Try This if Your Kitchen is Too Small
Creating a stylish and functional kitchen in a small space can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can make the most of every inch. Whether you’re working with a tiny apartment kitchen, a galley layout, or a budget, these 15 tips will help you achieve a beautiful and efficient cooking area.
1. Optimize Your Layout
Maximize Vertical Space In small kitchens, vertical space is your best friend. Install open shelves or tall cabinets that reach up to the ceiling to store rarely used items at the top and keep everyday essentials within easy reach. Consider adding hooks underneath cabinets to hang mugs or kitchen tools, freeing up counter space.
Create Zones Divide your kitchen into functional zones: prep, cook, clean, and store. This helps streamline your workflow and makes the space feel more organized. Use portable islands or carts to add extra prep space that can be moved out of the way when not in use.
Use Compact Appliances Opt for compact or multi-functional appliances designed for small spaces. A combination microwave and convection oven, for example, can save valuable counter space while providing the functionality of two appliances in one.
2. Choose Budget-Friendly Options
DIY Storage Solutions Create custom storage solutions on a budget by repurposing items or building your own shelves. Use wooden crates as stackable storage or turn a ladder into a tiered shelf for added charm and functionality.
Affordable Materials Opt for cost-effective materials like laminate or butcher block countertops. They offer durability and style without breaking the bank. Peel-and-stick backsplash tiles are another budget-friendly way to add visual interest to your kitchen.
Second-Hand Finds Scour thrift stores, flea markets, and online marketplaces for second-hand furniture and decor. A fresh coat of paint can transform an old piece into a unique and stylish addition to your kitchen.
3. Make the Most of Very Small Kitchens
Streamline Your Essentials In very small kitchens, it’s essential to streamline your kitchen tools and appliances. Keep only what you use regularly and find compact versions of larger items. A collapsible dish rack or a foldable cutting board can save space when not in use.
Utilize Corners Maximize corner spaces with lazy Susans or corner drawers. These often overlooked areas can provide valuable storage and make it easier to access items that would otherwise be hard to reach.
Reflective Surfaces Incorporate reflective surfaces like mirrored backsplashes or glossy cabinets to create the illusion of a larger space. Light colors and reflective materials can make a small kitchen feel more open and airy.
4. Decorate Smartly
Light and Bright Colors Use light and bright colors to make a small kitchen feel larger. White, soft pastels, or light greys can open up the space and reflect natural light. Consider painting cabinets and walls in these hues to create a cohesive and airy feel.
Minimalist Approach Embrace a minimalist approach by reducing clutter and keeping surfaces clean. Choose a few standout decor pieces, like a stylish vase or a piece of art, to add personality without overwhelming the space.
Functional Decor Incorporate decor items that also serve a functional purpose. A decorative bowl can hold fruit, a stylish jar can store utensils, and attractive cutting boards can be displayed on countertops when not in use.
5. Perfect for Apartments
Space-Saving Furniture Choose space-saving furniture that can be folded or stacked when not in use. Drop-leaf tables, foldable chairs, and nesting stools are excellent options for apartment kitchens where space is limited.
Multi-Functional Spaces Design your kitchen to serve multiple purposes. A small table can double as a prep area and a dining space, while a window ledge can be turned into a cozy breakfast nook with the addition of a cushion and some pillows.
Personal Touches Add personal touches to make your apartment kitchen feel like home. Hang photos, display souvenirs from your travels, or use unique textiles to add warmth and personality to the space.
6. Incorporate an Island
Portable Islands A portable island can add extra counter space and storage without being a permanent fixture. Choose one with wheels so you can move it around as needed, or tuck it away when not in use.
Slim Profile Islands Opt for an island with a slim profile to fit in narrow kitchens. These islands provide additional workspace without taking up too much floor space. Look for ones with built-in storage to maximize functionality.
Multi-Use Islands Select an island that serves multiple purposes, such as one with a built-in wine rack, shelves for cookbooks, or a breakfast bar. This makes the island a versatile and valuable addition to your small kitchen.
7. Embrace Open Shelving
Display with Style Open shelving can make a small kitchen feel more spacious while providing storage and display space. Arrange your shelves with a mix of everyday items and decorative pieces to add visual interest and personality.
Keep It Organized To prevent open shelves from looking cluttered, keep them well-organized. Use matching containers for dry goods, group similar items together, and avoid overcrowding. This creates a clean and cohesive look.
