Small kitchen modern designs
75 Small Kitchen Ideas to Make the Most of Your Cooking Space
1
Splashy Hues
David Land
This Brooklyn apartment is blessed with super-tall ceilings and tons of natural light. Designer Danielle Fennoy of Revamp Interior Design amped up the airiness in the combined kitchen and dining area with vibrant jolts of jewel-toned colors, including with this emerald green backsplash (which replaced the original, developer-installed white subway tile) and retro-chic Knoll dining chairs reupholstered in scarlet, “nightclub ready” Ultraleather.
2
Jewel Box Kitchen
Joshua McHugh
Like most busy New Yorkers, the resident of this Manhattan apartment doesn’t have time to cook often, but that doesn’t mean the kitchen plays second fiddle to the rest of the home. Instead Sarah Mendel and Risa Emen of Cochineal Design converted the space into a functional showpiece of its own, with bold marble and cabinets lacquered in Farrow & Ball’s sultry Preference Red. Bonus: It’s the perfect nook for displaying the client’s collection of ceramics.
3
Eclectic and Collected
Kirk Davis Swinehart
Sometimes it’s best to embrace the chaos. And we can’t think of a better example than this jubilant kitchen nook belonging to William Cullum, the senior designer at Jayne Design Studio, and his partner Jeffery Rhodes. A hot-pink Victorian-era pie safe-houses antique serveware, while a goat sculpture (formerly a display fixture at Saks Fifth Avenue) cheekily guards the fridge (camouflaged in whimsical artwork) against midnight snack marauders. In this space anything truly goes, as long as you do you.
4
Mini Island
Tim Lenz
Just because you have a miniature cooking space doesn’t mean you need to forgo areas to prep and dine. The trick is to think small, as with this diminutive kitchen island in an apartment designed by Nicholas Obeid.
With vintage stools tucked beneath and a pair of Allied Maker pendants hung above, this vignette has all the impact of its sprawling suburban cousins.
5
Statement Hood
Brian W. Ferry
We love how this kitchen, in a family-friendly Brooklyn apartment for the cofounders of Civilian, packs in plenty of storage with whimsical details. The custom island, topped with an eye-catching piece of marble, doubles as a repository to stash cookbooks and dinnerware, while the cherry-red hood (also custom) adds a fun postmodern pop.
6
Burnt Sienna Lacquer
Stephan Julliard
We’ve been seeing lacquered cabinets everywhere lately and this chic example, located in a Paris pad designed by Hugo Toro, proves that the finish can add extra oomph to even the smallest of spaces. In addition to the glossy coat, in a custom shade of burnt sienna from Redfield & Dattner, Toro incorporated handsome brass finishes (just check out that ceiling!) and bold marble on the walls, countertops, and ceilings.
7
Airy and Bright
Jennifer Hughes
Relying on a light palette is one of the oldest tricks in the book when it comes to creating the illusion of space, and with good reason. Here, in the Washington, D.C., home of Dan Sallick and Elizabeth Miller, feathery marble, crisp white cabinets, and warm timber details work in concert to foster the airiest of cooking nooks. The inky David Weeks chandelier adds a graphic touch.
8
Lavender Kitchen
Oberto Gili
Sure, green and black kitchens have been trending in recent years, but we love this happy pale lavender version in the Milan apartment of Lisa Corti. The hue works to delineate the space, which the textile designer further personalized with open shelves, knickknacks (we love the framed photo of the cat), and a sky-blue table.
9
Boxed In
Ye Rin Mok
Who says thinking inside the box is a bad thing? It certainly isn’t in this sculptural kitchen in a Los Angeles bungalow designed by LAUN.
A green lacquered volume not only is a chic way to camouflage the refrigerator, it also serves as a handy device to break up the home’s mostly open floor plan. High-shine brass cladding around the sink and cabinets, meanwhile, amplifies the room, not to mention gives the scheme a glam Midas touch.
10
Geodesic Kitchen
Trevor Tondro
Not all of us can say we live in a refurbished 1970s geodesic dome, like hatmaker Nick Fouquet, but there are still spatial lessons to be gleaned from the kitchen: Instead of fighting the quirky architecture, Fouquet embraced it, creating a faceted cooking area and echoing the building’s geometries in the island. He even installed shelving in the triangular-shaped structural elements.
11
A Miniature Breakfast Nook
Kirsten Francis
Even though designer and paint entrepreneur Nicole Gibbons has a small New York apartment, she made her kitchen feel light and airy by painting the walls an ever-so-subtle duck egg.
