Making the most of a small kitchen space can seem daunting, but with some creative thinking and smart design, compact kitchens can be highly functional, beautiful, and a joy to cook in. Here are some big ideas to maximize storage, efficiency, and style in a tiny kitchen.
Optimize Storage Solutions
Lack of storage space is one of the biggest complaints in small kitchens. Getting creative with storage is key to keeping things tidy and accessible.
Use Vertical Space
Go vertical with storage to free up precious floor and countertop real estate. Floor-to-ceiling shelving, spice racks mounted on walls or inside cabinets, hanging pots and pan racks, and wall-mounted utensil racks all keep items off the counters but still easily accessible.
Opt for Pull-Out Shelving
Deep pull-out drawers and slide-out shelving in lower cabinets are great for storing pots, pans, and other cooking essentials that otherwise stack and get buried in back corners. Pull-out shelves also allow you to see everything at a glance.
Try Open Shelving
While it’s not for everyone, open shelving along one wall avoids the boxed-in feeling and showcases pretty cookware. Just be sure to keep things organized so it doesn’t turn into cluttered chaos.
Multipurpose Furniture
A smart way to add storage and work space is through multipurpose furniture like a rolling cart that can be moved around as needed, or a butcher block, table, or island with storage built in.
Hide Appliances
While large appliances like refrigerators and stoves are kitchen necessities, you can disguise their bulk by recessing them into the wall, building around them with cabinetry, or hiding them behind panels or curtains when not in use.
Use Innovative Storage Solutions
Things like pull-out cutting boards, hidden garbage cans, spice drawers, and specialized racks for everything make the most of every nook and cranny.
Rethink the Layout
The layout and work triangles of the kitchen space significantly impact how efficiently it functions. A few tweaks can make a big difference.
Remove Upper Cabinets
Eliminating bulky upper cabinets opens up the space visually and makes it feel more airy and less closed in. Open shelving or a few choice wall cabinets provide needed storage without imposing on the room.
Single Wall Galley
Arranging the sink, stove, and refrigerator along one wall creates an efficient single line or galley workspace that minimizes steps between stations.
L-Shaped Kitchen
An L-shaped layout takes advantage of corner space, allows for two work triangles, and keeps major appliances readily accessible along the legs of the L.
U-Shaped Kitchen
A U-shaped kitchen lets you utilize three walls for storage and appliances while keeping things close together for an efficient workspace.
Island or Peninsula
Adding an island, peninsula, or both maximizes work space and storage. Even a narrow island provides landing space for cooking, and it keeps traffic flowing.
Multi-Purpose Island
Make an island or peninsula pull double duty as a dining space, homework station, or extra seating for entertaining to expand its functionality. Adding storage underneath utilizes the entire footprint.
Embrace Multifunctional Elements
When square footage is at a premium, it pays to get creative and make every piece work extra hard. Here are some ideas for multifunctional pieces that streamline a compact kitchen.
Fold-Down Table
A bistro table that folds down when not in use makes for casual dining while freeing up space when meals are done. Or look for a table that folds entirely into the wall.
Hidden Table
Another space saver is a table that pulls up from a base cabinet, counter, or island to provide extra dining or prep space as needed and tucks away completely when not in use.
Banquette Seating
Built-in banquette seating is great for small kitchens as it takes advantage of unused space and provides storage underneath. It also allows the kitchen to double as a dining area.
Removable Kitchen Island
A movable, rolling island cart provides extra landing space for food prep and entertaining but can roll out of the way or into a pantry when not needed.
Drawers vs. Doors
Optimize base cabinets with large deep drawers instead of standard doors and shelves to neatly corral cooking gear of all sizes. Everything is visible and accessible.
Butcher Block Island
A versatile butcher block island or countertop space allows for food prep and informal dining. Some even flip up to reveal more storage.
Hidden Appliances
Make appliances disappear when not in use by recessing them into the wall or cabinetry. A refrigerator or microwave can be completely concealed behind cabinet fronts.
Embrace Small Scale Elements
One benefit of a compact kitchen is it allows for smaller scale appliances better suited to tiny homes and spaces.
Compact Fridge
Swap a monster fridge for an undercounter or mini fridge to save space. Just be sure it still meets your family’s storage needs. If not, consider a full-size unit cleverly concealed behind cabinetry.
Mini Dishwashers
A 18-inch width dishwasher tucks perfectly into tight spots but still holds full-sized plates and serving pieces. Or try a compact countertop model.
Slimline Stoves
Stoves now come in 15-24 inch widths, allowing for a full oven and cooktop even in narrow spots. Look for scaled-down microwaves too.
Small Sinks
A petite prep, bar, or vessel sink takes up less space than a standard double bowl sink. Just be sure it meets kitchen needs.
Portable Cooktop
A portable induction cooktop offers full stovetop function but stores out of the way in a drawer or on a shelf when not cooking.
Single Wall Ovens
Separate the oven and stovetop to stack one above the other. This allows you to have a full oven without sacrificing precious floor space.
Prioritize Lighting
Proper lighting is especially critical in a small, enclosed kitchen. The right lighting makes the space feel open, bright, and inviting.
Sink Lighting
Make sure the sink area is well lit with task lighting. This can be undercabinet lights or pendants hanging right above the sink space.
