Design for narrow kitchen
10 ways to maximize space and interest |
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Middle kitchen: Industville/Classic Interiors
(Image credit: Future)
Not all homes come with vast open spaces. Our narrow kitchen ideas are perfect for those not blessed with a large and sociable space.
If you have a long, narrow kitchen, then you’ll be more than aware of the tricky task of making it a long kitchen look wider than it actually is, while desperately searching for interior designer tricks to make your space look beautiful as well as functional.
So much has changed in the way in which we design and use our kitchens over the last decade or so, but there is something reassuring in how narrow kitchen ideas and layouts have adapted – and thrived – in the modern home.
Narrow kitchen ideas – maximize space in a long kitchen layout
If your kitchen is on the narrow side, there is plenty to feel positive about. With some clever tricks of the trade, there are in fact multiple small kitchen ideas that wall help turn that awkward kitchen layout into something stylish and sophisticated, so don’t give up just yet.
1. Invest in bespoke cabinets if you have an awkward layout
(Image credit: Polly Eltes)
While the average kitchen consists of four straight-ish walls and a series of cubes, not all rooms are so accommodating. Narrow kitchen ideas might be more time consuming to plan but, with careful management and expert advice, seemingly negative constructional quirks can be turned to your advantage.
Bespoke kitchen cabinet ideas really come into its own here, making the best use of space, and working with unusual angles and curves while neatly stepping around trickier features. It's important not to see a difficult space, but rather the opportunity to create something unique.
'Built-in cabinets gives people precisely what they require, says Charlotte Crosland, founder, Charlotte Crosland Interiors . 'It works particularly well in those areas that are awkwardly shaped and fits different requirements such as more shelving or extra drawers for small kitchen appliances, fine china and extra cutlery.'
2. Use every inch of space in a galley kitchen
(Image credit: Haris Kenjar)
‘I love a classic galley kitchen idea,’ enthuses Seattle-based designer Heidi Caillier . ‘They just feel so intimate and special, and there is something very appealing about them practically. They force you to be thoughtful in how you lay out every inch, and I also like the mentality of using all of your kitchen versus just that one corner between the range and the sink.’
In the right colors, in this case Farrow & Ball’s French Gray, Heidi also believes that galley kitchens can feel really cozy, ‘like a warm, inviting cocoon’. A mix of kitchen cabinets and open kitchen shelving ideas will ensure it feels light and airy.
3. Use an island to separate an open plan space
(Image credit: Mark Bolton)
In recent years, a third galley scenario has evolved. 'Modern galley kitchens can be part of a much larger space featuring a wall-hugging galley run with a long island running parallel, separating a living or dining area beyond,' explains Paul O’Brien, director, Kitchens International . Although following the double galley footprint, it feels different, as it is a lighter, more open and more sociable space.
4. Plan for cabinetry without handles
(Image credit: Future / James Merrell)
Create a feeling of spaciousness by opting for sleek, handleless units, pale-colored finishes and glossy, light-reflecting surfaces, with clutter kept to a minimum. Technological advances in push-open and close doors means that it has become possible to dispense with handles in both wall and base cabinets.
A handleless scheme, particularly one in a cool white kitchen , can appear clinical, so adding a few natural materials will give it a softer edge. Think about including colorful kitchen rug ideas or patterned kitchen backsplash ideas.
5. Use lighting to your advantage
(Image credit: Artemide)
When space to wow is limited, look upward for inspiration. In this narrow, galley kitchen in Copenhagen a pair of outsized designer suspension lights by Artemide take full advantage of the room’s epic height, while the arctic white ceiling cuts a crisp note against mossy green walls. Natural wood in rich tones has a cosying effect; note how Dinesen’s plank flooring has been carried onto the backsplash to take the timber higher without reducing the room’s width. For extra character, the hand-welded sink area in darkened brass will age and patina with time and use.
6. Create a space for dining
(Image credit: OWO)
Galley kitchens are celebrated for their cooking efficiency but they’re usually found in enclosed rooms and therefore not the most sociable of arrangements. If you have sufficient length available, a banquette-style nook or breakfast bar is a great way to provide somewhere for people to chat, without interrupting culinary progress. The key is to choose a table that won’t impede access into the heart of the small kitchen.
Here, a built-in seat with storage above and below means the dining area doesn’t steal precious cupboard space, and the table and stools can easily be pushed in tight when not required.
7. Extend in glass
(Image credit: Future)
Natural light is everything when you’re cooking in narrow confines. A lean-to glazed kitchen extension idea has added precious dining space to this narrow kitchen, while opening the views out to the garden all year round.
‘The eye is drawn to the light and the dining area, which is used by the whole family throughout the day and has become the focal point within this bright, open space,’ explains Lisa Morton, director, Vale Garden Houses . Bold chequered flooring, installed diagonally, has a widening effect, while helping to disguise an unavoidable step between the original and new living spaces.
8. Consider the layout – and remove obstacles
(Image credit: Future / Jonathan Gooch)
When trying to make the most of limited space, take time to consider the natural flow through rooms, recommends Victoria Wormsley of French-Brooks Interiors . ‘Think about how people are going to pass through the space and ask if you really need each and every door (but be aware that some will need to be retained for fire regulations, particularly when it comes to narrow kitchens). Where possible, remove doors and architraves to improve the flow.’
9. Clear the clutter in a narrow kitchen
(Image credit: Future / Jan Baldwin)
One way to create the illusion of space in a narrow kitchen is to rid the countertop areas of clutter but be realistic before setting out. It’s never going to be entirely possible to live without various small useful things, which need storing away somewhere, believes Sandrine Zhang Ferron, founder of Vinterior . ‘So create small areas of small kitchen storage ideas that are both practical and add style to your home, from roomier pieces like kitchen cabinets down to biscuit tins to squeeze into a corner.’
