WHAT MAKES THESE small KITCHENS GREAT?!

[@DavidaChazan]

At about 53 minutes, someone asked where the dishwasher was in that tiny kitchen. The answer is: in bed taking a nap! Made me laugh. You'd think they'd never seen an older apartment like this. When I think of my kitchens in my previous apartment (yes, I had two), and see some of these, I think "this is what they call SMALL?" I would have KILLED for something as big as some of these. Now... I have a good sized kitchen (but not terribly well designed).

[@cwcobo]

Love seeing those small kitchens and hearing all comments. Mark seems way too polite to leave any of the potential contestants too mad or hurt. You know, it's a Canadian thing.

[@MTKDofficial]

Very true. lol. Thanks!

[@sara_387]

16:44 We had an electrician install a power point (outlet/switch?) on the end of our peninsula. It was a genius idea and made our kitchen so much more usable. We often use the end of our peninsula for food preparation, baking etc and to be able to plug in appliances there is so handy.

[@MTKDofficial]

That's cool to hear! It's great to get input from people who have used it!

[@gregpendrey6711]

You guys are too funny. There are no other places for outlets on the island. They have been in use for decades on the upper back side of cabinets in our neck of the woods. We even are upgrading outlets to include USB. Another way is to have outlets in the drawers which is nice for devices. But, yeah. Am I right? 😎 💙USA

[@jasonkay6919]

I've seen some youtube designers call a peninsula an "attached island." EYE ROLL. Thank you for using the P word! LOL

[@MTKDofficial]

All them snowflakes afraid of the P word. haha

[@gregpendrey6711]

Snowflakes will be falling again soon. Let's not think about them for a few more months. 😎 💙USA.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

That’s a new one on me. 🤣🤣🤣

[@kdockrey]

One point that i have seen discussed in respect to OTR microwave is that they can get too hot from the range. I bought a house where that was an issue. Another issue was that it was too high up for my short family members to reach.

[@lelamarkham5863]

Recessed lighting is a huge pain if something goes wrong with it. We have had a set of recessed lights that went bad and my husband--an electrician--had to slither into the attic to replace them. Since he had to do that anyway, he got rid of them entirely in favor of flush-mounted fixtures that, should he ever need to repair them, he can do standing on a ladder in the house. He says most electricians won't tell you recessed lighting fails more often that flush-mount fixtures (because they build up heat by comparison) and they'll run up the labor costs to find someone skinny enough to access the attic. And if you have a finished space above, they'll have to tear out sheetrock to replace them. Better to think of these things before you install them rather than later, when they'll cost you the big bucks.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

Thanks for mentioning this. I had no idea and was considering adding them in several rooms (very difficult attic to access to top it off).

[@karenhayes337]

Recessed lighting can now be purchased that install from below. A spring clip holds them in place. Assuming the wiring has not been damaged, easily replaced. Code may not require that electricians leave a few inches of wire properly secured in case of damaged wires. Saves a lot of "fishing"

[@22304abc]

@1:03 small kitchen, I like the faucet off to the side over the drain so water from wet hands doesn't collect on wood surface and go along grout😊

[@susanhenley8240]

Thank you for addressing very small kitchens. Breaking the rules when desperate for space is sometimes necessary. The brick in the "urban country kitchen" looks nice, but would not like to have to try to keep that rough surface clean. Coffee makers? Toasters? Mixers? I don't recall seeing any of these common counter-top appliances in any of these kitchens like the rest of us have, especially with not enough storage to hide them away. Corner pantry --- If the shelves are adjustable, they need to better utilize it.

[@anniecochrane3359]

This was great. I'm downsizing to a new home where the kitchen is small. I need to create more storage space, so i've picked up lots of new ideas. Thanks!!! The small fridge shown is pretty normal for us here in Aotearoa/NZ. I like them because I grow a lot of my own food so dont need to store heaps, and also, a big fridge, like a big deep cupboard, makes it easier to leave forgotten food to rot away in the back.

