Very small kitchen decoration
70 Best Small Kitchen Design Ideas
Stacy Zarin Goldberg, Ema Peter
Turn your kitchen into your happy place, no matter its size — it's the heart of the home, after all. From cooking healthy family dinners, sitting around the island with friends to organizing — then reorganizing — your limited cabinet space, you inevitability spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Just because your kitchen is small, doesn't mean it has to feel small. To help you make the most of your limited space, we've rounded up the best small kitchen ideas — whether your design style is modern, traditional or country.
Even if you're redesigning on a budget, you deserve a kitchen that feels functional and stylish. Make use of every crevice, clear clutter from counters and decorate blank walls. As you explore this photo gallery of small kitchen decorating ideas, you'll find fast and affordable solutions like hanging mirrors to create the illusion of more space, layering bold hues to brighten an interior and adding shelves to take advantage of vertical space.
We've included kitchen storage tips that'll keep your counters clean and orderly — like where to store liquor or the best way to organize a kitchen pantry. If you're considering a full renovation, we've sprinkled in DIY projects like finding a fresh paint color for the kitchen, setting up a separate bar or swapping in chic backsplash tiles. Whether you live in an apartment, condo or your house is lacking kitchen space, you're sure to find an interior to love.
Stacy Zarin Goldberg
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Add Sleek Open Shelving
Suspend open shelving from the ceiling or hang a rack high on the wall to add height and create the illusion of more space. At the same time, the added storage will minimize clutter on the counter.
Barbara Egan/Reportage
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Go Bold on Top, Neutral on Bottom
Here's a playful way to make your smaller space feel more vertical: go for bright upper cabinets. What's more? This modern kitchen has double-stacked cabinets for a ton of storage space.
Keep it neutral on the bottom to create contrast.
Cherished Bliss
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Create a Portable Stove
Instead of installing a full stove, blogger Ashley Rene went for something much more versatile: a double burner on a rolling cart and a vent hood with a charcoal filter. When the homeowner isn't cooking, they can easily put the burner away and have infinite more space.
Get the tutorial at Cherished Bliss »
Ema Peter
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Put the Microwave Down Below
Save on counter space by designating a home for your microwave, whether that be built in below your kitchen counter or hidden away in a pantry.
Lauren Pressey
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Add Corner Shelves
If you don't have the space for wall-to-wall open shelving, go for small corner shelves. Designer Kate Lester created instant storage by hanging three reclaimed barn wood shelves.
Design: Reena Sotropa In House Design Group; Photo: Phil Crozier
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Use a Bar Cabinet
Don't waste cabinet space on booze.
Here, interior designer Reena Sotropa uses a geometric bar cabinet to create separation in a small space.
Lindsay Salazar
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Go Big With Art
Just because you're working with a small space, doesn't mean you can't display your art collection. Use a mix of small and large prints to create a gallery wall that adds dimension to your kitchen.
Monica Wang
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Maximize Kitchen Corners
Learn to work with the space you have by capitalizing on every corner and nook. If your actual kitchen is small, there may be a small crevice or awkward nook that can be reworked into additional kitchen space.
Inspired by Charm
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Build a Butler's Pantry
Here, blogger Michael Wurm Jr. turns what was once a full bathroom into a butler’s pantry and a small powder room — but this concept also works if you have a closet or small alcove you're not maximizing.
See the full remodel at Inspired by Charm »
Mike Garten
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Choose Floor-to-Ceiling Whites
We all know that light, bright spaces feel more spacious than dark, dreary areas.
Stick with white cabinets, walls and trim for your small kitchen, then layer in wood accents and black cabinet hardware to keep things trendy.
Taylor Architectural Photography
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Embrace an Open Layout
The work of John McClain Design, this small kitchen is also a dining room and living room — and, yet it feels super spacious and sophisticated. Two small bistro tables near the sofa provide additional dining space.
Aliyev Alexei Sergeevich
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Disguise Your Dishwasher
For those of us with limited cabinet space, a dishwasher can take up half the kitchen. If you want to achieve a clean and streamlined aesthetic, install your dishwasher to fit seamlessly beneath your kitchen counters.
