A small kitchen can be a challenge when it comes to storage, workflow and having enough room to accomplish all cooking tasks. However, with some clever small kitchen ideas and functional design solutions, you can create a highly efficient, stunning space. From innovative storage solutions to space-saving furniture and multi-functional elements, there are many ways to make a small kitchen both stylish and workable.
Choosing the Right Layout and Workflow
When working with a small kitchen, layout and workflow are key. You want to make sure frequently used appliances, tools and ingredients are readily accessible, while maximizing every inch of space. Here are some layout ideas to consider:
Create Zones
Divide your kitchen into zones for food prep, cooking, cleaning and storage. Try placing your sink, prep surface and utensils together in one area, the stove and oven in another zone and refrigeration/storage in another area. This allows you to work efficiently as you move between tasks.
Optimize Traffic Flow
Map out how you normally circulate in the kitchen to identify traffic patterns. Make sure your layout aligns with these natural paths, avoiding cross-traffic that can make a small space feel even more congested.
Go Galley
A galley layout with counters and cabinets on both sides maximizes workspace and storage in a small, narrow footprint. Just be sure sightlines are open between zones.
Try a L-Shaped Layout
An L-shaped kitchen efficiently defines separate cooking and cleanup work zones. Place the range and sink at the ends of each leg for easy access.
Blur Zones
In extra tight kitchens, blur zone boundaries by having key appliances serve multiple roles. For example, let your prep/clean-up area overlap with your storage zone for a more efficient workflow.
Add an Island
Even a narrow kitchen island adds functional surface area for meal prep and casual dining. It also helps define work zones in an open layout.
Look for Blind Spots
Identify wasted space like corners and awkward nooks that could be better utilized. Fill them with narrow pull-out cabinets, racks or floor-to-ceiling shelving.
Multi-Functional Furniture and Design Elements
Taking a multi-functional approach is an excellent small kitchen idea to maximize every inch. Here are some great options:
Tuck Seating Into Unexpected Places
Look for unused spaces along walls or ends of lower cabinets to tuck in a narrow bench or banquette. This transforms wasted real estate into seating.
Rolling Carts
Rolling carts with storage below and a counter surface above provide flexible extra prep space that can be moved around as needed.
Pull-Down Shelving
Install pull-down shelving above your regular wall cabinets to access less-used items without sacrificing counter space below.
Mix Upper and Lower Cabinets
Using a mix of upper and lower cabinets instead of only wall units gives you more versatile storage options in a compressed footprint.
Multi-Purpose Islands
Include storage, seating and functional elements like pull-out trash/recycling bins in a kitchen island to get the most out of the valuable floor space it occupies.
Cabinet Door Storage
Take advantage of the vertical storage space inside cabinet doors by adding racks, hooks and organizational bins. Great for bulky cooking tools.
Choose Multi-Functional Appliances
Look for appliances that combine multiple functions like convection ovens with microwaves or refrigerators with beverage dispensing. This allows you to consolidate space-hogging appliances.
Hidden Storage Nooks
Take advantage of awkward angles or gaps between cabinets and appliances to add narrow pull-out shelves. Perfect for storing oils, spices and other specialty ingredients.
Consider Extending to Adjacent Space
Remove walls between the kitchen and a closet, hallway or dining room to “absorb” usable square footage from adjacent rooms.
Space-Saving Storage Solutions
You can never have too much storage in a small kitchen. Make the most of every inch with these storage expanding ideas:
Floor-to-Ceiling Shelving
Maximize vertical storage along walls, in corners or around windows with floor-to-ceiling shelving. Great for dishes, cookbooks, small appliances and pantry items.
Wall-Mounted Pot Racks
Get pots, pans and bulky cooking utensils up and out of precious cabinet space with wall or ceiling mounted racks. Choose materials like stainless steel that complement your decor.
Cabinet Organizers
Take advantage of wasted space inside cabinets with pull-out shelves, spinning corner lazy susans, tilt-out trays and other space-saving inserts and organizers.
Slide-Out Shelves
Install shelves that slide entirely out of base cabinets so you can easily access items all the way at the back. No more forgotten ingredients hidden in dark corners!
Cupboard Extension Rails
Add extension rails to your existing cabinets so you can fully extend drawers and shelves to see and reach everything inside.
Vertical Dividers
Make the most of standard-depth cabinets by adding vertical dividers to more efficiently organize stackable items like cutting boards, baking sheets and shallow casserole dishes.
Drawer Organizers
Use cutlery trays, tiered compartments and other inserts to divide wide, shallow drawers into sections for utensils, gadgets and other items.
Pull-Out Racks
Install pull-out metal racks that allow you full access to the contents of deep cabinets intended for large platters or appliances. No more digging around to find what you need!
Under Cabinet Rails
Rails installed under both upper and lower cabinets let you hang handy utensils, frequently used pans and other items right where you need them.
Pantry Pull-Outs
Add full extension pull-out cabinets in corner spaces or on either end of your lower cabinets to create an ultra-efficient “hidden” pantry area.
Clever Countertop Ideas
Ample, functional countertop workspace is a top priority in small kitchens. Here are some great ways maximize this key zone:
Extend Counters Across Windows
Provided the window trim is not too deep, extending counter surface across windows instantly adds work area.
Reduce Splashback Height
Lower splashback height from standard 4-6” to just 1-2” gives you extra inches of usable countertop depth.
Add In-Counter Storage
Integrate roll-out trays or touch-latch door cabinets into unused areas of countertops to conveniently store prep tools.
Overhang Counters
Add overhangs for bar seating and to give yourself just a bit more workspace. 19-22” is ideal for seating with 15-18” for basic worksurface.
