Introduction
Having a small kitchen can pose unique challenges when it comes to storage, organization, and making the most of your available space. However, with some clever tips and tricks, you can transform your petite kitchen into a highly functional and beautiful space. From smart storage solutions to space-saving gadgets, read on for 99 ingenious ideas to steal for your small kitchen.
Optimize Storage
Use Wall-Mounted Shelving
Install wall-mounted shelving or floating shelves to take advantage of vertical space. This helps get items off the counters and maximize storage along the walls. Opt for open shelving to easily see and access items or closed cabinets for a more streamlined look.
Add a Spice Drawer
Install a dedicated drawer just for spices to keep them organized and free up other cabinet space. Opt for slim, vertical drawers that fit nicely beside the stove. Label spices clearly so you can easily find what you need while cooking.
Use Lid Organizers
Lid organizers help corral pots, pans, and container lids in a neat and tidy way. Hang them inside a cabinet to keep these bulky items from taking up precious drawer space.
Repurpose Odd Spaces
Take advantage of the awkward nooks and crannies in your kitchen by repurposing them into storage spaces. Turn the space between studs into narrow vertical storage or add shelves above the fridge.
Use Cabinet Organizers
From lazy susans to pull-out shelves, cabinet organizers help maximize vertical storage space. Consider tiered shelving, turntables, and interior cabinet door racks for pots and pans.
Add a Pantry
Even a narrow floor-to-ceiling pantry can offer a lot of storage options. Use shelving, hooks, and bins to neatly arrange dried goods, appliances, and kitchen tools inside.
Get Creative with Storage Solutions
Store Items Under the Sink
This often overlooked space is perfect for items like cleaning supplies and trash bags. Install organizers or shelving to neatly arrange the area.
Utilize Appliance Garages
Hide your stand mixer, blender and other bulky appliances in a retractable appliance garage. Close it when not in use to reclaim precious counter space.
Use Magnetic Strips
Magnetic strips keep knives, utensils and pots easily accessible while clearing up drawer space. Mount them to the wall or install inside cabinet doors.
DIY a Dish Rack Drawer
Repurpose a drawer to function as a dish drying rack so wet dishes aren’t cluttering the limited counter area. Drill some holes in the bottom for drainage.
Hide Items in Cupboard Nooks
Place cleaning supplies, kitchen towels and other essentials in the nooks around pipes, corners and angles inside cupboards. Use caddies or bins to corral smaller items.
Install Pull-Out Trash/Recycling Bins
Install narrow pull-out bins inside a cabinet to keep trash and recycling hidden. Select bins that are the same width as the cabinet for a streamlined, built-in look.
Embrace Multi-Functional Furniture
Choose a Bar Cart
Bar carts aren’t just for serving drinks! Use one as a moveable island to expand your work surface or for extra storage with baskets and shelves.
Consider a Banquette
Banquettes maximize seating in a small kitchen. Many feature storage drawers and cubbies underneath the seat.
Use an Adjustable Table
An adjustable bistro table expands your counter space when needed. Fold it down or tuck it out of the way against a wall when not in use.
Add a Rolling Cart
A rolling cart like a baker’s rack can double as extra storage and be moved wherever you need extra surface area.
Install a Fold-Down Table
Mount a fold-down table or desk on a kitchen wall to use as a work surface when required without taking up permanent space.
Choose Multipurpose Furniture
Opt for tables and carts with multiple functions, like a butcher block island on wheels that serves as a prep space, dining table, and storage cart.
Opt for Space-Saving Appliances
Get a Compact Fridge
Replace a bulky full-sized refrigerator with an apartment-sized model to reclaim valuable floorspace. Opt for a counter-depth style for a built-in look.
Choose a Small Stove
Compact stoves like 24-inch models or apartment-sized ranges maximize room in your kitchen. Opt for a stove with the controls on the backsplash to save space.
Install a Slim Dishwasher
Slimline dishwashers take up less space than standard sizes. Or, choose a portable dishwasher that can be stored out of sight when not in use.
Use a Microwave Drawer
Microwave drawers install under the counter, freeing up space on your countertops. Open the drawer to access the microwave.
Get a Compact Washer
For small kitchens attached to a laundry room, install a stackable or apartment-sized washer under the countertop to maximize space.
Choose Small Countertop Appliances
Opt for mini versions of appliances like coffee makers, toaster ovens and stand mixers to minimize their footprints.
Embrace Open Shelving
Utilize Glass-Front Cabinets
Glass-front cabinets keep everything in sight while retaining a streamlined, closed cabinet look. Try open shelving on just upper cabinets.
Use Woven Baskets
Incorporate natural woven baskets on open shelves in place of cabinet doors. They add texture and nicely corral cooking items.
Go Doorless
Completely removing upper cabinet doors instantly makes your kitchen feel more open and airy. Use bins, baskets and organizers to neatly arrange.
Install Display Shelving
Closed cabinet storage along the bottom with open display shelving above is a good balance. Use the shelves to show off pretty dishware.
Add Greenery
Place trailing vines or small potted herbs on open shelves to soften the look and bring life into your small kitchen.
Use Bulb Lights
Install puck lights, Xenon bulbs or LED strip lighting underneath open shelving to spotlight items on display.