A petite breakfast nook—complete with its own tiny gallery wall—makes the most of her square footage and her budget, with a small table from Amazon and Marcel Breuer–style chairs.
12
Mixed Materials
Gaelle Le Boulicaut
This kitchen in a secluded alpine getaway may be small, but its smart spatial solutions (we love the hanging shelves above the sink) and strong material palette of locally sourced stone and timber allow this cozy cooking space to punch above its weight.
13
Maximalist Finishes
Mikhail Loskutov
A pint-size space is a good excuse to go bold (take the humble powder room, for example), and a kitchen is no exception. In this truly one-of-a-kind kitchen in a St. Petersburg apartment, designer Tim Veresnovsky covered the walls, cabinets, and chair in a black-and-white striped eucalyptus veneer.
14
Gleaming Surfaces
Helenio Barbetta/Living Inside
The high-shine, high-contrast brass finish on the cabinets in this Milanese kitchen creates the illusion of more space and gives the whole open-concept space some Midas-tinged glam.
15
Minimalist and Neutral
Serena Eller Vainicher
In a Roman penthouse, a covelike kitchen may seem tight, but the crisp counters (with plenty of storage space concealed beneath) keep things feeling architectural—not cramped. The neutral, peach and white color palette also creates the feel of a bigger room.
16
Sunny Simplicity
Maureen M. Evans
If you’re sick of the all-white kitchen but still want the lightness and space-creating magic the look affords, take a page from designer Mark Grattan’s book: In his Mexico City apartment he specified all-white cabinets and tiles but refreshed the look with pops of gold and terra-cotta in the travertine countertops, golden rug, and earthy plant stand.
And, if your space and light levels allow, why not include a tree?
17
Black—with a Pop of Color
Douglas Friedman
A bubble-gum-pink table gives this statement-making black and white kitchen in a Midtown East apartment a fun, yet edgy, pop.
18
Open Concept
Kirsten Francis
Even a small kitchen can seem larger with an open concept, like in this East Village condo belonging to and designed by Augusta Hoffman. To contrast the modern cabinetry and island, she made sure to incorporate organic elements, as with the woven barstools.
19
Open Shelving and Wallpapered Ceilings
Stephen Kent Johnson
Opt for open shelves instead of cabinets, like designer Charlie Ferrer did here in his Manhattan studio apartment.
He added Donald Judd–style green shelves and papered the ceiling in a vintage Italian wallcovering he’d bought in Provence, which he says reminds him of “carpaccio.”
20
Sweet Details
Ricardo Labougle
In interior designer Amaro Sánchez de Moya’s Seville, Spain, pied-à-terre, he brings the outdoors into his kitchen with a vintage Spanish garden table and chairs. They blend seamlessly into the overall motif of this fun, country-style kitchen.
21
Two-Toned Walls
Andrea Ferrari
In the Milan apartment of Emiliano Salci, the creative director of Dimorestudio, the kitchen is painted in two colors—black and yellow. The walls bring a distinct flair to the space, and even somehow coordinate with the unexpected green counter.
22
Minimalist and Modern
Erik Undéhn
If you like minimalism taken to the extreme, look no further than this modernist Stockholm apartment belonging to a family of four.
The kitchen features stainless-steel countertops and lower cabinets, which allow for ample storage down below—rather than at eye level—for a sleek and clean look.
23
Bar Cart or Island?
Douglas Friedman
Take note: A bar cart from the Thom Filicia Home Collection for Vanguard is set in the center of the kitchen in designer Thom Filicia’s Manhattan apartment. Instead of investing in a large island in a compact kitchen, try a smaller, decorative table or cart like this for extra storage and work space.
24
Metallic Cabinets
Simon Upton
Small yet striking, this Jean-Louis Deniot–designed Miami kitchen features custom stainless-steel cabinetry that has been laser-printed with an abstract pattern, reflecting the natural light while creating a sense of movement.
25
Streamlined Silhouettes
Simon Upton
This snug bachelor pad kitchen features big design moments, with a sleek Carrara marble countertop, brass barstools by CB2, and pendants by Tom Dixon, all of which make a statement while taking up minimal visual real estate.
26
Small Statement Backsplash
Stephen Kent Johnson
While a full backsplash may overwhelm a petite kitchen space, actress Amanda Seyfried’s weekend retreat proves that a little goes a long way. The tiles by Heath Ceramics draw the eye in, while leaving plenty of white space to keep the area bright.
27
Multifunctional Peninsula
Victor Demarchelier
Making the most of your countertops is key to a functional kitchen, and the cook space in model Joan Smalls’s Miami penthouse offers a place to cook, wash, and dine all in one.