10. Put color and lighting at the forefront
(Image credit: Future/James Merrell)
Well-chosen kitchen color ideas can work wonders in disguising awkward or narrow kitchen space. Judy Smith of Crown Paint , says the best approach is to paint the shell of the room white, which will open up the space, then to apply concentrated color to key focal points.
'Choose the most attractive features in the room then paint these in contrasting shades to make them stand out. This will also pull the emphasis away from less attractive elements.'
Another saviour is kitchen lighting, which can give a low ceiling a sense of height or put strange angles in the shadows. A lighting designer will be able to advise on everything from high-precision controls to the most suitable color for bulbs. 'In an awkwardly shaped kitchen, flexible lighting can be adjusted to control the direction and spread of light effectively.'
How can I make the most of my narrow kitchen?
With careful planning, narrow kitchens are ideal spaces for cooks. Efficient and compact, they need fewer steps to get around and make the most of a restricted space.
'Galleys can be really stylish. Long lines of countertops create strong horizontal planes that look incredibly sleek,' says Hugo Tugman, chairman and founder of Architect Your Home.
A one-wall galley is best suited to one person cooking, as it requires linear movement from one activity to the next. For ease of use, separate the cooking and wet zones by a reasonable length of worktop but, if possible, avoid putting the sink and cooker at opposite ends of the room.
'You’ll gain wide work surfaces but may feel very cramped when cooking or washing up,' explains Graeme Smith, conceptual designer at Second Nature Kitchen s. A double galley allows the traditional work triangle, with a cooker and fridge on one side and the sink opposite, and gives more room for two cooks to work together.
In recent years, a further galley scenario has evolved. 'Modern galley kitchens can be part of a much larger space featuring a wall-hugging galley run with a long island running parallel, separating a living or dining area beyond,' says Paul O’Brien, director of Kitchens International. Although conforming to the double-galley footprint, it feels different, as it is a lighter, more open and more sociable space.
What is a narrow kitchen called?
A narrow kitchen is often referred to as a galley kitchen. The galley kitchen layout is one of the classics in kitchen design and takes its name from a ship’s kitchen, which was traditionally squeezed into a long narrow space but needed to be super efficient. In today’s homes, the two options – single galley comprising one long run of units, or double galley with parallel runs – give rise to a particularly efficient cooking space.
Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.
52 Small Kitchen Ideas That Prove That Less Is More
Introduction
The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto
When it comes to kitchens, bigger isn't always better. The most experienced chefs know that you don't need a ton of space or non-essential equipment to produce a stunning meal. A small kitchen where everything required to prep and cook is within arms' reach can make everyday cooking more efficient and stress free. Easier to clean and maintain, a smaller kitchen encourages you to focus on the essential and eliminate clutter, and can feel especially cozy and inviting with thoughtful design and decor.
Check out these stylish, compact, space-saving kitchens in a range of styles that have everything you need to cook for yourself or a crowd.
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Slide Away Bar Seating
Design by Space Factory / Photo by Hervé Goluza
This 237-square-foot Parisian mini loft from French interior design firm Space Factory has a open kitchen that is built on a slight platform that delineates it from the rest of the apartment, decorated with bright white cabinetry, subway tiles, and OSB accents that add warmth and texture. A slim custom built-in bar helps to visually divide the space, provide extra counter space for meal prep, and has a slide-out component that doubles its width for dining, with white bar stools that disappear into the background when not in use.
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Add in Floating Shelves
A Beautiful Mess
One way to keep a small kitchen space feeling light and airy is to use open shelving instead of upper cabinetry, which can make a small space feel cramped and claustrophobic. The key to making this work is keeping those open shelves neatly styled. Blogger Elsie Larson from A Beautiful Mess kept this small U-shaped kitchen feeling light, bright, and airy with an all-white palette that includes floating open corner shelving to store dishware, spices, and pantry staples. A cool-toned silver stove and stainless steel oven vent create a focal point, and the symmetry of the space and neatly arranged contents of the shelves make the small space feel lived in and organized at the same time.
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Go for a Charming Aesthetic
Design by deVOL Kitchens
This St. John's Square, London kitchen designed by Sebastian Cox for deVOL Kitchens has charming bones and a period fireplace that's outfitted with custom cabinetry neatly built in against a single wall, cool blue paint, and warm countertops and metal accents. Quirky art, a smattering of plants, and a sparkling crystal chandelier prove that a small kitchen can handle as much style as any other.
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Keep Your Kitchen More Streamlined
Fantastic Frank
This petite L-shaped kitchen from Fantastic Frank is built seamlessly into a corner of a larger dining space equipped with a large table and chairs, allowing it to fade into the background at mealtime. The all-white kitchen has glossy lacquered cabinetry in a sleek flat-front design that blends into the all-white backsplash. A large picture window floods the tiny kitchen with natural light, making it feel open and airy.
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Make Your View Center-Stage
Design by Georgia Zikas Design / Photo by Jane Beiles
In this galley-style city apartment kitchen from Georgia Zikas Design, a corner banquette is squeezed in at the far end beneath a window with a skyline view. A round tulip-style table without any sharp edges allows for easy maneuvering in the compact space. Glass-front cabinetry helps keep the narrow galley kitchen from feeling too closed in, and a gleaming tile backsplash on opposite walls helps to bounce light around.
