Introduction
Having a small kitchen can feel limiting, but with some clever design tricks and smart organization, you can make your modest-sized cooking space feel more spacious. From choosing the right colors to optimizing storage, there are many effective ways to visually enhance a small kitchen.
In this comprehensive guide, we will share 10 ways to make a small kitchen feel bigger. With creative solutions for lighting, layout, cabinetry, and more, you can transform your kitchen into an airy, open, and functional space. Read on to learn key tips and ideas to maximize your small kitchen.
Optimize Natural Lighting
One of the best ways to instantly make a small kitchen feel more expansive is to optimize natural lighting. Sunlight streaming into a space creates the illusion of size and makes even a modest kitchen feel bright and airy. Here are some tips for letting in more daylight:
Install Skylights
Skylights are a great way to bring sunlight into a kitchen with limited windows. Position skylights near kitchen workstations to illuminate meal prep areas. Opt for ENERGY STAR-rated models with insulated glass to keep kitchens cooler in summer.
Use Sheer Window Treatments
Skip heavy drapes in favor of airy, lightweight window treatments. Sheer curtains in light colors allow ample sunshine in while still providing privacy. For blackout when needed, opt for dual roller shades with a sheer fabric on one side and room-darkening material on the other.
Paint Walls White
White or very light wall colors will maximise the feeling of openness and space, as the light bounces around the room. Aim for flat or eggshell paint finishes to prevent glare. For contrast, keep countertops and cabinets darker.
Install More Windows
If possible, add more windows or enlarge existing ones to welcome in more natural light. Skylights and high windows can brighten walls and cabinets. Place windows high on the wall near the ceiling to get light in but maintain privacy.
Reflective Surfaces
Incorporate mirrors and reflective metal finishes for appliances and fixtures. Surfaces like these will bounce light around, making the space feel more open. A strategically-placed mirror can also make a small kitchen look bigger.
Choose Light, Bright Colors
Along with natural lighting, paint and material color choices can impact how large a small kitchen feels. Stick with light, bright color palettes to give the illusion of spaciousness. Here are some top color options:
White
White is the go-to shade for opening up small spaces. Use white on cabinets, walls, countertops, backsplashes, and ceiling to make a kitchen look clean, bright and expansive. White reflects light well and also serves as a neutral base for pops of color.
Soft Yellow
Warm yellow tones, like buttercream or daffodil, brighten a kitchen while also feeling cheery and inviting. Deeper shades like mustard can work with white trim for contrast. Avoid school-bus yellows, which may overpower.
Sky Blue
Serene sky blue paint brings a soft coastal aura to a kitchen. Pair with white cabinets and natural wood accents for a relaxed yet spacious look. Use sky blue on focal walls or cabinetry.
Light Gray
For a slightly moody but still illuminated effect, light grays work well. Greige (gray-beige) is adaptable and sophisticated. Avoid dark stormy grays, which can feel dreary and closed-off.
Pastels
Soft pastel greens, lavenders, mints, and pinks keep a kitchen looking light and airy but with a pop of color. Use pastels on walls, backsplashes, or cabinetry for subtle contrast.
Clear Countertop Clutter
Countertop clutter is a major impediment when trying to make a small kitchen feel more open. While it may seem impossible to keep counters clear in a compact kitchen, implementing some key organizational systems can help.
Add Hidden Storage
Incorporate pull-out cabinets, tilt-out trays, and blind corner cabinet organizers to stash counter appliances when not in use. Roll-out shelves and vertical storage systems provide extra space.
Minimize Appliances
Be selective about which small appliances earn a permanent kitchen counter spot. Things used daily like a coffee maker or toaster can stay out, while less frequently used items can be stored in cabinets.
Invest in an Island
Islands with storage and counter space can help clear sink and preparation areas in tight kitchens. Look for an island that complements your cabinetry but is smaller in scale.
Use Wall-Mounted Storage
Wall-mounted knife blocks, shelves, and rails allow you to store essential culinary tools up and out of the way. Floating pot racks free up drawer space for other items.
Store Elsewhere
Consider keeping some lesser-used appliances like juicers and panini presses in nearby pantries, laundry rooms, or garage areas to limit countertop clutter.
Rethink Traditional Storage
Creative cabinetry and drawer solutions can offer expanded storage possibilities to help a small kitchen operate more efficiently. Consider these unconventional storage ideas:
Open Shelving
Trading upper cabinets for open shelving makes a kitchen feel airier. Stash lesser-used items up high while keeping pretty dishware, cookbooks, and decor on display.
Glass Front Cabinets
Glass-front cabinetry maintains a feeling of openness since you can see inside. Try glass fronts on upper cabinets to reduce visual bulkiness. Introduce lighting inside glass cabinets to illuminate displayed items.
Unused Spaces
Take advantage of awkward nooks like the area around a chimney or sloped ceilings. These spots are great for narrow pull-out cabinets and compact shelving units.
Alternative Drawers
In a small kitchen, every inch counts. Opt for drawers with customized horizontal dividers, narrow vertical drawers for utensils, or even hideaway drawers disguised as toe kicks.
