98 Small-Space Kitchen Solutions for Better Living
Get the most out of your itty bitty cooking space with these helpful hints and clever ideas, to make any size kitchen suit your lifestyle
Whether you’re planning a new kitchen from scratch, semi-renovating what’s already there, or just looking for ideas to boost a space you aren’t in a position to change, this bumper Ideabook should provide plenty of inspiration.
2. Introduce a teeny table
You may not have the space for a roomy dining table, but could you squeeze in an airy perch for one, or a bijou lunch location for two? Go for something ergonomically round, and pick designs (for tables and chairs) that block the least amount of light, so as to increase the luxurious sense of space.
You may not have the space for a roomy dining table, but could you squeeze in an airy perch for one, or a bijou lunch location for two? Go for something ergonomically round, and pick designs (for tables and chairs) that block the least amount of light, so as to increase the luxurious sense of space.
3. Take three colours …
… and ruthlessly stick to them. A strict palette will help your little kitchen to look pulled-together, streamlined and well ordered.
… and ruthlessly stick to them. A strict palette will help your little kitchen to look pulled-together, streamlined and well ordered.
4. Break architectural conventions
It would be easy to look at that lovely, huge window, with its frame almost touching the back wall, and write off that sliver of vertical space at the far end of the right-hand wall, bowing down to the room’s architecture. But look how much storage a little design bravery got these homeowners – and the window is none the worse for hosting such handsome shelves!
It would be easy to look at that lovely, huge window, with its frame almost touching the back wall, and write off that sliver of vertical space at the far end of the right-hand wall, bowing down to the room’s architecture. But look how much storage a little design bravery got these homeowners – and the window is none the worse for hosting such handsome shelves!
5. Enhance with an accent
With its blurred lines, a single-hue space will certainly appear bigger, but if that leaves you yearning for colour, get it in with a bold accent. Keep lines slim so it flashes rather than dominates.
Browse more contemporary compact kitchens
With its blurred lines, a single-hue space will certainly appear bigger, but if that leaves you yearning for colour, get it in with a bold accent. Keep lines slim so it flashes rather than dominates.
Browse more contemporary compact kitchens
6. Reflect beauty
Hurrah for glass-fronted wall cupboards and their light-bouncing, space-enhancing ways! Add gloss wall tiles too, and you’ll double the effect.
Hurrah for glass-fronted wall cupboards and their light-bouncing, space-enhancing ways! Add gloss wall tiles too, and you’ll double the effect.
7. Max on luxe
Let your small kitchen big itself up: a luxury touch will give it grandeur beyond its dimensions. Here, that luxe doesn’t even cost the earth – the ‘marble’ splashback is, in fact, porcelain tiles. Add an on-trend, burnished brass tap to take the idea further still.
Let your small kitchen big itself up: a luxury touch will give it grandeur beyond its dimensions. Here, that luxe doesn’t even cost the earth – the ‘marble’ splashback is, in fact, porcelain tiles. Add an on-trend, burnished brass tap to take the idea further still.
8. Put windows to work
No wall space for a pot-hanging rack? If you have a wooden sash window, then, with a few nails or screw-in hooks, you’ve found that missing space.
No wall space for a pot-hanging rack? If you have a wooden sash window, then, with a few nails or screw-in hooks, you’ve found that missing space.
9. Pause before you box in
Is that a wall of dead space next to the oven, or the opportunity for a cunning niche? Ditto the sneaky open storage on the outside of the pretty peninsular. Where there’s a wall, there’s a way (sorry about that…).
Is that a wall of dead space next to the oven, or the opportunity for a cunning niche? Ditto the sneaky open storage on the outside of the pretty peninsular. Where there’s a wall, there’s a way (sorry about that…).
10. Think outside the drawer
A cutlery drawer may well be a luxury you can’t justify in a teeny kitchen. If so, look at other options: this clever pull-out storage for utensils makes use of a slim gap between units.
A cutlery drawer may well be a luxury you can’t justify in a teeny kitchen. If so, look at other options: this clever pull-out storage for utensils makes use of a slim gap between units.
11. Turn on the heavy metal
In a similar way to glass or mirror on a wall, metallics bounce light around – and add the sort of larger-than-life, decadent glamour one might not expect in such compact surrounds.
In a similar way to glass or mirror on a wall, metallics bounce light around – and add the sort of larger-than-life, decadent glamour one might not expect in such compact surrounds.
12. Incorporate ends
The end of an island, a peninsular (as here) or even a run of cupboards can be put to use. If there’s space inside, build in shelves for kitchen clutter (hidden in attractive baskets, of course) and recipe books. If there’s only external space, you have a prime hanging spot – using hooks or a rail – for tea towels, pots, pans, utensils or even half-read newspapers or books.
The end of an island, a peninsular (as here) or even a run of cupboards can be put to use. If there’s space inside, build in shelves for kitchen clutter (hidden in attractive baskets, of course) and recipe books. If there’s only external space, you have a prime hanging spot – using hooks or a rail – for tea towels, pots, pans, utensils or even half-read newspapers or books.
13. Divide and conquer
In an open-plan kitchen/living space, the risk is that you’ll spend long evenings gazing at the dishes you aren’t intending to wash-up until the morning. Hide them away with a raised wall behind your benchtop; it’ll double as a splashback too (especially good when there’s a sofa directly below on the other side).
In an open-plan kitchen/living space, the risk is that you’ll spend long evenings gazing at the dishes you aren’t intending to wash-up until the morning. Hide them away with a raised wall behind your benchtop; it’ll double as a splashback too (especially good when there’s a sofa directly below on the other side).
14. Install a slimline ‘island’
No room for a ‘proper’ island? A butcher’s block could be the answer. OK, so it might not quite provide the breakfast bar of your dreams, but it’s a rustically stylish way to introduce some invaluable extra workspace into a compact kitchen.
No room for a ‘proper’ island? A butcher’s block could be the answer. OK, so it might not quite provide the breakfast bar of your dreams, but it’s a rustically stylish way to introduce some invaluable extra workspace into a compact kitchen.
15. Slide into a wall
Pantry units usually feature as part of a run of cupboards in a fitted kitchen. But if you have dead space on the other side of part of your wall, make use of it with a capacious beauty like this.