The Handmade Home
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Add a Runner
Elongate a narrow space with a long patterned runner, while also adding style and softness to your interior.
See more at The Handmade Home »
Stacy Zarin Goldberg
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Create Consistency
For a striking statement, bring the same paint color, wallpaper or wood paneling from the wall to the ceiling.
Stick with lighter hues and smaller prints, so you don't overwhelm the space.
Design by Velinda Hellen; Photo by Sara Tramp
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Go for Light Appliances
While stainless steel appliances are most popular, this sleek Smeg fridge proves that white appliances can look just as chic. Lighten up your space by pairing it with crisp white tiles, blonde wood floors and baby blue cabinets.
See more at Style by Emily Henderson »
Annie Schlechter for Country Living
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Install a Pegboard Wall
Paint a pegboard in a cheery hue to create a functional focal point. Once attached, load it up with some of your kitchen must-haves — measuring cups, wooden spoons, cast iron skillets and more.
Design by Studio Merlin; Photo by Richard Chivers
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Add a Built-In Seat
In an effort to merge the kitchen with the living room, Studio Merlin Founder Josh Piddock added a built-in kitchen seat into these rich blue cabinets from Reform.
Design by Jess Bunge; Photo by Sara Tramp
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Create the Illusion of More Space
Mirrors reflect light and trick the eye into perceiving a space is larger than it actually is — plus, they look great while doing it.
See more at Style by Emily Henderson »
Courtesy of HGTV
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Hang Rattan Pendants
The natural tones in rattan pendants add warmth, but the open and airy construction welcome breeziness into any small space.
Christopher Dibble
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Go for Multi-Colored Cabinets
Let the primaries — red, yellow and blue — breathe life into your space. Paint cabinet doors at random, but leave a few au naturel for maximum contrast.
Boxwood Avenue
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Keep Spices Organized
Alec Hemer
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Add Pops of Color
The brighter the space, the bigger it'll feel. You can go with shades of white and gray, then layer in two tones of a bold hue to add intrigue.
Max Burkhalter
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Incorporate Bottle Storage
Build custom cubbies to keep wine and liquor bottles off the kitchen counters. Store wine glasses, bottle stoppers and other accessories in a nearby cabinet, so you can pour with ease.
Amy Bartlam
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Create More Counterspace
If you're working with limited counter space, consider building another area that serves as an extension of the kitchen — even if it's a few steps away. You can use a sideboard and open shelving, like Kate Lester Interiors does here.
Mike Van Tassell
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Warm up the Whites
White on white can open up even the smallest of spaces, but go with a reflective backsplash, like pearl iridescent subway tile, to bounce light around.
RELATED: Stunning Kitchens With White Cabinets
Jessica Alexander for Pure Salt Interiors
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Get Smart With Floating Shelves
Don't let windows get in your way.
Stretch floating shelves across the entire wall, making sure to leave enough room between them to allow the natural light to come through.
Joe Schmelzer
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DIY a Kitchen Island
While you're cooking, a small kitchen island is as helpful as a big island (which is not an option for most tiny kitchens). You can even find a rolling one if you're not looking for a permanent solution.
Miki Duisterhof
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Try Backless Stools
When living in a small home or apartment, you need all the counter space you can get — even if that means creating your own with a dining room table that serves two purposes. Plus, backless stools can live under the table to conserve space when they're not being used.
Alison Gootee
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DIY Pantry
Gridley+Graves
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Use Small Nooks for Dining
Even a narrow nook can comfortably seat the whole family if you choose built-in benches instead of chairs.
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.
Design of a very small kitchen (80+ real photos)
It's no secret that the most frequently visited place by the hostess is the kitchen. However, not all women are owners of a large kitchen. And so you want this room to be functional, comfortable, and most importantly, cozy.
Designers' advice will come to help in solving this problem, which you can use and turn the proposed ideas into reality.
Contents
Which floor plan to choose
Square kitchen
Corner sets are suitable for square kitchens. In them, you can conveniently distinguish between a working and dining area.
With this solution, the refrigerator, sink and stove can be arranged in such a way that they form a working triangle. Everything you need will be within walking distance.