28
Mirrored Backsplash
Zeke Ruelas
The mirrored tiles of John McClain’s kitchen backsplash reflect light while adding depth, making up for the small square footage and minimal natural light.
29
Disappearing Kitchen
William Abranowicz
In this futuristic Greenwich Village apartment, a sleek gray kitchen features several large door panels, which are fully integrated into the walls and millwork to conceal the small space when needed.
30
Compact Loft Living
Brittany Ambridge
In an open-concept loft designed by Bella Mancini, the petite kitchen space flows while feeling distinct, with white cabinetry and countertops, backdropped with dark paint.
31
Pots Hung High
Pernille Loof
Event designer Bronson van Wyck's Manhattan kitchen features an Urban Archaeology pot rack hanging over a salvaged pine island, putting the typically underutilized space to good use.
32
Compact Design
R.
Brad Knipstein
Just because your kitchen space is small, doesn't mean you can't have all of the amenities. This compact design by Jennifer Jones features storage, cooking surfaces, and a statement backsplash.
33
Sunny Skylights
Stephen Kent Johnson
In a minimalist—and monochrome—West Village apartment, the petite kitchen feels light and bright with its skylights and streamlined design.
34
Smart Lighting
Courtesy of Douglas Elliman
Pastel blue cabinetry, white marble countertops, and bright recessed lighting keeps the small kitchen in Bill Wackermann's apartment feeling spacious and clean.
35
Moody Blues
Alex Lukey
An open-concept kitchen in this Canadian lake house features moody blue cabinetry that extends up to the ceiling, giving the illusion of a larger space while drawing the eye to the statement shades.
36
Black and White Accents
Eric Piasecki
In a PR maven's glamorous New York City apartment, Sam Still artwork hangs on a wall covered in a Madeline Weinrib wallpaper. The antique birthing chair is from New Orleans and the custom kitchen island has a Carrara marble top.
37
Pool House Kitchen
Mia Baxter Small
Designer Sarah Wittenbraker opted for glossy blue cabinetry, toile wallpaper, and cement tile for a pool house kitchen.
38
City Kitchen With A Country Feel
Björn Wallander
This New York apartment's kitchen boasts a range by Wolf, the sink and fittings are by Lefroy Brooks, the cabinetry is by Smallbone of Devizes, and the Bertoia barstool is by Knoll.
39
Unexpected Color
Björn Wallander
The kitchen countertops are poured concrete, and the doors, window frames and custom cabinetry are all painted in a custom color that helps the single row of countertops make a bit impact in this Greek home.
40
Modern Galley Kitchen
William Waldron
In the galley kitchen of a bohemian family home, the kitchen's range and microwave are by Wolf, the refrigerator is by Sub-Zero, the custom hood is by Vent-a-Hood and the countertop is Calacatta Gold marble. Hans Wegner chairs, purchased at auction, accompany a table by Eero Saarinen from Design Within Reach.
41
Dark And Sleek
Francis Amiand
In a Monaco apartment abundant with 70s whimsy, the small kitchen table and chairs are by Jeanneret. The oven, cooktop and hood are by Aster Cucine. Meanwhile, sunlight floods into the space, making it appear larger than it really is.
42
Moody Yet Inviting
William Waldron
The kitchen in this neutral NYC apartment features cabinets lacquered in a custom shade by Donald Kaufman Color, proving dark shades don't always accentuate a room's small size.
43
Bright and Airy
Trevor Tondro
Fashion stylist-turned-decorator Estee Stanley transformed the kitchen in her Mediterranean-style Los Angeles home into a bright and airy space. The design includes a fresh white palette with stainless steel touches. To complete the look, Stanley opted for a Viking hood, a Waterworks faucet, and Ikea barstools.
44
Neutral, Modern Kitchen
Simon Upton
A modern kitchen by architect Achille Salvagni crafted for a storied Roman palazzo, combines a brass light fixture and a Venetian portrait from the 1780s.
45
Sophisticated Charcoal
Emily Andrews Photography
The Chelsea kitchen of Etsy's COO features dark charcoal cabinetry, which adds contrast to the white walls and marble countertop.
46
Rustic Connecticut Kitchen
Jane Beiles
For a kitchen in a Connecticut family home, design duo Vivian Lee and James Macgillivray collaborated with a local millworker Wayne Tobin. The appliances in the kitchen are from Miele, GE, LG, and Fisher & Paykel. Most of the light fixtures in the space are from Schoolhouse Electric, with the exception of the Minka ceiling fans.