Pantry units usually feature as part of a run of cupboards in a fitted kitchen. But if you have dead space on the other side of part of your wall, make use of it with a capacious beauty like this.
16. Store round the bend
An extra-wide benchtop here has created a useful peninsular unit – and allowed space for open storage. The shallow spot at the end of this peninsular could easily have been overlooked, but it’s just the right depth for glasses and paperbacks.
Painting the storage in an open-plan kitchen/living space, as here, can help to tie the two zones together.
An extra-wide benchtop here has created a useful peninsular unit – and allowed space for open storage. The shallow spot at the end of this peninsular could easily have been overlooked, but it’s just the right depth for glasses and paperbacks.
Painting the storage in an open-plan kitchen/living space, as here, can help to tie the two zones together.
17. Love your wall space
More drawer or cupboard space isn’t always the answer. With just a half-day of DIY and a collection of rails, hooks, pots, baskets, magnets and racks, a blank wall can be transformed into a storage powerhouse. A painted pegboard is a good multi-functional alternative.
See how best to use pegboard
More drawer or cupboard space isn’t always the answer. With just a half-day of DIY and a collection of rails, hooks, pots, baskets, magnets and racks, a blank wall can be transformed into a storage powerhouse. A painted pegboard is a good multi-functional alternative.
See how best to use pegboard
18. Pull it out
Tight on prep space? This pull-out chopping board is a bespoke benchtop solution, but you could also consider a false top drawer that slides out to reveal a board. Or, if you’re handy and resourceful, you could even DIY a ready-made board by mounting it onto drawer runners.
Tight on prep space? This pull-out chopping board is a bespoke benchtop solution, but you could also consider a false top drawer that slides out to reveal a board. Or, if you’re handy and resourceful, you could even DIY a ready-made board by mounting it onto drawer runners.
19. Frame it
Just as pans can be hung successfully across the middle of a window, so too can shelves be erected. Continuing them out along a wide expanse of wall, as here, stops them looking bitty (and packs in even more storage).
Just as pans can be hung successfully across the middle of a window, so too can shelves be erected. Continuing them out along a wide expanse of wall, as here, stops them looking bitty (and packs in even more storage).
20. Put it in a cupboard
To keep a compact kitchen/living space feeling like somewhere you can relax when the cooking’s over, a one-wall layout, tucked behind folding doors, is a winner.
To keep a compact kitchen/living space feeling like somewhere you can relax when the cooking’s over, a one-wall layout, tucked behind folding doors, is a winner.
21. Merge your benchtop and kitchen table
A moveable table could easily do the trick too, but that sleek flow works a treat. It’s another bespoke solution, but one that really increases the streamlined sense of this small space.
A moveable table could easily do the trick too, but that sleek flow works a treat. It’s another bespoke solution, but one that really increases the streamlined sense of this small space.
22. Pack in more seating …
… with a built-in bench. If you aren’t in the market for going bespoke, and eclectic-utilitarian is your style, try buffing up and trimming some old scaffolding boards and perching them across sturdy plastic milk crates in a colour that works with your scheme. Add height – and softness – with stylishly covered bedroom pillows or long cushions.
… with a built-in bench. If you aren’t in the market for going bespoke, and eclectic-utilitarian is your style, try buffing up and trimming some old scaffolding boards and perching them across sturdy plastic milk crates in a colour that works with your scheme. Add height – and softness – with stylishly covered bedroom pillows or long cushions.
23. Tuck in a big table
A generously proportioned kitchen table is a big-room luxury, right? Not necessarily… This table could have been considered too large for this under-the-eaves cook space, but because there are only chairs on the ends, there’s enough room to use the one-wall kitchen.
You could either tuck stools underneath to pull out for extra dinner guests, or hang a pair of attractive folding chairs on a nearby patch of empty wall.
A generously proportioned kitchen table is a big-room luxury, right? Not necessarily… This table could have been considered too large for this under-the-eaves cook space, but because there are only chairs on the ends, there’s enough room to use the one-wall kitchen.
You could either tuck stools underneath to pull out for extra dinner guests, or hang a pair of attractive folding chairs on a nearby patch of empty wall.
24. Scale down …
… your appliances, that is. This wee New York studio apartment cleverly turns convention on its head, with half-size gadgets ingeniously positioned. Seek out small versions of everything you’ll need, and ask your kitchen designer for advice on smart ways to fit them in.
… your appliances, that is. This wee New York studio apartment cleverly turns convention on its head, with half-size gadgets ingeniously positioned. Seek out small versions of everything you’ll need, and ask your kitchen designer for advice on smart ways to fit them in.
25. Try a trolley
Wine bottles cluttering up your benchtop? Turn them into a feature by adding a bar trolley if you have a sliver of unused space. Look out for compact designs, and consider using the bottom part of the trolley to store something different.
Wine bottles cluttering up your benchtop? Turn them into a feature by adding a bar trolley if you have a sliver of unused space. Look out for compact designs, and consider using the bottom part of the trolley to store something different.
26. Feel free
This portable gas cylinder stove, mounted on a professional-style stainless-steel trolley, is perfect for spaces that need to remain flexible. This utilitarian set-up, in a New Zealand home, could conveniently be wheeled out of the way to make space for a fold-out occasional dining table, for example.
Do check building regulations and consult a plumber before installing any gas-powered appliance.
This portable gas cylinder stove, mounted on a professional-style stainless-steel trolley, is perfect for spaces that need to remain flexible. This utilitarian set-up, in a New Zealand home, could conveniently be wheeled out of the way to make space for a fold-out occasional dining table, for example.
Do check building regulations and consult a plumber before installing any gas-powered appliance.
27. Smooth out lines
Minimise horizontal lines to visually stretch your little kitchen vertically (great if you also have a low ceiling). If you’re starting from scratch, consider hiding drawers and daily clutter behind two smooth, tall, painted doors.
Minimise horizontal lines to visually stretch your little kitchen vertically (great if you also have a low ceiling). If you’re starting from scratch, consider hiding drawers and daily clutter behind two smooth, tall, painted doors.
28. Go for a white-out
When you don’t want your kitchen to dominate your open-plan space, giving it the all-white treatment will help it to ‘vanish’ into the background. Thin-plank, light-bouncing polished wooden boards running lengthways stretch the room generally, while also adding warmth – and a dash of Scandi chic.
