23 Brilliant Design Ideas for a Small Kitchen

The average kitchen size in the US is 240 to 360 square feet, which can prove quite a challenge if you want to maximize your storage space, whilst creating a kitchen that you want to spend time in.

We are bombarded with images of beautiful kitchens with islands and pantries online, and although they are stunning to look at, many of us do not have the space to create this look.

However, there are many ways you can utilize the space in your kitchen with careful planning and use of color. These 23 design ideas for a small kitchen should help you get on your way.

Design Ideas for a Small Kitchen

Whether you’re dealing with a compact apartment kitchen or a tiny house culinary space, you can transform your small kitchen into an efficient and stylish hub of your home.

1. Maximize the Light

Probably one of the most important things you can do to make a small kitchen feel bigger is to make sure there is plenty of natural light flooding into the room. There are several ways you can do this;

• If possible, install larger windows or replace small windows with bigger ones. Floor-to-ceiling windows or wide picture windows can flood your kitchen with natural light, making it feel more open and airy.
• Eliminate heavy curtains or blinds that block light. Instead, opt for sheer curtains or leave windows bare to allow maximum light penetration.
• Incorporate mirrors strategically in your kitchen design. A large mirror on one wall or mirrored backsplashes can reflect light and give the illusion of a larger space.
• Use glossy tiles for the backsplash and glossy paint for the cabinets. These surfaces reflect light, which helps brighten the space.
• If your small kitchen has an exterior door, consider replacing it with a glass door. This will allow more light to enter the space.
• Install transom windows above doors or high on walls to bring in additional natural light without sacrificing privacy.
• If your kitchen layout allows, consider installing skylights or solar tubes. These features bring in direct overhead natural light, significantly brightening the space.

2. Incorporate Reflective Surfaces

Leading from letting lots of light into your small kitchen, incorporating reflective surfaces is a great way to let light bounce around the space, making it feel bigger.

Reflective surfaces, like glossy tiles, mirrored backsplashes, and shiny countertops, can help bounce light around the room, making it feel larger. Gloss kitchen cabinets have a shiny, reflective surface that can help reflect light from natural and artificial sources, which can help create a sense of depth and dimension.

Gloss cabinets also provide a contemporary and sleek look, making a small kitchen feel more stylish and updated. The clean lines and smooth surfaces of gloss finishes contribute to a streamlined appearance, reducing visual clutter and enhancing the overall aesthetic of the space.

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3. Use Light Kitchen Colors

Light kitchen colors, such as whites, creams, and pastels, can make a small space appear larger and more airy. Consider using light-colored cabinetry, walls, and countertops to create a bright and welcoming atmosphere.

To break up the monotone kitchen color scheme, paint your walls a light color such as sage green or a pale taupe, which will stop your kitchen from feeling too sterile.

Paints to use in a small kitchen;

4. Use Patterns

Incorporating patterns into a small kitchen design can be an effective design strategy to detract from its size, create depth, and personalize the space. Patterns help break up the monotony of the kitchen cabinets, which may feel overwhelming in a small space.

Certain patterns can create an optical illusion that makes a small kitchen appear larger. For example, diagonal or chevron patterns draw the eye along their lines, giving the impression of extended space. You could use diagonal checked black and white tiles on the floor to give the illusion that your kitchen is longer than it is.

Patterns can also help define different zones, which may be difficult in a small kitchen. Install a patterned backsplash to create a cooking zone, or use a patterned blind on the window to draw your eye outside, making the space feel larger.

5. Bold Flooring

If you don’t have the budget to remove your white kitchen or are renting, changing the flooring is relatively easy and cheap to do. Installing a bold floor can help distract you from the compact kitchen and depending on the color and pattern you decide to use, make the room feel longer.

Large format tiles have fewer grout lines, which can create a seamless look and reduce visual clutter. Opt for tiles that are at least 12×24 inches or larger. This helps to create the illusion of a larger, more continuous surface area.

Installing flooring in a diagonal or chevron pattern can trick the eye into perceiving the space as larger. These patterns create a sense of movement and draw the eye along longer lines, expanding the perceived dimensions of the room.

While it may seem counterintuitive, certain patterned floors, such as subtle geometric designs or light-colored checkerboard patterns, can add depth and interest, making the kitchen feel larger. Opt for patterns in soft, neutral tones to avoid overwhelming the space.

If you have an open-plan kitchen, using the same flooring material throughout adjacent rooms, such as the kitchen and dining area, can create a continuous, uninterrupted flow. This lack of visual breaks can make the entire area feel more expansive.

Finally, if you don’t want to replace your flooring, think about adding a small runner or painting your wooden floorboards. Choose a checkerboard or diamond pattern to help elongate the space.

