Why a “Bigger Kitchen” Isn’t Always Better: The Role of Space Planning in Kitchen Design
- Kendall Sharpe
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
“Can we make the kitchen bigger?” It’s one of the most common questions I hear—and I get it. Kitchens are the heart of the home, and it feels natural to assume that more space automatically means more function. But in reality, a bigger kitchen doesn’t always work better. In fact, I’ve seen oversized kitchens feel awkward, inefficient, and surprisingly hard to use.
What really makes a kitchen successful isn’t square footage—it’s thoughtful space planning.
Efficiency Always Comes First
A well-designed kitchen should support how you actually cook, move, and gather. If you’re constantly walking back and forth between the sink, stove, and refrigerator, no amount of extra space will fix that.
I focus on efficiency first—placing key work zones close enough to feel intuitive but not cramped. When everything is within easy reach, cooking feels smoother and more enjoyable, no matter the kitchen’s size.
Proportion Matters More Than Scale
One of the biggest issues with oversized kitchens is poor proportion. Extra-wide walkways, oversized islands, or cabinets stretched too far apart can make the space feel cold or disconnected.
A kitchen should feel balanced. Islands should be sized for the room—not just made bigger because space allows. Cabinet runs should feel intentional, not endless. When proportions are right, the kitchen feels comfortable and welcoming instead of overwhelming.
Circulation Paths Shape How the Kitchen Feels
Great kitchens flow naturally. I always pay close attention to circulation paths—how people move through the space, especially when more than one person is in the kitchen.
A well-planned kitchen allows someone to grab a drink, open the fridge, or pass through without interrupting the cook. When circulation paths are clear and logical, the kitchen works effortlessly—even during busy mornings or family gatherings.
Smart Storage Beats Empty Space
More square footage doesn’t automatically mean better storage. I’d rather design a kitchen with thoughtful storage solutions than one with unused corners or oversized gaps.
Deep drawers, pull-out pantry systems, vertical storage, and well-planned cabinetry make a kitchen feel larger and more functional than it actually is. When every inch is working for you, you don’t miss the extra space.
A Smaller, Well-Planned Kitchen Feels Better to Use
Some of my favorite kitchens aren’t the biggest—they’re the most intentional. A smaller kitchen with smart planning often feels more comfortable, more efficient, and easier to live in than a large kitchen that wasn’t thoughtfully designed.
When everything has a purpose and the layout supports daily life, the kitchen simply works.
So…Do You Really Need It Bigger?
Sometimes a kitchen truly does need more space—but often, what it really needs is better planning. Before knocking down walls or adding square footage, I encourage clients to ask: Is the problem the size—or the layout?
Most of the time, a smarter plan outperforms a bigger footprint.
Final Thoughts
At Kendall Sharpe Designs, I believe great kitchens are designed from the inside out. Efficiency, proportion, and circulation matter far more than square footage alone. When space is planned with intention, even a modest-sized kitchen can feel incredible to cook in, gather in, and live in.
If your kitchen isn’t working for you, the solution might not be “bigger”—it might just be better design.