An oval dining table can be placed opposite the set. This table can accommodate a large number of people.
If the design of the kitchen is quite small, for example, 2 * 2 m, then a folding table will do.
Wide window can be used as a dining area.
Rectangular kitchen
Rectangular kitchens are best placed along the walls. Instead of a dining table, it is better to give preference to a bar counter.
To visually expand the room, you can hang a large mirror on the walls or install a mirror kitchen apron.
For this option, it is preferable to choose curtains with a large pattern.
Extra light needs to be considered as the work area needs to be well lit. If the window is small or located on one wall, lighting is indispensable.
Small kitchen doors can be sliding to save space.
Irregular kitchen
These rooms usually have niches, spaces or ledges. The built-in closet fits perfectly into the recesses of the walls. It can accommodate kitchen utensils, household appliances.
A refrigerator or an unusual built-in bar can also take a place in a niche. It is better to make a kitchen set for such a kitchen to order or choose an option in which the doors of the upper cabinets will rise vertically.
Rules for choosing furniture for a small kitchen
- You should be guided, first of all, by the issue of comfort and only then by your own taste preferences. For example, you should not buy a bulky sideboard made of solid wood that you like, which carries a minimum functional load, and at the same time clutters up an already small room.
- To begin with, it is necessary to consider all existing types of planning. A kitchen plan drawn on paper will help a lot with this.
One of the options is sure to suit the arrangement of a small kitchen. - Hanging cabinets, shelves and other pieces of furniture look much better in small spaces. And you should also choose the highest possible racks, literally resting on the ceiling - they will help save space in the room.
- It is recommended to rationally use all free corners by installing headset parts, household appliances and other important elements in them.
When choosing furniture for a small kitchen, one should take into account such parameters as volume and ergonomics. The headset should be as compact as possible externally, but at the same time roomy. You should not choose furniture that resembles a design of huge boxes. It should be quite light and pretty, and occupy all corners, niches and other useless spaces.
The visual perception of the kitchen set also plays a huge role. This means that the color of the furniture that will be installed in a small room is extremely important.
Light glossy surfaces will help to visually increase the space.
However, it is not recommended to buy a set that matches the color of the walls exactly. It is also very important to correctly place bright accents that will enliven the room and give it a twist.
Some design tricks can help make your kitchen look bigger. Mirrored surfaces will add depth to the room, exactly the same function is performed by glass doors and shelves, chrome-plated metal handles, and so on. At the same time, it is important to maintain harmony so that the kitchen looks stylish and attractive.
Equally important is the arrangement of furniture in the kitchen. For small spaces, it is recommended to choose a linear or L-shaped layout, abandoning the island, U-shaped and two-line layout. And also for a very small kitchen, built-in furniture is ideal, helping to save space as much as possible.
Choice of household appliances
Every housewife wants to use household appliances that greatly facilitate the process of cooking, these include a food processor, blender, microwave oven, steamer, bread machine, multicooker.
And there is also a coffee maker, electric kettle, ice cream maker, toaster. How to place all this in a room that has a very modest size?
Designers advise to use the highest cabinets with deep niches, in which you can easily hide some of these items, taking them out when needed. You can place an electric kettle and a coffee maker on the work surface, as the most commonly used devices.
Narrow cabinets with rolling doors, located between the lower and upper tiers of the headset, are also perfect for storing household appliances.
Narrow dishwashers and ovens save space in the bottom row. The cabinets themselves must be equipped with appropriate mechanisms that provide quick and free access to the necessary devices.
There is a wide choice of such mechanisms - zapachny, folding, with a rotating carousel, folding and so on. Properly organizing the space of a small kitchen is not as difficult as it seems at first glance.
Color and decor
Here are a few basic recommendations:
- Light, warm shades are suitable for a small room.
- It is important to ensure that sufficient natural and artificial light enters the work area.
- The color of the walls should also be light shades.
- It is better not to use more than two colors in a small kitchen, otherwise staying there may become psychologically uncomfortable.
- "Painted" walls in a small room are also not appropriate.
- The color of the furniture should be in harmony with the walls.
- An excellent solution would be glass or transparent furniture that seems weightless and enlarges the space.
