Small kitchens are a test of patience. You try reaching for a spatula, and before you know it, you knock over the spice rack with your elbow, and the mason jars follow the cumin seeds to the floor. Some days, it feels like you need the precision of a neurosurgeon to scramble eggs (okay, maybe we’re exaggerating, but it can be a pain).
How do you convert your labyrinth of pots, pans, and misplaced Tupperware lids into a functional and stylish space? Small shouldn’t mean cramped. No more cursing under your breath as you try to find the cutting board buried under five other things or tripping over your spouse trying to fix a snack.
Here are some smart design ideas we found by researching our favorite home sites to turn small kitchens into spaces that work smarter, not harder. It’s worth noting that “small” is a relative term that will vary depending on the number of people utilizing the kitchen and what they’re used to. Regardless, these tips still hold true.
1. Maximize Vertical Storage
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When countertop real estate is scarce, the only way to go is up. Utilize shelves, hanging racks, and even magnetic strips. This will clear up space for cooking and keep things like spices, pots, and pans within easy reach.
A great hack is adding open shelves above countertops or next to cabinets. They’re ideal for stacking plates, mugs, or showing off those artisanal olive oil bottles you’ve been hoarding.
2. Embrace Multipurpose Furniture
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In a small kitchen, furniture needs to work double-duty. Look for a table that folds down when not in use or stools that can be tucked under the counter. Anything that can collapse, slide, or shift will be your best friend. While the kitchen pictured here might not seem to be small, adding the extra island and chairs gives it a whole new dimension of space and function for a family.
You can also have kitchen islands with built-in storage to give you more space for prepping. Besides, hidden storage is a lifesaver for all the kitchen tools you’ve somehow accumulated over the years.
3. Use Light Colors to Open Up the Space
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It’s not a myth—lighter colors really do make a room feel bigger. Soft whites, pale grays, and pastel tones reflect light beautifully, helping even the smallest kitchen feel more open and airy. Along the same lines, it’s best to avoid dark cabinets unless you’re going for a cozy cave feel (which is totally fine, too, depending on your preferences).
Consider light-colored countertops and backsplashes, too. These reflective surfaces can create the illusion of depth, making your kitchen feel less like a closet and more like a culinary command center.
4. Install a Pot Rack
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Instead of shoving all your pots and pans into a chaotic drawer that is impossible to keep organized, hang them up. A pot rack on the wall or ceiling frees up valuable cabinet space and gives your kitchen a chic, industrial look.
It’s a practical design too. No more wrestling with a pile of lids to get to your favorite skillet. With a pot rack, you can grab what you need without turning your kitchen into an obstacle course. From personal experience, I’d recommend keeping the pot rack in a corner or against the wall, not over an island. This quickly becomes an eyesore and makes the space feel small since you can no longer see across the kitchen.
5. Choose Slim Appliances
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In a small kitchen, size really does matter. Bulky appliances can gobble up precious space, so think slim. Consider a narrower fridge, a compact dishwasher, or a smaller stovetop. Modern appliance makers get it—not everyone has room for the mega-fridge of the past.
Keep an eye out for space-saving appliances that still pack a punch. After all, who needs a washing machine-sized oven unless you’re baking for a village?
6. Hideaway Countertops
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Counter space is always at a premium in small kitchens, so adding extra when you need it is very helpful. Install some swing-out or fold-down countertops that can appear when you’re elbow-deep in meal prep and then disappear when you’re done (so you’re not running into it every time you grab a glass of water).
You can have one beneath your existing counter or even in a drawer. It’s perfect for those “just need a little more space” moments, and you don’t have to sacrifice any kitchen space.
7. Invest in Drawer Organizers
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A cluttered drawer is the bane of any small kitchen. Invest in drawer organizers to prevent that rogue measuring spoon from going MIA again. Customizable inserts keep everything in place, from utensils to gadgets, so you can actually find what you need.
An organized drawer will save time and your sanity. You can spend your time actually cooking instead of rooting around for that elusive garlic press.
8. Opt for Open Shelving
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It may seem counterintuitive to remove cabinet doors in a small space, but open shelving can make your kitchen feel less boxy. It forces you to keep things tidy while adding a personal, curated touch to your displayed dishware.
However, the key to making this work is moderation. Don’t go all open shelves unless you’re a minimalist at heart. A few well-placed shelves can lighten the room without leaving you feeling exposed.
9. Install Under-Cabinet Lighting
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Dark kitchens feel smaller. Installing under-cabinet lighting can brighten up your workspace without adding bulk. LED strips or puck lights are unobtrusive but make a world of difference when you’re chopping veggies at 7 pm in November.
Under-cabinet lighting also brings a bit of flair. It’s the kitchen equivalent of mood lighting for date night.
10. Create a Mobile Prep Station
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No counter space? No problem. A mobile kitchen cart can function as a prep station, extra storage, and even a serving table when guests come over. Bonus points if it has wheels, so you can push it out of the way when you’re not using it.
These carts make you feel like you have a fancy chef’s island without having to permanently sacrifice half your floor space.
11. Utilize the Backs of Cabinet Doors
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The back of your cabinet doors can be extremely useful when you need every available space to work for you. Install hooks or small shelves to hold cleaning supplies, pot lids, or even spices. It’s one of the easiest ways to maximize your space without cluttering up counters.
This trick is especially useful in narrow kitchens, where every inch counts.
12. Go for Glass-Front Cabinets
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If you’re feeling brave, swap out some of your solid cabinet doors for glass-front ones. This will add a touch of elegance and give the illusion of more space. It’s like switching to open shelving, but the fancy way (obviously, this kitchen is a great example of glass cabinets, but actually feels quite large with an entire dedicated space to wine glasses).
Be sure to keep the insides looking neat and organized—messy cabinets will ruin the effect. Glass-front cabinets work best when you have (mostly) matching dishware or an impressive collection of wine glasses.
13. Embrace Minimalism
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Sometimes, the best way to maximize a small kitchen is by keeping it simple. Strip back to the essentials and embrace a minimalist design. Less clutter means more space to breathe—and cook. I promise you won’t miss that extra juicer you last used during Jimmy Carter’s presidency.
Be intentional with your kitchen purchases. Keep only what’s necessary and give your small kitchen a chance to shine without all the visual noise.
14. Use Mirrors to Create the Illusion of Space
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Mirrors aren’t just for the hallway or bathroom—they can work wonders in a kitchen, too. Installing a mirror as a backsplash or on one wall reflects light and gives the illusion of a larger space. Suddenly, your small kitchen feels twice as big without adding a single square foot.
It’s also a brilliant design trick to make narrow or galley kitchens feel less cramped. Just be sure to double-check that the mirror is made of tempered or toughened glass in case you whack it with a pan or expose it to too much heat. Safety first!
15. Swap Cabinet Doors for Sliding Ones
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Swinging cabinet doors can feel like an obstacle course in a small kitchen. Sliding doors save space, look sleek, and keep you from banging your knees or head every time you grab a bowl.
Opt for lightweight materials or glass for a modern touch. Maneuvering in your kitchen will feel less like a battle.