Opt for High-Quality Portable Carts
Supplement built-in counters and islands with commercial grade stainless steel carts on lockable casters. These provide durable, moveable extra workspace.
Get Creative with Moveable Elements
When not in use, keep moveable elements like cutting boards, container gardens and appliance “garages” out of the way. Then move them out to expand work zones as needed.
Choose Fold-Down Prep Tables
Install fold-down tables or shelves on walls, in corners or at ends of base cabinets to expand prep space when you need it.
Multi-Level Islands
Incorporate different counter heights in kitchen islands to delineate prepping, cooking, eating and cleaning zones.
Clever Backsplash Design
While it may not seem like an obvious place to look for extra space, the backsplash area offers some wonderful small kitchen ideas.
Add Shelves
Incorporate floating glass or metal shelves into the backsplash area for displaying cherished pottery or cooking accessories.
Use Magnets
Hang utensils, knives, pots and pans on a magnetic strip or panel in the backsplash for easy access and storage.
Mount Specialty Racks
Take advantage of vertical backsplash space by mounting mason jar racks, knife holders, wine glass racks or spice racks.
Get Creative with Tiles
Use patterned, dimensional or mosaic tile backsplash designs to introduce eye-catching visual interest in a compressed space.
Install Rail Systems
Rail and track systems installed in the backsplash area allow you to customize storage for spices, knives and other cooking necessities.
Open Shelving
Backsplash open shelving adds storage and allows you to put attractive dishware on display. Just be sure to use durable dishes you won’t mind getting a bit of cooking grime on.
Add Mirrors
Mirror tiles or panels in all or part of the backsplash optically expand the space and reflect light.
Smart Lighting
Proper lighting is key in a small, window-challenged kitchen. Layer the following lighting strategies for a stylish, multi-functional space:
Task Lighting
Supplement overhead fixtures with task lighting under cabinets or shelving. This puts extra illumination precisely where you need it most.
Natural Light
Paint walls bright white and use reflective surfaces to maximize natural light. Strategically placed mirrors also aid light distribution.
Directional Lighting
Use directional lighting like track heads and recessed cans to highlight work zones and architectural details.
Ambient Accents
In addition to general illumination, use accent lighting like mini-pendants over islands and inside glass cabinet doors to add style.
Dimming Controls
Install dimmers throughout kitchen including over sinks, islands and dining areas. This allows you to adjust light levels for various tasks.
Toe-Kick Lighting
LED strip lighting tucked under cabinets and island overhangs provides useful task lighting and dramatic visual appeal.
Stylish & Functional Small Kitchen Solutions
Beyond maximizing every inch, a small kitchen must also be comfortable and inviting. These ideas add beauty and function:
Warm Metal Finishes
Warm metal finishes like brass, copper and bronze inject style while still feeling laid-back and welcoming.
Mix Materials
Combine materials like wood, glass, metal and marble for eclectic character within a compact footprint.
Colorful Cabinets
Bold painted cabinets make the kitchen focal point and keep the space from feeling dark and closed in.
Smart Countertops
Quartz and solid surface countertops add durability and style without darkening the space like wood or granite.
Glass Front Cabinets
Glass front wall and base cabinets keep things airy and light while displaying attractive dishware.
Stylish Backsplash
Use backsplash tile, metal or glass to introduce eye-catching colors, patterns and textures.
Multi-Purpose Islands
Islands with integrated dining space, storage and functional elements like cutting boards maximize flexibility.
Checkerboard Floors
A black and white checkerboard floor adds whimsical contrast and gives the illusion of expanded space.
Mirror Backsplash
Mirror backsplash panels visually expand space and allow light to bounce around.
Stylish Accessories
Don’t be afraid to accessorize! Bold vent hoods, dramatic light fixtures and sleek hardware add panache.
Warm Textiles
Layer in warmth and softness with cozy textiles. Use fabric window treatments, woven barstools, plush accent rugs and more.
FAQs about Designing a Small Kitchen
What are the best colors for a small kitchen?
Stick with light, neutral hues like white, antique white, soft gray and pale blues/greens. Avoid dark colors, especially on walls and floors, which make small spaces feel more cramped. Pale colors keep things airy and light.
How much storage do you need in a small kitchen?
Aim for at least 30 linear feet of storage space from a combination of drawers, wall and base cabinets. Storage-maximizing organizers, pull-outs, racks and other elements help expand capacity.
What size island is best for a small kitchen?
For adequate circulation space, allow at least 42-48 inches between the edges of your island and the surrounding cabinets and appliances. Aim for an island 36-42 wide that allows at least 18 inches of walkway on each side.
Should I close off my small kitchen?
An open kitchen layout blending into an adjacent dining area or living space makes the entire area feel larger and more unified. However, for adequate work space, some closure like an archway or peninsula help define functional zones.
Is a galley kitchen more functional than a U-shaped design in small spaces?
Galley kitchens do allow for efficient front-to-back workflow. But a U-shaped design offers more spaciousness, storage and flexibility with less potential for traffic jams.
What backsplash works best in a small kitchen?
Light-reflecting glass tile, metal or mirrored backsplash panels help expand light and space. Mosaics add visual interest without overwhelming. Avoid dark backsplash materials that close things in.
Conclusion
While small kitchens do present challenges, there are many beautiful, ultra-functional design solutions to make the most of limited square footage. Clever storage ideas, multi-functional elements, space-expanding lighting and finishes all allow you to stretch your space for style and efficiency. Focus on light colors, clean lines and a user-friendly layout and you can create a welcoming, well-appointed kitchen that meets all your needs – no matter how pint-sized. With the right approach, small kitchens can be both incredibly stylish and highly functional.