47
Charming Paris Kitchen
Pascal Chevallier
In a charming Paris apartment, an open-concept kitchen and dining area is outfitted with 17th-century French chairs, a Napoleon III chandelier, along with a backsplash featuring 18th-century Portuguese tile. The custom French oak boiseries and cabinets are in the style of the 18th century. The kitchen's flooring is antique oak and the fireplace is original to the apartment.
48
A Modern Finish
Simon Upton
A 1930s Connecticut weekend house gets a modern makeover; In the kitchen, the island has a top of honed Carrara marble, the wall tiles are by Waterworks, the stove is Viking, and the stools are by York Street Studio; the 19th-century Windsor chair is a family heirloom, and the 1920s English pendants are from BK Antiques.
49
Modern Kitchen
Simon Upton
In this Manhattan home, high above the city, the kitchen's lacquer cabinetry is custom made for a clean, modern aesthetic. It is echoed in style by the backsplash and countertop, made of Calacatta marble. The range is by Viking, the refrigerator is by Sub-Zero and the print is by Ellsworth Kelly.
50
Colorful Corner
William Abranowicz
Regency chairs with silk cushions surround a Saarinen table tucked away in a cheery corner of the kitchen in this colorful apartment. The walls are lined with vintage silk paper, the artworks are by, from left, Rachel Lee Hovnanian, James Nares, Steven Klein (top), and Mark Shaw, and the television is by Samsung.
51
Amber Kitchen
Eric Piasecki/OTTO
Pops of orange infuses energy into a small kitchen design scheme. In an effort to add more light to the space, the ceiling is covered in a textured orange wallpaper. The combination of a light backsplash, paired with dark wood cabinetry and countertops, open up the area.
52
Paris Kitchen
Simon Upton
In a glamorous Paris apartment, the kitchen embraces a fresh vision of luxury with mod pendant lights by Tom Dixon and a custom-made, walnut-veneer kitchen island and cabinetry. The stools are by Mater Design, the ovens and refrigerator are by Gaggenau and the sink fittings are by Franke.
53
Blue Kitchen
William Waldron
In a Manhattan home, this small blue kitchen features wood-and-marble cabinets commissioned by an artisan in India. The unique light fixture is by Harry Allen, and the appliances are by GE. The walls and carpet anchor the room in a dreamy blue palette.
54
Cozy Kitchen
Stephen Kent Johnson
A cozy kitchen in a Greenwich Village penthouse showcases a farmhouse sink, skirted in a Ralph Lauren Home linen, an antique chest found at a Paris flea market, and a French sconce.
55
Quaint And Colorful
Richard Powers
Fabric impresario John Robshaw's Connecticut country house is quaint and colorful. Just because the kitchen is petite doesn't mean it is any less full of life. The kitchen’s settee is by Richard Wrightman, the sink fittings are by Newport Brass, the ceiling lights are by Restoration Hardware, the countertops are marble, and the custom dhurrie is by Robshaw.
56
Craftsman Cottage
Joe Schmelzer
In the kitchen of this 100-year-old Craftsman cottage, a super slim island adds dimension—and extra cutting space—to the small kitchen. The alder cabinetry is custom made, the countertops are black granite, and the vent hood and range are by KitchenAid.
57
All-White Kitchen With Vibrant Accents
Max Zambelli
In a Brooklyn townhouse owned by wallpaper maven Kate Reynolds, the kitchen counters are Calacatta Gold marble, the backsplash tile is by Waterworks, the range is by Capital, the stools are from ABC Carpet & Home and the light fixture is by Apparatus.
58
Indian Farmhouse Kitchen
Cyrill Matter
The country home of the Kasliwal family—owners of the legendary Indian jewelry house Munnu the Gem Palace—is in a converted cowshed on the outskirts of Jaipur. In the kitchen, the custom cabinetry was made by a local artisan; brass urns hold wheat, rice, and other grains.
59
Stylish City Living
Joshua McHugh
Like most Manhattan apartments, designer Kimille Taylor's Upper West Side abode has a pint-sized kitchen—but that doesn't mean she had to sacrifice style. The chic space contains a Bertazzoni oven, a Fisher & Paykel refrigerator, and marble counters. The subway tile is from Home Depot and the unique flooring is oak painted with a custom design.
60
Dark Cabinetry
Joshua McHugh
In Emmy Rossum's classic New York City apartment, the elongated kitchen space has a range and hood by Bertazzoni, the cabinets are by Scavolini, the antique runner is from Stark and the photograph is by Roger Mayne.
