The kitchen is a very important room in your home, but if it is overly cramped it’s difficult to use it to its full potential. Figuring out how to get more out of your kitchen should be a goal that you strive for as you make your home more your own. Here are a few things you can do to get better use out of your space and feel more comfortable in your kitchen.

Install More Cabinets 

In many cases, it’s not the actual space that is too small in the kitchen, it’s the lack of storage space. That means that small appliances and other kitchen tools will overflow onto your counters and take up the precious space you do have. More cabinets can help solve this problem to give you more storage and counter space for what otherwise would fill your counter area. This will also allow you more functional space in your kitchen, helping you feel more comfortable in your home and have the room to fix up whatever you need.

Add More Countertops 

While you are at it, you can add in more counter tops if there truly just isn’t room with what you do have. When choosing countertops, look at materials that are both stylish and functional. You also should think about required maintenance, so you don’t bite off more than you can chew. Some materials like marble require regular sealing and other maintenance, while quartz only needs warm water and soap to keep it looking nice. Adding a small island, if possible, will also give you both more storage and countertop space.

Bring in Light 

Poor lighting can make any space look and feel smaller, and this is especially true in the kitchen. Bringing in more light gives your kitchen a more spacious feel and illuminates the actual space so it’s easier to use. You can bring in light in a variety of ways. Windows allow for more natural light , so cleaning both sides of your current window, replacing shades, or installing a larger window or more of them are all good ideas. If natural light isn’t a possibility, a variety of light fixtures can help you to have the light you need where you need it.

Your kitchen should be a place for creativity and enjoyment, but if you don’t have enough space, you can’t make that happen. Creating a kitchen that feels bigger and works better makes a huge difference. Give yourself room to breathe, and your time in the kitchen will be noticeably happier!

Read this next: How to Make Your Bathroom More Appealing Without Remodeling