Design Tips for a Granny Flat Kitchen

The kitchen is unique in every home, serving as its heart and requiring functionality, careful planning, and convenience. Regarding a 60 square metre-granny flat, some may question whether it can accommodate a fully functional kitchen. However, it is indeed possible, and not only can it fulfil its practical purpose, but it also exudes a pleasing aesthetic surpassing that of kitchens found in larger homes.

When contemplating the design of your granny flat kitchen, various options are available. It is essential to consider what the space will be used for, whether long or short-term accommodation, hosting events, or simply serving as storage. Regardless of the purpose, certain elements should be included in all granny flat kitchens.

If you intend to provide a living space for a family member in the granny flat on your property, the kitchen design requires careful consideration. The kitchen is one of the most vital areas in any home. Surprisingly, a well-designed kitchen can optimise your granny flat's available space. To ensure the design is executed flawlessly from the start, it is advisable to seek guidance from experts specialising in small granny flat kitchen ideas.

Design Ideas for a Kitchen in a Granny Flat

The popularity of granny flats is steadily increasing. Previously associated primarily with housing elderly family members, they are now predominantly constructed for their high rental returns and cost-effectiveness, despite offering all the necessary features of a tiny home, including rooms, dining areas, and kitchens. 

These granny flats can even reach sizes of up to 60 square meters, ensuring that your elderly relative can enjoy great comfort. Now, let's evaluate some of the crucial design factors to consider.

Design For the User

The kitchen layout in your granny flat should be carefully thought out. Just keep in mind that the living quarters won't be as roomy as a typical house. That's why it's so important to make the most of the space you have. You can ensure that you get everything you need if you make strategic and astute design decisions. Think about whether or not you'll need the following components in your granny flat kitchen.

Layout

The layout of your kitchen is crucial in encouraging conversation and teamwork as you prepare meals. The trend towards open floor plans has led to the installation of rounded countertops in kitchens that look out onto dining areas. The open concept design of the kitchen and dining room facilitates easy interaction between the two spaces. 

Parents and grandparents who want to keep an eye on their young children or grandchildren will find this to be an invaluable tool. Also, adults can stay close by without having to interrupt their own work to respond quickly and help with things like homework.

The ability to switch gears quickly is a must in today's fast-paced world. The kitchen's layout in your granny flat can have a major impact on how easy and enjoyable mealtimes are, particularly in regards to how food is prepared.

Open up the Kitchen

Creating ample space during meal preparation is crucial; the kitchen layout plays a significant role in achieving this. When constructing a granny flat, builders frequently suggest an open-plan layout. This design choice not only enhances the visual appearance of the kitchen but also creates a sense of spaciousness. 

In addition, an open floor design makes it easy for people in the kitchen to talk to those in the dining room or the living room. Parents and grandparents can keep an eye on their kids while they cook or prepare food, which is a huge time saver.

Store Kitchen Items Wisely

If your kitchen lacks sufficient space to accommodate the necessary cabinets for your storage needs, it becomes necessary to employ creative solutions. One option is to utilise hanging racks for pots and pans, allowing you to free up cupboard space. 

Another approach is investing in furniture that serves a dual purpose, functioning as functional items and storage solutions. By exploring these alternative strategies, you can make the most of the available space in your kitchen while meeting your storage requirements.

Choose The Colours

After you've finished with the design phase of your granny flat, it'll be exciting to choose the materials and finishes. Remember that using lighter tones is a good way to make a room feel more airy and large. Granny flat will feel cosier and more inviting with the use of these colours.

Kitchen Islands

Kitchen islands and extended benchtops are excellent additions to your kitchen, providing extra space for various activities such as meal preparation, dining for two, serving, or snacking. These versatile features offer additional workspaces and opportunities to incorporate practical elements like storage compartments and sinks. 

By incorporating kitchen islands or extended benchtops, you can create an inviting environment that encourages more family interaction and enhances the overall functionality of your kitchen.

Choose Countertop Materials Wisely

The choice of countertop materials can significantly enhance the appeal of your kitchen. Opting for a countertop that contrasts in colour with the splashbacks can add visual allure to the space. However, beyond colour and style, it is crucial to select a countertop material that aligns with your lifestyle and usage patterns. 

If you frequently work with ingredients that may stain, like turmeric, or if you tend to place hot pots directly on the countertop, it is advisable to choose a more durable material, such as marble or tile. This will facilitate easier cleaning and organisation, ensuring your small kitchen remains pristine.

