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Stylish small kitchen


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.

Jazz up old kitchen tiles with patterned stickers. Our first small kitchen design is covered in intricate monochrome wall and floor tiles that draw you into the compact space. You don’t have to start from scratch to achieve this look though, tile transfers are a quick and cost effective way to transform an existing tiled backsplash.

Free up drawer space and decorate the walls with useful kitchen tools. This magnetic wall mounted knife holder keeps kitchen knives out of limited small kitchen organization trays, and instead moves them up on display. In this small kitchen remodel, the display complements the sharp design of a geometric backsplash.

Create a recessed kitchen nook. This one-wall kitchen layout is set within a dividing wall of a studio apartment. The recessed design hides the kitchen cabinetry away from the rest of the open plan space, resulting in almost a separate room.

Source small kitchen appliances to maximise bench space. A two ring induction hob leaves extra space for dishes and prep in this small modern kitchen. The tiny extractor canopy leaves wall space looking more spacious too.

Add luxurious finishes. This marble kitchen backsplash creates a look of sophistication through the centre of contemporary white cupboards. Larger wooden storage cupboards flank the end of the kitchen run and span the upper space, creating a warm frame around the cool scheme.

Inject a little colour. Beautiful traditional tiles bring a stripe of joy into this L shape white kitchen design, complemented by a classic teapot.

Install an eye-catching centrepiece to distract from limited room dimensions. A large kitchen clock is an ideal piece to draw the eye, and it also serves a practical function. The chunky retro analogue clock with calendar feature gracing these shelves is available here. This country style small u shaped kitchen also utilises wine decanters, storage jars, carafes and colourful dry foods to expand the display.

Double bank wall cabinets to make the most of vertical real estate. Adding in an extra row of wall cupboards can drastically increase your small kitchen storage space.

Give kitchen items a dual use. This hard working little space offers up a number of small kitchen storage ideas. Mini wine racks hold up ceiling skimming shelves, a glass mixing bowl doubles as a fresh egg holder, and a water jug sidelines as cooking utensil storage.

The simplistic wooden bar within this black and white kitchen can be used like a small kitchen island for cooking prep, or as a small kitchen table for dining. Two low hanging kitchen pendant lights give its placement more prominence and permanence.

In this colour injected grey kitchen, a bright yellow small kitchen island with wooden bar stools sits below statement shelving that holds wine glasses within easy reach.

Get creative with lighting. LED strip lights create a glow around these wall cabinets, causing a floating effect. The colour of your units can brighten too; yellow accent kitchens make an uplifting choice for a shady little spot.

If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen! This fiery orange backsplash takes a grey small apartment kitchen up another level.

Choose slimline seating styles. Sourcing small kitchen table sets can be a tricky task. There must be enough room for the whole family to gather round but high-backed chairs can eat up a lot of space. Consider stools instead; they can be pushed away completely beneath your table to maximise walkable floor area. Look at tables that open on all sides too so that they can be pushed flush against a wall whilst offering leg space under all three remaining sides.

Go handle-free. A handless kitchen has a far less fussy finish. There are also no pesky sticking out pieces to accidentally hook clothes on whilst passing by in close quarters. Particularly useful in corridor-like layouts like this green kitchen that leads straight up to a doorway.

Use the art of camouflage. This minimalist kitchen uses white cabinets against a white backdrop to blend in. A soffit takes the line of the cabinet fronts right up to the ceiling for a smooth seamless finish.

Make awkward shaped spaces work for you. Install shelving below sloping eaves to squeeze out every last inch in small kitchen remodels.

Another one below the eaves. This glowing small kitchen sink area is surrounded by bespoke grey kitchen cabinets that follow a sloping ceiling without a single gap.

A small kitchen table and chairs can act as a partially dividing wall, like in this small galley kitchen.

Go large on just one wall. In this wood and white small u shaped kitchen, tall larder units have been restricted to just one wall. The taller cupboards are plain white so that they fall away from attention too.

Use glass doors to create a sense of added space.

The best thing about a tiny cooking space is that a small kitchen remodel cost is a lot less than its bigger cousins! This means that you can opt for some high-end finishes, like the recessed ceiling lights around the perimeter of this tall but small kitchen layout. A couple of black kitchen bar stools anchor the lofty design.

Another great example of how small kitchen islands can double as dining space.