61
Concrete Chic
Nicole Cohen
"The kitchen is another example of applying real design ingenuity to small dimensions," Refinery29 founder Christine Barberich says of her Brooklyn Heights space. "My husband found the best appliances he could that were all smaller in scale, so nothing felt out of proportion. I love the XO relief tiles that create the white backsplash. They’re just fun because you might not notice the pattern until you’re up close. We had the concrete countertop made in Bay Ridge by this three-generation family of concrete designers. We loved the idea of having this major industrial moment right in the middle of the apartment and it really does serve as an entertaining area, workspace for cooking, or flower arranging. It’s unexpected in its brutalist vibe against the white backdrop and softer, colored details."
62
Small Space With Statement Artwork
William Abranowicz
Designer Stephan Jones and San Francisco art dealer Francis Mill turned a former warehouse space into an art-filled apartment. The kitchen is no exception: the statement wall sculpture is by Manuel Neri.
63
Minimalist Yet Playful
Douglas Friedman
In a minimalist New York City apartment with pops of color, a narrow kitchen features cabinetry by Bulthaup, a countertop and sink by Corian, fittings by Vola, and an oven and cooktop by Gaggenau. The light fixture is by Bega, and the floor is terrazzo.
64
A Table For Two
Richard Powers
A pair of 19th-century English chairs and a Kartell table fit perfectly into the corner of this tiny Brazilian kitchen in a São Paulo building.
65
Traditional Kitchen With Extra Shelves
Douglas Friedman
In Marisa Tomei's home, the small kitchen is marked by a Saarinen table paired with 1940s French garden chairs. The range is by Viking, the dishwasher is by Asko and the flooring is cork.
66
White Sculptural Kitchen
Douglas Friedman
An inviting, all-white kitchen in Michael Bruno's Tuxedo Park home is complete with a custom-made sink and counters and a Fisher & Paykel dishwasher.
67
Farmhouse Kitchen With Rustic Style
William Waldron
In a Woodstock, New York retreat, a pony peeks into the kitchen, which showcases custom-made beadboard cabinetry, a Rohl sink and a vintage Moroccan rug.
68
Modern And Understated
Sergey Ananiev
In a Moscow apartment designed by Olga Kulikovskaia-Ashby, pendant lights by Tom Dixon hang above a black table in a quaint kitchen. The chairs are by Vitra and the plates on the counter are by Seletti.
69
New England Cooking Space
Douglas Friedman
In this Cape Cod cottage, the small kitchen's custom-made cabinetry is painted in Tanner's Brown, and the walls are in Cream, both by Farrow & Ball. The countertops are butcher block, the sink fittings are by Waterworks and the Wedgewood stove is antique.
70
Perfectly Monochromatic
Magdalena Björnsdotter
Magdalena Björnsdotter and Erik Björklund covered their century-old farmhouse in rural Sweden in bright white paint. The black-and-white kitchen includes a flea-market table, industrial-style chairs and a metal-and-driftwood pendant light by Olsson & Jensen.
71
Sleek Storage
Joshua McHugh
In a New York apartment, Bertoia side chairs surround a Saarinen table in the kitchen; the Akari light sculpture is by Isamu Noguchi, the candlesticks are by Ted Muehling, the cabinetry is custom-made and the Tara sink fittings are by Dornbracht.
72
Stash Books Up Above
Roger Davies
Inside the home of Mark Badgley and James Mischka, bookshelves are placed up to the ceiling to make room for their many cookbooks.
73
Retro Style
Kelly Stuart for Hearst Digital
Jeweler Alexis Bittar's kitchen in his Brooklyn Heights home gives off retro vibes, thanks to its checkerboard tile work. The various patterns used add depth to the space.
74
Rustic Storage
William Abranowicz
Model Anne Bannert made the mahogany top for this kitchen's 1950 wood-fired barbecue grill. The copper hood is from the same decade, and the steel chair was found at the local dump.
75
Over-The-Top Color
Simon Upton
This kitchen in a Manhattan apartment doesn't hold back in the color department, and it pays off. The cabinets, walls and table are painted in Benjamin Moore's Courtyard Green; the stove is by BlueStar, and the floor is laser-cut linoleum.
Anna Fixsen Deputy Digital Editor Anna Fixsen, Deputy Digital Editor at ELLE DECOR, focuses on how to share the best of the design world through in-depth reportage and online storytelling.
