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Small kitchen cabinet layout ideas


20 ideas to maximize that small space |

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(Image credit: Barbara Sallick/William Abranowicz/Emily J Followill/Beth Webb Interiors/Ward & Co./Taran Wilkhu)

The best small kitchen layouts are crucial to getting the most out of a room with less space than you’d like. Planning a small kitchen layout can be tricky, as finding the best layout can make or break a compact kitchen. 

Our kitchen ideas guide to small kitchen layout ideas covers all the bases to help you reach the full potential of your kitchen.

While you might think options can be limited for small kitchen ideas, these smaller spaces often turn out to be far more ergonomically efficient. 

No traipsing miles to gather ingredients, or circumnavigating a monolithic island unit to reach the sink. When space is tight, everything is meticulously placed for convenience and is exactly where you need it.

Best small kitchen layouts

When thinking about how to plan a small kitchen layout, it's best to make a list of your ‘must-haves’, particularly in terms of appliances, as they can swallow up a lot of storage space. 

Take time to think about how you cook, who else needs access to the kitchen, even if it’s just the fridge, and where the dining table is in relation to the dishwasher.

Do seek advice from a professional kitchen designer. They are trained in spatial design and the latest space-saving innovations, and can often suggest ways to get more in to kitchen layouts without overcrowding.

1. Maximize natural light to make a galley feel bigger

(Image credit: Emily J Followill/Beth Webb Interiors)

While it’s a highly sensible layout choice for a long, thin space, double galley kitchens have a reputation for feeling dark and pokey. To help make them feel bigger, be sure to maximize the room’s potential for natural light. 

If it’s architecturally possible, maximizing window space at one end of the galley will do wonders for the sense of space in the room. In this small but breathtaking space by designer Beth Webb , the kitchen of a South Carolina hunting lodge is made to feel light and breezy through the use of floor-to-ceiling windows, helped by the positioning of another window on the perpendicular wall. 

2. Open shelving and glass cabinets help create depth

(Image credit: Ward & Co./Taran Wilkhu)

While closed cabinetry is perfect for keeping kitchens feeling neat and tidy, too much of it on the top half of the elevations is likely to make a small kitchen feel smaller – you’re effectively extending the solid wall outwards into the room. 

To combat this, keep solid cabinetry to the lower half of the kitchen, and break up the higher levels with open kitchen shelving ideas and glass-fronted cupboards. In this apartment kitchen by London designers Ward & Co. , open cabinetry is used exclusively above the worktops, allowing for a greater sense of depth in those areas.  

3. Make the most of space with a double galley

(Image credit: Future/Jonathan Gooch)

The only layout more spatially efficient than a single galley, is a double galley.  

'Double galley kitchens are practical because they efficiently utilise both sides of a narrow space, offering more storage for small kitchens,’ explains Pluck ’s co-founder George Glasier.

George also explains how this small kitchen layout can make a small kitchen look bigger: ‘As the cabinetry doesn’t meet at the room’s corners, they eliminate the awkward-to-reach corner cupboard debate. Visually they provide symmetry and therefore balance to the space, which can help make a small kitchen appear bigger.'

4. Try a moveable option

(Image credit: Luke White)

When space is tight, an island unit can become more of an obstacle than asset.

In this 3.6m wide kitchen, interior designer Robert Rhodes felt a permanent island, even a narrow one, would have made the space on either side feel small and compromised. Instead, a freestanding vintage table provides extra prep space when needed and can be moved out of the way when entertaining.

‘Going for a freestanding piece can prove much more flexible and also offers a more relaxed, laidback look than fitted units,’ says Robert.

5. Undulate worktops and cabinetry to make the most of space 

(Image credit: Barbara Sallick/William Abranowicz)

If you’re keen to eek out every bit of floor space you can, remember that worktops and cabinetry do not have to be at the same depth the whole way around the kitchen. 

In this kitchen owned and designed by Waterworks Co-Founder Barbara Sallick, the worktop to the left hand side includes a small inlet opposite the island, between deeper areas that facilitate corner cupboards and a tall glass cabinet. This makes the most of walking space where those few inches of storage space aren’t necessary. 

6. Get creative with awkward nooks

(Image credit: Adam Macchia)

If you’ve inherited a kitchen where architectural features are an obstacle to making the most of the space, it’s time to get creative. 

In this apartment kitchen owned by furniture expert Christine Retlev, a window with a low bottom edge makes it difficult to extend the worktop all the way to the end wall. Instead, Retlev installed a lower countertop, and turned the awkward nook into a seating area, perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee alongside views of Manhattan.  

