Small kitchen? Use colour to think big

To create the illusion of space, harness the power of cool neutrals. As a rule, cool light shades like pearly white and dove grey will visually make a room bigger. Low ceiling? Paint it a colour that is a couple of shades lighter than your walls. This visually increases the height of the room. Narrow space? Use a dark shade on the shorter walls and a light shade on longer walls to make a confined kitchen feel wider.

Small spaces also love bright hues. Bright colours trick the eye into seeing a larger space. As a bonus, colour in your kitchen is a great way to inspire cooking creativity. Paint an archway or space between shelves with a 'pop' of bright colour to lead the eye away from small, cramped areas.