Michelle Ogundehin says you should remove this popular kitchen feature – to make your small kitchen feel bigger

The question of how to accentuate size in a small kitchen is an enduring debate amongst designers, and Michelle Ogundehin has the answer. 

The internationally renowned interiors expert sat down with Livingetc to share her space-enhancing tips – but her advice involves parting with a popular feature that you may have in your home.

Revealing her modern kitchen ideas, Michelle urges you to remove your wall-hung cupboards in favor of alternate storage solutions that will make your space feel less crowded. 

(Image credit: Future / Clare Cousins)

‘It’s something that many kitchens just default to – however, they crowd the space,’ Michelle explains. ‘You often don’t need them because they are housing things you don’t use too often – and things you have overbought. We have many of these things because we think we are supposed to have them, but you don’t.’ 

When it comes to small kitchen storage ideas, Michelle recommends looking towards a more minimalistic alternative – open shelving – that will act as a reminder to declutter and keep your scheme clean. 

‘Using a single shelf is beautiful. It keeps you mindful of what you have and stops you from getting things you don’t need,’ she says. 

(Image credit: Future / Anna Stathaki)

In sharing her small kitchen ideas, Michelle similarly explored the rise of the invisible kitchen – the sci-fi style movement that blends appliances effortlessly. However, alongside its sleek aesthetic, she explains how invisible kitchens are another size-enhancing trick that ensures your small kitchen looks good and feels bigger. 

‘I suggest integrating your appliances: from your dishwasher to your freezer and your fridge. You put the door on the front to match the rest of your units. There is nothing that makes a kitchen look more seamless,’ she explains. 

(Image credit: Lauren Nicholas)

For an unrivaled ‘invisible kitchen’ feel, Michelle suggests taking her tip one step further by experimenting with a feature she has in her own home: an integrated splashback. ‘The splashback is seamless and makes one large statement,’ she adds. 

Plus, as Michelle shared, the secret to space-saving in a small kitchen comes from ensuring your worktops and shelves remain decluttered. 

So, when looking for new appliances, she recommends turning the Ballerina collection, a select list of ten De’Longhi items that have her sought-after stamp of approval. More information is available via the De’Longhi website here.