7. Add an island

(Image credit: Mark Bolton)

Kitchen islands can have so many uses, whether it's for storage, extra worktop surface or for sitting.

By incorporating breakfast bar ideas into the design of your kitchen, you're making the space go further with the addition of a handy spot to eat and drink. And it takes up less room than a clunky kitchen table.

(Image credit: Luke Edward Hall)

A single galley layout, with the entire kitchen on one elevation, is inspired by the confines of a ship’s galley, where every inch counts.

This striking cobalt kitchen belonging to artist and interior designer Luke Edward Hall is in an open-plan room that also accommodates dining and relaxing. Fortunately, the ceiling is high, so Luke could maximize his small kitchen storage options with wall cabinets, without overpowering the room.

‘You can see the kitchen from the sofa,’ says Luke. ‘Although I like to have fresh produce and ceramics on display, it is nice for us to be able to put things away.’

9. Consider U-shape solutions

(Image credit: Future/Paul Raeside)

If you have to cram a lot of units into a very small space, a U-shape layout is often the best bet. The downside of two corners is compensated by extra cupboard space on the end wall.

‘The key to compact U-shaped kitchens is using every inch to your advantage. Use Le Mans units inside corner cupboards. They’ll bring the contents out to you,’ says Hayley Robson, creative director, Day True .

‘Take the kitchen cabinets as close to the ceiling as possible. Not only does this look extremely elegant but it also maximises storage more than you would think.’

10. Choose to hide it away

(Image credit: Photography/Anna Stathaki.)

Combining kitchen, living and dining in one room is a common scenario in small apartments.

For this luxury space in Knightsbridge, interior designer Kia Stanford has conceived a hidden kitchen that conceals the more practical side of cooking when the owners are relaxing. ‘The trick is to select materials and finishes more typically associated with living room furniture,’ says Kia.

Here, tall pocket doors shut away the small appliances and boiling water tap. Don’t be fooled by first appearances, this hidden kitchen is fully equipped for cooking up a storm.

11. Add a narrow island

(Image credit: Future Plc and Serena Fokschaner)

The width of floor space around an island is arguably more important than the width of the island itself. Aim for at least 90-100cm clear walkway around an island’s full perimeter.

‘It is essential not to make an island’s dimensions too big, as it may restrict movement around the kitchen,’ explains Ben Burbidge, managing director, Burbidge & Son.

An island unit should be at least one cabinet deep (60cm) to provide useful storage underneath, a little wider will be useful for spreading out when prepping on the surface.

12. Use clear walls

(Image credit: Plain English)

Leaving walls free from cabinetry can make a huge impact to the sense of space in a small kitchen. This only works if you have sufficient storage space elsewhere, such as a walk-in pantry.

Open shelving is less burdensome than solid wall cabinets, but even they create a degree of visual ‘noise’, so if it’s simplicity you are seeking, better to go without.

Here, Plain English has packed storage into both sides of the peninsula, leaving the walls blissfully empty, bar a simple cooker hood.

13. Try a breakfast bar

(Image credit: Rachael Smith)

Perfect for casual meals, a quick coffee or chatting to friends while you cook – all without losing prep space – breakfast bars are hugely practical.

‘Don’t assume it isn’t possible to squeeze a breakfast bar into a small kitchen. What a table-style design lacks in storage, it more than makes up for in creating a feeling of lightness and space,’ says Fabiana Scavolini, CEO of Scavolini .

‘This style of breakfast bar is less obtrusive than a standard peninsula with base units and it opens up the space by showing more of the floor.’

Don't forget to think about lighting ideas for small kitchens , too, so your breakfast bar can stand out in all its glory.

14. Hide everything behind sliding doors

(Image credit: Life Kitchens)

For small apartments, open-plan living and teeny-weeny floor plans, consider the option to conceal a one-wall, narrow kitchen from view with sliding doors. A single bank of floor-to-ceiling units (kitted out with storage, cooking, sink, the lot) can magically disappear when not in use thanks to fully retractable doors. The result is an uninterrupted wall finish, which, depending on your door choice, will add an extra dash of color and texture to a small space.