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Try a Peninsula
Design by Rashida Banks for Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Keyanna Bowen
If you dream of having a kitchen island but don't have the square footage for one, try installing a peninsula instead. This compact kitchen designed by Rashida Banks for Emily Henderson Design has a sleek quartz waterfall edge peninsula that has seating for three, anchored by a pair of black and gold vintage-style pendant lights that define the space and add some retro charm.
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Add Groovy Graphics
Design by Emilie Fournet Interiors / Photo by Rachael Smith
This small London kitchen from Emilie Fournet Interiors has a groovy geometric patterned tile backsplash that extends to the hood vent, defining the open kitchen area and adding movement and interest to the space that makes it feel dynamic and expansive rather than small and cramped. The U-shaped design makes everything you need to prep, cook, and serve meals within arm's reach.
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Go Rustic
Lobster and Swan
This small rustic kitchen from Lobster and Swan is anchored by a large center oven and outfitted with stained wood countertops, olive green cabinetry, and open shelving stacked with dishware, glassware, and cookware in natural materials. In lieu of a kitchen island, a round bistro table and chairs provides a place for dining and an extra surface for meal prep.
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Work With Angles
Fantastic Frank
This small kitchen from Fantastic Frank is tailored to seamlessly fit into the room's angled walls to maximize storage and functionality. The airy minimalist Scandi kitchen has pale gray cabinetry, light blond hardwood flooring, mixed metals, a whisper of pink on the walls, and hanging bulb lights hung on a rosy pink knotted cord that adds a note of studied nonchalance.
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Keep It Simple
Design by Desiree Burns Interiors
This bachelorette pad kitchen from Desiree Burns Interiors is open to the living room and is dressed for company with simple white cabinetry, a classic Smeg refrigerator, gold-toned hardware, mixed metals, and a pair of accent pendant lights over the built-in island countertop that doubles as a small space dining area.
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Fold Down Dining Table
Design by Space Factory / Photo by Hervé Goluza
In this small Parisian kitchen designed by Space Factory, a custom-built fold-down burnt-wood table creates a place for dining that can be neatly stowed away when not in use to open up the space. The black wood cabinetry and textural concrete wall finish give the uncluttered space a minimalist, masculine feel.
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Peek Inside the Looking Glass
Design by deVOL Kitchens
This small London kitchen designed by Sebastian Cox for deVOL Kitchens has mixed wood finish cabinetry that provides texture and a minimalist style and layout that keeps the space feeling modern. In addition to a large window to the outside, the designers added an atelier-style interior window over the sink that looks out into the main entryway, a clever way to maximize natural light and create additional sightlines in a small space that helps to preserve a sense of openness.
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Leave It One-Sided
Fantastic Frank
This long and narrow eat-in kitchen from Fantastic Frank has a wall of cabinetry, countertops, and appliances on one side, leaving space for a small bistro table and chairs on the opposite side. A minimalist clear glass pendant light hangs over the dining space that disappears during the day and provides dedicated light after dark.
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Go for Pure Scandi
Fantastic Frank
This small but airy and light-flooded Stockholm kitchen from Fantastic Frank is authentic Scandi style at its best, with its simple white and silver finishes, a streamlined wall of cabinetry and appliances, painted white bentwood chairs, and a small table covered in a lacy tablecloth to add a note of vintage charm.
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Make It Serene
Design by deVOL Kitchens
This small kitchen from deVOL Kitchens has a spare traditional feel with plenty of built-in storage to keep it from feeling cluttered, and a limited palette of soft white, gray, and pale wood.
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Try a Contemporary Cottage Feel
Design by Ursula Carmona of Home Made By Carmona
Blogger Ursula Carmona of Home Made By Carmona installed a small L-shaped kitchen in the corner of this open cottage kitchen and dining room remodel. The light palette of the kitchen matches the rest of the room and fades into the background when not in use.
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Work Around the Back Door
Design by Jessica Nelson Design / Photo by Carina Skrobecki Photography
This small kitchen from Jessica Nelson Design is arranged in a double L-shaped configuration that maximizes functionality while accommodating the presence of the back door. Packed with storage, the kitchen's palette of soft whites, grays, pale wood, and mixed metals keeps it feeling streamlined and serene.
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Add Black
Design by DasMod and Handsome Salt / Photo by Jenny Siegwart
In this small open kitchen designed by Eric Gilmer and Sven Simon of DasMod in conjunction with interior designer Sara Simon of Handsome Salt, matte black wall paint provides contrast to white cabinetry and creates continuity with the seating area on the other side of the room. A small dining table floats in the middle of the space between tall windows, and a large colorful painting creates a focal point that distracts the eye, making the kitchen fade into the background of the open space.
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Keep It Neutral
Design by Violets & Vinegar Design / Photo by Jenny Siegwart
This compact U-shaped kitchen from Violets & Vinegar Design keeps it simple with a sober palette of white, gray, and black. A subtle pattern on the backsplash tile adds interest, while countertops are kept clear to keep the small space looking sharp and clutter-free.
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Add in Shades of Green
Design by deVOL Kitchens
This charming country style kitchen from deVOL Kitchens has an L-shaped design that hugs the small space with its slanted roof and cottage charm. Finishes in multiple shades of green on the walls, backsplash tile, lower cabinetry, and open shelving is mixed with warm antique brass plumbing fixtures, rich stained wood glass-front upper cabinetry, and terracotta floor tiles with an aged patina.
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Work With a Galley Style
Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Photo by Amber Thrane
This light and bright galley California kitchen from Cathie Hong Interiors has tons of natural light that makes the sober white, black, and gray palette feel fresh, while mixed metal accents add shine.