When you don’t want your kitchen to dominate your open-plan space, giving it the all-white treatment will help it to ‘vanish’ into the background. Thin-plank, light-bouncing polished wooden boards running lengthways stretch the room generally, while also adding warmth – and a dash of Scandi chic.
29. Set it back
This slickly designed small kitchen feels spacious particularly because of the clever placement of the units. White walls and pale flooring help the base cabinets to melt into the background, while the dark tiling above creates depth. And setting the tall, wooden-fronted wall cupboards into the recess keeps them from ‘intruding’ into the space. Smart.
This slickly designed small kitchen feels spacious particularly because of the clever placement of the units. White walls and pale flooring help the base cabinets to melt into the background, while the dark tiling above creates depth. And setting the tall, wooden-fronted wall cupboards into the recess keeps them from ‘intruding’ into the space. Smart.
30. Love low lighting
A table lamp is always a cosy touch for a kitchen benchtop, but there isn’t always space. Check out this cool alternative: a low-slung bare filament bulb over the breakfast nook. Nice.
A table lamp is always a cosy touch for a kitchen benchtop, but there isn’t always space. Check out this cool alternative: a low-slung bare filament bulb over the breakfast nook. Nice.
31. Hang it all
It’s not only utensils, pans, spices and tea towels that can work with wall-hung storage. A lack of workspace is often the most noticeable thing in a small kitchen, so forget having fruit or vegetable bowls cluttering up your benchtop: wall-hung baskets are your friends.
Think, too, about how to free up that work surface from other classic culprits: could the radio go on a shelf? Will the toaster fit inside a drawer when not in use? And if you’re not spiralizing daily, hide that gadget in a cupboard.
It’s not only utensils, pans, spices and tea towels that can work with wall-hung storage. A lack of workspace is often the most noticeable thing in a small kitchen, so forget having fruit or vegetable bowls cluttering up your benchtop: wall-hung baskets are your friends.
Think, too, about how to free up that work surface from other classic culprits: could the radio go on a shelf? Will the toaster fit inside a drawer when not in use? And if you’re not spiralizing daily, hide that gadget in a cupboard.
32. Let it flow
When a kitchen is as closely connected to a sitting room as this one is, take as much care with the decor and accessorising as you would in the living space. Artwork, glamorous lighting, complementary colours and flooring that flows seamlessly will all help the rooms to work with, rather than against, one another.
When a kitchen is as closely connected to a sitting room as this one is, take as much care with the decor and accessorising as you would in the living space. Artwork, glamorous lighting, complementary colours and flooring that flows seamlessly will all help the rooms to work with, rather than against, one another.
33. Multi-task
Is it a benchtop or a breakfast bar? Brilliantly, it’s both. Note, too, the stylish overhead pendant, adding gravitas to this teeny dining spot.
Is it a benchtop or a breakfast bar? Brilliantly, it’s both. Note, too, the stylish overhead pendant, adding gravitas to this teeny dining spot.
34. Nab a niche
Recessed shelving – in a wall niche, as here – is the friend of many a small space, as it removes bulky protrusions from your limited work area. The curved end cabinet on the right also gives an impression of increased space, rather than chopping it up with sharp corners.
Recessed shelving – in a wall niche, as here – is the friend of many a small space, as it removes bulky protrusions from your limited work area. The curved end cabinet on the right also gives an impression of increased space, rather than chopping it up with sharp corners.
35. Ramp up cosiness
Characterful wall lamps, rather than overhead spots, create soft pools of light that ramp up the cosy feel of a small space. Choose adjustable versions so they double as task lighting.
Characterful wall lamps, rather than overhead spots, create soft pools of light that ramp up the cosy feel of a small space. Choose adjustable versions so they double as task lighting.
36. Never say never to an island
You may not have the space for a conventional island, but this weeny, bespoke unit adds plenty of practicality to this compact kitchen.
Key measurements for kitchen islands
You may not have the space for a conventional island, but this weeny, bespoke unit adds plenty of practicality to this compact kitchen.
Key measurements for kitchen islands
37. Get around
A circular table can be brilliantly space-saving in a compact kitchen. Curved end units may also be worth considering; corners, whether on tables or benchtops and cupboards, can butt into the flow of a small room.
A circular table can be brilliantly space-saving in a compact kitchen. Curved end units may also be worth considering; corners, whether on tables or benchtops and cupboards, can butt into the flow of a small room.
38. Streamline with trickery
Extend your wall storage by adding shelving to fill a non-standard-size gap at the end of a run of wall units – but don’t let this create visual clutter in an already packed kitchen.
Instead, as seen here, you can add a panel at the front that matches your cupboards – effectively a false cupboard door – and the streamlined effect of your sleek wall units will continue. The same idea will also work for base units.
If your fitter is game, you could potentially also turn the open shelving into concealed storage instead; this will depend on the panel sizes available and the material your door fronts are made from (cutting laminates can result in messy edges), so get professional advice on what may be possible.
Extend your wall storage by adding shelving to fill a non-standard-size gap at the end of a run of wall units – but don’t let this create visual clutter in an already packed kitchen.
Instead, as seen here, you can add a panel at the front that matches your cupboards – effectively a false cupboard door – and the streamlined effect of your sleek wall units will continue. The same idea will also work for base units.
If your fitter is game, you could potentially also turn the open shelving into concealed storage instead; this will depend on the panel sizes available and the material your door fronts are made from (cutting laminates can result in messy edges), so get professional advice on what may be possible.
39. Carve out a cube
Even in an open-plan room smaller than this one, there’s no need to tuck your kitchen into a corner. You might gain more space by creating a standalone open box for it, in the centre of your living space, as seen in this Paris kitchen. With clever planning, it could create more storage, and become a more sociable spot.
Even in an open-plan room smaller than this one, there’s no need to tuck your kitchen into a corner. You might gain more space by creating a standalone open box for it, in the centre of your living space, as seen in this Paris kitchen. With clever planning, it could create more storage, and become a more sociable spot.
40. Go round the bend
The biggest investment in this titchy kitchen was almost certainly the bespoke curved benchtop, but the space created by this one design decision was surely worth it.