‘The most prevalent demand on modern properties is space,’ explains Graeme Smith, head of retail and commercial design at Life Kitchens . ‘Ever shrinking footprints mean that rooms are now multifunctional; combining living, dining and cooking into one space is fast becoming the norm. Life’s Hidden Kitchen provides everything needed with areas for preparation, cooking and storage. Essentials such as a fridge-freezer, oven and dishwasher are all included in this slim profile kitchen and with sliding, bifold doors, you can seamlessly hide it all away, leaving behind a statement, paneled wall feature.’

15. Add reflective surfaces

(Image credit: Tile Club)

Glossy door fronts, transparent glass shelving and metallic appliances will all take advantage of natural daylight and help make a small kitchen layout feel roomier by bouncing any available light around the space.

‘One of my best tips for a small kitchen is to utilize mirrors within your space – they can make a small space seem much larger than it actually is,’ says Zara O’Hare, internal interior design consultant at Land of Rugs . ‘Any natural light flowing through the space can be bounced back through different areas, making it seem lighter and more airy. I would place mirrors opposite areas where natural light comes through into the space, so windows and doors are your main opportunity. ’

These bevelled, antique mirror glass subway tiles will help open up a small kitchen layout.

16. Install hidden light sources

(Image credit: Schmidt UK)

As well as mirror finishes and glossy surfaces, clever kitchen lighting ideas can be key to the success of small kitchen layout ideas. Slick, unobtrusive strip lighting hidden under a wall cabinet or embedded into a plinth will not intrude into valuable inches and create the illusion of more room in a compact kitchen. It will also help bounce natural daylight around your space.

‘Strategic placing of lights, reflective surfaces and a light color scheme will make your kitchen seem bigger than it is,’ says Giovanni Scippo, director at 3D Lines . ‘You should be using what we call task lights, which are placed above where you do most of the work – the sink and counter. Another small but effective trick is to line your shelves and cabinets with strip lights – they’re easily concealed and very functional. ’

‘In a small kitchen, wall cabinets are usually necessary to give sufficient storage space, but unfortunately can make the room seem darker,’ adds Alice Pasteau, retail support manager, Schmidt UK . ‘Made-to-measure LED profiles can be built into your units, giving diffuse, neutral lighting over your countertop.’

17. Keep counters clutter-free in a small kitchen layout

(Image credit: Higham)

Clever small kitchen layout ideas should ensure countertop paraphernalia can be kept to a minimum. Small appliances, and sugar, tea and coffee canisters can all eat up valuable surface area for food preparation and make a kitchen feel messy and cramped. One way is to add extra shelving or wall cabinets for stashing away all of those items that are generally on show. Another popular idea is a dedicated breakfast cupboard, which sits on top of the counter, with space to hide away cereal, bread, coffee, preserves, bowls, mugs and small plates, plus kettles, toasters and juicers (with power points inside so they don’t have to be moved when used.

‘When designing a kitchen, it is important to understand how a client lives and uses the space,’ says Tim Higham owner of bespoke kitchen brand Higham Furniture . ‘At first, our recommendation for this fairly traditional kitchen in an Edwardian period property was to have wall cabinets either side of the chimney, freeing up the counter space next to the range.

‘However, when the client said that any empty worktop in their home would get cluttered, we agreed that the dressers would work best as they allowed for appliances and other items to be hidden out of sight.’

The proportions of the room led to a narrow small kitchen island, which is highly functional though, and includes a sink, dishwasher and bins plus sink and overhang for stools.

18. Create unexpected storage in a small layout

(Image credit: Beam/Ahmad AbouZanat, Project AZ)

Think outside the box when it comes to layout in a limited footprint. Small kitchen layouts should include great storage solutions plus implement top tactics for organizing a small kitchen. Try built-in benches, unused plinths that can be transformed into slim, toe-kick drawers and skinny larder cabinets with adjustable racking systems that utilize a narrow, redundant gap.

Using a modern mix of petroleum blue, walnut and brass, this small kitchen started life enclosed on all sides by walls, separating it from the rest of the house. Now, it is open plan to the living room, with a kitchen island that features a removable dining table and clever storage columns with a chic bar area.

‘By opening up the kitchen, I was able to capture unused space in the hallway and create additional storage through the insertion of the kitchen island,’ explains interior designer Ahmad AbouZanat of Project AZ . ‘The bar area is an entirely new area of storage they didn’t have before.’

19. Use flooring to alter proportions

(Image credit: Havwoods)

Create the illusion of more space with your choice of kitchen flooring. Hardwood floor planks can draw the eye down the room to make it seem longer or across it so it feels wider depending on which way they are laid. This clever design trick is particularly useful when a small kitchen leads into a living area; laying the same floor throughout will create a seamless, unbroken mood and add a sense of depth.