Plant a kitchen greenhouse window. If you love growing your own herbs but are pushed for sill space, then look up! Be inspired by this ikea small kitchen; install a few rods across the glass to hang extra indoor herb planters right where they flourish. This small kitchen design incorporates hanging hook systems all over the walls too. A magnetic knife holder with hooks is an even more space friendly option.

Paint kitchen chalkboards. A chalkboard doesn’t have to take up wall space, you can splosh blackboard paint right onto your cabinets. Use your new writing space to jot shopping lists and display the weeks menu. Cover a few small kitchen shelves too to match the look.

A small kitchen stand offers a large amount of storage. A stand or a small kitchen cart has a tiny footprint that can fit into a disused corner. This one tiny addition could solve your overspill problem and leave benches clear. Unique hanging planters in this Scandinavian kitchen clear a little extra prep space too.

Get busy! This stacked open kitchen shelving should look messy but instead it harmoniously matches with the busy wallpaper. The maple top kitchen work table stores a menagerie of items on display too.

Use a-maze-ing pattern. Ok, your tiles don’t have to have a maze pattern like these stunning monochrome examples, but strong geometric line works fabulously over small kitchen floor plans. Light wood cabinets and cutting boards make a soft accompaniment to black and white decor.

Small kitchen tables often work best as a bespoke built-in design.

Think you don’t have room for a dishwasher? There are numerous slimline small kitchen appliances on the market to fit challenging spaces.

Follow colour theory. Red is believed to enhance the appetite, hence why red is a popular choice in food packaging design. A red kitchen could get you in the mood to create more delicious dishes. You don’t have to go all in on red though, a single red shelf could create pop without being overwhelming. The copper desk lamp in this all encompassing scheme is eaten up by red reflection.

Embrace the power of patterns. A simple white and wood small kitchen design achieves individuality with drill hole patterned boards. A black framed divide brings in a cubist pattern too.

Use every nook and cranny. This white and wood kitchen holds a sweet dining nook.

This large breakfast nook is surrounded by extra storage cabinets, opposite the main kitchen run where a modern fruit bowl decorates the bench.

Divide and conquer. Coloured perspex panels act as a subtle visual room divide whilst allowing light to flow through. Unique storage for wine doubles as a modern art piece.

Section off an open plan small kitchen. This black, white and wood themed kitchen has a dining bench jutting out that separates it from the rest of the living room. A couple of designer swivel bar stools give the very basic extension an upmarket look.

Do not underestimate the importance of beautiful flooring.

Indoor plants are a cheap and attractive way to dress your nest, and they clean the air too.

Task lighting is key. Locate pendant lights exactly where needed by using ceiling hooks.

Storage display nooks nicely break up a solid wall of cabinets.

Mix and match. This small kitchen table matches the white and wood finish of the cabinets. However, multicolour is the order of the day in this green kitchen backsplash, yellow chairs and blue accent kitchen.

Look at a tiny open plan home as one whole. This kitchen decor blends with the dining area, lounge and bedroom.

Strictly allocated kitchen storage places are a must.

A small tv for kitchen diners is commonplace, but how about a generous projection screen?

Decorative tile stickers can pull a kitchen colour scheme together.

Capitalise on cupboard space. This grey and white kitchen may be small but it holds oodles of storage space.

A small blue kitchen creates happy blue sky vibes.

Unique kitchen pendant lights can be the crowning glory to small minimalist kitchens.

A small round kitchen table is easy to get around without bumping a hip on a sharp corner. This black kitchen table has been teamed with bottle green chairs to change things up a bit. A modern chandelier cuts through the view of black kitchen cabinets behind.

1. Slow cooker 2. Magnetic knife holder with hooks 3. In-cabinet kitchen trash can 4. Magnetic spice tins 5. Space saving kitchen table 6. Mini-fridge with freezer 7. Pull out waste bins 8. Wall-mounted aper towel holder and spice rack 9. Slim kitchen pull out


Recommended Reading:
40 Captivating Kitchen Bar Stools For Any Type Of Decor
50 Unique Kitchen Pendant Lights

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tiny kitchen design and decor |

(Image credit: Future)

Our small kitchen ideas are perfect for those not blessed with a large and sociable space.

Not all homes come with vast open plan spaces. If yours is on the small side, there is plenty to feel positive about and there are still plenty of kitchen ideas to play with.

