This blog post is about “Small Kitchen Ideas to Make Your Space Feel Bigger”
We spend a lot of time in the kitchen; it’s the heart of the home, after all. While having a big, spacious cooking space is a dream for many homeowners, small kitchens can be just as functional when properly designed and organized. Whether your kitchen design is modern, traditional, or contemporary, it’s possible to infuse personality into small spaces even when remodeling on a budget. To help you make the most of your limited square footage, we rounded up small kitchen ideas that pack a lot of style.
When it comes to home layout, the consensus is that bigger is always better, especially in your kitchen. A large kitchen means more storage, a larger prep space, and greater opportunities to play around with your added decor and furniture in the room. However, a spacious cooking area isn’t a guarantee unless you’re building your home from the ground up, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still have your dream kitchen. There are plenty of small kitchen designs that look just as elevated and airy as the larger ones, you just have to be clever with how you organize the space.
There are a few go-to tips designers suggest when trying to make a smaller kitchen look more spacious. One small kitchen idea is utilizing high-gloss paint and shiny backsplashes to reflect more light into the space. Another idea is either downsizing your kitchen island or forgoing one altogether if there isn’t enough room find out how to calculate the correct size of your kitchen island in our guide.
15 Small Kitchen Ideas to Make Your Space Feel Bigger
A small kitchen doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style or functionality. With the right design strategies, you can transform your compact space into a charming and efficient kitchen. Here are 20 designer-approved ideas to help maximize your space while keeping it stylish.
1. Don’t Be Afraid of Color
Small kitchens often get a bad reputation for being dull, but incorporating color can change that. A nature-inspired hue, like deep green or soft blue, can create an inviting and vibrant atmosphere. Choosing the right color can add personality to your space, making it feel lively rather than cramped.
To enhance the color scheme, pair bold cabinetry with neutral countertops or backsplashes. Checkerboard flooring or patterned tiles can introduce contrast while maintaining a timeless appeal. If you’re hesitant about committing to bold hues, try adding color through accessories like dishware, curtains, or rugs.
2. Roll in a Small Island
A rolling kitchen island is a game-changer for small kitchens. It provides additional counter space when needed and can be tucked away when not in use. Unlike permanent islands, a movable option allows flexibility, ensuring you always have enough room to move freely.
Look for a compact island with built-in storage, such as drawers or shelves, to keep essential items within reach. Opt for a white or light-colored island to maintain an airy feel in your kitchen. When entertaining guests, simply roll the island to the side to create more space.
3. Install Window Treatments
Natural light can significantly impact how spacious a kitchen feels. Adding patterned Roman shades or sheer curtains enhances the decor while allowing sunlight to brighten the room. Studio Munroe, a top design firm, suggests choosing shades that complement the backsplash or cabinetry for a cohesive look.
To make the most of natural light, keep window treatments rolled up during the day. Opt for lightweight, airy fabrics that allow a gentle diffusion of sunlight. The right window treatment can add a touch of sophistication while ensuring privacy when needed.
4. Hang Shelves in the Window
Incorporating open shelving in front of a window is a clever way to utilize vertical space. This design, inspired by Donny Mak Design & Build, offers extra storage while allowing light to pass through. It’s a stylish way to display glassware, decorative dishes, or small potted plants.
If privacy is a concern, consider frosted or tinted glass shelving. This approach maintains an open feel while subtly concealing stored items. The key is to keep the shelves minimally cluttered, ensuring they enhance rather than overwhelm the space.
5. Make the Most of a Galley Kitchen
Galley kitchens, often long and narrow, can feel restrictive, but they offer great functionality. Julia Chasman, an interior designer, suggests using a streamlined layout with cabinetry on both sides to make everything easily accessible. The thoughtful placement of appliances and storage ensures an efficient workflow.
To prevent a galley kitchen from feeling enclosed, use light-colored cabinets and reflective surfaces. Gold fixtures and under-cabinet lighting add an elegant touch while brightening up the space. Strategic design choices can transform a galley kitchen into a stylish and functional area.
6. Maximize Wall Space
In small kitchens, walls offer valuable real estate for storage and decor. Installing floating shelves, pot racks, or pegboards can free up counter space while keeping essentials within reach. Wall-mounted knife strips and magnetic spice racks are excellent additions that save space without compromising on style.
For a more personalized touch, display cutting boards or framed prints on the walls. This not only maximizes storage but also adds character to the kitchen. A well-organized wall setup keeps everything tidy while making the space feel curated rather than cluttered.
7. Build Into the Wall
Built-in storage solutions create a seamless look while maximizing space. Designer Blair Moore recommends installing custom cabinetry that blends with the kitchen’s architecture. This approach keeps countertops clutter-free and provides a dedicated space for appliances and pantry items.
If a full built-in unit isn’t an option, consider placing a large cabinet against one wall. A well-placed cabinet can create intentional separation between the kitchen and other living areas. Adding concealed storage helps maintain a clean and sophisticated aesthetic.
8. Take a Maximalist Approach
Contrary to popular belief, a small kitchen can handle bold design choices. Maximalist decor featuring rich colors, patterns, and textures can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The key is to layer elements with intention, ensuring the space feels curated rather than chaotic.
To make your kitchen visually dynamic, incorporate a mix of vintage rugs, patterned wallpaper, and decorative accents. Balancing different elements allows you to turn a small space into a lively and stylish area without overwhelming it.