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Add Reclaimed Wood
Lobster and Swan
Rustic reclaimed wood and textured walls make this DIY English kitchen from Lobster and Swan feel homey and inviting.
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Be Bold With Dark Colors
Design by deVOL Kitchens
Dark green paint on lower cabinetry and walls makes this Notting Hill London kitchen from deVOL Kitchens feel cozy and warm, while a dramatic cool marble backsplash and countertops and antique brass accents add polish and style. Open shelving with a thin brass ledge provides easy access storage for tea supplies and glassware and pots of flowers.
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Maximize a U-Shaped Kitchen
Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Photo by Christy Q. Photography
This U-shaped kitchen from Cathie Hong Interiors maximizes every last nook and cranny with wrap-around cabinetry from floor to ceiling, a kitchen island with built-in storage, and a white and gray palette with mixed metal accents that makes it feel light and airy.
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Try Sage Green
Design by Bees Knees Interior Design Studio / Photo by Tamara Flanagan Photography
In this small kitchen from Bees Knees Interior Design Studio, soothing sage green paint on the lower cabinets is carried onto the mudroom cabinetry visible through the arched doorway, creating a sense of continuity.
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Utilize a Multi-Functional Island
Design by Space Factory / Photo by Hervé Goluza
This top floor Paris apartment designed by Space Factory has tall ceilings and is flooded with light from skylights on the roof, making the small kitchen seem larger. Deep teal lower cabinetry has a grounding effect, while a tall marble backsplash and pale open shelving preserves a light and airy feel. A small kitchen island houses the stovetop and includes a breakfast bar for two.
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Work With Shared Entry
Design by Space Factory / Photo by Hervé Goluza
This small kitchen designed by Parisian interior design firm Space Factory shares space with the entry. The designers used an atelier-style metal and glass window partition to visually divide the space, and used a striking tile mosaic floor that unites it. The entry side of the cabinetry that divides the space is painted in chalkboard paint to delight the kids, while leather pulls add a sophisticated touch to black kitchen cabinetry contrasted with pale wood countertops.
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Throw in a Retro Fridge
Design by Velinda Hellen for Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp
In this small kitchen designed by Velinda Hellen for Emily Henderson Design, a retro style refrigerator is lined up beside the built-in L-shaped cabinetry, sink, and oven, helping to define the space.
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Keep it Classic
Design by deVOL Kitchens
This lovely L-shaped London kitchen from deVOL Kitchens has dark lower cabinetry topped with marble slab countertops, leaving space on the walls for framed art and a vintage wall sconce that creates an open, uncluttered feel. Brass, gold, and copper accents warm up the space.
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Embody a Modern Rustic Look
Design by Erin Williamson Design
This remodeled 1950s Texas lake house kitchen from Erin Williamson Design has a modern rustic vibe, with warm tiles, rustic beams, clean, white cabinetry accented with wood pulls, glass pendant lights, a retro style refrigerator, and wood and woven bar stools around the peninsula.
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Mix White and Blue
Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Photo by Margaret Austin Photo
Pale blue cabinetry with black accents and white countertops and tiles make this small kitchen from Cathie Hong Interiors feel fresh and functional.
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Keep It Eclectic
Design by K Shan Design
This small kitchen from K Shan Design has a big personality and an eclectic, upbeat vibe thanks to colorful wallpaper, black-and-white check tile flooring, geometric backsplash tile, and blingy gold bar stools around the peninsula.
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Embody a Retro Look
Rockport Building Partners / Photo by Sarah Szwajkos
This country kitchen from Rockport Building Partners has plenty of built-in cabinetry painted in a retro pastel mint green, vintage pendant lighting, and a modern kitchen island with a pair of French bistro stools.
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Go for California Modern
Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Photo by Christy Q. Photography
This California modern Eichler house in San Jose was updated by Cathie Hong Interiors, who turned the dark, outdated room into a space fit for 21st-century living. The designer added an island to optimize circulation, replaced outdated cabinets, and added new appliances, tile work, light fixtures, and open shelving.
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Try an Accent Tile
Design by Erin Williamson Design
This small kitchen from Erin Williamson Design is located in a multi unit 1950s A-frame lake house on the shores of Lake Austin, TX. The designer replaced the cramped, dated kitchen, removing upper cabinets, adding a striking black-and-white tile backsplash to modernize it while taking advantage of the vaulted ceilings that make the compact space feel much larger than it is.
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Use Patterned Curtains
Design by Studio Peake
This fresh L-shaped alcove kitchen from Studio Peake can be banished from sight thanks to a green-and-white patterned curtain hung from the ceiling on the outside of the cased opening.
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Bring Focus to Your Skyline View
Design by Alvin Wayne
Interior designer Alvin Wayne made the most of this compact NYC kitchen by using cabinetry and countertops in a mix of matte black and bright white lacquer finishes. A mix of silver and copper accents bring the neutral color scheme to life, and the spare design allows the city skyline view to shine.
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Try a Victorian Restored Look
Design by Tyler Karu / Photo by Erin Little
This historic Victorian in Cambridge, MA kitchen was remodeled by interior designer Tyler Karu, who worked with the owners to restore the original character and detail to the home that had been erased during previous renovations. The modest sized kitchen has quality materials with a timeless but updated feel. Wall hooks on the empty wall house a decorative and practical display of wooden cutting boards.
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Make the Most of a Tiny Loft
Fantastic Frank
This tiny Stockholm studio from Fantastic Frank has a compact kitchenette to match, seamlessly tucked in beneath the loft bed stairs that double for extra storage.