Buy Foldable Furniture

Consider purchasing tables and chairs that offer the convenience of folding, allowing them to be easily stored away and occupying minimal space when not in use. Opting for practical fold-down tables that can be attached to the wall of your granny flat kitchenette is a brilliant idea. 

This way, you can maximise the available space and have a functional dining area that can be effortlessly folded up and tucked away when not needed. Such furniture solutions provide flexibility and efficiency in small living spaces, ensuring that your granny flat remains versatile and adaptable to your needs.

Sinks

In most homes, the sink is the appliance that sees the most action. Because of its importance in tasks like food preparation, handwashing, and cleanup, it is almost always present in a kitchen. Businesses typically stock a wide range of sink models from which to choose. There are a wide variety of sinks available, including single and double bowls, drains and drainless models, and mounting options (top and under-mount). The sink you go with will depend on whether or not you plan to install a dishwasher. Those who have a dishwasher, for instance, may want assistance locating a sink with two separate bowls.

Floors

Flooring choices in granny flats can vary, with different materials used in different areas. For instance, bathrooms may have tiled floors, bedrooms may be carpeted, and dining areas may feature wooden floors. The choice of flooring style can significantly impact the ambience and practicality of each room.

Carpet is often appreciated for its warmth during winter, its softness for lounging or playing on, and its safety for young children and infants.

On the other hand, laminate flooring provides a more affordable option that mimics luxurious textures. It offers a more excellent surface in summer and is easy to maintain. In kitchen areas, where food and liquids are frequently present, it is essential to have flooring that is easy to clean and can withstand heavy use. Laminate or timber flooring is often preferred for its ability to be easily cleaned and its durability against accidents such as dropped utensils or heavy equipment with minimal damage.

Tiles are another resilient option for flooring, but their susceptibility to cracking may vary depending on the style and the potential for movement in the home, significantly if heavy utensils are dropped, or the structure experiences frequent shifts.

Power Points

Strategically placing power points for kitchen appliances is essential to ensure convenience and practicality. It is generally recommended to have a power point located behind the fridge, microwave, and oven compartments. Additionally, it is advisable to have at least two double power points installed in separate locations on the walls above the benchtops to accommodate various appliances.

If you require additional power points or prefer powerpoint placements, discussing these options with your granny flat builder is best. They can provide you with expert advice and suggest suitable solutions based on your specific needs and kitchen layout.

Splashbacks

A kitchen splashback is a practical addition because it prevents stains from oil and food and serves as a barrier against the high temperatures that can occur in the cooking process. Splashbacks, like benchtops, can be customised to fit the aesthetic of your granny flat kitchen in the same way that countertops can. 

Tiles, glass, stainless steel, and other materials are just a few of your choices. Choosing the right splashback for your granny flat kitchen will depend on personal taste and the look you're going for.

Ovens & Stovetops

Cooking methods such as stove-top stir-fries or slow-roasted oven meals can fill a kitchen with delicious aromas that whet hungry appetites. When choosing between gas or electric ovens and stove tops, affordability and personal preference play significant roles for many families.

Gas cooktops are favoured by those seeking open flames that can climb the sides of a wok, ensuring even cooking for stir-fries and achieving the desired high heat. This option provides excellent performance and adds a charming country cottage aesthetic to the kitchen.

On the other hand, sleek electric cooktops with near-seamless glass surfaces offer a modern kitchen feel. They deliver gentle heat and are perfect for simmering meals with ease.

Ultimately, the choice between gas and electric cooktops depends on your specific cooking needs, preferences, and the overall style you wish to create in your kitchen.

Consider Custom Cabinetry

A kitchen with a cluttered benchtop can create the illusion of a smaller space, diminishing its actual size. Consider utilising custom cabinetry to make the most of any unused areas in your kitchen. 

You can optimise every square meter available by incorporating pull-out pantries and custom-sized cabinets. This approach allows you to utilise the available space effectively, providing ample storage options and keeping clutter to a minimum. By maximising storage areas, you can create a more organised and spacious environment in your kitchen.

Appliances

Which type of appliance do you prefer: gas or electric? If you plan to design your granny flat for off-grid living, opting for gas appliances would be an excellent choice. Chefs frequently prefer gas because it provides consistent and fast heating. On the other hand, electric cooktops offer gentle heat and contribute to a modern and stylish aesthetic. The standard width for cooktops and ovens is typically 600mm, although larger sizes of 900mm are also available.

Mount Shelves on Walls

Wall-mounted shelves are a practical solution for small kitchens, mainly when custom cabinetry is not feasible within your budget or space constraints. These shelves offer a convenient storage option, especially when placed in easily accessible areas. You can utilise them to store essential items needed for everyday cooking, such as spices or kitchen utensils. By installing wall-mounted shelves, you can maximise vertical space and keep frequently used items within reach, ensuring a more organised and efficient kitchen setup.