9. Add Corner Shelves
Corners are often overlooked in kitchen design, but they offer valuable storage potential. Kate Lester’s approach involves installing reclaimed barn wood shelves in unused corners. These shelves provide additional space for essentials without making the kitchen feel cramped.
To enhance the aesthetic, use corner shelves to display beautiful dishware, plants, or cookbooks. Keeping the items minimal and curated prevents clutter, maintaining an organized and airy feel.
10. Highlight an Open Layout
Combining a kitchen with a dining or living space can create an open and inviting atmosphere. John McClain Design demonstrates this by integrating small bistro tables near the kitchen area, seamlessly blending different zones within the home.
To maintain flow in an open layout, use cohesive color schemes and design elements. Strategically placed rugs or pendant lights can define each section while keeping the space visually connected. A well-designed open layout makes a small kitchen feel larger and more integrated.
11. Hide the Fridge
Opting for a panel-ready refrigerator allows it to blend seamlessly with the surrounding cabinetry, creating a streamlined look. A hidden fridge makes the kitchen feel less cluttered and helps maintain design consistency.
If replacing your fridge isn’t an option, consider using creative paneling techniques or covering it with a stylish wrap that matches the kitchen aesthetic. The key is to integrate large appliances in a way that maintains the kitchen’s overall flow.
12. Create the Illusion of More Space
Mirrors are a tried-and-true trick to visually expand small spaces. Installing a mirrored backsplash or reflective surfaces helps bounce light around the room, making it feel brighter and more open.
Consider using glossy finishes on cabinetry and countertops to further enhance the effect. Keeping decor minimal ensures the illusion remains effective without overwhelming the space.
13. Bring in a Dining Table
If floor space allows, incorporating a small dining table can enhance both function and aesthetics. Choose a round table with slim legs to maximize movement while adding an intimate dining spot.
To maintain an open feel, opt for transparent or light-colored chairs. Folding or extendable tables can provide versatility while keeping the area uncluttered.
14. Keep It Classic
A timeless kitchen design can make a small space feel more cohesive. White subway tiles, simple cabinetry, and neutral tones create a classic and elegant look.
To add visual interest, consider geometric floor tiles or subtle texture variations in the backsplash. Sticking to a classic style ensures longevity and allows for easy updates through accessories.
15. Get Bold With Your Backsplash
Using bold tiles for your backsplash can bring character to a small kitchen. Opt for geometric or brightly colored tiles to create a striking visual impact.
Laying tiles vertically can create the illusion of height, while horizontal layouts can make the room seem wider. Choose a backsplash that complements your cabinetry to maintain balance in the design.
FAQs
1. How can I make my small kitchen look bigger without major renovations?
You can create the illusion of a larger space by using light colors, adding mirrors, incorporating reflective surfaces like glossy tiles, and utilizing vertical storage solutions. Decluttering and keeping countertops clear also help in making the kitchen feel more spacious.
2. What are the best colors for a small kitchen?
Light and neutral tones such as white, cream, soft gray, and pastel shades work well to brighten a small kitchen and make it feel more open. For a bold touch, consider two-tone cabinets or a statement backsplash.
3. How do I add storage to a small kitchen?
Maximize storage by installing floating shelves, using hooks for hanging utensils and pots, incorporating corner shelves, utilizing under-cabinet space, and investing in multifunctional furniture like rolling carts or built-in storage benches.
4. Can I have an island in a small kitchen?
Yes! A rolling island or a narrow kitchen cart can provide extra prep space and storage without taking up too much room. Opt for an island with built-in shelves or drawers to maximize its functionality.
5. What are some space-saving ideas for a galley kitchen?
To make the most of a galley kitchen, use vertical storage, keep decor minimal, opt for sliding or pocket doors, and consider a panel-ready fridge to blend appliances seamlessly into the cabinetry.
6. How do I add personality to my small kitchen?
Personalize your space with artwork, stylish light fixtures, colorful dishware, patterned rugs, and unique backsplash tiles. A well-styled gallery wall or bold cabinet colors can also add character to your kitchen.
7. What’s a budget-friendly way to update my kitchen?
Affordable upgrades include peel-and-stick backsplash tiles, painting cabinets, updating hardware, adding new light fixtures, and incorporating open shelving for both storage and decor.
8. How can I make my small kitchen more functional?
Optimize workflow with smart organization, keep frequently used items within easy reach, invest in space-saving storage solutions, and utilize every inch of available space, including walls and corners.
9. Are there any renter-friendly ways to improve a small kitchen?
Yes! Try removable wallpaper or peel-and-stick tiles, add freestanding storage units, use adhesive hooks, replace cabinet handles, and incorporate stylish rugs or curtains to enhance the space without permanent changes.
10. How can I brighten up a dark, small kitchen?
Enhance lighting by using under-cabinet LED strips, adding pendant lights or sconces, incorporating reflective surfaces like glass or high-gloss finishes, and keeping window treatments minimal to let in natural light.
Conclusion
A small kitchen doesn’t have to feel cramped or limiting; with the right design choices, you can create a stylish, functional, and inviting space that maximizes every inch. Whether you choose to incorporate space-saving storage solutions, play with color and lighting, or add personality with decor, there are countless ways to transform your kitchen without major renovations.
By implementing smart organization techniques and utilizing multi-functional furniture, you can make your kitchen feel bigger, more efficient, and tailored to your lifestyle. Remember, a well-designed small kitchen can be just as beautiful and practical as a larger one. It’s all about making the most of what you have!