Multi-Purpose Pieces
Tables with large storage bases or kitchen carts with butcher block tops provide extra prep space when needed, then tuck away to reveal hidden storage.
Downsize Appliances
Bulky full-sized appliances crammed into a tiny kitchen make the space feel even smaller. Consider compact or apartment-sized appliance options to free up valuable square footage:
Mini Fridges
Slim refrigerator-freezer tower units are about half the width of typical models. Mini cube fridges also work for beverages and leftovers.
Small Sinks
A standard double-bowl sink may overwhelm a petite countertop. Opt for a compact single-bowl sink or even a small bar or prep sink.
Slim Dishwashers
Look for dishwasher models with a narrower 18-inch width to fit in tight spots. Portable and countertop dishwashers are also available.
Compact Ranges
Apartment-sized stoves and ranges offer similar capabilities as full sizes but with smaller footprints. Some even have oven space above the burners.
Multi-Use Models
All-in-one appliances like a refrigerator-oven-induction cooktop unit or microwave-air fryer combo consolidate major appliances into one.
Integrate Hidden Small Appliances
Even with compact appliances, small kitchens can still feel cluttered. Get appliances off countertops by tucking them neatly into cabinetry with these tips:
Microwave Drawers
Under-counter microwave drawers free up counter space while keeping this essential appliance handy but out of sight. Custom panels blend seamlessly with cabinetry.
Built-In Coffee Stations
Dedicate a narrow base cabinet to house a coffeemaker and supplies. Include features like slide-out trays, interior lighting, and power outlets to make the space fully functional.
Cabinet-Front Dishwashers
Dishwashers designed to be covered with cabinet panels disappear seamlessly into kitchen cabinetry for a hidden convenience. Opt for models with pocket handles.
Retractable Extractor Fans
Vented rangehoods that tuck away into upper cabinets when not in use clear up headroom while still effectively removing cooking fumes and steam.
Pull-Out Trash/Recycling Bins
Keep garbage and recycling bins out of sight but within easy reach. Cabinet-mounted bins on rollers simply pull out when needed then stash back in cabinets.
Use Glass/Acrylic Cabinets
Trading solid wood or opaque cabinet doors for transparent materials imparts a sense of openness. Glass or acrylic cabinet options include:
Glass Doors/Shelving
Swapping even just a few upper cabinet doors for glass fronts maintains visibility. For lower cabinets, glass-front doors work well on corner lazy susans and display cabinets.
Glass Wall Cabinets
Wall-mounted glass cabinets make narrow spaces like gaps between cabinets feel less cramped while providing attractive display space for pretty dishware.
Acrylic Shelves
Acrylic shelves have transparent edges that seem to disappear, opening up tight spaces. Dynamic for glassware displays and small decor accents.
Mirrored Cabinets
Mirrored cabinets lend light and dimension. Try mirrored interiors or use a mirrored back panel inside open shelving. Can also create “virtual windows” with strategic placement.
Frosted Glass/Acrylic
Etched, frosted, or pebbled glass provides privacy while still letting light through. Works well for concealing messy shelves or allowing ambient lighting to filter into cabinets.
Use Reflective Materials
Incorporating reflective surfaces is an easy way to impart a spacious sensibility in a small kitchen. Reflective materials allow light to bounce around and create the illusion of more space. Try these ideas:
Stainless Steel Appliances
Stainless steel appliances have an inherently reflective finish that brightens up a kitchen. Keep other elements light as well so the palette feels cohesive.
Glossy Cabinets/Backsplashes
Glossy cabinets and backsplashes in white or light colors reflect light well. Metallic backsplashes like copper or silver also impart shine. Just avoid overusing high-gloss elements.
Marble/Quartz Countertops
Natural stone surfaces like marble, quartz, and granite have an attractive sheen. White stones look especially bright, though darker finishes can work with ample lighting.
Tile Flooring
Polished tile flooring such as porcelain or marble reflects light differently than matte materials. Glossy subway or hex tiles lend shine underfoot.
Chrome/Nickel Fixtures
Satin or polished chrome and nickel finishes on faucets, lighting fixtures, and hardware gleam subtly, catching and bouncing light. Brushed metal also works.
Reposition Cabinets and Appliances
Strategically rearranging cabinets and appliances can help a cramped kitchen layout feel more open and efficient. Consider these tweaks:
Remove Uppers Entirely
Eliminating bulky overhead cabinets makes a huge impact in petite kitchens. Compensate with other organizational systems like open shelving and floor-to-ceiling pantries.
Move Fridge Out of Traffic Flow
Corner positions open up circulation. For added space, choose a counter-depth model or recess into cabinetry for a built-in look.
Rotate Island or Peninsula
Turning an island 90 degrees can allow for more comfortable moving room and an airier sightline. Your cooking zones will feel more connected.
Break Up Cabinets
Use open wall spaces between base cabinets to display art, mount a mirror, or create shelving instead of boxing the entire perimeter in with cabinetry.
Upper Only Cabinets
If eliminating uppers completely feels too bold, opt for upper cabinets only. Draw the eye upward while keeping counters clear below.