[@flufwix]

I like the higher cabinets but I’m 5’10”. I really like having an under counter oven with cooktop embedded into the counter top. Don’t get the bits falling down between a range and cabinets. It’s interesting that few of the kitchens used a slide out ventilation hood. They are excellent and you don’t lose the space a range hood takes up. And range hoods are awful to clean Can I say I hate white tiles with dark grout? I love the beautiful wooden floor at 1:20 in. Takes the kitchen from bland to grand

[@laurakiernan3737]

I have to say I adore your channel and no-nonsense advice. We bought a house and my husband completely gutted it and we are finally in the kitchen stage. Definitely a small kitchen and I am loving your videos. Some of those kitchens are not small HAHA. But yes, functionality is key and we are trying to figure it all out on a budget. Thanks for your awesome channel!!!

[@Cathy-xi8cb]

Small is relative. Many NYC apartments have micro kitchens. Only a handful of these examples are that small. I had one with 4 cabinets total, no D/W, and a pantry that doubled as a coat closet. Third floor walk up, too. The baking pans were under the bed! And none of my friends thought it was unusually small. Some Manhattan apartments have a sink, a 2 burner stove, and a mini fridge.

[@MTKDofficial]

Very true. Sounds like your kitchen spanned all the rooms.

[@dawnelder9046]

I had a kitchen in one apartment in Vancouver, Canada were you could stand in one spot and reach everything. My 3/4 bed took up 95 percent of the floor in the bedroom. Room for a chair and bookcase in the living room. The bathroom was massive. Claw foot tub. Biggist room in the apartment. 😂😂😂

[@janereinhardt4715]

Thank you for this video! I just found you 2 days ago. I bought a spec home 3 years ago, so I didn't get to choose my upgrades. My house came with an unfinished kitchenette in the guest retreat. It is pre-plumbed, 7' 4" wide & 5' 6" deep, so tiny! I plan on putting in a bottom cabinet and countertop, just along the back wall, backsplash tiles,, small sink, undercointer water/soda fridge, about 3.3 c.f, & 2 open rustic wood shelves above. Then buy a coffee maker for my guests & maybe a tiny microwave. I have guests pretty often who stay overnight. My kitchenette is amaller than any of these examples that you showed, but it gave me a few ideas, so thank you!

[@lelamarkham5863]

I'm 5'1" so most islands are as useless to me as counters are. I have a lot of trouble chopping or mixing on a counter. So I use my kitchen table as a prep area. I have moveable cutting boards so I can clear the table quickly without dealing with any mess. I started this in a small kitchen and then just continued it when we bought a larger house.

[@uplandskies]

Yes movable cutting boards for over the sink. And everywhere/anywhere

[@MV-nn4yo]

thanks for showing the smaller kitchens... good stuff! designing my small kitchen now, so this is great timing. :)

[@MTKDofficial]

Oh great! Thanks so much for watching.

[@5610winston]

35:50 Pull-down shelving or flip-up doors? Pulldown would make sense but the right end of the shelves would be access challenged, I can see flipping the doors up but reaching up to close them as well as accessing items toward the rear of the shelves would be next to impossible.

[@lelamarkham5863]

I do, however, like cabinets to the ceiling. It gives me an option for all those things I only use a few times a year -- the broiler pan and the slow cooker for instance. I don't mind climbing a step stool. I'm used to it. I have to do it every day anyway, so doing it a few times a year is no big deal. That extra prep counter -- I would lower that a couple of inches for my benefit.

[@teresev1435]

22:53 stove/wall/fridge This is one situation where I would consider relocating the fridge to another room (like that trend) and take that space for counter and storage 😜

[@MTKDofficial]

That's probably a good move!

[@carmenmarshall5787]

So much inspiration here, Mark. It was fun listening to your comments and your choice of images was varied, loved it.

[@MTKDofficial]

Thanks so much for watching.

[@dianabenner2311]

Thank you for the Small Kitchens video. I will be moving into a 500 square foot ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) in a few months so this was very helpful.

[@MTKDofficial]

Really glad it was helpful! Good luck with the move!

[@5610winston]

1:10:53 Note the starburst/sputnik type electrolier over the table. Looks nice in the picture, but when those bulbs and sockets and struts start catching dust and grime, cleaning will be rather time-consuming.