50 Splendid Small Kitchens And Ideas You Can Use From Them
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Keeping wild aspirations in check can be difficult when viewing compact modern homes on the market. All can be going swimmingly until you walk to the end of a hallway and ask “Where is the kitchen?”, and the real estate agent opens out their arms and says “This IS the kitchen. ” Before you head for the exit, consider that small CAN be beautiful. Limited dimensions set challenges in creating a functional and stylish space it’s true, but the two goals are achievable in tandem. These 50 small kitchen designs bring tips on how to make a shining gem out of restricted cooking space by thinking outside the tiny box.
- 1 |
- Designer: Diễm Kiều
- 2 |
- Visualizer: Int2 Architecture
- 3 |
- Visualizer: aTng 糖 & Dunqiang Chen
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- Visualizer: aTng 糖 & Dunqiang Chen
- 5 |
- Visualizer: ArchiCGI
- 6 |
- Designer: Studio Bazi
- 7 |
- Via: Loving It
- 8 |
- Visualizer: Fastighetsbyran
- 9 |
- Via: One King's Lane
- 10 |
- Visualizer: 3XA
- 11 |
- Designer: Vertebrae
- 12 |
- Designer: Antonio Perrone
- 13 |
- Visualizer: Michał Bartecki
- 14 |
- Designer: Vera Tarlovskaya Interiors
- 15 |
- Visualizer: Hung Le
- 16 |
- Visualizer: Andriy Maheha
- 17 |
- Designer: Black & Milk
- 18 |
- Designer: Holzrausch
- 19 |
- Designer: Anton Medvedev
- 20 |
- Source: Schmidt Kitchens
- 21 |
- Visualizer: Liuba Kushnir
- 22 |
- Visualizer: Andrey Karasev
- 24 |
- Designer: Paglialonga Studio
- 25 |
- Source: Ikea
- 26 |
- Source: Ikea
- 27 |
- Source: Ikea
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- Source: Ikea
- 29 |
- Designer: Atelier Daaa
- 30 |
- Source: Fastighetsbyran
- 31 |
- Via: A Modern Haven
- 32 |
- Designer: Gleba+Störmer
- 33 |
- Designer: Atelier Daaa
- 34 |
- Designer: Atelier Daaa
- 35 |
- Designer: Atelier Daaa
- 36 |
- Architect: KDVA Architects
- 37 |
- Source: Eugene Sarajevo
- 38 |
- Visualizer: Andrey Kabanov
- 39 |
- Designer: Davis Architects
- 40 |
- Designer: Reform
- 41 |
- Designer: Holzgeschichten
- 42 |
- Visualizer: SREDA interior
- 43 |
- Designer: Unicum Buro
- Visualizer: Yurii Hrytsenko
- 44 |
- Source: Zoku
- 45 |
- Visualizer: Stanislav Kaminskyi
- 46 |
- Source: Grits Creative Group
- 47 |
- Designer: WISP Architects
- 48 |
- Designer: Jenny André Designing
- 49 |
- Source: Juanca Lagares
- 50 |
- Visualizer: Lera Brumina
- 51 |
Recommended Reading:
40 Captivating Kitchen Bar Stools For Any Type Of Decor
50 Unique Kitchen Pendant Lights
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7 ideas, 4 mistakes and 93 photos (real)
We will analyze all 7 rules and 4 mistakes on real photo examples of small kitchen design.
- 7 Ideas for small kitchen design
- 1. Small kitchen to the ceiling
- 2. Built -in hood
- 3. Not more than two colors
- 4. No accessories
- 5. We unload the countertop
- 6. Modern modern small kitchen interior
- 7. Custom furniture and built-in appliances
- 4 Errors in the interior of a small kitchen
- 1. Transparent boxes
- 2. Lack of upper cabinets
- 3. Foundation of the floor
- 4. A lot of design on a small area
- How to equip a small kitchen
- Small corner Kitchens
7 Design Ideas for a Small Kitchen
Hereinafter we will assume that a small kitchen also means not an unlimited budget . All advice will be to maximize the result/price ratio. nine0003
1. Small kitchen up to the ceiling
Upper cabinets in small kitchens should always be built up to the ceiling. Even if you don't get it, you will always find some rarely used items that you can stuff into the upper lockers and forget. Without a gap, the design of a small kitchen looks monolithic and the furniture is not perceived as boxes hung on the wall. There will be no question of masking the ventilation pipe from the hood. Rubbish, dust and grease will not accumulate.
It is better to buy a stepladder for a penny and climb up a couple of times a season than to waste both appearance and storage space.