Open Up Closed Floor Plans
For small galley kitchens or enclosed layouts, opening the space to adjoining rooms can expand the feeling of spaciousness. Consider:
Full or Partial Wall Removal
Knocking down walls is the most direct approach for connecting a cramped kitchen with a dining or living room. Consult structural engineers first.
Half Walls/Breakfast Bars
Half walls or counter-height breakfast bars allow air flow while still separating spaces. Great for opening kitchens to dining rooms.
Open/Free-Floating Shelving
Installing open shelving along a wall bordering another room lends visual continuity. Floating shelves also work well to bridge kitchen and living spaces.
No Doors/Limited Upper Cabinets
Minimize barriers between kitchen and adjoining spaces. An open floor plan ensures sightlines remain long and unencumbered.
Matching Flooring
Continuing the same flooring from the kitchen into neighboring rooms makes them feel more unified. Hardwoods or tile are ideal for natural flow.
Incorporate Clever Lighting
With some bright ideas, lighting can also make a significant impact in opening up a small kitchen:
Install Undercabinet Lighting
Attaching LED lighting underneath upper cabinets illuminates countertops and work stations while adding ambiance. Go for full undercabinet strips or individual puck lights.
Use Pendants Strategically
Hang pendant lamps over islands and dining tables to define spaces while not eating up counter space. Go minimalist with a single dramatic pendant fixture as a focal point.
Add Can Lighting
Recessed canister lighting paired with undercabinet lighting delivers complete kitchen illumination. Space small can lights evenly to avoid shadows in tight quarters.
Embrace Chandeliers
For a touch of elegance, embrace hanging a medium-sized chandelier. Choose something with uplighting to bounce light off the ceiling and make the room glow.
Install Track Lighting
Flexible track lighting allows you to highlight workstations, glass-front cabinets for display, and other key areas as needed. Go for low-voltage LED systems.
Style for Multifunctionality
Embracing a multifunctional aesthetic also elevates small kitchens by streamlining and decluttering. Some approaches include:
Multipurpose Furniture
Tables with folding leaves, rolling carts, or stools with storage space multitask to provide extra surface area then stash away neatly when not required.
Convertible Spaces
Incorporate features like pocket offices, hideaway desks, and banquettes with modular seating to transform unused areas into flexible extended living zones.
Pegboards + Magnetic Walls
Cover walls with pegboards, magnetic paint, or chalkboard paint to hang tools and meal planning lists out of the way. They allow you to arrange and rearrange as needed.
Continuous Countertops
A unified countertop flow with consistent materials minimizes visual breaks. This makes the kitchen feel more streamlined and connected.
Concealed Appliances
Keep appliances like stand mixers and knives in closed cabinets with electrical outlets fitted inside. Just pull out items when prepping and tuck them away when done.
Conclusion
No matter how tiny, a small kitchen can be transformed into a more satisfying and functional space. With smart organizational solutions, space-enhancing design choices, and multifunctional features, it really is possible to make a small kitchen not only feel more expansive but also look beautiful while still being highly usable.
Utilize light colors, reflective finishes, glass cabinetry, and ample lighting to impart an airy sensibility. Clever storage options like roll-out shelves, deep drawers, and mounted racks keep counters clear and maximize every inch. For major impact, take down walls, remove upper cabinets, or open the kitchen to living areas.
With an emphasis on optimizing light, streamlining storage, and multitasking furnishings, you can upgrade a modest kitchen to feel more spacious, pleasant, and inspired. Employing even a few of these handy tips can help make your small kitchen a standout.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to remodel a small kitchen?
The average cost to remodel a small kitchen is $15,000 to $35,000. Factors impacting price include layout changes, chosen materials, the addition of new appliances or cabinetry, and whether you do work yourself or hire contractors. Cosmetic upgrades like painting tend to cost less.
How can I make my small kitchen look expensive?
To make a small kitchen look expensive on a budget, install recycled glass backsplashes, quartz countertops, flat-panel cabinets, undercabinet lighting, glass cabinet fronts, and stainless steel appliances. Incorporate architectural accents like crown molding, exposed beams, and cast iron hardware.
What is the best color to make a small kitchen look bigger?
The best colors to make a small kitchen appear bigger are white, off-whites, light gray, pale yellow, sky blue, mint, and light peach/pink. These soft, light colors reflect light well and prevent cabinets and walls from closing in the space. Dark or saturated colors tend to make small kitchens feel more cramped.
Should I get rid of upper cabinets in a small kitchen?
Removing upper cabinets can make a small kitchen feel more spacious by opening sight lines. To compensate for lost storage, add shelving, freestanding furniture, a pantry, and organizational systems like pull-out cabinets. Keeping uppers only in selective areas is a middle ground option.
How do you maximize space in a small kitchen?
To maximize space in a small kitchen, install shelves vertically on walls, use floating shelves, place appliances on counter depth-cabinets, get dual-purpose mobile carts, add roll-out shelves and drawers in lower cabinets, have a mirrored backsplash, and mount utensils on the walls or under cabinets.