For a start, when designing a small kitchen, you'll soon realize that it’s easy to keep everything to hand without having to march from sink to hob to fridge. Plus, there is a wealth of clever small kitchen storage ideas available to get the very best out of every inch. Look for a designer with a proven record of creating dynamic and ergonomic designs for small spaces.

And, finally, you can afford to go for unusual and unabashedly luxurious materials. With a limited amount of door and drawer fronts to cover, investing in a little luxe easily elevates your kitchen area from small to cool.

Small kitchen ideas

These small kitchen ideas are useful, whether you are looking for remodeling ideas for small kitchens or looking to furnish a mud or laundry room, or if you just want clever, space-saving ideas for a larger kitchen. Space-efficient, they are stylish, too.

1. Invest in smart storage

(Image credit: Lonika Chande / Simon Brown)

'It might seem counter-intuitive in a kitchen where space is at a premium, but unless the ceilings are very high I like to do away with wall cabinets altogether in favor of kitchen shelving,' says interior designer Lonika Chande . 

'It looks much better and opens up the space. I am always on the lookout for vintage shop fittings and characterful reclaimed planks that can be repurposed as shelves. I then decant what I can into Kilner jars for display, alongside stacks of crockery, linen and the odd jug. I love nothing more than to be left to it with my Kilner jars and a Dymo labelling machine – unbelievably satisfying work and so visually pleasing too’.

2. Use decorative tricks to brighten a small kitchen

(Image credit: Madeline Harper Photography)

Creating a light and bright space as part of your small kitchen ideas can feel like an impossible task. When faced with this small kitchen, Shawna Percival, founder and designer at Styleberry Creative Interiors started by relocating the window to a central position and making it larger so that it would let more light into the small kitchen. Finding ways to increase the natural light in the kitchen is a great way to combat the challenges and make a small kitchen look bigger. 

‘For the backsplash, we went with these vertically laid tiles in variegated off-white, the tone variation creates the illusion of depth, while the high-gloss finish helps to further reflect light throughout the space,’ says Shawna. She paired these other white kitchen ideas including off-white cabinets which help the white countertops and eggshell white vent hood to really shine. 

‘We heated things up with brass sconces, brass cabinet pulls, and warm wood accents through the custom range and accessories,’ continues Shawna. ‘We also incorporated this white-washed brick and rust-colored rug for some warm, cottage character. ’ Adding details from cottage kitchen ideas are a great way to add warmth and personality to your small kitchen ideas.

Other decorative tips include knowing which items home organizers say make rooms feel small (so you can avoid them in your kitchen). Top tips include keeping small kitchen appliances away from your worktops and getting rid of food packaging that is taking up unnecessary room in your pantry or cupboard. 

3. Maximize awkward corners for storage

(Image credit: Caeserstone)

Older homes, which often come hand in hand with small kitchens, small kitchen layouts are characterized by their unusual nooks and crannies. Making the most of these unusual spaces is key to maximizing the storage space in your small kitchen ideas. Inset cookers and cabinetry into unused fireplaces and pair with your favorite stove backsplash ideas, or install open-shelving into alcoves to make the most of all the available space. Pair with neutral cabinetry and white stone countertops, like these from Caeserstone to keep the space feeling bright.

4. Work a dining nook into a small kitchen

(Image credit: Jane Beiles)

Galley kitchen ideas are one of the most common small kitchen ideas. These long, narrow spaces bring with them myriad design challenges from cabinetry through to lighting.

Often small kitchen ideas prioritize storage at the cost of social spaces, however this kitchen designed by Georgia Zikas manages to combine the two to great effect. ‘The custom design of the corner banquette seating incorporates drawers below the bench and a tall pantry cupboard to the right, while also providing a space for friends and family to sit and relax,’ explains Georgia.

Small kitchen lighting ideas are vital to the functionality and decorative aspects of your design, too – here, downlights in the cook zone are complemented by a pendant light over the dining table, which creates a warm pool of light over diners.

5. Make an open-plan space work with a small kitchen

(Image credit: Polly Eltes)

How to plan the layout of a small kitchen? There may be little choice, though a galley kitchen is often your only choice – even in an open plan area. One of the benefits of open plan kitchen ideas is that you have a large footprint at your disposal. However, when incorporating a kitchen into an open-plan space you need to be careful that it doesn’t dominate the room. 