‘With space coming at a premium for some rooms, interiors are required to work harder and in turn become more flexible,‘ says Greg Elliot, head of technical at Havwoods . ‘The floor then becomes one of the largest fixtures and so designers are putting extra focus on how it impacts the space. Vertically placed planks or wide, long planks work particularly well in galley kitchens as they will increase the sense of space in the room.’

20. Be clever with color

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Sticking to a pale small kitchen paint colors is a foolproof way to make the most of the light in a small kitchen. Of course, if you want drama and bold color, an all-over paint shade can instead be applied to striking effect. Try painting cabinets, walls and ceiling in the same top-to-toe color to blur the lines of a small kitchen layout and create the illusion of a bigger area.

If that’s a step too far for your design tastebuds, introduce contrasting colors in a simple way: use darker colors such as navy or forest green on the floor cabinets and paint wall cabinets and walls in a pale shade to blend in with the ceiling.

What is the best layout for a small kitchen?

The best kitchen layouts are usually dictated by the immovable architectural elements, like windows, doors, chimney breasts and structural beams.

Try to avoid layouts that involve corners, such as L and U-shapes, but if a corner is inevitable, do make use of internal storage mechanisms like Le Mans and carousel systems.

Drawers are considered superior to cupboards in terms of full access to all contents. Also think about how cabinets and appliances open. A dishwasher door that clashes with a fridge door opposite will endlessly annoy.

How do you declutter a small kitchen?

One way to declutter a small kitchen is through the use of cabinetry. A plain slab door with push-touch or recessed handles will look sleeker than a framed door with protruding hardware.

Likewise, a breakfast cupboard with bi-folding or tambour doors can be used to hide away countertop appliances, including the coffee machine and toaster. A boiling water tap takes the kettle out of the equation and can be combined with your regular hot and cold supply in one neat unit.

Larders always sound like a luxury exclusive to large kitchens, but they utilise the room’s height, so offer impressive volumes of storage. Hang a small set of steps on the inside of the larder door for easy access to the top shelves.

What appliances are best for small kitchens?

Multifunctional appliances are best for small kitchens, like a combi-microwave or combi-steam oven, which are essentially two cooking methods in one.

You can also get single ovens that can be split to cook at different temperatures; like a double oven but in a smaller footprint. Built-in, compact appliances are 45cm-high, instead of 60cm, and can be stacked neatly. Induction hobs with built-in extraction can also save space overhead but do check how much cupboard space you’ll lose below for the motor unit.

Slimline dishwashers are 45cm-wide, which can make all the difference if you’re counting every cm. Under-mounted drawer-style refrigeration comes with impressive capacities.

Do think very carefully about the appliances you need, or you could end up with nowhere to store crockery. Could a wine fridge fit in the dining room for example?

Linda graduated from university with a First in Journalism, Film and Broadcasting. Her career began on a trade title for the kitchen and bathroom industry, and she has worked for Homes & Gardens, and sister-brands Livingetc, Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, since 2006, covering interiors topics, though kitchens and bathrooms are her specialism. 

With contributions from

53 Small Kitchen Ideas That Prove That Less Is More

Introduction

By

Kristin Hohenadel

Kristin Hohenadel

Kristin Hohenadel is an interior design expert who has covered architecture, interiors, and decor trends for publications including the New York Times, Interior Design, Lonny, and the American and international editions of Elle Decor. She resides in Paris, France, and has traveled to over 30 countries, giving her a global perspective on home design.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 05/03/22

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.

Steps to Small Kitchen Renovation

Design of a very small kitchen (80+ real photos)

It's no secret that the most frequently visited place by the hostess is the kitchen. However, not all women are owners of a large kitchen. And so you want this room to be functional, comfortable, and most importantly, cozy.

Designers' advice will come to help in solving this problem, which you can use and turn the proposed ideas into reality.

Contents

Which floor plan to choose

Square kitchen

Corner sets are suitable for square kitchens. In them, you can conveniently distinguish between a working and dining area. With this solution, the refrigerator, sink and stove can be arranged in such a way that they form a working triangle. Everything you need will be within walking distance.

An oval dining table can be placed opposite the set. This table can accommodate a large number of people.

If the design of the kitchen is quite small, for example, 2 * 2 m, then a folding table will do.

Wide window can be used as a dining area.

