Small Kitchen Ideas
House kitchen design
Ceiling-high cabinets and mirrored backsplashes can work wonders.
A spacious kitchen with sky-high ceilings and ample natural light is the absolute dream. However, most of us have to make do with awkward layouts and less-than-ideal storage space. But a small kitchen doesn't have to be so bad. In fact, with the right small-space solutions and functional design ideas, it won't matter what square footage you're working with. Ahead, we've rounded up more than 80 clever and chic small kitchen ideas to pull inspiration from so that you never feel like a claustrophobic cook again. We promise these tricks will help you make the most of your counter space and cabinetry—and they might even make you want to spend even more time in your kitchen.
1
Streamline the Space
Opting for an all-white kitchen can instantly make a space feel bigger thanks to the shade's light-reflecting nature. Smooth, glossy cabinet fronts (no hardware here) and a cooktop set in matching countertops maximizes the gleaming effect.
2
Make Your Own Island
In this small kitchen by designer Corinne Mathern Studio, a counter-height work table doubles as an island and eating space. You can easily push a piece like this against the wall or move it out of the room anytime it starts to feel cramped
3
Paint Each Portion
Here's a playful way to designate a kitchen's different zones and make it appear bigger: Use three blue shades to create depth, as designer Garrow Kedigian did here. Stretching the lightest one up to the ceiling emphasizes its height, making this space feel airy.
4
Lighten Up
To ground a small kitchen without making it feel cave-like, use a dark color on only the bottom half, and swap for a lighter shade on top. Natural wood connects this space to the forest outside.
5
Paint the Floor
To open up this kitchen, designer Kevin Isbell painted an oversize glossy checkered print on the floor. The light, bright colors coordinate perfectly with the cafe curtain fabric
6
Forego Hardware
To maintain a visually sleek appearance, exchange exposed hardware in favor of inset grooves or cutout handles.
7
Install a Set of Doors
Take a note from designer Matthew Ferrarini, and install pocket doors to hide your kitchen's hardest working wall when you're not cooking or cleaning up. We love this idea for open floor plans and studio apartments.
8
Cover the Clutter
Have a farmhouse sink or exposed plumbing that has seen better days? Skirt the issue. That is, install a sink skirt hide the mess, the way they did in old English country kitchens.
9
Utilize Your Island
The hangout side of an island can absolutely work harder. Design it with cabinets instead of a solid slab of wood, and it's ideal for storing not-so-frequently-used items.
10
Choose a Happy Color
To make a narrow galley kitchen feel more intentional (and less like a dark alcove), install statement pendant lights. This ombré pair brightens it from end to end and draws eyes up.
11
Create an Appliance Garage
Don't have much counter space? Consider adding an appliance garage within your cabinetry as designer Natalie Chong did in her former Toronto townhouse. The cubby held her Nespresso machine. Underneath, a push-to-open wood panel hid a Vitamix.
12
Make It Double as a Mudroom
For a Georgia kitchen connected to a back door, designer Laura Jenkins turned some cabinets near the built-in refrigerator into a mudroom closet. The seamless construction also hides a coffee station and pantry, making the room feel larger.
13
Maintain a Neutral Palette
With a neutral-leaning color palette, your kitchen can feel more open and serene. Just take note of this tranquil kitchen by Lauren Nelson Design, which incorporates handmade tile, marble countertops, and cabinetry in Benjamin Moore's Caldwell Green that subtly reference the outdoors.
14
Build In Kitchen Necessities
In this kitchen designed by Sarah Robertson, a slide-in cutting board and drying rack flank the range—making cooking a total breeze. Not to mention cleanup: You never have to worry about fitting them into other drawers or cabinets.
15
Add a Nook for Bench Seating
Consider maximizing your dining arrangement with a nook for a built-in bench as designer Nannette Brown did for this moody galley kitchen in a New York apartmen
16
Opt for a Countersplash
Countersplashes—when the same slab style is used for the countertop and backsplash—make everything look and function smoother. Pro designers are embracing the style, including designer Melanie Millner who chose Cielo quartzite for this European-inspired estate in Georgia. Enhance the spacious, cohesive feel with a little display shelf in the same material.
17
Clear the Counters
If hanging a pot rack from the ceiling isn't ideal for you, opt for a short rail secured to a small open shelf. In this kitchen by designer Augusta Hoffman, a small rod displays a few go-to tools and cookware for easy access while cooking.
18
Hide Your Charging Station
If you tend to charge your phone or iPad in your kitchen, move that clutter into a drawer with docking outlets like this sleek setup by designer Sarah Robertson. That way, you'll have more counter space to cook and flip through recipe books.
19
Use Faux Brick
Amplify the character in your small kitchen with the look of exposed brick for less. In this San Francisco kitchen, designer Lynn Kloythanomsup chose a classic red brick, but since it was just for looks, went faux. “It’s like a thin brick tile,” she explains
20
Work With Smaller Appliances
Save counter space with a built-in electric cooktop. A slim version—like this one with two burners in a working pantry by Rob Klein and Amy Kreutz of Conceptual Kitchens & Millwork—will give you more room to unload groceries and prepare meals.
21
Add Sleek Open Shelving
Create more storage and decor space with industrial-style open shelving in small columns, as designer Caren Rideau did in this kitchen. It'll clear off the counters and let you easily see your inventory.
22
Use a Pull-Out System for Bottles
Anyone who loves wine but doesn't have the space or budget for a mini wine fridge needs this pull-out system from Thomasville Cabinetry, which is available at The Home Depot. The best part? You can use it for other drinks, like water and cans, should you not always have a full wine selection on hand.
