Table Of Content
- Take Advantage of Wall Space
- Add Texture With Wallpaper
- Opt for a Bar Table for Extra Prep Space and Seating
- What are the best cabinet styles for small kitchens? Kitchen designers offer the top picks
- Create the Illusion of More Space
- Get Smart With Floating Shelves
- Opt for a small sink basin
- Can I put an island in a small kitchen?

Smaller tiles result in lots of grout joints, which can create a grid-like pattern and promote the feeling of being boxed in. On the other hand, large tiles use fewer grout lines that look less cluttered and make your kitchen feel more seamless. Unique light fixtures like modern chandeliers or oversized pendants not only add a pop of personality to your design but can also make your kitchen feel bigger by drawing attention up toward the light.
Take Advantage of Wall Space
Instead, opt for a smaller sink, and pair it with a beautiful brass faucet so it still creates a focal point in the space. For a more decorative element, choose a small sink with a decorative edge – this works especially well in small cottage kitchen ideas. A handle-free scheme, particularly in a cool white, can appear clinical, but adding a few natural materials will give it a softer edge. Pair flush cabinets with a colorful patterned tile backsplash or wooden worktops to add warmth and interest to the design. These long, narrow spaces bring a myriad of design challenges, including a lack of space to add a traditional dining area.
26 Cottage-Style Kitchens That Will Make You Feel At Home - Southern Living
26 Cottage-Style Kitchens That Will Make You Feel At Home.
Posted: Sat, 20 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Add Texture With Wallpaper
Mistakes such as ignoring your budget, neglecting functionality, or choosing poor-quality materials are all common mistakes when it comes to choosing the right kitchen cabinets. Taking the time upfront to order samples and consider the style you want will end up saving you time (and possibly, money) in the end. When shopping for handles for your kitchen cabinets, take into consideration the colors and textures found in your kitchen. For instance, if your sink features a brass faucet, consider finding brushed brass handles for your cabinets to create a cohesive look. Always purchase a sample to get an idea of what the hardware will look like before committing to an entire set.
Opt for a Bar Table for Extra Prep Space and Seating
Streamline your design and save space by opting for a slick design, as pictured here. When designing a kitchen with limited square footage, it can be tempting to fill every inch of every wall with cabinetry. If you do like the bright white look, break up the monotony with some carefully placed splashy colors. The aqua backsplace pictured here brings this space to life without feeling kitschy. While the long established preference for going ‘light and bright’ when decorating small spaces does apply, it’s important not to let your kitchen slip into neutral obscurity.

What are the best cabinet styles for small kitchens? Kitchen designers offer the top picks
A monochromatic kitchen color scheme uses multiple hues of the same color to create a bold, creative space. While you can choose neutral colors like white or gray for this trend, varying shades of greens, reds, yellows, or blues can add just as much depth and visual intrigue to your tiny kitchen. If storage requirements necessitate wall-hung units (as they often do when space is tight), one way to lessen the impact of upper cabinetry is to choose a lighter color than that used for the base cupboards. New Generation Improvements offset the stained timber cabinetry in this Silver Lake remodel with pale-green cabinets above to create a two tone kitchen. LED strips under cabinets add an extra light source while creating a decorative element, which can also be achieved with sconces.
But it's really important to understand that every choice you make for a small kitchen will be magnified by the compact conditions. This small kitchen idea is nothing new, but it is gaining traction, especially in country kitchen ideas. Cupboard doors on the lower cabinets can feel bulky, and opening various doors can really impede the walkway space. They are usually tables, trollies, or units on wheels, but they come in a whole host of styles from industrial designs to classic farmhouse kitchen islands.
Get Smart With Floating Shelves
Getting the right designer on board is key and, crucially, the kitchen needs to be designed to suit the space, rather than picking a range or style and trying to adapt your small kitchen ideas to fit. Often when designers talk about utilizing vertical space in a kitchen, they are referring to floor-to-ceiling cupboards. However, there is another, more decorative way to take advantage of tall ceilings. 'When it comes to counter space I'm a big fan of having counters clear for a good workspace, but sometimes that isn't always easy when limited on space,’ says Bailey Todd, of White Cliff Studio. Where possible, store items away when they are not in use, but if you’re really stretched for storage, introduce organizational solutions.
If you have a small cupboard, alcove, or even an under-utilized corner, it can be transformed with small pantry ideas. Searching for kitchen ideas and inspiration usually leads to large, spacious schemes. Less counter space, limited storage, and reduced traffic flow can quickly leave you feeling frustrated with your scheme, so practical yet stylish solutions are required.
If your budget is tight or time doesn't allow, then maximize existing cabinetry with modern storage solutions. Space is a valuable commodity in a tiny kitchen, so make the most of every square inch. In this design by Anastasia Casey, floating shelves are added wherever possible, counters are thoughtfully elongated, and a petite oven range allows for more counter space. So, if you were to choose a paint color, bold tiles or a maximalist wallpaper for the walls, each will feel that much more vivid and dominating than in a larger kitchen.
Swap out for open shelving, or a mix of both, depending on what you’d like to keep on display. For the cabinetry that remains, look to clever, ergonomic solutions such as pocket doors and pull-out inserts to make your space work harder. And, it’s wise to go for recessed or simple, low-profile handles, so you don’t constantly find yourself catching things on cabinet hardware. If space is limited and you want to maintain good flow, opt for a small island like interior designer Yvonne McFadden did here. The double shelving provides more storage, and the singular statement pendant above makes it feel intentional. Look for ways to implement small kitchen storage ideas, like open shelves, a rolling kitchen island, or a bar cart.
Kitchen appliances have come a long way, so there are plenty of small-scale options that are still stylish and highly functional. While having a full-size oven, dishwasher, and all the luxury appliances might be the dream, it’s highly likely they just won’t fit. Instead, look to appliances that are either smaller or have more than one purpose. Even the narrowest of spaces can work for this – if you only have a particularly narrow but deep space, consider a spice drawer or pull-out condiment station. With some careful consideration, you might just find these spaces more useful than traditional drawers and cupboards.
High gloss kitchens are particularly prone to dust and fingerprints, especially when the sun falls on them, so it’s worth genning up on how to clean kitchen cabinets before you buy. Texas-based interior designer Kara Childress marries timeless style with Old World European charm for liveable homes that exude comfort and personality. With no room to waste in this apartment kitchen transformation, designer Kara Childress made every decision with space-maximising in mind, without neglecting character and personality. Restricting tall cabinets to one side of the room has a widening effect, while Kara’s choice of rich dark timber cabinets and reclaimed beam ceilings ensures plenty of visual interest.