You can always either lower the ceiling in the cabinet area, or increase the height of the upper cabinets, or both. Photo examples:
By the way, handles on the upper cabinets are not needed: both with hinged opening and with lifting mechanisms, the facades are simply made 1 centimeter longer and open at the bottom. Upper cabinets should look solid. nine0003
If you do, the handles must be the same and either all horizontal or all vertical.
The photo below is an example of a good design for a small kitchen, where just following the tips from this first point would make this design already chic.
If your area does not exceed 7 sq. m., see my material about the design of kitchens in Khrushchev. Also read a separate article specifically about the features of choosing a kitchen set for a small kitchen - furniture for a small kitchen is critical. Here we are considering options for 7-12 square meters. m.
Naturally, there are exceptions to any rules, and I have an article with beautiful pictures of kitchens where the canons don't care. But here we are talking about small kitchens where there is no time for experiments.
2. Built-in hood
Everyone is used to the fact that built-in appliances are expensive. And this is true, but not for hoods. A built-in hood costs even less than a regular one: from $35 for a regular built-in hood and from $50 for a telescopic one. It makes sense to take it among the cheapest ones. they are no different from the expensive ones. The advantage of such a hood is the space around the pipe in the cabinet, which does not disappear as in the case of ordinary ones. We have all the tea/coffee/condiments stored there. Compare. Plain:
Wasted a lot of space. And built-in:
3. No more than two colors
Maximum one primary and one accent. Moreover, the facades should be of a calm color. There is a mandatory set of items for cooking, and in a small area the concentration of these items is very high. And they also have their own colors.
The best color combination in terms of price/performance ratio is still white with wood. In general, you need to be careful with bright colors in the design of a small kitchen - the risk of overdoing it is too high. nine0003
A Scandinavian style kitchen is beautiful with dirty accent colors that are easy to match with natural finishes.
Bright colors are acceptable, but you are at risk.
4. No accessories
If the only function that an object in the interior of a small kitchen performs is a beautiful appearance, then this is an extra item. Stylish design is achieved by competent planning, selection of materials, furniture and equipment. nine0003
A good indicator of an extra item is its constant movement to different places without being used. Remember the photos of real small kitchens that you liked. Was it the accessories? In any case, the small dimensions of the kitchen require a complete rejection of accessories.
When looking at photos on the Internet, always imagine them in actual use: with all appliances, utensils, towels, etc.
Then it will immediately become clear why it is impossible to overload with accessories and flowers. nine0003
The same goes for fridge magnets, travel plate collections, etc. There is nothing wrong with this and for a family it can mean more than appearance, but from a design point of view, this is not the place in a small kitchen.
5. Unload the table top as much as possible
The smaller the area, the more difficult it is to clean. Because there is not enough space on the countertop and when cleaning you have to rearrange objects from place to place. You've probably heard the wrong triangle rule about the fridge, sink, and stove. Actually the center of a small kitchen is a free horizontal plane. Because of all 3 points, we first put food and dishes on the table, and only then we perform manipulations.
Therefore, the first task is to remove everything from the countertop. What is possible is stuffed into closed places, and for the rest we need roof rails . A must-have item in a small kitchen, but one that limits the design of the backsplash because it will always be perceptibly obscured. We hang special shelves on the rails and store things on them. Here is a perfect example of organization (but not design):
We make an apron uniform without drawings and patterns (bright is possible).
6. Modern interior of a small kitchen
This is not a hard and fast rule, but classic styles are more expensive to implement and love large areas. In addition, there are many household appliances, and almost all of them have a modern design. To maintain the style of the interior and the technique, you will have to greatly narrow the range of choice and raise the budget. Plus, there is too much non-functional decor in the classics, which just eats up square meters. nine0003
The only classic design styles that I would consider for a small kitchen are Provence and light neoclassic.
7. Custom-made furniture and built-in appliances
Unfortunately, this item can only be solved with money, but it is very important. The area of your apartment also costs money, and in a small kitchen, every sq.m. on account. Therefore, it is logical to overpay for the manufacture of furniture exactly to your size and for the equipment built into it.
A particular pain is the built-in microwave, which unreasonably costs 3+ times as much as a stand-alone one and starts at $200. There are no objective reasons for such a price, and it looks like a cartel of all manufacturers. But it really looks much better than freestanding and saves the most scarce horizontal areas in a small kitchen, so with tears in your eyes it is still worth forking out. Or take the risk of making the furniture exactly the size of the usual one. But keep in mind that for built-in ventilation through the front facade, and for ordinary ones through the back panel, it can overheat. nine0003
Many people lay a niche for a built-in microwave and put a regular microwave in it, but with the ability to switch to a built-in at any time.
