61 Small Kitchen Design Ideas for a Stylish and Functional Space
Make every inch count with clever storage and layout ideas.
A pint-sized kitchen doesn’t have to feel cramped. These small kitchen ideas prove that there are plenty of ways to add style in a compact space. We tapped designers to share their go-to storage solutions, layouts, and stylish touches that can upgrade any space. Whether you’re planning a full kitchen renovation or looking for budget-friendly ways to add some personality to the space, you’re sure to find inspiration here.
Before you start redesigning your space, experts say it’s a good idea to declutter. Getting rid of things like countertop appliances you don’t use or those chipped mugs you never reach for can allow you to see your space more clearly. Plus, when you’re working with a small kitchen, every inch of storage space counts!
There are plenty of opportunities to add some personality to your kitchen’s design. Don’t be afraid to experiment with elements like tile, countertop materials, and cabinet colors. Even practical features, like cabinet handles and shelving, can be a place to have some fun with your design.
Ahead, experts share their favorite design ideas for small kitchens. For more inspiration, read up on the small kitchen island design ideas pros love and ideas for making your galley kitchen stylish and functional.
Add Shelves to the Range Nook
In a small kitchen, every inch of space matters. Take inspiration from Chris Loves Julia, and make room for built-in shelving right by the range. Chris uses it to keep a few go-to oils and spices within reach while cooking.
Remember the Space Above Cabinets
If your cabinets don't reach the ceiling, use the top area to squeeze in a collection of containers for items you don't use on a daily basis. Just make sure they're pleasing to the eye like this setup from The House That Lars Built.
DIY a Coffee Mug Rack
Go the DIY route like blogger Jen Woodhouse and use a coffee mug rack to free up much-needed cabinet space. Not only can it boost your kitchen's function — it's a fun way to showcase a pretty mug collection.
Experiment With Color Weights
There's no reason not to go bold with color in a small kitchen. If you can't get enough of a daring shade like teal, take things up a notch by picking two color weights. Combining light and dark hues creates instant visual interest.
Show off a Brass Rail Shelf
Highlight the beauty of vintage brass hardware with this shelf Alice & Lois made to display a small assortment of glassware. A dark wood stain was chosen to really let the brass detail shine.
Pair Open Shelving With a Brass Pot Rail
Along with walls in Wildflower Honey from Dunn-Edwards, Studio DIY! created a wow factor by installing an open shelf directly above a brass pot rail. The shelf is the perfect spot for displaying vintage pieces, including art, while the pot rail below holds a few decorative pieces, dish towels and everyday utensils.
Get Creative With Shelving
Karen of Sanctuary Home Decor managed to tuck a pair of short open shelves, styled with greenery, dishware and decorative accents, right next to her kitchen's range hood. The wood shelving adds another element of texture to the space.
Make a Utensil Rack
When you're cooking in a pinch, the last thing you want to do is scramble to find the right utensils. A Beautiful Mess completely eliminated this frustration with a DIY wire rack to keep frequently used utensils handy.
Bring in Primary Colors
Daring hues can completely transform a small space. Designer Karen Nepacena of Destination Eichler tapped Kerf Design to install cabinets in primary colors. "Kerf Design’s vibrant cabinet finish colors really stood out,” Nepacena says of the space. “We knew they were the perfect palette to work into the kitchen.”
Utilize the Side of the Kitchen Island
Don't overlook the side of your kitchen island. With the simple addition of a rail, you can give your favorite cutting boards and dish towels a home like this setup from The Merrythought.
Go for a Chalkboard Wall
Why settle for a blank wall when you can bring in a little personality with chalkboard paint? With just a few coats, Molly of Almost Makes Perfect created more than enough space for jotting down grocery lists, deadlines and more.
Consider Tiered Countertop Shelving
Take a cue from Tidbits & Company and place a tiered wooden shelf or two in a corner. Reserve them for plates, bowls and mugs that you use most often. Not only are the shelves functional — they look good, too.
Don't Be Afraid of Color
Small kitchens don't have to lack color. Try a nature-inspired hue, like an inviting green, for cabinetry. Elevate the space with checkerboard flooring for a timeless look.
RELATED: Best Green Kitchen Cabinets to Bring the Outside In
Roll in a Small Island
A rolling kitchen island introduces extra counter space without the commitment to a permanent fixture. When guests are over, you can simply roll it to the side or into another room. Not to mention, this white island has drawers and a cabinet for storage.
Install Window Treatments
Patterned Roman shades, which complement a blue backsplash, elevate this small kitchen by Studio Munroe. Keep them rolled up during the day to let natural light fill the space.
Try a Moody Hue
Swap neutrals for deep hues — think navy blue or burgundy. Not to mention, Kelsey McGregor, founder of Kelsey Leigh Design Co., says warm rusty reds are trending this year.
Make the Most of a Galley Kitchen
Galley kitchens are long and narrow with cabinets lining both sides of the room. Although they tend to get a bad rap (some say they feel crammed), they can make cooking a breeze since all of your cabinets are within reach. Here, interior designer Julia Chasman makes this small space feel elegant with green cabinets and gold fixtures.
DIY a Kitchen Island
Here's a crafty solution if you're remodeling on a budget. Starting with simple base cabinets, this blogger built a rolling kitchen island with a butcher block countertop. Plus, she paints it a bright green that serves as a pop of color.
Maximize Wall Space
Whether it's hanging shelving, mounting a pot rack or displaying cutting boards, it's important to make the most of vertical space in any small layout.
Sneak in Extra Shelving
The end of this galley kitchen presented the perfect place to tuck in shelves under the window. Here, REFORM opts for baby blue cabinets and puts blue dinnerware on display to double as decor.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) leads Good Housekeeping’s gift guide strategy. She writes and edits commerce content, where she analyzes lifestyle trends, shopping data, and works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute to recommend top-tested products. Previously, she was the associate lifestyle editor for GH and wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, BobVila.com, and Unique Homes Magazine. When she’s not tracking down buzzy products, you can find her walking her dog, Skye, around Jersey City.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
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