6. Paint or Wallpaper a Feature Wall

This works particularly well if you have a galley-style kitchen. Paint or wallpaper the wall at the far end of the kitchen as you walk in as this will direct your gaze to the end, making your kitchen feel longer.

If you have gone for a neutral or white kitchen, choose a bold color like dark blue or green to provide a stunning backdrop.

7. Opt for Open Shelving

Open shelving can make a small kitchen feel larger and more open. Instead of bulky upper cabinets, which can often make a space feel more enclosed and cluttered, use shelves to display your dishware, cookbooks, and decorative items.

This can also help to let more light in by not blocking natural light from a window, or by installing wall sconces above the shelves to highlight them. Open shelving not only provides easy access but also adds a personal touch to your kitchen.

If your sink doesn’t have a window or cabinet above it, this is the ideal place to put a floating shelf. You can place baskets with cleaning equipment in it, or use this shelf for artwork and kitchenware to display your favorite pieces.

8. Maximize Vertical Space

In a small kitchen, vertical space is your best friend. Install tall cabinets that extend up to the ceiling to maximize storage. Use the top shelves for items you rarely use and keep everyday items within easy reach.

A lot of off-the-shelf kitchen wall cabinets do not extend to the ceiling, so look for bespoke cabinets that can help you maximize this space. If your budget doesn’t allow this, place wicker baskets above the cabinets with rarely used items. Just make sure you have a handy fold-away stool so you can reach them!

9. Install a Pull-Out Pantry

We love our pull-out pantry in our kitchen. It has made use of an awkward space and it makes it easy to reach items in the back of the pantry.

A pull-out pantry can be a lifesaver in a small kitchen. It provides ample storage space without taking up much room. These pantries can be installed in narrow spaces and are perfect for storing canned goods, spices, and other non-perishables.

10. Choose Compact Appliances

Opt for compact, space-saving appliances designed specifically for small kitchens. Look for slim refrigerators, narrow dishwashers, and smaller ovens that can fit into tight spaces without sacrificing functionality.

Streamlining your appliances in the kitchen can also help to maximize the space. Opt for kitchen cabinets with ovens, microwaves, and dishwashers included

11. No Hardware!

I am a huge fan of hardware in the kitchen, being able to choose brass or gold fixtures can be a highlight of a kitchen design. However, if your kitchen is small, it might be a good idea to opt for cabinets without hardware.

Handleless cabinets contribute to a clean, uncluttered appearance and are great for modern, minimalist kitchens. This streamlined look helps in creating a sense of openness and reduces visual clutter, which is crucial in small spaces.

Traditional cabinet handles can protrude, taking up valuable space and sometimes causing snagging or bumping in tight areas.

12. Utilize Corner Spaces

Every corner is your friend in a small kitchen. Corner cabinets with lazy Susans or pull-out shelves can make good use of otherwise wasted corner space. These solutions provide easy access to items stored deep within the corners of your kitchen.

A corner pantry can be an excellent storage solution, especially in small kitchens. This pantry can be built into the corner, using floor-to-ceiling shelving to maximize storage space for dry goods and kitchen supplies.

Open corner shelving units can also help to add both storage and display space. Use these shelves to store frequently used items, decorative pieces, or even small appliances.

If your corner space is free from cabinets, consider installing a hanging pot rack. This can be an efficient way to store pots and pans, freeing up cabinet space and adding a rustic, functional element to your kitchen decor.

In an eat-in kitchen, a corner banquette can create a cozy dining nook. This seating solution makes efficient use of corner space and can include storage underneath the seats for added functionality.

13. Implement Under-Cabinet Lighting

Under-cabinet lighting not only enhances the aesthetics of your small kitchen design but also improves functionality. It provides direct light to your countertops, making cooking and food preparation easier.

LED strip lights are an energy-efficient option for this purpose and can fit easily into any space. You can also place them under shelves to create a contemporary look.

14. Install a Rolling Cart

A rolling cart can be a versatile addition to a small kitchen. It can serve as extra counter space, a portable island, or additional storage.

When not in use, it can be easily rolled away to free up floor space.

15. Use a Fold-Down Table

A fold-down table mounted on the wall can be a great space-saving solution for a small kitchen. It can be folded up when not in use, providing extra dining or prep space when needed without taking up permanent floor space.

16. Opt for a Single-Bowl Sink

A single-bowl sink takes up less counter space than a double-bowl sink and can be just as functional. Choose a deep single-bowl sink that allows you to wash large pots and pans without compromising on counter space.

Think about purchasing a washing-up bowl that easily fits inside the sink. This way, you can place water in the bowl to wash dishes, but still have the sink and plug to rinse away dirt.