Rectangular kitchen

Rectangular kitchens are best placed along the walls. Instead of a dining table, it is better to give preference to a bar counter.

To visually expand the room, you can hang a large mirror on the walls or install a mirror kitchen apron.

For this option, it is preferable to choose curtains with a large pattern.

Extra light needs to be considered as the work area needs to be well lit. If the window is small or located on one wall, lighting is indispensable.

Small kitchen doors can be sliding to save space.

Irregular kitchen

These rooms usually have niches, spaces or ledges. The built-in closet fits perfectly into the recesses of the walls. It can accommodate kitchen utensils, household appliances.

A refrigerator or an unusual built-in bar can also take a place in a niche. It is better to make a kitchen set for such a kitchen to order or choose an option in which the doors of the upper cabinets will rise vertically.

Rules for choosing furniture for a small kitchen

  1. You should be guided, first of all, by the issue of comfort and only then by your own taste preferences. For example, you should not buy a bulky sideboard made of solid wood that you like, which carries a minimum functional load, and at the same time clutters up an already small room.
  2. To begin with, it is necessary to consider all existing types of planning. A kitchen plan drawn on paper will help a lot with this. One of the options is sure to suit the arrangement of a small kitchen.
  3. Hanging cabinets, shelves and other pieces of furniture look much better in small spaces. And you should also choose the highest possible racks, literally resting on the ceiling - they will help save space in the room.
  4. It is recommended to rationally use all free corners by installing headset parts, household appliances and other important elements in them.

When choosing furniture for a small kitchen, one should take into account such parameters as volume and ergonomics. The headset should be as compact as possible externally, but at the same time roomy. You should not choose furniture that resembles a design of huge boxes. It should be quite light and pretty, and occupy all corners, niches and other useless spaces.

The visual perception of the kitchen set also plays a huge role. This means that the color of the furniture that will be installed in a small room is extremely important. Light glossy surfaces will help to visually increase the space.

However, it is not recommended to buy a set that matches the color of the walls exactly. It is also very important to correctly place bright accents that will enliven the room and give it a twist.

Some design tricks can help make your kitchen look bigger. Mirrored surfaces will add depth to the room, exactly the same function is performed by glass doors and shelves, chrome-plated metal handles, and so on. At the same time, it is important to maintain harmony so that the kitchen looks stylish and attractive.

Equally important is the arrangement of furniture in the kitchen. For small spaces, it is recommended to choose a linear or L-shaped layout, abandoning the island, U-shaped and two-line layout. And also for a very small kitchen, built-in furniture is ideal, helping to save space as much as possible.

Choice of household appliances

Every housewife wants to use household appliances that greatly facilitate the process of cooking, these include a food processor, blender, microwave oven, steamer, bread machine, multicooker. And there is also a coffee maker, electric kettle, ice cream maker, toaster. How to place all this in a room that has a very modest size?

Designers advise to use the highest cabinets with deep niches, in which you can easily hide some of these items, taking them out when needed. You can place an electric kettle and a coffee maker on the work surface, as the most commonly used devices.

Narrow cabinets with rolling doors, located between the lower and upper tiers of the headset, are also perfect for storing household appliances.

Narrow dishwashers and ovens save space in the bottom row. The cabinets themselves must be equipped with appropriate mechanisms that provide quick and free access to the necessary devices.

There is a wide choice of such mechanisms - zapachny, folding, with a rotating carousel, folding and so on. Properly organizing the space of a small kitchen is not as difficult as it seems at first glance.

Color and decor

Here are a few basic recommendations:

How to save space in a small kitchen

There are many ways to save space in a small kitchen: .

