A Small and Cluttered Kitchen Gets a Functional Makeover

It’s no secret that the kitchen takes quite a beating from sunup to sundown, seven days a week. Given the tasks done in the space, it’s ideal to have enough room for storage, prep time, and the actual cooking. How is this possible if you only have approximately 3sqm to work with?

In this family home in Taguig, the owners had to make do with a cramped cooking space that was filled with utensils, pots, pans, and LPG tanks. A wall separated it from the rest of the house, and a slim opening defined by a curtain served as the entrance to the area. Despite its size, homeowner Jufelyn Sulit still holds the kitchen close to her heart. “I prepare our breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. And madalas nagbe-bake ako. Hobby ko ang baking,” she shares.

Though she can still use the kitchen on a daily basis, Jufelyn knew that it can still be improved. “Masikip ang area. Cluttered and walang cabinets. Mahirap hanapin ang mga gamit na kailangan mo. Usually sinasabit nalang namin ang mga gamit,” she explains. With the kitchen being chosen for a Real Living makeover, it seems that better cooking days are ahead for Jufelyn and her family.“Super happy po kasi nagpapagawa palang kami ng second floor so hindi priority ang kitchen. Future plan pa lang to improve the space,” she says.

To turn the cramped and cluttered area into a bright and open space that’s ideal for cooking, RL partnered with Sanitec and interior designer Catherine Cena-Yambao. Aside from providing personalized service and designs to homeowners for almost two decades, Sanitec, Bath & Kitchen Design Specialist, is known for their quality bath fixtures, fittings, accessories, and bath systems. They have also successfully brought in imported brands like VRH, Primy, CATA, CAE, Viglacera, Cotto, and luxury brand Kohler—among many others—to the Philippines

Cathy immediately noted the size of the kitchen and the elements missing from the space. “It’s so small and cramped. Wala silang space to move around in, yung Gasul [LPG tanks] were out and exposed, there were no doors sa cabinets sa ibaba, and they didn’t have a proper cooking area. Opening up the space will solve a lot of problems,” the designer explains.

To execute her design, a portion of the wall separating the kitchen from the dining area was torn down. This immediately opened up the space, and paved the way for a brighter and more efficient cooking area as the design team was able to create a better layout and incorporate storage options.

Entrance/Bar Counter Area