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Keep Things Back to Back
Design by Space Factory / Photo by Hervé Goluza
In this small open plan kitchen in Paris designed by Space Factory, a custom-designed dining table is placed in front of the wall that houses the kitchen in lieu of an island. It is accompanied by a custom-designed leather bench that is placed back to back with the adjacent living area sofa, neatly dividing the space and creating separate zones within a 581-square-foot apartment.
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Match Your Hardware and Decor
Fantastic Frank
This compact Berlin kitchen from Fantastic Frank has minimalist vibes, with its matte black lower cabinetry, sink, and plumbing fixtures, and a black industrial wall sconce with a long arm that looms over the countertop. A blonde butcher block countertop adds warmth and light, and a framed black-and-white print on the pristine white walls adds some minimalist decor.
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Keep Things Open
Design by Bees Knees Interior Design Studio / Photo by Kyle J Caldwell Photography
This compact L-shaped kitchen from Bees Knees Interior Design Studio hugs the corner of a larger pass-through space, leaving plenty of room around the kitchen island to preserve flow. A pale palette of shades of white and built-in cabinetry that hugs the ceiling maximizes every inch of space and allows the kitchen to fade into the background when not in use while remaining at the center of the home.
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Keep Your Brick Floors
True Home
A small dated kitchen from True Home was renovated with durable sealed brick floors, black cabinetry, salvaged marble countertops, and plenty of recessed can lighting to compensate for the lack of natural light.
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Utilize Built-In Storage
Design by Mid City Interiors
This small bungalow kitchen from Mid City Interiors has an L-shaped peninsula with built-in storage that provides seating for four while helping to define the kitchen area. Built-in cabinetry on the L-shaped corner portion of the kitchen runs all the way up to the ceiling to maximize storage.
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Maximize Vertical Space
Design by Mindy Gayer Design Co. / Photo by Vanessa Lentine
This compact kitchen from Mindy Gayer Design Co. is located at the bottom of the stairs, laid out in an L-shape with a small island that seats two. Tall cabinetry maximizes vertical space, and a neutral palette with warm touches of wood and natural woven accents adds warmth to the open space.
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Add Seats to Small Counter Space
Design by deVOL Kitchens
In this small galley kitchen in a Georgian style apartment in Bath, England from deVOL Kitchens, a two-seater cafe-style breakfast bar is built in right next to the window to provide a cozy place for a cup of coffee or a meal.
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Convey a Bigger Appearance With a Mirror
Design by Jess Bunge for Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Tramp
This small kitchen designed by Jess Bunge for Emily Henderson Design has open and closed cabinetry, a large countertop, and sink along one wall, with a free-standing oven positioned on its own against the back wall as a matter of necessity. To distract the eye and make the space feel bigger, a convex witch's eye mirror with an ornate gold frame is hung on the wall.
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Add Some Contrast
Design by Emilie Fournet Interiors / Photo by Kasia Fiszer
This London kitchen from Emilie Fournet Interiors combines emerald green backsplash tiles with pale white and gray lower cabinetry, countertops, and flooring. A double layer of dark wood wraparound wood shelving ties in the reclaimed wood ceiling and provides contrast.
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Add All the Storage
Design by deVOL Kitchens
This small self-contained kitchen from deVOL Kitchens has a U-shaped layout that maximizes space along the three main walls. One wall is devoted to storage, including closed lower cabinetry, and a built-in wall of glass front cabinetry. The opposite wall has a window over the sink that floods the room with natural light, while the back wall is devoted to an oversize hood vent that creates a focal point along with the vintage-style pale yellow oven.
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Stick to Light and Bright
Design by Mary Patton Design / Photo by Molly Culver
This small condo kitchen from Mary Patton Design creates the illusion of a larger space by sticking to a light and bright all-white palette dressed up with luminous gold-toned accents, and adding minimal items to the countertop.
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Blend It All Together
Design by Alvin Wayne
This small NYC kitchen from interior designer Alvin Wayne has pale neutral finishes that allow it to blend in with the open adjacent living room, while a large neon sign at the end of the hallway creates a focal point to distract the eye.
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Make the Most of Your Small Space
Design by Space Factory / Photo by Hervé Goluza
The small minimalist kitchen in this top-floor duplex designed by French interior design firm Space Factory is built along a wall next to a staircase inspired by a Kapla game. A single shelf above the sink is painted in Yves Klein blue that matches color accents found throughout the open space, and a single panel of plywood on the cabinet front next to the oven echos the raw material of the staircase.
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In standard city apartments, the area of the kitchen does not always meet the wishes of the owners. Residents of high-rise buildings often face the problem of cramped space, but in the cooking area it is felt most acutely. You can improve the situation with the help of special design techniques that allow you to make a narrow kitchen as comfortable and beautiful as possible.
Narrow kitchen features
A room twice as long or more than wide, more like a corridor than a living space. This is especially true for the “window opposite the door” options. The only exception is open areas in studios, but completely different design laws apply to them.
The area of a narrow kitchen can be different - somewhere a miniature set will hardly fit, in others there will be enough square meters for a full-fledged dining table. Sometimes the space can be slightly expanded by combining it with a living room or a balcony, but in most cases you have to put up with what you have. To be comfortable in a narrow kitchen, it is very important to properly equip it.
An elongated room sets a list of requirements for a design project. Firstly, it is necessary to balance the proportions, visually push the walls and raise the ceiling; secondly, it should be easy to cook in such a kitchen, that is, attention should be paid to the ergonomics of the processes; thirdly, the aesthetic side is of great importance. Only an integrated approach can satisfy all these criteria, when every little thing is thought out in advance, and the choice of finishes, furniture and appliances is carried out according to a pre-approved plan.