This clever kitchen design divides the living space from the kitchen with a wall of cabinetry and a small subway tile backsplash – one of our favorite kitchen wall tile ideas – helping to keep the practical space separate from the social. However, the partial wall ensures that the cook isn’t isolated. Designed around a large window with the half wall also letting in light from the patio doors and skylight, this small kitchen still feels open and airy too.

6. Work cleverly with color

(Image credit: Little Greene)

‘As well as the walls, consider your kitchen cabinets and storage: highlighting these essential elements within a kitchen is a fantastic way to deliver design impact,' says Ruth Mottershead, creative director, Little Greene . 

Are there architectural features or areas of interest to draw attention to? Color is a fantastic way to highlight a favourite feature. If you don’t want to use a bold color all over, highlight the back of your shelving in a contrasting color or opt for a dynamic two-tone kitchen color scheme by adding one color to the lower cabinets and contrasting colors for walls and upper cabinets.

7. Paint in one color palette

(Image credit: Studio Peake)

‘In the cozy kitchen in one of our Chelsea pied-à-terre projects, we applied fresh colors throughout (with white cabinets and Stone I by Paint & Paper Library on the walls) to help the eye slide seamlessly from one surface to another and make the space seem bigger than it really is,' says Sarah Peake, founder and creative director, Studio Peake .

8. Choose space-enhancing flooring to trick the eye

(Image credit: Kasia Fiszer)

Flooring is always a challenge when it comes to kitchens – there are plenty of kitchen flooring ideas but it can be difficult to choose the right material and style for your small kitchen ideas. It must be hard wearing, easy to clean and provide the perfect backdrop to the rest of your kitchen.  

‘A smaller kitchen requires careful thought and consideration to give the illusion of a larger space,’ says Isabel Fernandez, director at Quorn Stone . ‘Contrary to belief we often find a larger tile can work well at achieving this. A smaller tile results in lots of grout joints which can enclose the space and detract the eye from the tile. We often suggest a large tile as it works well in both smaller and larger areas'.

There are also plenty of different stone flooring types and kitchen tile ideas that are perfect for small kitchen ideas. 'Wood effect porcelain is becoming increasingly popular in tighter spaces due to their long and narrow format – if you choose a complementary grout color it makes the grout less noticeable which again helps to open the space out,' adds Isabel.

(Image credit: John Lewis of Hungerford)

With the rise in open-plan kitchen-living spaces, kitchens have become smaller in favor of larger entertaining spaces. If your kitchen is part of an open-plan layout, then tidiness is key. Unlike with traditional kitchen ideas, where the door can be closed after cooking, in open plan kitchen ideas everything is permanently on display, meaning that storage is essential. 

What small kitchens lack in footprint, they often make up for in height, so focus your design vertically. Full-height cabinetry not only provides more storage but creates a sophisticated design that clearly zones your kitchen within the open-plan layout. 

By factoring height into your kitchen layout ideas, you can incorporate a wide range of kitchen cupboard storage ideas into your small kitchen design. In this kitchen from John Lewis of Hungerford , dark green full-height cabinets create an elegant, traditional backdrop while the yellow feature wall not only adds warmth but draws the eye to the small windows and the decorations, exaggerating the length of the space and focuses the eye on the source of natural light.

Note: clever breakfast bar ideas for small kitchens can provide the only dining space within an apartment, so go for glamorous fittings and furnishings.

10. Work a kitchen island into a small kitchen

(Image credit: Think Chic Interiors )

Kitchen island ideas are a dream for many homeowners and it can seem impossible to unite this dream with small kitchen ideas. However, with the right design and placement, it's a realistic addition which will provide more prep space and extra storage. Here, a slim design, painted white so as not to seem domineering, adds drawers, countertops and an extra sink. Incorporating white kitchen ideas into your small kitchen also helps the space to feel larger and brighter. 

Adding a kitchen island also requires compromises as it will take up potential storage space and, as a result, will need to be paired with other small kitchen storage ideas. ‘When adding cabinetry to this kitchen, we focused on building upwards. This not only provided more storage, but also gave the kitchen a high-end feel,' says Malka Helft, designer at Think Chic Interiors ' My pet peeve is kitchen cabinets that do not go up to the ceiling when they can; it is a dust collector and a waste of good storage space. '

11. Paint cabinets the same color as the walls

(Image credit: Paul Massey)

‘If you are short of space in a kitchen, it’s a great idea to paint the units the same color as the walls, says Joa Studholme, color curator, Farrow & Ball. 'The walls should be painted in wipeable modern emulsion and the units in super-durable modern eggshell. This will make the space feel bigger but also less utilitarian – more like a living room than a kitchen.’ 