  • Install additional shelves in cabinets, and then their capacity will increase significantly.
  • Use every available corner wisely to install appliances or corner cabinets.
  • At the very top of the headset, you can install spacious boxes to store rarely used devices and items.
  • If the cabinet is not high enough, it is recommended to place an additional shelf above it, it will be an excellent place to store kitchen utensils.
  • All frying pans should be placed on the special railing mechanism, stacked with each other.
  • A special side rack attached to the door of the set can store baking paper, foil, cling film, garbage bags and other kitchen items.
  • Directly under the sink, place a tension rod, placing the household chemicals used in cleaning on it.
  • Books and magazines with favorite recipes are recommended to be stored on a separate shelf attached to a free space on one of the walls. This shelf can also be installed directly on the refrigerator.
  • Use a wall-mounted dish rack to save space on worktops and cabinets.
  • Cutting boards are conveniently hidden in side "pockets" attached to the inside of the lower cabinets.
  • A metal cornice can be attached to the side panel of the headset to store kitchen utensils.
  • To store knives and other small metal objects, use a special magnetic tape attached to the wall in the “apron” area. The same magnetic tape can be used to store small jars of spices.
  • All items with long handles should be collected and placed in one place.
  • Regular paper holders used in offices can be adapted to store thermoses and bottles.
  • Wall shelves help unload cabinets.
  • Additional shelves with high legs can be installed on the work surface.
  • The table in a small kitchen can be folded down by attaching the top to a wide window sill.
  • A hanging structure can be placed above the work area, using it to store ladles, ladles, pans and other similar utensils.
  • The cutting board can be operated simply on the surface by turning off all the burners.
  • You can dry dishes not in a bulky dryer, but on a soft microfiber rug that quickly absorbs moisture and does not take up any space in the kitchen.

    • Mistakes that are often made when arranging a small kitchen

    The owners of small and cramped kitchens often make planning mistakes that prevent them from using the room as functionally as possible, while not littering it with unnecessary interior items. How to equip a small kitchen? You can understand this issue using the example of the most common mistakes.

    There is not enough space in the kitchen to store the necessary utensils. To avoid this, you should learn how to effectively use the free vertical space. Small shelves and cabinets can be installed above the stove, refrigerator, or even directly under the ceiling.

    The work surface is too small. This is done in order to save space, but in fact, such a solution only contributes to more clutter in the kitchen. You can continue the work surface using a folding table top or a bar counter.

    Elimination of the hood to save space. Unfortunately, a lingering unpleasant smell will completely spoil the impression of even the most elegant kitchen. There is no way to do without a hood in a small room. Designers are advised to choose compact models. If necessary, the hood can be hidden behind the facade of the headset.

    As you can see, a small kitchen is not a reason to be upset. With a competent and rational approach to the design of this room, you can get a comfortable and functional kitchen as a result.

    Small kitchens (real photos)

    If you are the owner of a small kitchen, you will be interested to see our photo gallery with 320+ photos of small kitchen examples from professional designers.

    Small kitchen design - 75 photos of interiors, ideas for renovation

    Small-sized kitchens are a common problem in Soviet apartments. However, it applies to all types of budget housing, even in European countries and the United States. But in itself, the presence of an individual zone for cooking and eating is already a lot, and in order to be pleasant in such a kitchen, you just need to properly decorate the interior. Read the article on how to do this!

    Common mistakes in the design of a small kitchen

    There is an opinion that on an area of ​​5-6 sq.m. absolutely nothing fits and the convenience of such a kitchen leaves much to be desired. This leads to a number of errors.

    The first reason for crowding is oversized furniture and appliances that take up a lot of space and do not fit well into the architecture of the room.

    A sense of clutter also comes from the sheer amount of color and texture when crockery or food boxes are stored on open shelves. The color dissonance between the walls, the ceiling and the headset also breaks the harmony of the space.

    The water and gas pipes left in plain sight do not add comfort, and due to the lack of an exhaust hood and normal ventilation, not only the health of the hostess suffers, but also the cleanliness of the surfaces in the cooking area.

    Choosing the right layout

    The comfort of the kitchen area to a large extent depends on the location of the headset and the so-called "working triangle" - refrigerator, stove and sink. The triangular geometry was invented specifically for small spaces, to simplify the cooking process, to make it more ergonomic.

    The main points of activity should fall on the corners of the figure, between which the hostess will be able to move freely. The layout itself is determined by the length of the walls, the location of doors, windows and communications. In cramped indoor spaces, it is best to use designs that resemble the shape of the letters P and L. For open studios, a linear, circular or island version may well be suitable. And if you got a corridor-type kitchen (for example, a checkpoint), then it is best to apply a parallel layout.

    Small square kitchen layout

    For kitchens where all the walls are the same length, the U-shaped design is ideal. In this case, one of the corners of the working triangle will be right. It is desirable to leave a place by the window for washing, and place the stove and refrigerator symmetrically, closer to the center of the blank walls. This will provide quick access to the three main items.

    The L-shaped layout can be chosen if you want to leave a free corner for the dining area. In this case, the sink is installed in the corner, and the rest - on opposite sides of it.

    Layout of a narrow (rectangular) small kitchen

    If the kitchen is narrow, then linear or parallel placement is the best choice for it. In the first version, the headset, along with work surfaces, is placed along one long wall, in the second, it is better to place a sink and stove on one side, and a refrigerator and food cabinets on the opposite side.