Maximize Counters & Tablespace
Use a Rolling Island
A rolling kitchen island provides extra prep space that can be moved around as needed. Opt for one with storage shelves or drawers.
Add a Counter Overhang
Add a counter overhang for bar-height seating to maximize surface area. Add shelves or cabinets above for storage.
DIY a Concrete Dining Table
For small eat-in kitchens, install a concrete dining table to double as a durable, heat-resistant work surface.
Extend Counters
Extending countertops around corners or into adjacent spaces helps maximize usable surface area in tight kitchens.
Install a Butcher Block Island
A movable butcher block kitchen island provides extra chopping and dining space. Opt for one with storage like baskets or shelves below.
DIY a Concrete Kitchen Island
For extra durable, heat-resistant surfaces, build a concrete island on wheels. Customize with integrated storage solutions.
Upgrade Kitchen Hardware
Install Pull-Out Faucets
Pull-out faucets maximize sink space while offering the flexibility of a movable spout to wash large items.
Choose Space-Saving Handles
Opt for low-profile hardware like recessed handles and finger pulls that don’t protrude as far to save space.
Get a Slim Range Hood
Upgrade to a streamlined chimney-style range hood to maximize headspace above your stove.
Buy Retractable Pot Racks
Retractable pot racks can fold flush against the wall or ceiling when not in use, freeing up space.
Opt for Sliding Drawers
Make the most of tight spaces with drawers that slide fully out including behind false front panels.
Install Extra Towel Bars
Add handy space-saving towel bars and racks inside cabinets and drawers to maximize every inch.
Create Hidden Storage
Stash Items in Floor Cubbies
Build custom cubbies into unused areas under toe kicks and stair landings to stash appliance manuals, office supplies, and more.
Hide a Desk Area
Install a fold-down desk or install a slender desk into an unused niche to create a hidden workstation. Close it up when not in use.
Conceal Under the Stairs
Take advantage of the awkward space under staircases by building in customized storage solutions like cabinets and drawers.
Build a Recessed Bookshelf
Tuck cookbooks and magazines out of sight by installing a recessed bookshelf into a void behind the fridge or cabinets.
Add a Secret Drawer
Secret drawers built seamlessly into cabinetry add a fun hidden storage space for valuables and important documents.
Create a Faux Drawer
A false drawer front attached to a cabinet disguises a secret storage cubby for hiding small appliances or clutter.
Embrace Small Kitchen Gadgets
Install a Slide-Out Spice Rack
Spice racks that slide out fully make spices easy to see. Tuck them away when not in use to save space.
Use Nesting Bowls
Nesting mixing bowls are a smart space-saving solution, storing neatly inside each other when not all in use.
Get Nested Measuring Cups
Nested measuring cups minimize space while keeping them together. Look for stainless steel or silicone sets.
Buy Collapsible Colanders
Collapsible colanders fold down flat, ideal for small kitchens. Pop them open when its time to drain pasta or wash produce.
Use Magnetic Measuring Spoons
Magnetic measuring spoons stick together in a stack for compact storage. Bonus – they attach to fridges and stoves too!
Store Lids Efficiently
Lid racks and organizers help minimize awkward lid storage. Or, choose glass containers with stacking, snap-on lids.
DIY Clever Solutions
Build a Custom Banquette
Construct a customized banquette with storage underneath the seat for dishes, pans and food items. Include electrical outlets.
Make a Rolling Cart Island
Make your own rolling cart by topping a dresser, file cabinet, or other base piece with a wooden top. Customize the storage.
Fashion a Hidden Kitchen Desk
DIY a desk that folds up and disappears into a slim cabinet so you can reclaim the space when not in use.
Craft a Rail Spice Rack
For small prep space, attach a rail across a wall with S-hooks to hang spices. Group smaller jars together.
Build a Utensil Organizer
Fashion a custom utensil organizer using a section of pegboard, small tin cans attached with holders, and chalkboard labels.
Make Concrete Countertops
For the ultimate heatproof, durable surfaces, make your own concrete countertops. Customize the shape, texture, and color.
Design & Décor Tricks
Paint Cabinets Light Colors
Light, bright cabinet colors like white, light gray, or sky blue help small spaces feel more open and airy. Contrast with dark hardware.
Use Patterned Backsplashes
Tile patterns and textures on backsplashes add visual interest without taking up space. Avoid bold backsplashes that could overwhelm.
Include Mirrored Surfaces
Strategically placed mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of more space. Try behind sinks or on backsplashes and cabinet doors.
Go for Glass Front Cabinets
Glass-front upper cabinets maintain an open, airy look while hiding necessities. Try alternating glass fronts with solid doors.
Attach Shelves for Plants
Hanging shelves placed in windows give you space for petite potted herb plants without using counter space below.
Hang Pendant Lights
Draw the eye upward and highlight workspaces with stylish pendant lights over islands and sinks. Opt for adjustable height.
Final Thoughts
Small kitchens may pose storage, layout, and organization challenges. However, with strategic solutions like maximizing vertical storage, multi-functional furnishings, space-saving appliances and hardware, as well as creative décor, you can create an efficient and gorgeous kitchen. Embrace wall-mounted shelves, custom built-ins, sliding organizers, narrow gadgets, and bright, light elements to maximize what you have. With some innovation and clever problem-solving, your petite kitchen can become both functional and beautiful.