17. Hang Pots, Pans and Utensils

Free up cabinet space by hanging pots and pans from a ceiling-mounted rack or a wall-mounted pegboard. This not only saves space but also keeps your cookware within easy reach and adds a rustic touch to your kitchen decor.

The space under the oven hood or above the sink is often under-utilized, so place a metal rod or pegs to hang your utensils which will help free up counter space.

18. Choose Sliding Doors

Sliding doors, whether for cabinets or as entry doors, save space compared to traditional swing doors. They are ideal for small kitchens where every inch of space counts and help create a more streamlined look.

Where possible, install sliding doors that have glass as this will help to maximize natural light and the reflective surface will help to bounce light around your kitchen.

19. Add a Breakfast Bar

If space allows, especially if you have an open plan kitchen and living area, install a breakfast bar that can serve as a dining area and extra counter space. It can be incorporated into a small peninsula, providing a casual spot for meals and socializing without needing a full dining table.

If you have a kitchen window that doesn’t have cabinets or sinks underneath, you could place a small breakfast bar or folding table to create the perfect place for your morning coffee. Perfect if you don’t have a dedicated dining space.

20. Incorporate Hidden Storage

Look for opportunities to incorporate hidden storage in your kitchen. Some ideas include;

• Toe-kick drawers beneath lower cabinets.
• Pull-out cutting boards.
• Built-in spice racks.
• Create a dedicated space for small appliances like toasters, blenders, and coffee makers by installing appliance garages.
• Use stackable bins, pull-out shelves, or tiered organizers to make better use of the space under the sink.
• Attach hooks, small racks, or magnetic strips to store spices, measuring cups, cutting boards, or pot lids on the inside of your cabinet doors.
• Consider a retractable or pop-up range hood that can be hidden when not in use.

These clever solutions help keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free.

21. Create a Small Banquette Seating Area

A banquette seating area can be a charming and efficient way to maximize seating and dining space in a small kitchen. Identify a corner or a nook in your kitchen where you can fit a banquette. Common places include under windows, in an unused corner, or along a wall.

A corner banquette makes the most of the available space by utilizing two walls. This layout can comfortably seat multiple people and create a cozy dining area. If you don’t have a natural corner, consider building one with custom seating.

Banquette seating can also double up as more storage space. Benches with lift-up seats or drawers underneath can provide valuable storage for kitchen items, linens, or small appliances.

Finally, choose a small, space-saving table to complement your banquette. Round tables can fit more people in a smaller area, while drop-leaf or extendable tables offer flexibility for different occasions.

22. Go Bold

Although I mentioned that it is best to keep a kitchen light in color and neutral to enhance the space, sometimes going bold works well in a dark kitchen.

Bold kitchen colors can draw attention to specific areas or features in your kitchen, creating a focal point that distracts from the room’s overall size.

There are many ways you can use a bold color in the kitchen including;

• Painting an accent wall in a deep, rich color can create a sense of greater depth in the room.
• Colorful cabinetry in a vibrant shade will give you an instant wow factor when you walk into the room.
• Pairing bold colors with light or neutral shades can help delineate spaces and emphasize the room’s layout, making it feel more structured and spacious.
• In open-plan spaces, bold colors can help define different zones within the kitchen.

• Using bold colors on upper cabinets, shelving, or the ceiling can draw the eye upward, emphasizing the vertical dimension of the space. Consider painting the ceiling a bold color or using a bright color for upper cabinetry to achieve this effect.
• A bold color scheme can unify different elements of the kitchen, creating a cohesive and harmonious look. Use the same bold color for cabinets, backsplashes, and appliances.

If you’re hesitant to use bold colors in a small kitchen, start with small elements like accessories, small appliances, or a single accent wall. This allows you to experiment with color without overwhelming the space.

23. Raise the Ceiling

We are currently having our bathroom renovated and the plasterboard ceiling has been taken down. This has revealed beautiful wooden ceiling joists and it’s amazing how much bigger it makes the room feel!

If you can, maybe look at exposing your ceiling joints in the kitchen, especially if you are going for a rustic or neutral look in the kitchen. You can either keep them exposed with a bit of sanding and varnish or paint them to match the rest of your small kitchen.

Design ideas for a small kitchen require creativity and careful planning, but the results can be both functional and beautiful. By incorporating these 23 brilliant design ideas for a small kitchen, you can maximize the potential and create a space that meets all your cooking and entertaining needs.

Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I will receive a very small commission if you click through and make a purchase. These links help to pay the editorial costs of writing a blog. For more information, please read my full affiliate disclosure here.

I also use Artificial Intelligence Image generators to create some of my images. These are to show you examples of my ideas and inspiration when I cannot produce the real images myself.