See the rest of this octagonal home
The biggest investment in this titchy kitchen was almost certainly the bespoke curved benchtop, but the space created by this one design decision was surely worth it.
See the rest of this octagonal home
41. Extend an end
No room for a breakfast bar? Are you sure? A simple benchtop overhang has the potential to fit in the teeniest of spaces, providing a neat eating spot for two.
No room for a breakfast bar? Are you sure? A simple benchtop overhang has the potential to fit in the teeniest of spaces, providing a neat eating spot for two.
42. Boost your wall units
Depending on the type of range hood you have, there may be storage – or simply dead – space above it. Here, the homeowners have added a built-in cupboard topped by open shelves for cookbooks just where you want them. The neat shelves under the cupboards either side, for condiments, spices and mugs, are a smart touch too.
To create even more wall space in a small kitchen, extend storage right up to the ceiling.
Depending on the type of range hood you have, there may be storage – or simply dead – space above it. Here, the homeowners have added a built-in cupboard topped by open shelves for cookbooks just where you want them. The neat shelves under the cupboards either side, for condiments, spices and mugs, are a smart touch too.
To create even more wall space in a small kitchen, extend storage right up to the ceiling.
43. Try two-layer drawers
Deep drawers aren’t always used to their full capacity. This nifty idea – a slide-across top layer for cutlery and smaller cooking utensils – makes sure no centimetre goes unused.
Deep drawers aren’t always used to their full capacity. This nifty idea – a slide-across top layer for cutlery and smaller cooking utensils – makes sure no centimetre goes unused.
44. Add drawers to your breakfast bar
Boost the purpose of an eating or coffee-drinking nook by fitting drawers beneath it. They’ll make a handy storage space for easy-to-reach cutlery, napkins, serving utensils and so on.
Alternatively, if your nook doubles as a workspace, they’ll provide somewhere to tidy away a laptop and work paraphernalia at the end of the day.
Boost the purpose of an eating or coffee-drinking nook by fitting drawers beneath it. They’ll make a handy storage space for easy-to-reach cutlery, napkins, serving utensils and so on.
Alternatively, if your nook doubles as a workspace, they’ll provide somewhere to tidy away a laptop and work paraphernalia at the end of the day.
45. Make your furniture foldable
Only have time for a table and chairs when you’re actually using them? Folding versions are a brilliant solution. Choose them in bright colours or nice wood tones and they’ll double up as decorative accessories if you hang them on wall hooks when not in use.
Garden furniture suits the purpose perfectly – it can also be much cheaper than indoor furniture.
Only have time for a table and chairs when you’re actually using them? Folding versions are a brilliant solution. Choose them in bright colours or nice wood tones and they’ll double up as decorative accessories if you hang them on wall hooks when not in use.
Garden furniture suits the purpose perfectly – it can also be much cheaper than indoor furniture.
46. Pop in a pull-out desk
The simplicity of this micro desk is the secret of its design success. It’s essentially a chunky drawer-style design, but without the front or side panels.
When the working day is done, simply push it in, with all your bits and pieces in place, ready for tomorrow.
If you prefer to keep everything out of sight, try the same idea, but with a hinged drawer front. It would need some ingenuity, so speak to an experienced joiner for ideas and to get it built well, as it will need to be sturdy too.
How to squeeze in a home office
The simplicity of this micro desk is the secret of its design success. It’s essentially a chunky drawer-style design, but without the front or side panels.
When the working day is done, simply push it in, with all your bits and pieces in place, ready for tomorrow.
If you prefer to keep everything out of sight, try the same idea, but with a hinged drawer front. It would need some ingenuity, so speak to an experienced joiner for ideas and to get it built well, as it will need to be sturdy too.
How to squeeze in a home office
47. Install a breakfast bar pantry
Here’s another spot for a pull-out pantry (and wine rack). This tiny dining spot packs in plenty of functionality, with seating for four, as well as the storage. Don’t forget to position a couple of power points nearby, which will help to make such a space even more versatile.
Here’s another spot for a pull-out pantry (and wine rack). This tiny dining spot packs in plenty of functionality, with seating for four, as well as the storage. Don’t forget to position a couple of power points nearby, which will help to make such a space even more versatile.
48. Elevate glass-fronted storage
This attractive, raised-height, built-in cabinet for glasses doubles as a shield for benchtop debris – meaning the chef can conceal any mess from guests sitting on the other side.
It’s also super handy to have glasses stored right next to the dining table.
This attractive, raised-height, built-in cabinet for glasses doubles as a shield for benchtop debris – meaning the chef can conceal any mess from guests sitting on the other side.
It’s also super handy to have glasses stored right next to the dining table.
49. Build around
Got an awkward pipe or architectural detail right where you want to put a cupboard? Don’t let it stop you! This kitchen simply incorporates the vertical pipe against its back wall, meaning no loss of wall units, simply the loss of the small area where the pipe sticks out. Looks good too.
Got an awkward pipe or architectural detail right where you want to put a cupboard? Don’t let it stop you! This kitchen simply incorporates the vertical pipe against its back wall, meaning no loss of wall units, simply the loss of the small area where the pipe sticks out. Looks good too.
50. Be canny with cupboards
What happens above your fridge-freezer? It’s easy to pile boxes, vases, once-used juicers and more on top of this kitchen appliance, but it can look messy. So why not formalise this storage spot (and tidy it up) by fitting a closed cupboard above it?
Unless you’re very tall, a small set of kitchen steps will encourage you to use it too.
Cupboard storage also fits beautifully beneath the island in this kitchen.
What happens above your fridge-freezer? It’s easy to pile boxes, vases, once-used juicers and more on top of this kitchen appliance, but it can look messy. So why not formalise this storage spot (and tidy it up) by fitting a closed cupboard above it?
Unless you’re very tall, a small set of kitchen steps will encourage you to use it too.
Cupboard storage also fits beautifully beneath the island in this kitchen.