Conclusion

The kitchen is a vital aspect of any home, serving as its heart and requiring functionality, careful planning, and convenience. In a 60 square meter-granny flat, the kitchen design should be carefully considered to maximize the space and provide a comfortable living space for family members. The kitchen layout should be carefully considered, considering the living quarters' limited space.

Design for the user: The layout of the kitchen should be carefully considered, considering the size of the living quarters. Open-plan layouts, such as rounded countertops, create ample space during meal preparation and allow for easy interaction between the kitchen and dining areas. Creative solutions to store kitchen items include hanging racks for pots and pans or investing in furniture that serves as both functional items and storage solutions.

Choose the colors wisely: lighter tones create a more airy and spacious atmosphere. Kitchen islands and extended benchtops provide extra workspaces and opportunities for practical elements like storage compartments and sinks. Choose countertop materials wisely, such as contrasting colors and durable materials like marble or tile, to enhance the appeal of the kitchen.

Buy foldable furniture: Foldable tables and chairs can maximize available space and create a functional dining area. Sinks are essential in most homes, and the choice of sink depends on whether or not you plan to install a dishwasher.

Floors: Different materials used in granny flats can significantly impact the ambience and practicality of each room. Carpet is preferred for warmth during winter, softness for lounging or playing, and safety for young children and infants. Laminate flooring offers a more affordable option that mimics luxurious textures and is easy to maintain.

In conclusion, the kitchen design in a 60 square meter-granny flat should be carefully considered to maximize the available space and provide a comfortable and functional living space. In a kitchen, it is crucial to have easy-to-clean flooring that can withstand heavy use, such as laminate or timber flooring. Tiles are another resilient option, but their susceptibility to cracking may vary depending on the style and potential for movement in the home. Power points for kitchen appliances are strategically placed behind the fridge, microwave, and oven compartments, and at least two double power points installed in separate locations on the walls above the benchtops. Discussing powerpoint placements with your granny flat builder is best, as they can provide expert advice and suggest suitable solutions based on your specific needs and layout. Splashbacks can be customized to fit the aesthetic of your granny flat kitchen, ensuring a practical and stylish look.

When choosing between gas or electric ovens and stovetops, affordability and personal preference play significant roles. Gas cooktops offer open flames for stir-fries and a charming country cottage aesthetic, while sleek electric cooktops with near-seamless glass surfaces offer a modern kitchen feel. The choice between gas and electric cooktops depends on your specific cooking needs, preferences, and overall kitchen style.

Custom cabinetry can maximize unused space by incorporating pull-out pantries and custom-sized cabinets, maximizing storage options and keeping clutter to a minimum. Gas appliances are preferred for off-grid living, while electric cooktops offer gentle heat and a modern aesthetic. Wall-mounted shelves are a practical solution for small kitchens, maximizing vertical space and keeping frequently used items within reach, ensuring a more organized and efficient kitchen setup.

Content Summary

• Granny flats can have fully functional kitchens that surpass the aesthetics of larger homes.
• Careful consideration of kitchen design is necessary when accommodating a family member in a granny flat.
• Seeking guidance from experts specializing in small granny flat kitchen ideas is advisable.
• Granny flats are now constructed for rental returns and cost-effectiveness.
• Open floor plans enhance the visual appearance and spaciousness of a kitchen.
• Rounded countertops encourage conversation and teamwork during meal preparation.
• Open-plan layouts in granny flats facilitate easy interaction between the kitchen and dining area.
• Hanging racks and dual-purpose furniture maximize kitchen storage in small spaces.
• Lighter tones in color choice make a granny flat kitchen feel more airy and inviting.
• Kitchen islands provide extra space for various activities and enhance family interaction.
• Countertop materials should be selected based on lifestyle and usage patterns.
• Foldable furniture offers flexibility and efficiency in small living spaces.
• Sinks are essential in the kitchen and come in various models and mounting options.
• Flooring choices impact the ambience and practicality of each room in a granny flat.
• Power points should be strategically placed for convenience and practicality.
• Kitchen splashbacks prevent stains and can be customized to fit the aesthetic of the kitchen.
• Gas or electric ovens and stovetops offer different cooking options and aesthetics.
• Custom cabinetry optimizes unused areas and provides ample storage options.
• Gas appliances are suitable for off-grid living, while electric appliances offer a modern feel.
• Wall-mounted shelves maximize vertical space and keep frequently used items within reach.