12. Avoid a 'fully fitted' look

(Image credit: Jessica Summer)

‘When designing a compact kitchen, you might consider avoiding the “fully fitted” look and perhaps think about decorating above kitchen cabinets with open shelves, or use glass in the upper cabinets to provide a degree of reflection and additional depth,' says Claire Sa, director, De Rosee Sa .

(Image credit: Middleton )

A kitchen usually has lots of colorful elements in it 'I would go with quite neutral colors for the walls and some bright color on the cupboards,' says Edward Bulmer, interior designer and founder, Edward Bulmer Natural Paint .  

'Try mixing it up with contrasting colors: as long as they work tonally you cannot go wrong. You can play it safe with colors that sit alongside one another on the color wheel, or for striking impact, go for those on opposite sides i.e. greens to complement reds, blues to complement oranges and purples to complement yellows.’ 

14. Find space for a small pantry

(Image credit: British Standard)

Storage is a key consideration for any kitchen, however, it is even more important when it comes to small kitchen ideas. ‘Tidiness is really the difference between a small kitchen looking sleek and sophisticated, or cramped,’ says Maryana Grinshpun, principal at Mammoth Projects . 

If you are lucky enough to have a large cupboard in your kitchen or utility, consider converting it into a small pantry, it will give you that valuable storage space. Plus, there are plenty of different pantry ideas that can suit every shape space. ‘With pantries continuing to top kitchen wish lists, people are adding open shelving and slimline doors or a curtain to even the smallest of spaces to create mini ancillary pantries,’ says Anderian Bergman, design manager at British Standard .  

15. Choose rich textiles to add pattern

(Image credit: Future / Brent Darby / Styling Pippa Blenkinsop)

When space is tight, you can distract the eye with color, but the best place to have rich shades is on the floor. That gives you the opportunity to introduce the cabinetry and walls in pale plains, which are more likely to make a small kitchen feel bigger.

16. Love bold tiles? Keep them to the floor

(Image credit: Original Style)

If you love pattern, again, limiting it to the floor can make a small kitchen feel bigger. Any pattern that creates lines that draw the eye across the kitchen will help make the space feel larger still and if you limit the color palette of the tiles you choose, you will exaggerate the effect further.

Kitchen flooring like this becomes the feature of the room and is best used when the units and walls are plain in color, that way there’s no creative clashing. You can also use tiles to zone the kitchen area if the space is open plan.  

17. Light up with pretty shades

(Image credit: Studio Duggan)

Small kitchens can be in dark, dramatic shades but they will benefit from an element of the cabinetry being in a contrasting pale color. Pale pretty shades like blush pink combine well with gray countertops and backsplash and they will expand your small kitchen visually.

Be clever too with your textures. The ribbed white sink mimics the ribbed glass of the cabinets and you can see the white tableware peeking through. These are all key design features that help a dark and small scheme look fabulous.

18. Create a visual trick when you replace wall cabinets

(Image credit: Nicola Harding)

Clever lighting ideas for small kitchens are needed in compact spaces. LED strips under cabinets are one great idea and so are downlights. But we like the idea of making a design statement with your lights and if you can source wall lights that have adjustable heads then all the better, as they can double as task lamps too. This works particularly well when you don’t have wall units to hang LED strips from. 

Here, a line of lamps is echoed by a line of pictures above. This linear trick is another way to make a small kitchen appear longer than it is.

19. Venture vertically

(Image credit: Future / Darren Chung)

When planning small kitchen layouts think vertically by continuing your cabinets up to the ceiling but plan carefully to ensure the room feels as open as possible. Store less frequently used items in high cupboards. Add a breakfast bar if you can. The amount of storage and workspace it provides makes great use of the footprint and will ensure your kitchen is more sociable.

20. Focus on form and function

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

Creating a fuss-free, family friendly design is easy with handleless cabinetry. Available in a variety of finishes, from hi-gloss white to textured woods and ceramics, it’s a style that works beautifully in both modern and period properties.  