    Layout of a small kitchen of irregular shape

    The open plan kitchen, characteristic of studio apartments, allows for any convenient layout system. For example, if the cooking area is separated from the living room by a countertop with a built-in hob and sink, you get an island type; if this partition has the shape of a semicircle - oval.

    Interesting design options can be made if the architecture of the room contains niches, bay windows or ledges. To do this, you need furniture made according to an individual sketch.

    Interior style

    Adhering to the geometry and color scheme of one of the styles below, the interior of the kitchen can be made as beautiful and functional as possible.

    Provence style small kitchen

    Provence style is characterized by pastel shades, elegant floral ornaments and vintage enameled furniture. In general, this design leaves an impression of tenderness and lightness.

    Small modern style kitchen

    Innovative materials, multi-tasking technology, mirrored surfaces and clear lines are sure to add missing space to a small kitchen, and make the cooking process not only fast, but also enjoyable. This is a universal solution for people who live in the rhythm of the 21st century.

    Small loft style kitchen

    The features of the loft are unfinished brick walls, open communications, rough furniture and a lot of space. A kitchen decorated in this style will appeal to freedom-loving creative individuals.

    Small country style kitchen

    Rustic style reminiscent of summer holidays, vacations and cottages. It has a lot of natural materials - solid wood furniture, stone-like tiles, plank floors are used. The oven can be stylized in the spirit of a real wood-burning stove, and the hood should be closed with an imitation of a chimney.

    Small high-tech kitchen

    The high-tech design of the kitchen includes mostly smooth surfaces, a lot of chrome elements, mirror inserts and tinted glass. Of the colors, glossy white and gray predominate, blotches of black or blue are also possible.

    Scandinavian style small kitchen

    Fashion for northern European design appeared with Ikea stores. Scandinavian style is great for small spaces - all thanks to light winter colors combined with natural textures of granite and bleached wood.

    Classic small kitchen

    Symmetrical lines, soft glow and warm hues with golden accents make a classic-style kitchen an example of true harmony. Such an environment would be quite appropriate in a small space, visually enlarge and decorate it.

    Small minimalist kitchen

    The motto of minimalism - the more inconspicuous, the better. Smooth surfaces of kitchen furniture and appliances seem to merge with the rest of the finish. No bright details, decor or open shelves - only perfect cleanliness and correct lines.

    Color solutions for a small kitchen

    Each shade carries certain information that is subconsciously perceived by a person. So, for example, white and pastel colors are reminiscent of clear sunny days; saturated - attract attention; dark - as if hiding the outlines of objects in the darkness. Having carefully studied the spectrum, the experts deduced certain rules that should be followed when decorating small rooms. The main ones are to use mostly a light palette and use no more than 3 colors at the same time.

    White kitchen

    An all-white kitchen will always look clean and tidy. To make it feel like home, you can add wooden textures, and gray additions will help make the cleaning process easier.

    Gray kitchen

    The neutral hue of stones and steel is the perfect solution for a discreet design in a small kitchen. It is easy to pick up any modern technology to it. If desired, the gray color is successfully diluted with more saturated inclusions from the rainbow palette.

    Beige kitchen

    Many people love the shade of cappuccino for its practicality. It is quite soft, as well as a warm color, on which spots are almost invisible. White and brown elements look good in a beige environment.

    Yellow kitchen

    A small kitchen in yellow tones has every chance of becoming the most favorite place in the house. Moderately bright, this color creates a good mood and warms even on cloudy days. Yellow goes well with white, light gray, green, and most pastel colors.

    Green kitchen

    Cheerful shades of spring foliage will create a cozy and peaceful atmosphere in the kitchen. The green color is ideally complemented by brown and gray, and especially by the pattern of natural wood.

    Finishing a small kitchen

    The role of finishing in the interior of the kitchen is difficult to overestimate. The quality of the materials determines how durable the repair will be, and their appearance directly affects the aesthetics and comfort of the room.

    Floor

    Given the intensity of use, the floor covering in the cooking area should be as durable as possible, resistant to moisture, easy to clean and, preferably, not slippery. These criteria are best met by linoleum, porcelain stoneware, ceramic tiles, as well as a self-leveling floor based on polymer resins.

    In order not to “break” an already cramped space into even smaller areas, the coating should be made plain, and the elements should be chosen large and glossy.