[@22304abc]

Glad to find your channel as I'm starting a remodel of a small kitchen. It appears that I have an IKEA budget. So I'm binge watching videos to checkout quality and design options.

[@MTKDofficial]

Awesome! I hope my content is helpful on your journey!

[@lelamarkham5863]

I live in Alaska, so lots of earthquakes. No knives have ever fallen off my magnetic holder, but yeah, pot hangers -- swinging metal pots at head height -- scary!!!!

[@kathigee]

I'm in the process of designing my small-midsize kitchen (new build) and have multiple challenges and changes due to builders issues.. haha. I have drawn (*hand) and redrawn so much... but I'd love to enter in a competition and hear others' critiques. I have SO many ideas!

[@bonniebennett2896]

Appreciate your insight as I am getting ready to renovate my kitchen in my quirky 80' ranch in St.George Utah... no snow!! 67 degrees in March 😊

[@MTKDofficial]

I’m jealous.

[@drreport]

I am a new subscriber and want to say thanks for the content. This video especially features “real kitchens” as opposed to idealized modern designs. Would love to hear more discussion about designing around existing openings such as doors and windows. I.e., planning for the people flow in/out & around the kitchen.

[@MTKDofficial]

Thanks for the comment and idea!!

[@alis49281]

Well, compared to our kitchen, all of those are large! Ours is 2 m x 2 m with 2 m ceiling height. The stairs cross the kitchen too, so the top is even more limited.... If we manage to renovate, we might be able to move a wall 40 cm.

[@5610winston]

1:32:43 Don't forget, the San Andreas and Cascadia seismic provinces aren't North America's only earthquake risks. Some of the strongest earthquakes in recorded American history occurred between the Memphis Area and Saint Louis in 1812 to 1814, at New Madrid and surrounding areas, and that region remains among the most seismically active places on the continent. And then there was the great Charleston (SC) earthquake...

[@joeyl695]

.i used to love recessed lighting. Now i am older and cannot climb a ladder to change the bulbs. Hard to find(or pay for) a handyman to change bulbs and air filters. Now i am into wall sconces and pendants.

[@MTKDofficial]

The wall sconce is growing in popularity for sure. I like them as well. Though the LED lights don't need to be changed very often. Great input though. Thanks

[@quahjennifer8211]

Hi, I am watching from Singapore. Glad to chance upon your channel.

[@MTKDofficial]

Cool! Thanks so much for watching.

[@darlenerios-bay8068]

I’m new to your channel. Have been enjoying your many videos. Especially like this one. Thanks for the presentation. This was/is most helpful

[@MTKDofficial]

Thanks so much!

[@lelamarkham5863]

Love the 2-tiered table. Again, 5'1". The smaller table would make a great prep space. You can buy fridges that small in America, but they only work for singles and maybe couples without children, definitely not people who really cook large meals.

[@2chipped]

Sorry I missed the live.😢 If you love kitchens like i do,you can enjoy the 1000 sqft...and also the creativity in smaller spaces! In my smallish kitchen,I enjoy the function of OTR microwave, since its too small to have much form. Am jealous of the very expensive built-in ovens/cooktop/refrigerator/microwave/dishwasher drawers,but they give lots of counterspace. Am hoping I can join the next live,its a real nice community you have here!

[@MTKDofficial]

When you do join live, be sure to say hi! It really is a great bunch!

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

Thanks for highlighting small kitchens. Need mine done (whole house just over 1000 sq ft).

[@Learningthetruth7]

Your "small " kitchen sare pretty big. Peninsula description is perfect.

[@5610winston]

10:44 First thing I notice is the tiny over-the-countertop microwave.

[@lelamarkham5863]

I'd close that gap at the top of the cabinets with larger moulding. Oherwise, that gap is a greasy dust-catcher that you can't access to clean, which is a health hazard and probably eventually a source of unpleasant odors.

[@lynoreabbott1010]

Didn't think you'd still be going after an hour. Missed the live!

