-ons that increase versatility and supercharge your Philippine condo's compact kitchen.
Today, we have a plethora of resources available for home improvement, including overly abundant social media content that can be accessed and consumed at any given time. We are constantly inundated with ideas on how to make our kitchens more functional, spacious, and versatile, a need well-recognized by condo owners and renters in the Philippines whose living are constantly challenged for space.
As humans, we have a strong propensity to acquire things leading to an endless cycle of accumulation. As we grow and our lives evolve, we introduce new items into our living spaces while still holding on to older ones, creating clutter that takes up valuable space. We also tend to bring new people into our lives along with their personal belongings. Furthermore, with work-from-home continuing to be a post-pandemic employment set-up, condo dwellers now face the additional pressure of creating a dedicated workspace. What was once an optional home feature has become a must-have necessity.
Here are a few affordable and easy-to-install kitchen add-ons to incorporate into your current condo kitchen design. These DIY projects can be completed over the weekend and need limited tools. Read on for 5 DIY ideas to supercharge your Philippine condo kitchen design.
Affordable and Easy DIY Ideas to Supercharge your Condo Kitchen Design
1. Install hooks, open shelves, racks, and hanging baskets
Embrace the opportunity to declutter, prioritize your essentials, and create a kitchen that looks great and meets your lifestyle. Open shelves are not only aesthetically pleasing but also offer several practical benefits. One of the main advantages is the ease of access they provide. Unlike traditional closed cabinets, open shelves allow you to grab items off the shelves. This can be especially useful when in a hurry. Secondly, open shelves create the illusion of more space which is much needed in a compact condo kitchen. Thirdly, install open shelves throughout your kitchen and mix shallow with deep shelves. Lastly, they are cost-effective and easy to add unless you choose materials like stone or glass. There are situations where glass would be preferred, such as areas where the shelf needs to stretch across a window in order not to obstruct the natural light from flowing into the home.
Another advantage is the opportunity to showcase your personal style and add decorative elements. You can arrange dishes, glasses, and kitchenware in an organized and visually appealing manner, adding a personal touch and allowing easy access to favorite items. You can mix and match colors and textures for a unique display. However, open shelves require maintenance to keep them looking their best. Since items are exposed, they accumulate dust and must be cleaned regularly. It's also important to arrange items carefully to prevent them from falling or breaking.
Adding mug and pot racks also helps declutter cabinets. Wall-mounted racks with hooks for hanging mugs and pots free up cabinet space and add visual interest. Hanging baskets and pot racks suspended from the ceiling provide storage and a unique, eye-catching element. Countertop racks are compact and provide easy access while adding a decorative touch.
Consider weight capacity, durability, and spacing between hooks or shelves during installation. These additions provide additional storage and a personalized, stylish look to your condo kitchen.
2. Add a pull-out butcher block
This is a fantastic addition if you require additional workspace. Even if you already have plenty of workspaces, a strategically placed pull-out butcher block will have its usefulness. In a small kitchen, consider sacrificing a slightly oversized drawer or cupboard. Once installed, you can chop on it to your heart's content or use it as additional counter space in a pinch.
3. Get a custom sink cover
A custom sink cover is a versatile addition to any kitchen. There are many options to choose from, and you can find one that matches your Philippine condo kitchen design. You can opt for a sleek and modern design made from stainless steel, which looks stylish and is easy to clean and maintain. Alternatively, you can go for a more rustic look with a custom wooden sink cover, adding warmth and charm to your kitchen space.
In addition to the aesthetic aspect, a custom sink cover offers practical benefits. A sink cover provides a flat and stable surface that can be used as an extra countertop. This comes in handy when you need to prepare a lot of food or set down hot pots and pans without losing your main workspace. The custom sink cover can also be used as a serving tray to easily carry dishes and drinks from the kitchen to the dining area. Furthermore, a custom sink cover can serve as a cutting board. Some even come with integrated drying racks, allowing you to air-dry your dishes directly over the sink.