4 Mistakes in the interior of a small kitchen
Not following any rule from the 1st part is a mistake, but we will not repeat it. The following rules are relevant specifically for small kitchens, in others they may not be errors.
1. Transparent boxes
Same planning error. Before repair, imagine beautiful drawers with glass inserts and lighting, from where beautiful neatly arranged dishes will be viewed. Only after the repair, a small kitchen will bring you a little reality. nine0003
In medium and larger kitchens, glass inserts are still acceptable, but in small ones there will be too much overload with details.
2. No upper cabinets
Without upper cabinets, practicality suffers in addition to appearance. Kitchens without hanging cabinets look cool only on a very large area, otherwise it looks like there is not enough money for the upper ones yet. Well, it does not pull on the design idea. nine0003
Open shelves are also not an option here, believe me, Designwiki.ru will not advise garbage.
Functionally, upper cabinets are a must: an extractor hood and a drain from it, a dish dryer (it is inconvenient to take it from below). And in general, taking from above is more convenient than constantly bending.
If the kitchen has a corner and a short side, hang the cabinets on the long side.
3. Floor joint
The floor must be the same. Either laminate everywhere, or tiles everywhere, no joints and thresholds. I analyzed in detail in the material which floor to choose for the kitchen. nine0003
4. Lots of design in a small area
Don't be smart. The most harmful thought that can come during a repair is that it turns out too simple and needs to be complicated. No need. There are extra sq.m. - there is a design, but in kitchens up to 10 meters it is necessary to do as simply as possible .
Upper cabinets should preferably be uniform and monolithic. Compare and keep it simple:
How to furnish a small kitchen
furniture is the main thing in the design of a small kitchen. nine0003
If you have a kitchen with a balcony, you can add it. This can be done simply by removing the window block. In place of the former window sill, we install a countertop and get a table or bar counter. The balcony will need to be insulated.
If you need more working area, but the size of the room does not allow and there is no balcony, then you can make a tabletop window sill. At the bottom of the boxes will not be added, because. there will be a battery, but more space on the table.
If you decide to move the sink to the window, take into account the nuance with the trash can. Usually it stands under the sink, but if the sink is near the window, then the battery will also be there, which means that the garbage will quickly deteriorate and smell. Find another place for the bucket. nine0003
Be clever with your layout. There is no need to complicate the design in a small kitchen, but the most insane layout options should be considered. Sometimes very interesting options for arranging furniture can turn out.
The idea: custom kitchen sellers offer free plan creation - use it, ordering is not required.
A two-burner cooktop is enough for almost everyone. nine0003
Small corner kitchens
If the shape of the room is closer to a square, then our option is corner kitchens. Otherwise, there will be too much free unused floor, and in a small area we cannot allow this.
In general, corner furniture is the standard. There are very good reasons to refuse it. The layout of the corner kitchen should always start with the refrigerator. it is the only one that occupies all 3 levels (lower cabinets, apron area, upper cabinets). nine0003
The junction of the countertop and the non-built-in refrigerator cannot be fixed and moisture will get into the end of the countertop. It must be laminated as open.
With the corner version, we will have 1 corner for the L-shaped or 2 for the U-shaped. Using the corner lower cabinets is extremely inconvenient. You can put up with and store rarely used things there. And you can use special fittings for corner cabinets, but it costs simply unrealistic money. nine0003
Washing can be done on the corner. From the point of view of design, it does not look very stylish, but the practicality is maximum - an uncomfortable corner will be occupied by communications and filters, access to which is rarely needed.
Now you know everything about the design of a small kitchen. But you can, at least for the sake of the photo, see the material about the design of the kitchen up to 6 sq. m. or read about the design of a small bathroom =)
Save and share - it will come in handy! nine0003
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! nine0003
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. nine0003
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. nine0003
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. nine0003
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. nine0003
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. nine0003
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. nine0003
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. nine0003
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. nine0003
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. nine0003
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. nine0003
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. nine0003
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. nine0003
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
nine0002 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. nine0003
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. nine0003
Venetian blinds and bamboo rolls are quite versatile options for small kitchens. 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. nine0003
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. nine0003
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 designs. The window sill can also play the role of a dining table if it is raised with metal brackets to the desired height. nine0003
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. nine0003
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. nine0003
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). nine0003
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. nine0003
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. Thus, you will get a very convenient cooking area. At the same time, it is important to install a powerful hood so that the smell and steam from the stove do not spread throughout the house.