    Walls

    For wall decoration in a small kitchen, you can use moisture-resistant painting (latex and acrylic water-dispersion paints with the addition of anti-mold agents), fiberglass, washable vinyl wallpaper, plastic panels.

    The area above the sink, stove and worktop should preferably be protected with a ceramic coating (tile, smooth artificial stone) or tempered tinted glass.

    Ceiling

    The best option for decorating the ceiling in a small kitchen is a light stretch film or simple painting. Fiberglass will help to level the surface, as well as avoid microcracks on the plaster.

    The use of drywall (even the most moisture resistant) and suspended plastic panels is undesirable - this will reduce the height of the room.

    Textile

    Curtains in the kitchen should be used sparingly, because they not only get dirty quickly, absorb odors, but are also considered a fire hazard. If the window faces south, a short translucent curtain (tulle) or a narrow strip of dense material hung like a visor will help protect against bright rays.

    Quite versatile options for small kitchens are blinds and bamboo rolls. Another convenient solution is folding Roman blinds.

    Instead of difficult-to-care natural fabrics, it is better to give preference to synthetic textiles (polyester, nylon, lavsan) with water-repellent and fire-resistant impregnation.

    Small kitchen furniture

    When choosing furniture for your small kitchen, you should pay attention not only to the aesthetics of the design, but also to the build quality, ergonomics, and the type of materials used. All this will subsequently affect not only the functionality, but also the health of the inhabitants of the house. The dimensions must be adjusted according to the standards of the room, and the work surfaces must be raised to a level suitable for the height of the hostess.

    Kitchen set

    As the most bulky and visible element, the set has a huge impact on the interior as a whole. In a small kitchen, it must be neat, with closed shelves, without noticeable reliefs and cracks. Monochromatic facades without handles will give the impression that this is not furniture at all, but just a wall, and thus facilitate the design of the room. Behind the doors it is desirable to hide the hood, pipes or overall equipment.

    A simple design of a kitchen set can be modified with an interesting backsplash, for example by placing a narrow photo wallpaper with a panoramic view behind the glass or by making a colorful mosaic of pixel tiles. Being in a recess, this area will not be conspicuous, but will give the workspace its own zest.

    Dining area

    Great luck if the kitchen has enough space for a full dining area. Alas, small-sized rooms can not always boast of such an addition. In this case, you will have to look for an alternative!

    A good solution to save space in a small kitchen can be a narrow bar counter with high stools, folding and folding structures. The window sill can also play the role of a dining table if it is raised with metal brackets to the desired height.

    It is also possible to equip a corner for family meals on an insulated loggia or in a bay window recess.

    Storage systems

    Built-in drawers, pull-out shelves, hooks and magnets on the doors, spinning corner carousels - all this will allow you to conveniently place all your kitchen utensils.

    Place pots, bowls and cutlery close to the sink; frying pans, baking sheets and forms should be hidden near the oven, and it is advisable to store bulk products in dry upper cabinets.

    For the most beautiful items, one or two sections can be distinguished, closed with transparent partitions - things left on open shelves will quickly fall into dust, condensate and drops of fat will settle on them.

    Refrigerator Placement Ideas

    So that the refrigerator does not take up much space in your small kitchen, you should choose a tall, narrow model with a flat door. Its snow-white surface will ideally fit into the same furniture wall, and chrome-plated or polished steel color will perfectly complement the high-tech interior, echoing other large appliances.

    The compact built-in camera is also ideal for small spaces. It can be placed under the countertop, or raised to a convenient height and hidden behind the facade of the kitchen set.

    Proper lighting in the kitchen

    Even in a small cooking area, it is preferable to use many light sources. Mortise point diodes are best suited for this purpose - they consume little electricity, last a long time and withstand high humidity. Due to the low power and fire safety, LED-luminaires can be mounted in a headset (the main thing is to securely isolate the wiring).

    Suspended chandeliers in a small kitchen can get in the way, but if you still decide to use them, for example, over the dining area, it is better to stay on the simplest ceiling lamps, which will then be easy to wipe off the dust. In the center of the room, it is desirable to hang a ceiling lamp with a smooth surface.

    Integration with other premises

    Expanding a small kitchen with adjoining spaces is a great way to use every centimeter of free space efficiently. By completely or partially removing the internal partition, a cramped room can easily be turned into a beautiful and modern studio.

    Combination of a small kitchen with a living room

    If the wall between the kitchen and the living room is not load-bearing, it should be removed.

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