51. Ways With Mirrors Part l: Big up a vintage piece
The simple placement of a mirror next to a window can make a significant difference to any room, but especially a small one. This interesting, vintage glass has the added benefit of resembling a window in its own right (though you’d have to be comfortable looking at yourself while scrubbing the dishes…)
The simple placement of a mirror next to a window can make a significant difference to any room, but especially a small one. This interesting, vintage glass has the added benefit of resembling a window in its own right (though you’d have to be comfortable looking at yourself while scrubbing the dishes…)
52. Ways With Mirrors Part II: Opt for sleek and contemporary
Alternatively, a built-in mirror that doubles as a splashback behind the stovetop almost creates a window in this modern kitchen. If you’re designing from scratch, and it’s feasible, aim to have a mirrored splashback opposite a window to boost light and also to reflect some greenery or rooftops and sky into the kitchen.
Alternatively, a built-in mirror that doubles as a splashback behind the stovetop almost creates a window in this modern kitchen. If you’re designing from scratch, and it’s feasible, aim to have a mirrored splashback opposite a window to boost light and also to reflect some greenery or rooftops and sky into the kitchen.
53. Ways With Mirrors Part III: Wrap it around
Done right, you can get even bolder with a mirrored splashback. In this cute, sunny kitchen, the optical illusion is highly effective: the eye takes a while to realise the room is only half the size it initially appears to be. And, bonus, you get two windows for the price of one. No wonder the room feels so light and airy.
Another idea to steal here is the wood detailing – see how the grain follows through, creating a flowing, streamlined effect? Careful matching in this way has further stretched the space visually.
Done right, you can get even bolder with a mirrored splashback. In this cute, sunny kitchen, the optical illusion is highly effective: the eye takes a while to realise the room is only half the size it initially appears to be. And, bonus, you get two windows for the price of one. No wonder the room feels so light and airy.
Another idea to steal here is the wood detailing – see how the grain follows through, creating a flowing, streamlined effect? Careful matching in this way has further stretched the space visually.
54. Ways With Mirrors Part IV: Mix modern and antique
If you don’t want, or can’t fit in, a vintage, framed mirror, choosing antiqued glass for a mirrored splashback instead can add interest and soften an ultra-modern scheme, as seen here.
Check out, too, that nifty built-on dining table. It’s a nice alternative to the classic breakfast bar. What could have been a slimline extension has been cleverly enlarged with a curved oval tabletop, which maxes eating space without taking up floor space in this compact kitchen-diner.
If you don’t want, or can’t fit in, a vintage, framed mirror, choosing antiqued glass for a mirrored splashback instead can add interest and soften an ultra-modern scheme, as seen here.
Check out, too, that nifty built-on dining table. It’s a nice alternative to the classic breakfast bar. What could have been a slimline extension has been cleverly enlarged with a curved oval tabletop, which maxes eating space without taking up floor space in this compact kitchen-diner.
55. Ways With Mirrors Part V: Take it to the top
Another way to create a cunning optical illusion of more space is to fit mirror right up to the ceiling.
Here, the visually confusing effect is boosted by the addition of open shelves, which appear to float in midair. Note how the homeowners have only stored glass or reflective items on these surfaces, which maximises the effect.
10 kitchen mirrors to reflect on
Another way to create a cunning optical illusion of more space is to fit mirror right up to the ceiling.
Here, the visually confusing effect is boosted by the addition of open shelves, which appear to float in midair. Note how the homeowners have only stored glass or reflective items on these surfaces, which maximises the effect.
10 kitchen mirrors to reflect on
56. Add an internal window
If your small kitchen is also windowless, could you add an internal window to ‘borrow’ light from a neighbouring room? Here, the glass also doubles handily as a splashback, meaning it takes up no extra valuable wall space.
If your small kitchen is also windowless, could you add an internal window to ‘borrow’ light from a neighbouring room? Here, the glass also doubles handily as a splashback, meaning it takes up no extra valuable wall space.
57. Fit a window on the world
Here’s another glass splashback, but in this scheme the window looks onto the outside world.
This is an option that could be especially worth exploring if your dinky kitchen is part of a new extension. The multi-purpose function of your window could bag you some valuable extra vertical space for additional wall units or shelving.
Here’s another glass splashback, but in this scheme the window looks onto the outside world.
This is an option that could be especially worth exploring if your dinky kitchen is part of a new extension. The multi-purpose function of your window could bag you some valuable extra vertical space for additional wall units or shelving.
58. Shelve every spare centimetre
The awkward shapes thrown up by the slim, side-of-the-fridge spot and sloping ceilings here haven’t been wasted, and pack in useful storage.
Design your shelves around the objects you need to store on them to maximise their usefulness. Also, paint them either the same colour as the walls or your units, so they don’t intrude visually into your little space.
The awkward shapes thrown up by the slim, side-of-the-fridge spot and sloping ceilings here haven’t been wasted, and pack in useful storage.
Design your shelves around the objects you need to store on them to maximise their usefulness. Also, paint them either the same colour as the walls or your units, so they don’t intrude visually into your little space.
59. Have holes instead of handles …
Even a design detail as small as protruding handles can impinge on the sense of space in your kitchen. Going handleless doesn’t have to require push-open devices or ready-made doors – well-made holes will work perfectly.
Buy your kitchen carcasses and have a skilful joiner make the doors for you – you could even go for affordable MDF with grooves cut into it to create this tongue-and-groove effect. Then, instead of fitting handles, ask the joiner to cut finger holes into each door or drawer front. Bear in mind that an integrated dishwasher in a kitchen like this could be tricky.
Even a design detail as small as protruding handles can impinge on the sense of space in your kitchen. Going handleless doesn’t have to require push-open devices or ready-made doors – well-made holes will work perfectly.
Buy your kitchen carcasses and have a skilful joiner make the doors for you – you could even go for affordable MDF with grooves cut into it to create this tongue-and-groove effect. Then, instead of fitting handles, ask the joiner to cut finger holes into each door or drawer front. Bear in mind that an integrated dishwasher in a kitchen like this could be tricky.
60. … Or go ready-made handleless
61. Aim high
Floor-to-ceiling cupboards maximise storage brilliantly in a small kitchen. They can also help a room to look taller.
As they’re trickier to access, the top cupboards are most useful for things you don’t need every day, or even household filing and admin if you’re in a super-small spot. If this is the case, you could consider having very narrow shelves inside the cupboards, creating slim pigeonholes for your paperwork.