Accessible Storage Place frequently used items on the lower shelves for easy access, while less-used items can be stored higher up. This keeps your kitchen functional and ensures that everything you need is within reach.
8. Efficient Use of Light
Maximize Natural Light Maximize natural light by keeping windows unobstructed and using light-colored curtains or blinds. Natural light can make a small kitchen feel larger and more inviting.
Layered Lighting Incorporate layered lighting with a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Use under-cabinet lights for task lighting, pendant lights over an island or dining area, and ambient lighting to illuminate the entire space.
Reflective Surfaces Use reflective surfaces to bounce light around the room. Mirrored backsplashes, glossy cabinets, and stainless steel appliances can help to distribute light and make the space feel brighter.
9. Multifunctional Furniture
Fold-Out Tables Fold-out tables are perfect for small kitchens, offering extra prep or dining space when needed and folding away when not in use. This flexibility can be a game-changer in a tiny kitchen.
Built-In Storage Choose furniture with built-in storage to maximize space. A bench with storage underneath, a table with drawers, or a kitchen cart with shelves can provide additional storage without taking up extra room.
Convertible Furniture Look for convertible furniture that can serve multiple purposes. A bench that transforms into a table or a cart that doubles as a prep station and serving trolley can add versatility to your small kitchen.
10. Create a Focal Point
Bold Backsplash A bold backsplash can serve as a focal point in a small kitchen. Choose eye-catching tiles or patterns that draw attention and add personality to the space without overwhelming it.
Statement Lighting Install statement lighting fixtures like a chandelier or a series of pendant lights. These can add style and sophistication to your kitchen while providing necessary illumination.
Unique Artwork Hang unique artwork or a large mirror to create a focal point. This can add visual interest and make your kitchen feel more personalized and inviting.
11. Hidden Storage Solutions
Pull-Out Pantries Incorporate pull-out pantries in narrow spaces. These tall, slim storage units can fit into small gaps and provide ample storage for dry goods, spices, and kitchen essentials.
Under-Cabinet Drawers Utilize the space under cabinets by adding pull-out drawers. These hidden storage solutions are perfect for storing pots, pans, and other bulky items that might otherwise clutter your kitchen.
Toe-Kick Drawers Install toe-kick drawers at the base of your cabinets to store flat items like baking sheets or cutting boards. This often-overlooked space can provide valuable additional storage.
12. Use Glass Elements
Glass Cabinet Doors Replace solid cabinet doors with glass ones to create a sense of openness. Glass doors can make a small kitchen feel larger and allow you to display attractive dishes or glassware.
Glass Backsplash A glass backsplash can add a modern touch to your kitchen while reflecting light and making the space feel brighter. It’s also easy to clean and maintain, adding both style and functionality.
Glass Shelves Install glass shelves instead of wooden ones to keep the space feeling light and airy. Glass shelves can provide storage while maintaining an open and unobtrusive look.
13. Compact Dining Solutions
Breakfast Bars Install a breakfast bar in your small kitchen for a compact dining solution. A narrow bar with stools can provide a convenient spot for meals without taking up too much space.
Wall-Mounted Tables A wall-mounted table that folds down when needed can be an excellent space-saving dining solution. These tables are perfect for small kitchens, offering functionality without permanent floor space.
Built-In Benches Built-in benches with storage underneath can create a cozy dining nook. Add a small table, and you have a functional and inviting dining area that maximizes space.
14. Efficient Counter Space
Extendable Counters Install extendable counters that can be pulled out when needed and tucked away when not in use. These are perfect for small kitchens that require extra prep space occasionally.
Over-Sink Cutting Boards Use over-sink cutting boards to create additional counter space. These boards fit over your sink, providing a sturdy surface for chopping while making use of otherwise unused space.
Drop-Down Surfaces Incorporate drop-down surfaces that can be folded away when not in use. These surfaces can be attached to walls or cabinets and provide extra prep or dining space in a pinch.
15. Maximize Storage
Magnetic Strips Install magnetic strips on your walls to hold knives, scissors, and other metal tools. This frees up drawer space and keeps your most-used items within easy reach.
Hanging Racks Use hanging racks to store pots, pans, and utensils. These racks can be mounted on walls or ceilings, making use of vertical space and keeping your kitchen organized.
Drawer Organizers Invest in drawer organizers to keep your utensils, cutlery, and small kitchen tools neatly arranged. This maximizes drawer space and makes it easy to find what you need quickly.