Interior styles
Taking into account the specifics of a corridor-type kitchen, not so many style solutions are suitable for its design. The smaller the dimensions of the room, the more modest the interior should look. A restrained color palette, smooth textures, a minimum of protrusions and all kinds of decor are the key to a space that is not overloaded with details, in which all family members will enjoy spending time.
Modern style narrow kitchen
Reflects the fast pace of life and the high development of technology in the 21st century. In such an interior, everything is clear and concise: kitchen utensils and products are hidden behind neat facades of the headset, built-in appliances flawlessly and quietly perform their functions, and all surfaces without exception remain perfectly clean. The minimalistic design in light achromatic colors is the best choice for a narrow kitchen of the most compact dimensions, thanks to which the cooking process will become easy and enjoyable.
Scandinavian style narrow kitchen
It was borrowed from the traditional home environment of the inhabitants of the Nordic countries - Sweden, Denmark and Norway. Due to the abundance of white and gray-blue colors, it leaves the impression of a boundless expanse of snow-capped mountains, and interspersed with natural wood and ethnic motifs create a warm homely atmosphere. The narrow kitchen, decorated in a Scandinavian style, looks airy and bright, so being in it is a real pleasure for any hostess.
Loft style narrow kitchen
One of the most organic solutions for an extended room. Industrial features in the design fully justify the non-standard layout. It may seem that in the place of this strange kitchen there really was an industrial workshop, a pantry or a corridor. Simple masonry and concrete finishes, exposed steel pipes, rough-hewn boards, homemade furniture made from scrap materials will make the cooking place completely individual, and the owners will be able to show creativity and courage to go against the generally accepted norms.
Provence style narrow kitchen
Provencal style, with its delicate pastel shades and vintage modesty of decor, will help to create a soft atmosphere of a French village in the kitchen. Wooden furniture painted with light matte enamel, whitewashed walls and ceiling, porcelain sets on open shelves, unobtrusive prints in the form of wild flowers, birds, lace will be appropriate here. However, it is better to save the drawings for small elements - window curtains, an apron, sets of dishes, and it is advisable to leave the rest of the surfaces plain.
Color combinations in the interior of a narrow kitchen
The choice of colors for a narrow kitchen is one of the most crucial moments. By combining tones according to all the rules of decoration, a long room can be visually expanded, bringing its geometry closer to the desired shape. But the more modest the dimensions of the room, the more careful you should be with bright and saturated shades. So that the kitchen does not seem colorful, it is recommended to avoid contrasts, even if we are talking about a banal black and white checkerboard. Eye-catching elements should be located near narrow walls, but sometimes an emphasis in the center is necessary for zoning a space, for example, dividing it into a working and dining area.
Achromatic
Combinations of white, gray and black in an elongated kitchen always look very stylish. They can be diluted with natural wood countertops, small bright details (apron, separate cabinet doors, refrigerator), colored dishes and decor.
Cold
Quite often used in the design of narrow rooms. Pastel blotches on a matte white background are a good option for an airy Provence, country, marine, Scandinavian style. However, the base may well be colored: in a long kitchen, light gray, pale blue, olive, lavender, beige will look beautiful. All these shades are easily combined with each other, but no more than 2-3 in one room.
Warm
They are best created using wood textures and ocher, brick tones. In such a palette, the lightest shades can be represented by milky white, lemon, peach, greenish khaki, and the darkest shades can be represented by brown coffee and chocolate. Well complement the warm range of red, yellow, green, from metals - gold and bronze.
Finish
In addition to the standard requirements for quality, safety and durability, the materials used for finishing a narrow kitchen must meet certain aesthetic requirements. In such rooms, colorful drawings, large decor and rich contrasts are completely undesirable. It is better to leave all this for overly spacious rooms, and decorate a small cooking area elegantly and discreetly.
Ceiling
The optimal solution for finishing the ceiling area in a narrow space is a flat, light surface. Depending on the chosen style, you can stop at a matte, satin or mirror texture. Volumetric plasterboard structures, as well as two-tiered perimeter frames, are usually not suitable for such cases. The only exception is a large narrow kitchen with a high ceiling, which can be visually zoned with a square shape and floating lighting.
Walls
When it comes to a small space, the walls in it should be as simple as possible. Light monochromatic painting or the same wallpaper is an excellent basic option. To avoid the "train" effect, it is not recommended to use horizontal patterns on long walls, including stripes. At the same time, a pronounced vertical, whether it is an insert of a rich shade, some large image, or, for example, a red refrigerator against a white headset, will help balance the geometry of the kitchen. A free wall can be visually moved away if you stick photo wallpapers on it with a realistic perspective directed inward.
Apron
In addition to its direct purpose - to protect the wall near the stove, sink and worktop from splashes - this element is one of the most significant decorations of the kitchen. There are no special rules for its design in narrow rooms - it all depends on the preferences of the owners and the style as a whole. However, it is advisable to avoid placing horizontal borders and catchy drawings on the apron. Medium-sized brick or stone masonry, tiles of related shades, square mosaic, fashionable patchwork, glass with mirror illumination will look much better.
Sex
When finishing the floor in a narrow room, preference should be given to non-contrasting small and medium-sized textures. They should be in harmony with the rest of the design, be comfortable to use and not attract much attention.