Browse more compact home offices
Floor-to-ceiling cupboards maximise storage brilliantly in a small kitchen. They can also help a room to look taller.
As they’re trickier to access, the top cupboards are most useful for things you don’t need every day, or even household filing and admin if you’re in a super-small spot. If this is the case, you could consider having very narrow shelves inside the cupboards, creating slim pigeonholes for your paperwork.
Browse more compact home offices
62. Install above-door shelving …
The space above a door can be a brilliant spot for bonus storage. Here, the homeowners are lucky enough to have a deep wall in which to bury a niche, making this shelf flush to the wall.
Even if you don’t have thick walls, a shelf or two, or even a small, bespoke cupboard, can do a similar job.
The space above a door can be a brilliant spot for bonus storage. Here, the homeowners are lucky enough to have a deep wall in which to bury a niche, making this shelf flush to the wall.
Even if you don’t have thick walls, a shelf or two, or even a small, bespoke cupboard, can do a similar job.
63. … Or take them right round
This version not only extends around the sides too, but also shows the idea as protruding shelves rather than as a niche.
This version not only extends around the sides too, but also shows the idea as protruding shelves rather than as a niche.
64. Adapt your benchtop
If you don’t have space for a mini benchtop extension to create an eating perch, could you do away with base units under a section wide enough for a couple of chairs?
A full wall of storage elsewhere in the kitchen, as here, is a potential solution for maintaining sufficient storage. Again, extending storage right to the ceiling will claw back additional cupboard or shelf space.
If you don’t have space for a mini benchtop extension to create an eating perch, could you do away with base units under a section wide enough for a couple of chairs?
A full wall of storage elsewhere in the kitchen, as here, is a potential solution for maintaining sufficient storage. Again, extending storage right to the ceiling will claw back additional cupboard or shelf space.
65. Abandon wall units
Keep a compact, U-shaped kitchen from feeling claustrophobic by choosing airy, open shelving instead of solid wall units.
The trick to making it work? Colour coordination! Even if you have pots and crockery in many different hues (unlike the tonally ordered arrangement in this space), you can arrange your things by grouping similar colours together, and even going for an ombre effect by arranging them to create a gradient effect – browns next to oranges next to yellows and so on.
Keep a compact, U-shaped kitchen from feeling claustrophobic by choosing airy, open shelving instead of solid wall units.
The trick to making it work? Colour coordination! Even if you have pots and crockery in many different hues (unlike the tonally ordered arrangement in this space), you can arrange your things by grouping similar colours together, and even going for an ombre effect by arranging them to create a gradient effect – browns next to oranges next to yellows and so on.
66. Vote for soothing neutrals
A muted palette can create a luxe hotel look. While this may not meaningfully max your available space, it will feel calm and sophisticated, rather than cramped and cluttered.
A muted palette can create a luxe hotel look. While this may not meaningfully max your available space, it will feel calm and sophisticated, rather than cramped and cluttered.
67. Section your drawers
Many of us have already embraced the smart idea of stashing crockery in drawers rather than cupboards, where items at the back can languish, unloved and rarely used.
But the kitchen drawer in this space takes the idea a step further: a pegboard-like base allows for moveable dish ‘posts’ to keep everything in its place, making more of the available space.
Many of us have already embraced the smart idea of stashing crockery in drawers rather than cupboards, where items at the back can languish, unloved and rarely used.
But the kitchen drawer in this space takes the idea a step further: a pegboard-like base allows for moveable dish ‘posts’ to keep everything in its place, making more of the available space.
68. Make your oven do double duty
In a dinky kitchen, your choice of oven could have a significant impact on saving space.
Where there’s no room for a microwave and an oven, consider a combi microwave oven with grill that will do everything – something like the model shown in this rustic-industrial kitchen.
If the kitchen’s about to be built, go for an integrated model to give more of a streamlined effect. If you’re adapting an existing kitchen, and pulling out the oven to make more cupboard space, you could mount a non-built-in model on a wall shelf.
In a dinky kitchen, your choice of oven could have a significant impact on saving space.
Where there’s no room for a microwave and an oven, consider a combi microwave oven with grill that will do everything – something like the model shown in this rustic-industrial kitchen.
If the kitchen’s about to be built, go for an integrated model to give more of a streamlined effect. If you’re adapting an existing kitchen, and pulling out the oven to make more cupboard space, you could mount a non-built-in model on a wall shelf.
69. Harness your cooktop
Because induction cooktops are flat and almost flush to the benchtop, they can double as an extra work surface when not in use. Simply cover with a chopping board. Bonus!
Compare induction and gas cooking
Because induction cooktops are flat and almost flush to the benchtop, they can double as an extra work surface when not in use. Simply cover with a chopping board. Bonus!
Compare induction and gas cooking
70. Hide everything
Go uber-minimal, with everything concealed behind closed doors and drawers. This all-white, clutter-free kitchen may not be for everyone, but it certainly packs in the storage without crowding the space.
Go uber-minimal, with everything concealed behind closed doors and drawers. This all-white, clutter-free kitchen may not be for everyone, but it certainly packs in the storage without crowding the space.
71. Cook up a splashback-height shelf
This hand-built Scottish kitchen gains useful space by the super-simple addition of a wall-width shelf across the top of the low splashback.
It’s the perfect height for storing frequently used herbs and spices (and these would look especially good decanted into matching little containers). Equally, mugs and glasses could be kept handily close to both kettle and tap.
In addition, the smart shelves on the end wall are only as wide as they need to be. Breaking slightly with convention, the bottom one overhangs the benchtop a little, yet it isn’t in the way.
This hand-built Scottish kitchen gains useful space by the super-simple addition of a wall-width shelf across the top of the low splashback.
It’s the perfect height for storing frequently used herbs and spices (and these would look especially good decanted into matching little containers). Equally, mugs and glasses could be kept handily close to both kettle and tap.
In addition, the smart shelves on the end wall are only as wide as they need to be. Breaking slightly with convention, the bottom one overhangs the benchtop a little, yet it isn’t in the way.
72. Let your benchtop spill over
The obvious thing would be to end this benchtop where the wall stops, to the right of the sink. But why be conventional when you could, instead, create more space.