[@MTKDofficial]

I was chatty. lol

[@5610winston]

43:21 First, why does the base cabinet kick out between the range and the fridge? Wood would be my second-to-last choice for a kitchen countertop (after the 1/4 inch masonite with contact paper my parents used after they bought this house but before they could afford to fix up the kitchen). Picture at left brings in the popular citrus trend. I agree with Jackie on the floors. Looks like cleaning them would be a nightmare. Is thi a mobile home? That would explain the trip strip between the table and the kitchen wall, but the walls are too tall. Pendants? Dirt catchers, and why are they where they are?

[@uplandskies]

The fridge protrudes anyway so the base jutting out allows for more storage and makes the fridge less ugly

[@5610winston]

1:30:50 Not a fan of setting a wall oven under the counter. Installations I have seen set the oven way too low for comfortable use, and if you plan to age in place you'll find the oven gets lower by the month. And I agree with the concensus, the backsplash could only be that bad if someone was going for _ghastly._

[@howlinbeagle]

Small kitchen ie efficient, cozy, functional

[@camellia8625]

17:36 - there is no range hood or tiles on the wall to the side of the cooker. Can imagine it getting pretty grimy.

[@ivancho5854]

I'm guessing that the steel strip just below the microwave is possibly an extractor. It's probably not very effective though.

[@carleengaliardo]

????? Mark, your videos are so helpful- thank you so much, and I love your accent and your warm friendly style. We are updating the kitchen/ galley on our 80’ yacht, ShipsAhoy!, St Petersburg, FL. It started with me asking my husband to replace the light bulb in the oven. 😂 Our space is enclosed but pretty large. Full size appliances, lots of nice amenities, eat in nook that seats six very comfortably, and great water views! But in the interest of trying to not let this project get too out of hand (although I would love to change the color of my cabinets (currently flat panel cherry wood laminate) I would compromise (😬) and keep these if I could at least change out the handles, which are currently brushed silver bars. 🤮 I have lovely minimalist golden warm finger edge pulls picked out. Here is the big question. Is there a way to make the holes from the old handles disappear if we remove them so we can reuse what we have? My husband says nothing really works and you are always going to see where they were. Aside from that question, I think you would find our project very interesting. Some ideas I can implement and some just won’t work in these special living circumstances, but it is going to be just gorgeous when it’s done! Thanks for any help you can give.

[@teresev1435]

Dang it! I missed it again! -South Florida 🙃

[@shirlenerossi-kennedy9728]

Great video ❤ thank you

[@lelamarkham5863]

OTRs are too small for cassaroles (and yes, I use my microwave to cook sometimes) and for shorties like me, they're downright dangerous without using a step stool. One should never deal with hot stuff from above your head. And that fridge -- even if you swapped the doors -- it would block access to the landing area and make it hard to load in. It just needs about five inches to the right. HATE white kitchens. They show every splash and those counters will end up stained. I inherited white counters when we bought this house and have been advocating for a counter swap ever since. The counters are no longer white and you can tell we like blueberries, spaghetti sauce, and coffee.

[@uplandskies]

I have a small galley and wall cabi nets canblock the only natural light making the space claustrophobic

[@5610winston]

25:10 Where are the cooktop and oven. Hotplates and the microwave?

[@5610winston]

32:35 18" dishwasher can be a practical solution. Not a fan of the tile backsplash. Terrible microwave placement.

[@5610winston]

1:15:15 Not a fan of the fridge up tight against a wall. Will it open wide enough to pull out the crisper drawers for cleaning, or will the homeowner have to pull the fridge itself out of its niche for that routine maintenance? On the other hand, wthout the fridge panel it will afford the opportunity to retrieve the stuff that falls off between and behind. Or reverse the hinge.

[@ivancho5854]

17:39 On the island the mains electric switch is very close to the sink. This is a really, really dangerous location. Why have it? 😐

[@whiskybrush3219]

15:21 jeez, the window above the wall cabinets looks like it would cost about half what the kitchen did. Doesnt even look like that OTR could be vented outside. What a shame.

[@MTKDofficial]

All true. lol

[@construxi]

maybe ikea would give a giftcard to the winner of the challenge especially if the competitors should use their program. But I think you should make some rules then, like fx. size or colors

[@MTKDofficial]

Oooh that's a good idea.