Parquet boards and rectangular tiles should be laid parallel to narrow walls - this way the room will appear more spacious. Square elements are best placed diagonally, in the form of diamonds, but they should be close in color, and not resemble a chessboard. Quite interestingly, a stylized “path” made of tiles, laminate or linoleum can look quite interesting on the floor of a narrow kitchen, but, again, colorful contrasts should be avoided.
Kitchen furniture
There are few options for arranging furniture in a compressed space. One way or another, the headset is installed along one or both long walls. In very rare cases, if the footage allows, there is an island layout. However, the place near the window deserves special attention - it is too often ignored, and in terms of design this is one of the most interesting segments of the narrow kitchen.
So, the first thing to consider is the possibility of arranging at least a minimal dining area next to the window. A transforming window sill may well act as a table. If desired, it can be easily turned into a comfortable sofa, and for serving dishes, use the protruding tabletop of the L-shaped set. A rather interesting option for using a place near the window is a dining area, reminiscent of a side reserved seat on a train.
In case of a lack of free space in the kitchen, folding, retractable, mobile pieces of furniture will be a real salvation. Instead of bulky stools, you can purchase compact bar stools, bulky cabinets-tabletops can be replaced with lightweight structures with wall mounts.
The ideal set for a long cramped kitchen should be with smooth facades, without pretentious decor and sharp contrasts. Options without handles, with magnetic fasteners will look very modern. The height up to the ceiling will help to compensate for the narrowed format of the cabinets. A built-in storage system with a mezzanine can also be equipped around the window opening - this way the space will be used even more efficiently.
Narrow kitchen design - photo
The design of a narrow kitchen is a real challenge for designers, craftsmen and just owners of this type of premises. But a huge number of implemented projects proves that it is more than realistic to convert a “corridor” room into a stylish and comfortable cooking area. The photo gallery on our website will help you to make sure of this and find inspirational ideas for the upcoming renovation. Choose the option you like, and let the new kitchen be better than in the most beautiful pictures.
60+ photo examples, solutions for the most complex layouts
Kitchens in typical houses often have a disproportionate configuration. Under these conditions, the owner of the apartment will have to try to plan a convenient and functional design of the kitchen space - so that the set fits in and there is a place to gather the family in the evening. However, in narrow kitchens you can equip a comfortable environment.
Contents
Design features of a narrow kitchen
In order not to look too gloomy in a long kitchen, it is worth giving preference to wallpaper in pastel colors. It will look good white in a milky shade, as well as peach and cream tones.
Cream kitchen is a wonderful choice for a small kitchen.If the kitchen is very long, a bright picture can be placed on one wall as an accent, which will visually divide the room.
Furniture in a narrow kitchen will also look better with light fronts. However, this is not an axiom. The combined version will also look great, when the lower cabinets are made in deep bright light, and the facades of the upper ones are lighter.
Light facades and walls of the same color visually expand the kitchen.An important role is given to the choice of flooring. The main task of finishing the kitchen is the visual expansion of the room. If you decide to use floor tiles, you can lay them diagonally.
If laminate is used, lay it perpendicular to the longest wall. The dark color of the floor will add a little depth and height to the room, and the light color will brighten the perception of the long kitchen tunnel.
The floor covering makes a big difference in the limited space.Stretch ceilings are the best choice for ceilings. The lower they are, the lighter the shade should be.
For example, with low ceilings, glossy PVC stretch ceilings will look good and visually enlarge the room due to the reflective surface. High ceilings can be decorated with canvases with stained glass or linear patterns.
The light ceiling does not distract attention and gives the kitchen extra volume.Which layout to choose for a narrow kitchen
There are several layout solutions for narrow kitchens.
Linear layout
The saddest option is a very narrow kitchen. In such it is impossible even to combine the dining area with a suite stretched along one wall. The refrigerator is placed in one row with the headset, usually near the entrance.
Such a kitchen is also inconvenient because the hostess has to wind extra meters while cooking, constantly moving between the refrigerator, sink, stove and work table.
Placing a headset along one wall is the most obvious solution, but not ergonomic.Such kitchens are so narrow that in order to create a comfortable environment it is necessary to move the dining area into an adjacent room. The only alternative is a narrow transformer table or a tabletop folding from the wall like a bar counter.
Several tricks will help brighten up the tunnel syndrome:
- place a TV on the wall above the entrance;
- stick a kitchen-themed mural on the opposite wall from the set;
- Use wallpaper with vertical stripes or vertical patterns to shorten the room a bit.
Parallel layout
This can be called a kitchen in which a kitchen set will fit on both sides or there is a place to place a dining area opposite the furniture.
In such a room, it is already possible to more conveniently arrange the working area - move the stove with a refrigerator in front of the sink. The main thing is that the width of the passage should not be less than 90 cm. You can, on the contrary, build up the kitchen up, solving the problem of storage at the same time.
Rarely used household appliances or dishes can be stored in an additional row of drawers under the ceiling. So that the boxes do not hang over your head, it is better to order a set with light wall cabinets.
Light furniture will not "crush" in an already very limited space.U-kitchen
You can arrange the furniture set with the letter U in kitchens that are closer to the square. In this case, the window sill is removed and a working area with a sink is installed in its place.
A lack of planning can easily be turned into an advantage by moving the sink.For the hostess, this option is the most convenient in terms of cooking and storage. But to create a eating area, you will have to use again either a narrow table along the wall or a transforming table.
However, planning problems can be solved by placing a dining area near the window and placing a corner sofa there. At the same time, work surfaces should end in front of the dining area.
The seat at the foot of the window is the perfect dining area in a small kitchen.D-kitchen
This is another planning option, acceptable in cases where the door to the kitchen from the corridor is not installed in the center of the wall, but asymmetrically.
