While small apartments and homes offer plenty of charm, they tend to be lacking when it comes to kitchen space. Luckily, there are tons of small kitchen ideas that maximize storage and efficiency. It’s all about working with the layout of your space, whether your kitchen is confined to a single wall, U-shaped, or tucked in a corner. Ahead, we’ve gathered 51 small kitchen design tips to help maximize your space. Whether you’re renovating and starting from scratch or just looking to refresh your existing space, you’ll want to give these a try!
You may not have space to expand or add a full island, so think about bringing in a table that can do double duty as a spot for prep and dining. Even a narrow console can work as a spot to set tools and ingredients on while you cook.
- Remove upper cabinets
“Open shelves are extremely functional and make it so much easier to access dishes and glasses, you should think about your kitchen architecturally, as it doesn’t always make sense to have upper cabinets—“especially if the ceilings are 10 feet high.”
- Add some greenery
Plants can liven up any space, including your kitchen. (Check out our favorite air-purifying plants, indoor trees, and pet-friendly plants to see what greenery might strike your fancy.)
- Add extra seating to your small kitchen
Use that extra counter area for casual dinners or your morning coffee. Pull up a few barstools and take advantage of an extra dining spot.
- Install pendant lights or striking light fixtures
Install lights to brighten up the entire kitchen. You can never have enough lighting in a kitchen, and I always down-light with decorative fixtures over the island and prep station. Good lighting, plenty of it, is incredibly important while cooking.