Elsewhere, this ‘benchtop overhang’ idea has been used to house a teeny breakfast bar, but here, with the steps down to the kitchen area in the way of any potential seating, this space simply expands the useable work surface.
The obvious thing would be to end this benchtop where the wall stops, to the right of the sink. But why be conventional when you could, instead, create more space.
Elsewhere, this ‘benchtop overhang’ idea has been used to house a teeny breakfast bar, but here, with the steps down to the kitchen area in the way of any potential seating, this space simply expands the useable work surface.
73. Consider a cutaway breakfast bar
If a rectangular table simply won’t fit (or won’t let you open your cupboards), don’t feel disheartened. Instead, think whether you could modify your table, or create a makeshift breakfast bar, as here, so it will.
Check out the classic Tam Tam storage stools, too – perfect for keeping not-in-use tea towels inside.
If a rectangular table simply won’t fit (or won’t let you open your cupboards), don’t feel disheartened. Instead, think whether you could modify your table, or create a makeshift breakfast bar, as here, so it will.
Check out the classic Tam Tam storage stools, too – perfect for keeping not-in-use tea towels inside.
75. Exploit corner shelves
If you need some depth to store larger items on your shelves, but don’t have the headspace, consider tucking them into a corner.
If you need some depth to store larger items on your shelves, but don’t have the headspace, consider tucking them into a corner.
76. Design a wraparound splashback
To give the impression of a more elongated space, aim for long, unbroken lines, and be careful where you position blocks of colour.
Work to create a design that encourages the eye to keep moving, which will enhance a sense of flow. This continuous tiled splashback does that job simply and effectively.
To give the impression of a more elongated space, aim for long, unbroken lines, and be careful where you position blocks of colour.
Work to create a design that encourages the eye to keep moving, which will enhance a sense of flow. This continuous tiled splashback does that job simply and effectively.
77. Use Colour Wisely Part l: Be strategic
All white is a pretty foolproof scheme to keep a small kitchen feeling light and open. However, colour might make you happy… So don’t swerve it, but do be aware that too many colours, used with abandon, could shrink your space.
The best advice is to use colour strategically. You could, for example, add flashes of neon, whether in a streak of paint or coloured glass, or simply in your accessories and appliances.
All white is a pretty foolproof scheme to keep a small kitchen feeling light and open. However, colour might make you happy… So don’t swerve it, but do be aware that too many colours, used with abandon, could shrink your space.
The best advice is to use colour strategically. You could, for example, add flashes of neon, whether in a streak of paint or coloured glass, or simply in your accessories and appliances.
78. Use Colour Wisely Part ll: Decorate with tones of one colour
Keeping to one hue in your small kitchen will help maintain an aesthetic that oozes control and calm. Here, different shades of blue on the units create a soothing gradient effect, while a white backdrop – and minimal accessorising – keeps the room from looking colour-cluttered and potentially smaller as a result.
The spike of neon yellow is so small it doesn’t impinge on the space.
Keeping to one hue in your small kitchen will help maintain an aesthetic that oozes control and calm. Here, different shades of blue on the units create a soothing gradient effect, while a white backdrop – and minimal accessorising – keeps the room from looking colour-cluttered and potentially smaller as a result.
The spike of neon yellow is so small it doesn’t impinge on the space.
79. Use Colour Wisely Part lll: Tap into off-white
To maintain that airy, bigger-space feeling without going for brilliant white on the walls, simply choose the perfect almost white. A hint of cool blue-green, as here, will generally create a more relaxed mood than a warmer shade.
How to choose the right white paint
To maintain that airy, bigger-space feeling without going for brilliant white on the walls, simply choose the perfect almost white. A hint of cool blue-green, as here, will generally create a more relaxed mood than a warmer shade.
How to choose the right white paint
80. Don’t try to cram it all in
If you have a teeny cook space, chances are you’re not going to fit every bit of storage or appliance into the general kitchen zone. If you have an open-plan space, don’t be afraid to let a dresser or set of kitchen units spill around a corner.
Here, the owners have chosen to connect the around-the-corner units to the kitchen by having them in the same finish. However, if you want to build more of a living room feel outside the confines of the cook space, consider an antique French dresser, open shelves that mix storage with framed pictures or pieces of art, or a closed cupboard painted the same shade as the walls to ‘hide’ it.
If you have a teeny cook space, chances are you’re not going to fit every bit of storage or appliance into the general kitchen zone. If you have an open-plan space, don’t be afraid to let a dresser or set of kitchen units spill around a corner.
Here, the owners have chosen to connect the around-the-corner units to the kitchen by having them in the same finish. However, if you want to build more of a living room feel outside the confines of the cook space, consider an antique French dresser, open shelves that mix storage with framed pictures or pieces of art, or a closed cupboard painted the same shade as the walls to ‘hide’ it.
81. Make use of odd-sized gaps
Standard base units have fixed measurements and so, unless you’re going bespoke, you may well find you have an odd-sized gap you’re not too sure how to fill, but need to use.
These slide-out baskets are one solution. If you have a smaller space, you might consider mini wine shelves or micro drawers just big enough for a set of spoons in one, forks in another, napkins in another, and so on. You could even DIY these, if you have the shelves in place, by sourcing dinky-sized storage boxes without lids that you can pull in and out.
Standard base units have fixed measurements and so, unless you’re going bespoke, you may well find you have an odd-sized gap you’re not too sure how to fill, but need to use.
These slide-out baskets are one solution. If you have a smaller space, you might consider mini wine shelves or micro drawers just big enough for a set of spoons in one, forks in another, napkins in another, and so on. You could even DIY these, if you have the shelves in place, by sourcing dinky-sized storage boxes without lids that you can pull in and out.
82. Pop in a half-height pull-out pantry
Alternatively, you might have the optimum size gap for one of these – perfect for spices and cooking condiments next to the oven.
Alternatively, you might have the optimum size gap for one of these – perfect for spices and cooking condiments next to the oven.
83. Customise your shelves
Keeping clutter off your benchtop and maxing cupboard and drawer space are two things you’ll probably want to do in a petite kitchen.
One excellent way to do both is to make your shelves work harder by hanging things under them, something this cool Scandi kitchen does particularly well. Also look out for baskets and utensil pots you can hang, or under-shelf shelves that hook onto the fronts of your existing shelves.