There are 2 options for furniture placement:
- The set forms an angle near the entrance, and a dining table is placed near the window.
- The set forms a corner near the window (the window sill is removed and a working area is put in its place). A narrow dining table is placed near the free wall.
In conclusion, some general tips for planning a narrow kitchen:
- Move the eating area to a separate dining room. In order not to interfere with the doors when serving dishes, replace them with sliding ones.
- A bar along the wall will help solve the problem of daily lunches and breakfasts. Guests will be received in the living room.
- Corner sofa and stools take up less space than a table with chairs.
- If cabinets cover part of the doorway, just narrow it by 25-30cm. This will solve the problem and there will be no need to puzzle over planning decisions.
- Buy narrower kitchen sets - they will widen the aisle and leave room for the table.
- Provide additional lighting - it is unlikely that one ceiling lamp can provide the necessary level of illumination. You can stretch 2 rows of spotlights along the ceiling or separately illuminate the work area with lamps located at the bottom of wall cabinets.
Narrow kitchen with a window
The window in the narrow kitchen is the only source of natural light, so it needs to be groomed and cherished. Curtains should be short and translucent, blinds should be light. Since the window seat is functionally important, it does not need to be littered with curtains.
Roller blinds, Roman blinds and blinds save space near the window, especially in the working area.Near the window in the narrow kitchen, you can install a dining table with a kitchen sofa. You can zone the site with the help of lighting - put a couple of rows of spotlights along the ceiling along the working areas, and hang a long beautiful chandelier above the dining area.
If the dining area is taken out into the dining room or placed along the wall, this place can be used more functionally. If you install a desktop near the window and combine the countertop and window sill under a common countertop-window sill made of artificial stone, such an area can look really luxurious.
A large window expands the kitchen, letting in light and dividing a long wall into pieces.A bold option is to move the sink to the window. Of course, it will be necessary to provide for the redevelopment of the water supply system. As for the radiator, you can make a cabinet for it with holes in the doors. The efficiency of the radiator, of course, will decrease in this case.
If the kitchen faces north or is located on a windy top floor, you can move the radiator to an open wall. To prevent the faucet from interfering with opening the sash, install a bayonet faucet model that can be removed and laid on its side.
Tastefully selected set, lighting and accessories will make even the most inconvenient narrow kitchen cozy and chic.Narrow kitchen with a sofa
A narrow cozy sofa will increase the number of seats at a narrow table and take up little space. This is a great alternative to a table with interfering chairs.
You can place the sofa along the window, creating a separate dining area. To fit into the style ensemble, the upholstery must match the color scheme of the table.
Light range - the most suitable for furniture in a narrow room.Narrow kitchen with a balcony
The balcony in the kitchen is a real planning find. In the kitchen with a balcony, a full-fledged place for the dining area appears. First, you will have to perform work on combining the balcony with the kitchen: remove the balcony door with a window, insulate and glaze the balcony, and conduct wiring there.
Panoramic glazing will allow you to admire the city landscapes while eating. The remaining wall can be used as a table for serving dishes and dirty dishes, or you can remove it by moving the radiator to a free wall. Then in the vacant place you can put a bar counter.
If there is a balcony next to the kitchen, then it can take on part of the load of furniture and appliances.Balcony-dining room - the best option for using additional space that does not require additional refurbishment. If the balcony is narrow, in any case, it will help expand the space for the dining area.
If a spacious loggia is adjacent to the kitchen, then a full-fledged dining room can be equipped there. In this case, 2 zones can be separated by an arch or transparent sliding doors.
Please note that any redevelopment work requires a permit. Especially it is necessary if you assume that someday you will sell an apartment.
Attaching a balcony and placing a dining group on it is the most logical solution for a narrow kitchen.Narrow kitchen-living room
If you are lucky enough to become owners of a narrow kitchen-living room, you will have to reconsider the principles of furniture placement. All furniture should not be placed parallel to a long wall, because in this way the room will stretch even more.
A long set and a longitudinal arrangement of floorboards are the two main mistakes in arranging a narrow kitchen. It is advisable to zone the room with furniture.You can consider the option of a kitchen with an island. The island can be used as a work surface, or you can install a hob on it.
The essence of this arrangement is the installation of large objects across the room: sofas, an island. A narrow room will seem more proportional.
It is possible to divide the room into 2 zones: make a kitchen at a distance closer to the window, and arrange a living room closer to the entrance, or vice versa, dividing 2 zones with a bar counter.
Sofa by the window - a romantic variety in the interior of the kitchen.Small narrow kitchen
Small narrow kitchen is the most complex layout option.
First, you need to try a variant cardinally:
- organize a dining room in the next room;
- demolish the partition with the next room and make a combined kitchen/dining room;
- move the partition deeper into the next room, expanding the kitchen and reducing the room;
- if there is a balcony, combine the room with a balcony;
- extend the kitchen with a corridor.
If all this fails, you will have to get out with the arrangement of furniture:
- buy a narrow kitchen set, and for eating, arrange a narrow reclining table from the wall. Folding chairs will also help save space;
- to increase the storage area, place the upper tier of cabinets under the ceiling. Use the lower cabinets to install built-in household appliances - dishwasher,
- oven, refrigerator;
- efficient use of a window sill to create a table;
- replace the standard 4-burner stove with a narrower 2-burner stove.
A narrow kitchen does not tolerate clutter, perfect order must reign in it. It must necessarily contain decorative elements: bright utensils, flowers in pots, a picture or a panel on a free wall - all these accents will not only attract the eye, but also distract the attention of guests from the disproportion of the room.