[@veronicajensen7690]

what I don't get is why anyone chose both seating by the kitchen bar and a table right next to it , to me it looks a bit busy

[@5610winston]

18:51 Range against the wall? Not a great situation, Open shelves? I probably would take one look at the kitchen and tell the realtor "HARD PASS."

[@5610winston]

1:02:06 Tell me that's not a wall oven under a countertop cooktop in a corner! Poor access to the oven all around if it's done in the middle of a cabinet run, but if access is blocked from one side, it would become unusable for someone aging in place.. Did the homeowner even try the layout in the showroom before including that? It doesn't work the same as a single appliance range and oven. I had planned to use the wall oven under the countertop until I saw such an installation at Home Depot.

[@5610winston]

Range against the wall. I have galley 10'9"x7'9", doors at each end. My flexibility isn't what it used to be, and while I can still reach a standard height range oven, it will be much easier when I switch to a standard-height cooktop and set a wall oven under a 48-inch-high countertop. I keep coming back to the cooktop centered on one wall with the fridge to one ens and the oven at the other. I will have landing to the right of the oven and on the opposite side of the galley aisle, and countertop above the oven. Any thoughts?

[@dianedevozza4614]

What are you best ideas on microwave placement in a small kitchen

[@vondapommills2195]

Really good video.

[@MTKDofficial]

Thanks so much Vonda!

[@5610winston]

52:02 Hard pass at first sight. Sink isn't big enough to wash a pair of socks. Induction hob has inadequate surface area and no landing zone without burning the wood countertop. Where are the electric outlets? With a more heat-resistant cooktop it might worh for a one-night stabd in a cheap motel, but I can imagine this in a home kitchen in purgatory.

[@DahHar117]

Two toned kitchens always make me feel like there was damage to either an upper or lower cabinet and instead of replacing the whole cabinetry they skimped and just replaced either the uppers or lowers to "fix" the problem. Am I wrong?

[@Merri-LynnRaddatz]

???? I have great quality solid oak cupboards. I need to update and some opinions are tear them out and get new but others say paint them. I struggle with tearing them out because there is nothing wrong with them other than they are outdated. What do you suggest?

[@MTKDofficial]

That's a tough one. If the layout is decent, you can certainly get away with refinishing them and adding some function with pullouts and stuff. If the layout needs changing then don't feel bad about tossing them. Someone would likely buy them too.

[@JeanneKinland]

How do you define a small kitchen? Is it based on square footage?

[@MTKDofficial]

I suppose it is a relative number, but I suppose the kitchens in the video I would consider all on the smallish size. Square footage 150 or less. But that's not a solid number.

[@Dit1160]

These kitchens all have more space than my kitchen

[@shirlenerossi-kennedy9728]

Wouldn’t the sink come where the stove is, better? Time: 25:00

[@5610winston]

28:56 Oven? Landing to the right of the cooktop? Fridge?

[@connieborg6471]

❤❤

[@JVSfit23]

wow 8 minutes before the point of the video starts...wow. and love his idea what a small kitchen is...move to NYC...you clearly dont know what small is

[@dianalyon5609]

Please share screen...

[@MTKDofficial]

ok. thanks

[@southbound1883]

Electrical in an island is now illegal.

[@margaretsmith2792]

I do not see a frig

[@pruzzilla3771]

Never use AI generated pictures as examples. Most of these are non0functioningbut don't they look great.

[@cherylanon5791]

3 minutes in and I haven't seen a single kitchen. Boo.

[@borculo1]

I guess in a couple of years everybody will be ripping out their islands again. They are trendy now but I don’t like them.

[@lukelucy1980]

It would have been useful to have dimensions of the kitchens U use for example. Often times designers use photography to enhance what is really there. The first 2 photo's seem to fit that model, bigger than... In looking for solutions, I've watched hours of your channel, Pretty much a waste of time. Blocking Channel from my suggestion list

[@MTKDofficial]

Right?! like I can actually get the dimensions for those. Thanks for watching hours of my content!! Love you.