Keeping clutter off your benchtop and maxing cupboard and drawer space are two things you’ll probably want to do in a petite kitchen.
One excellent way to do both is to make your shelves work harder by hanging things under them, something this cool Scandi kitchen does particularly well. Also look out for baskets and utensil pots you can hang, or under-shelf shelves that hook onto the fronts of your existing shelves.
84. Layer your rails
Why stop at one hanging rail when you can have three? That’s an entire cupboard you’ve just freed up…
Why stop at one hanging rail when you can have three? That’s an entire cupboard you’ve just freed up…
85. Expand corner cupboard space
Could you pack more into your cupboards? This ingenious pull-out rack system fits plenty into a corner unit, and makes it all easy to access.
Make use, too, of the backs of doors for hooks and lid racks. Get inventive with self-adhesive hooks and wire baskets to hang from them – or stash magnetic spice pots on the backs of doors, sides of units or under shelves. Check out racks and stands that create mini shelves inside your cupboards. Flirt with under-sink storage organisers. Think creatively!
Could you pack more into your cupboards? This ingenious pull-out rack system fits plenty into a corner unit, and makes it all easy to access.
Make use, too, of the backs of doors for hooks and lid racks. Get inventive with self-adhesive hooks and wire baskets to hang from them – or stash magnetic spice pots on the backs of doors, sides of units or under shelves. Check out racks and stands that create mini shelves inside your cupboards. Flirt with under-sink storage organisers. Think creatively!
88. Don’t be afraid of black
White is an obvious space-booster, but a crisp monochrome scheme can add interest to your kitchen too.
Keep cupboards white and walls dark. That way, you’ll visually create depth, as the black areas will appear to recede.
White is an obvious space-booster, but a crisp monochrome scheme can add interest to your kitchen too.
Keep cupboards white and walls dark. That way, you’ll visually create depth, as the black areas will appear to recede.
89. Share your shelves
Maybe it’s not just your kitchen that’s small, but your whole home. While open-plan is on many of our wish lists, it’s not always the most practical for small-space living, where walls equal storage opportunities.
Here, an element of open-plan is introduced, and yet the wall space on the left is not lost, as a book-filled divider plugs the gap. This flexible solution allows the space to be used for storing living room tomes and cookbooks alike, as well as decorative kitchen objects that will look good from both sides of the divide.
Maybe it’s not just your kitchen that’s small, but your whole home. While open-plan is on many of our wish lists, it’s not always the most practical for small-space living, where walls equal storage opportunities.
Here, an element of open-plan is introduced, and yet the wall space on the left is not lost, as a book-filled divider plugs the gap. This flexible solution allows the space to be used for storing living room tomes and cookbooks alike, as well as decorative kitchen objects that will look good from both sides of the divide.
90. Big up a window
If bigger building work is on your horizon, consider enlarging a window in your kitchen. Here, though this one-wall design is in a narrow room, the light and focal point provided by the floor-to-ceiling glazing really opens up the space.
How to love your one-wall kitchen
If bigger building work is on your horizon, consider enlarging a window in your kitchen. Here, though this one-wall design is in a narrow room, the light and focal point provided by the floor-to-ceiling glazing really opens up the space.
How to love your one-wall kitchen
91. Stash your serveware on the outside
In a large kitchen, there’s often plenty of space for glasses, cutlery, napkins, jugs and pretty serving dishes. In a smaller space … not always.
Consider keeping these items not required for the business of cooking either on the outside of your work area in an open-plan room, or even in a cupboard or drawers separate from the kitchen and close to where you eat.
In a large kitchen, there’s often plenty of space for glasses, cutlery, napkins, jugs and pretty serving dishes. In a smaller space … not always.
Consider keeping these items not required for the business of cooking either on the outside of your work area in an open-plan room, or even in a cupboard or drawers separate from the kitchen and close to where you eat.
92. Reveal and conceal
As already mentioned, the less clutter on show in a small kitchen, the more spacious it can feel. So how about this for the ultimate in luxe-look bespoke storage – a splashback that slides across to conceal shallow shelving!
As already mentioned, the less clutter on show in a small kitchen, the more spacious it can feel. So how about this for the ultimate in luxe-look bespoke storage – a splashback that slides across to conceal shallow shelving!
93. Beef up your corners
The convention with corners is to use clever pull-out units designed to fill the space. But sometimes you need a corner to give you room for things that won’t fit around that kind of arrangement. Instead, create a flat wall across the space, as here.
The convention with corners is to use clever pull-out units designed to fill the space. But sometimes you need a corner to give you room for things that won’t fit around that kind of arrangement. Instead, create a flat wall across the space, as here.
94. Tailor your drawers
Here’s another idea for maxing drawer capacity – perfect under-oven practicality. Sorted!
Here’s another idea for maxing drawer capacity – perfect under-oven practicality. Sorted!
95. Slide and hang utensils …
Keep utensils off your benchtop by storing them next to your oven instead. A slide-out rack like this is also the perfect place to stash bulky oven gloves for easy access.
Keep utensils off your benchtop by storing them next to your oven instead. A slide-out rack like this is also the perfect place to stash bulky oven gloves for easy access.
96. …Or pans …
97. … Or a pull-out knife block
98. Create zones
Draw the eye away from the cooking area in order to visually trick the brain into registering two distinct zones – and, subconsciously, a larger kitchen as a result.
This is possible even in a narrow kitchen, as seen here, where the homeowners have made an attractive dining area with striking black bentwood chairs.
TELL US
What makes your small kitchen work wonderfully? Share your tips in the Comments below.
MOREBrowse more small kitchens
Draw the eye away from the cooking area in order to visually trick the brain into registering two distinct zones – and, subconsciously, a larger kitchen as a result.
This is possible even in a narrow kitchen, as seen here, where the homeowners have made an attractive dining area with striking black bentwood chairs.
TELL US
What makes your small kitchen work wonderfully? Share your tips in the Comments below.
MOREBrowse more small kitchens
Vertical panelling – or, indeed, tile grout lines or a wallpaper pattern – can trick the eye into seeing a far taller space than is, in fact, there. Here, long handles echo and enhance the effect.
Browse more traditional kitchens