- Light-colored transforming table will complement the interior of a small kitchen.
- Roman blinds or blinds are a good decor element for a small kitchen.
How to save space in a small kitchen
There are many ways to save space in a small kitchen: . The owners of small and cramped kitchens often make planning mistakes that prevent them from using the room as functionally as possible, while not littering it with unnecessary interior items. How to equip a small kitchen? You can understand this issue using the example of the most common mistakes. There is not enough space in the kitchen to store the necessary utensils. To avoid this, you should learn how to effectively use the free vertical space. Small shelves and cabinets can be installed above the stove, refrigerator, or even directly under the ceiling. The work surface is too small. This is done in order to save space, but in fact, such a solution only contributes to more clutter in the kitchen. You can continue the work surface using a folding table top or a bar counter. Elimination of the hood to save space. Unfortunately, a lingering unpleasant smell will completely spoil the impression of even the most elegant kitchen. As you can see, a small kitchen is not a reason to be upset. With a competent and rational approach to the design of this room, you can get a comfortable and functional kitchen as a result. If you are the owner of a small kitchen, you will be interested to see our photo gallery with 320+ photos of small kitchen examples from professional designers. Such a move will not only visually unite the two modules, but also use the window sill surface as an additional working area. Even if you do not cut food on it, you can put small household appliances or some dishes on the windowsill. “The combination of light-coloured kitchen furniture and contrasting worktop creates a sense of versatility and visually enlarges the space. Light surfaces will be perceived as more distant, which will add air and lightness to a small room. For furniture, you can choose white, cream, light blue shades, and make the countertop in coffee, agate gray or dark blue tones,” recommends Galina Berezkina. Design wall murals or a fresco can act as such material, and you can also hire an artist to paint the wall or try your hand at painting the wall yourself. Here it is important to choose an image or material that will be combined with the style of the furniture and the situation in the kitchen. Design: Galina and Igor Berezkin Perhaps you should reconsider your attitude to decor and choose something more useful instead of an object that will not carry any functional load. Here, for example, is what architect Anna Novopoltseva recommends: “If you like fresh herbs and salads, you can grow them right from the comfort of your kitchen in wall hung mini planters, which will also be an unusual decor.” Author of the project: Anna Novopoltseva. Photo: Evgeny Gnesin By the way, crockery and furniture can also be considered functional decor. It is customary to decorate a small kitchen in a neutral palette, and there is a reason for this - visually it will seem larger. But accents are also needed, and household appliances can become them. “When designing a kitchen space done in a neutral palette, you can use bright and bold colors for household appliances. A red, orange or yellow kettle or toaster will be a nice accent piece against a white or light gray kitchen. You can also choose larger equipment. In one of the projects in a white Scandinavian kitchen, we placed a bright yellow refrigerator, which became the center of attraction for all eyes and a source of positive and sunny mood, regardless of the weather outside the window,” says designer Galina Berezkina. Design: Igor and Galina Berezkin. Photo: Ulyana Grishina A variety of materials for the backsplash - tiles, panels, photo prints under glass panels - allows you to focus on this particular area. “The decor can be an unusual kitchen backsplash, made, for example, of bright mosaic tiles, but not too small, while the kitchen itself should be neutral, better in light shades or just white. The use of bright accents in small kitchens should be very metered, as well as the total number of decor,” says architect Anna Novopoltseva. If the kitchen is very small, do not litter it with small decor, there is a risk of overdoing it. Mirrors are known for their ability to visually expand the space, and the proximity of the mirror surface to the window will also help to increase the amount of natural light.
Mistakes that are often made when arranging a small kitchen
There is no way to do without a hood in a small room. Designers are advised to choose compact models. If necessary, the hood can be hidden behind the facade of the headset. Small kitchens (real photos)
8 best ways to decorate a small kitchen, according to designers
1 Choose one material for the countertop and window sill
At the same time, it is not necessary to raise the level of the window sill so that it matches the height of the countertop. 2 Play with contrast
3 Decorate the wall with decorative material
4 Choose functional decor
5 Focus on home appliances
6 Or on the backsplash
7 Choose large decor items
8 Decorate window slopes with mirrors
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