A handleless scheme, particularly one in a cool white, can appear clinical, but adding a few natural materials will give it a softer edge. Think about including a colorful patterned tile backsplash or wooden worktops. Stone or wood floors are also a practical solution for a kitchen that will help to create a layered, textured effect.

21. Mind the gap

(Image credit: Future / Jonathan Gooch)

Named after the kitchen space on a ship, galleys are designed to be super-efficient by maximizing every available space. Known for their two parallel counters, there is a range of practical options to help make it a workable layout, from smart storage solutions to lighting tricks and fun flooring ideas. 

Storage is key in galley kitchens, as space saving is the goal. Opt for a multi-use drawer as it offers a compact space for crockery and cutlery. 

For kitchen ceiling ideas for a smaller galley kitchen, if it is possible, install skylights to boost the natural light in the space.

22. Add color to enliven a small kitchen

(Image credit: Future / Jonathan Gooch)

Eye-catching details aren't just for large kitchens. Neutrals are not for everyone and the size of your kitchen shouldn’t dictate that you play it safe. Decorative accessories will add colorful flourishes and can be easily updated to keep abreast of new kitchen trends. Lamp shades, blinds, curtains, artwork and countertop storage are all good, inexpensive options.

One way to add color to your small kitchen space is through stylish window treatments, for more inspiration, guide on, what do you put on a small kitchen window?

23. Shed natural light into a small kitchen

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

Consider rooflights or glazing your ceiling if you have few or small windows. Similarly, keep tall cabinets and bulky fridge freezers away from windows where they may limit the amount of daylight in the room.

24. Factor in food for thought with seating

(Image credit: The Main Company Photograph: Chris Snook)

Even very small spaces can often accommodate an open-plan dining area. In a compact kitchen, consider using banquette seating, fitted into a corner or even on one side of a kitchen island, to create a cozy dining spot.

25. Look on the bright side

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

When it comes to the color scheme, you don’t have to play it safe, even when looking for small kitchen ideas. Conventional wisdom suggests light and bright with reflective surfaces to keep the space airy, but the opposite can work just as well. 

Dark and moody charcoal cabinetry teamed with a dramatic lighting scheme will make the kitchen feel smart, while good use of mirrors, whatever the color scheme, will give a greater illusion of space. 

And don’t scrimp on the kitchen lighting ideas. Incorporate adequate task lighting under cabinets for food preparation and include in-drawer and in-cabinet lighting where possible, so you can always see the contents. Finally, add some mood lighting if you can on a separate circuit.

26. Keep it neat and tidy

(Image credit: Future / Jan Baldwin)

Storage is one of the most important elements in a small kitchen and open kitchen shelving ideas can make a small space feel larger, unlike a solid run of cabinetry. If you are using open shelves in your small kitchen, ensure you save the best-looking pieces to be both stored and displayed for this space.

27. Put it on display

(Image credit: Future / Carolyn Barber)

Talking of display... don’t forget to include a small display area if you can squeeze it in. Open shelves are ideal for showing off decorative items and cookbooks that make your kitchen feel personal. 

'Keep materials simple. I would recommend a maximum of three finishes in a small kitchen, which allows you to zone areas, create features and let other sections blend into the background,' says Lindsey Rendall, co-founder, Rendall & Wright .

28. Add a color pop

(Image credit: Future / Polly Wreford)

When it comes to kitchen color ideas, don't be afraid to go bold in a small kitchen space. 

A bright splash of bold red could really make the difference between a cold, cramped space and one that is interesting and exciting.

29. Keep things off surfaces

(Image credit: Harvey Jones)

If your kitchen is small, any clutter that's left on the side is going to use up much-needed workspace and make it look even smaller. Also, when it comes to cooking, you'll be limited with countertop surface area. 

Make more room for yourself by putting any appliances that aren't used every day in a cupboard, rather than on the side. The same goes for any food. It also might be worth considering if decorative kitchen accessories are actually adding anything to the space, or if they are just getting in the way.

Fitting and organizing kitchen drawers so that they can house everything from spices to crockery is a far more efficient use of space than installing cabinets in small kitchens.

30. Opt for slimmer cabinets

(Image credit: Lisa Staton Interior Design/Haris Kenjar)

Slimline base cabinets could be a great option if you're in need of a little more floor space because they are built with a reduced depth. However, this does mean that you won't be able to store any big pans in them, so it's important to come up with an alternative way to store these essentials, or size down. 