Layer the Lighting
Combine overall ambient lighting like flushmounts or semi-flush ceiling fixtures with task lighting and accent lighting for depth and dimension that stretches the space.
Light Interior Cabinets
Illuminate the insides of upper cabinets with LED lighting to see everything easily when doors are open. Battery operated lights work for cabinets without electrical.
Natural Light
Maximize any natural light from windows with sheer curtains to avoid glare. Consider smaller windows like portholes to borrow light from adjoining rooms.
Glass Cabinet Doors
Glass fronts on wall and upper cabinets allow light to pass through and make the kitchen feel more spacious and airy.
Reflective Surfaces
Use reflective materials like stainless steel, glass backsplashes, polished stone, or mirrored accents to bounce and amplify ambient lighting.
Choose Style & Finishes Strategically
Design choices like colors, textures, and decorative details go a long way in maximizing the style and visual impact of your compact kitchen.
Lightwall Colors
Stick with light wall colors like soft whites, greys, or blues to keep things bright and cheerful. Darker hues can make a small space feel closed in.
Varied Textures & Patterns
Add visual interest with an eclectic mix of materials like wood, glass, metal, stone, and tile. Layering in patterns through wallpaper, fabrics, or tile backsplash avoids a boring, flat look.
Open Shelving
Incorporate some open shelving to break up wall space and allow the eye travel through the room. Style shelves attractively to add décor.
Mirrors
Strategically hung mirrors visually expand the kitchen by reflecting light and views. Place across from windows or parallel to cabinet runs.
Glass Doors
Using glass cabinet doors, vitrines for displaying pretty dishware, glass tile backsplash, or glass pendants brighten up compact kitchens.
SleekHandles
Opt for recessed hardware, bars, or pulls on cabinets and drawers to maintain a streamlined, uncluttered look.
Smart Compact Kitchen Ideas
Incorporating some smart elements into a compact kitchen’s design streamlines cooking and day-to-day function.
Slimline Appliances
Take advantage of new super slimline appliances that provide full function but take up half the space. Look for fridge, dishwasher, stove, and microwave options.
Pull Down Faucet
A pull-down spray faucet makes cleaning large pots and filling vases easier with the flexible hose that retracts out of the way.
Motion Sensor Lights
Hands-free motion activated lights under cabinets and in pantries illuminate automatically when needed.
Touch Faucets
Tap with a touch or wave to turn on touch-activated faucets and limit handles and knobs eating up space.
Voice Control
Control kitchen appliances and lighting hands-free with voice command assistants. Cue the microwave and set stove timers while multitasking.
Remote Control
Remotely monitor and control appliances like the stovetop or indoor grill from a smartphone app for added ease and safety.
FAQs About Compact Kitchen Design
What are some key tips for maximizing storage in a small kitchen?
- Use every bit of vertical space with tall shelving, hanging racks, and wall-mounted storage.
- Incorporate deep pull-out drawers and slide-out shelving for easy access to contents.
- Try open shelving along one wall to eliminate bulky cabinets.
- Multipurpose carts or furniture add storage and work space.
- Strategically hide appliances in recesses or behind panels.
How can you make a compact kitchen layout more functional?
- Arrange major appliances along one wall in a galley configuration.
- Try an L-shaped layout with two efficient work triangles.
- A U-shaped design utilizes three walls for storage but keeps things accessible.
- Islands and peninsulas add usable space even in tight footprints.
What are some good options for multifunctional pieces?
- A bistro table folds down when meals are done.
- A table that pulls up from a cabinet base provides bonus space.
- Banquette seating doubles as storage.
- Rolling, movable islands save room when not needed.
- Flip up butcher block preps food then becomes a dining spot.
What small-scale appliances work well for tiny kitchens?
- Undercounter or mini fridges keep the footprint compact.
- 18-inch dishwashers or countertop models fit in tight spaces.
- Slim 15-24 inch ranges maximize oven and stove space.
- Smaller sinks like bar or prep sizes minimize usage.
- Portable induction cooktops store out of the way.
- Separate ovens and stovetops stack in height to save floor area.
What kind of lighting works best for small kitchens?
- Task lighting like undercabinet lights illuminates sink and prep zones.
- Layer ambient, task, and accent lighting for depth.
- Light the interior of cabinets to see contents.
- Maximize natural light from windows.
- Glass cabinet doors allow light to pass through.
- Use reflective materials to amplify lighting.
How can you maximize style in a compact kitchen?
- Paint walls light, bright colors to avoid a cramped feeling.
- Mix up materials and textures for visual interest.
- Add some open shelving to break up wall space.
- Use mirrors to reflect light and create the illusion of more room.
- Incorporate glass cabinets, tiles, pendants to add light.
- Opt for minimal, streamlined hardware and fixtures.
Conclusion
While small in square footage, compact kitchens can still be highly functional and beautiful spaces. Getting creative with storage, rethinking layouts, embracing multifunctional elements, and choosing style finishes strategically are all key strategies for maximizing compact kitchen design. Focusing on lighting and selecting smart space-saving appliances also helps these petite kitchens live large. With some thoughtful planning and innovative solutions, you can create a compact kitchen that lives up to your cooking and entertaining needs in style.