When it comes to installation, custom sink covers are designed to fit seamlessly into your existing sink. They can be easily placed and removed whenever needed, making them a practical and flexible addition to your kitchen.
Novice Pointers
Before getting into your coveralls or heading for the nearest Ace Hardware store, double-check your finances and commitments before starting any home improvement project.
If you are a first-time renovator, take the time to plan. Do not bite more than you can chew and break it up in bite-size pieces. Doing improvements in stages can produce better results and keep you from losing steam mid-project.
Commit to finishing what you started.
Enlarge idea tiles
Tip
If you need help visualizing the space for the rolling cart, use the dimensions of your movable island to lay down blue painter's tape in the areas where you intend to store or use it. This will help you decide which option would be best for your movable island.
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4. Invest in a movable island
Do invest in a movable island. This versatile piece of furniture can be easily brought out when needed and tucked away for when you do not. It provides extra counter space and storage options, making it a valuable addition to your condo kitchen. Whether you use it as a prep station or a breakfast bar, a movable or floating kitchen island adds style and functionality to your kitchen.
Without effort move it to different areas of your kitchen and even your home, transforming your space to whichever you need to to serve for the time being. For example, if you're preparing a large meal and need more counter space, roll the island closer to your stove or oven. Or, if you're hosting a gathering and need additional seating, you can position the island as a makeshift bar or buffet table. In addition to being on wheels, a movable or floating kitchen island also offers ample storage options. Many models come with built-in shelves, drawers, or cabinets, providing extra space to store your stools, cookware, utensils, and other kitchen essentials. This helps keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free and ensures that everything you need is within easy reach while cooking or entertaining.
Moreover, a movable or floating kitchen island can serve multiple purposes in your condo kitchen. It is a convenient place to enjoy a cup of coffee and a quick breakfast. During the day, it can be a dedicated area to chop meat and vegetables, mix ingredients, and assemble dishes. In the evening, it is a cozy place to have dinner. When entertaining, it can be used as a serving station, a place to plate and serve your culinary creations to your guests.
Movable or floating kitchen islands are available in various designs, materials, and finishes to suit the appearance of your kitchen. Whether you prefer a sleek and modern aesthetic or a rustic and vintage vibe, you can find the perfect kitchen island for your condo. When selecting a movable island for your kitchen, it is essential to consider the size of the wheels and if they can be locked. Larger wheels make it easier to move the island. Additionally, avoid selecting a stone island to minimize unnecessary weight.
5. Downsize your refrigerator
If you have a small condo kitchen, you know how important it is to make every inch of space count. One way to free up some vertical space is by downsizing your fridge. Opting for a smaller, more compact refrigerator that fits your needs can give your kitchen a more streamlined look. However, when choosing a smaller fridge, there are a few factors to consider.
First, think about the capacity you need. Assess your eating habits, the number of people in your household, and how often you go grocery shopping. This will help you determine the appropriate size for your new refrigerator. Additionally, pay attention to the layout and organization of the smaller fridge. Look for models that maximize storage space through clever design features such as adjustable shelves, door compartments, and drawers. This way, you can optimize the available interior.
Another aspect to consider is energy efficiency. When buying a new unit, check its Philippine energy label which should be visible with the details of the product on it. Check the info to know if the label is indeed for the unit and note how many stars it has. The more stars, the less power it consumes, meaning you can expect a lower monthly electric bill and more money in your pocket. You can learn how to read the Philippine Energy Label directly from the Department of Energy.
Furthermore, downsizing your fridge can also be an opportunity to rethink your food buying and storing habits. With limited space, it's crucial to prioritize what you need and avoid overstocking perishable items. A meal planning system can help minimize food waste and efficiently utilize the available fridge space. In addition to downsizing your fridge, you can maximize the space and budget by investing in airtight food storage solutions that keep food fresh longer and minimize spoilage.