31. Use geometric patterns

(Image credit: Studio Vernacular/Ruby & Peach Photo)

Geometric patterns are becoming an increasingly popular choice and they are incredibly helpful for making a space look bigger, as they draw the eye vertically or lengthways to give the impression of a longer, taller kitchen.

32. Get reflective

(Image credit: La Cornue)

We all know mirrors make a space look bigger, so why not throw a few into your kitchen? Alternatively, opting for reflective surfaces, such as gloss, will help bounce light around the room, making it appear bigger and brighter.

(Image credit: deVOL)

There's no denying a double butler sink makes dishwashing incredibly easy, but if you have a small kitchen, this style is going to take up precious space. Not to mention it will make the room look even smaller. 

A single sink can look just as stylish and will give you more counter space to play with.

34. Integrate your appliances

(Image credit: Tom Howley )

Integrated appliances, like fridges, washing machines and dishwashers, will make a room appear bigger and more streamline.

Yes, you might have to open a cupboard to get to them, but the overall look will be sleeker instead of a mix-match of different elements in a small space.

35. Add a portable island

(Image credit: Ikea)

A portable kitchen island can be moved about the room according to needs, which means they are more flexible than their static counterparts.

These moveable options don’t feature plumbing, electricity or gas. They are usually tables, trollies or units on wheels, but they come in a whole host of styles from industrial designs to classic farmhouse kitchen islands.

36. Keep lines clean

(Image credit: Future/Paul Raeside)

Did you know that something as simple as removing bulky handles from cabinets can make your small kitchen appear larger? By using modern kitchen ideas such as push/click catches instead, the room will be more streamline and will look smoother.

37. Use light-reflecting accessories

(Image credit: Future / Alicia Taylor)

Metallic, glass and reflective accessories – whether that's pots and or pendant lights – will help bounce light around the room. These light-reflecting objects will boost brightness and add a sense of depth.

38. Stretch cabinets up high

(Image credit: deVOL)

Storage is clearly king when it comes to the small kitchen and this is where bespoke, made-to-measure designs as part of the layout really come into their own. The flexibility of having non-standard door sizes, clever corner cabinets and tailor-made carcasses at your fingertips is a huge plus point for small kitchen layouts. 

One way to max out storage possibilities in a small kitchen is to stretch cabinets all the way to the ceiling – this will also eliminate that awkward space on top of cabinets that collect dust. Use high-up storage for items you use infrequently such as party platters and seasonal gadgets like ice-cream makers and slow cookers.

‘Here, glazed and closed storage covers a whole wall from floor to ceiling,’ explains Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL . ‘We usually like to stick to our standard-sized cupboards to keep costs down for our customers, but there is always the option of a special bespoke piece, made and fitted for an awkward space or alcove to maximize storage, and that’s just what was needed here.’

39. Add the slimmest breakfast bar

(Image credit: deVOL)

Who said you can’t dine in a small kitchen? Not us. This small galley kitchen is just over 6.8ft (2.1m) wide, 13.5ft (4.1m) long and the distance between the two runs just over 2.6ft (785mm) – but it still manages to fit in masses of storage, appliances and even a bespoke seating/eating area. The slim ledge is carved out of the same pale quartz worktop as the rest of the kitchen with two stools to perch on and take in the views of the city of Bath, England, outside.

‘This project is proof that you don’t need a huge space to create a dream kitchen,’ says Helen Parker. ‘Space is a wonderful luxury but it’s not about having loads of it, big rooms, big gardens and big houses, it is about creating room to live comfortably and simply in the space you have available.’

40. Go for open and closed storage

(Image credit: mosaik Design & Remodeling)

You might be tempted to squeeze in as many cabinets as possible when planning small kitchen ideas – but beware, this can sometimes simply make a small space feel smaller. While storage is a key priority, consider a mix and match of closed door cabinets at the bottom and open shelving on the walls as part of the layout. Two rows of cabinetry, top and bottom, has the potential to make your kitchen feel claustrophobic and confined, especially if there aren’t any windows to break up the run.

‘When working with a galley kitchen, I like to incorporate some open shelving,’ says Erin Davis, lead designer for Mosaik Design & Remodeling in Portland, Oregon. ‘Too much cabinetry can make a small kitchen feel smaller. Some open shelving combined with closed doors offers a chance to display your favorite items, inject personality to the space and adds an open feel to the kitchen.’

How do I plan a small kitchen?

Getting the right designer on board is key and, crucially, the kitchen needs to be designed to suit the space, rather than picking a range or style and trying to adapt your small kitchen ideas to fit. 

Dual purpose pieces and good internal storage will make the most of cupboard space. Weigh up the pros and cons of tall units over worktop space – small double galleys often benefit from one side of tall cabinets teamed with one run of base units opposite. Although, you should make every attempt to keep work surface clear of clutter. 

Look for compact appliances, choosing premium models that give the optimum internal space while still fitting a standard or compact footprint. Also pieces such as multi-functional compact ovens, offer a range of cooking methods from steam to conventional and microwave in one neat little package.

It's also worth taking shape into account – U-shaped kitchens for example, can work really well in a small space.

What is the best layout for a small kitchen?

In terms of small kitchen layouts, a galley format is a popular choice. 

Galley kitchens, with their linear simplicity, have a timeless appeal no matter how big or small your space. And with open plan living becoming increasingly popular, a galley kitchen is a compact solution that is both practical and surprisingly stylish.

What is the best color for a small kitchen?

The best color for a small kitchen ultimately depends on what you want from the space, but don't let the size hold you back from going bold.

While the long established preference for going ‘light and bright’ when decorating small spaces does apply, it’s important not to let your kitchen slip into neutral obscurity. 

'Don’t be afraid to use color – even really bright colors in high gloss finishes, such as lime green, blue, lilac or pink. It’s a great way to give your kitchen a boost if you haven’t got a great deal of space to play with,' advises Adrian Stoneham of Stoneham Kitchens .

If you do feel more comfortable with a pale palette, try to shake things up in other ways. Incorporating interesting shapes, via serpentine curved units, or adding one strong feature piece like a chandelier or designer bar stools, can create a really dynamic room that’s easy to update.

How can I decorate my small kitchen?

Decorating a small kitchen can be approached in the same way as in a larger kitchen. In other words, pick finishes and decorative elements that please you and complement the style of the rest of your home. But it's really important to understand that every choice you make for a small kitchen will be magnified by the compact conditions.

So, if you were to choose a paint color, bold tiles or a maximalist wallpaper for the walls, each will feel that much more vivid and dominating than in a larger kitchen. For this reason, it is a good idea to limit your choice of decorative layers to just two and to keep them to specific areas of the room.

Or, go for subtlety and be aware that toning down your choices just a little can still be really effective in a small kitchen. 

Can I put an island in a small kitchen?

When it comes to fitting a kitchen, a question that's often asked is 'can I put an island in a small kitchen?' The good news is that there's usually always a way to make it work.

An island unit is perhaps the most popular feature in a kitchen, and is one that can work well in a small kitchen. 

In a very large room, it will act as a bridge between perimeter furniture, improving the work triangle and allowing more than one cook to work comfortably side-by-side, but can also make a wonderful addition to a small kitchen, adding extra seating and negating the need for a separate dining room.

With the addition of arresting light pendants or an eye-catching work surface, it can become the room’s design centrepiece. In an open-plan kitchen, use an island or peninsula to divide cooking and dining. 

‘The addition of breakfast bar seating can create intimacy in the smallest kitchen, and only requires a 40cm worktop overhang to  dine in comfort,’ says interior designer Abigail Hall . 

Connect both water and electricity, and your island will become an impressive workhorse, incorporating cooking, washing and cooling appliances. ‘This will free up surfaces in the rest of the kitchen but we also see the island as an opportunity to have extra ovens or specialist appliances such as a teppanyaki, wok burner or BBQ grill,’ adds Neil Lerner . 

What shape is most efficient in small space kitchens?

A U-shaped layout could be the most efficient choice for a small space kitchen as it allows a good number of cabinets. With two corners in the layout, use pull-out internal fittings that permit access to all the contents of these cabinets to maximize storage.

A galley kitchen can also be an efficient choice. Bear in mind that the width of a galley kitchen should be 7 to 12ft (2.1 to 3.7m) with a minimum of 3ft (0.9m) between opposite countertops. Be mindful that 3ft (0.9m) of walking space between countertops is a bare minimum and is the best solution for kitchens where one person is using it. For a more flexible layout, 4 to 5ft (1.2 to 1.5m) of space between countertops is ideal.

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

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 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 items 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