Make It Smaller

Small kitchens can’t handle too many different tasks at once, like doing laundry, schoolwork, cooking, and looking for recipes, unless you’re not planning to cook at all.

So, if you have a small kitchen, focus on the most important things: cooking and the tools you need for it. Keep it simple and organized.

You can downsize your kitchen by using smaller appliances like a two-burner stove, a small microwave, and a single large sink. If you have a regular refrigerator, you can make it look fancy by surrounding it with panels.

Consider using a movable cart or a small island that you can put away when you’re not using it. This will make your small kitchen feel less crowded and more organized.

Use Open or Flexible Storage

Having big overhead cabinets in a tiny kitchen can make you feel trapped and cramped, especially if you can’t reach the stuff inside.

To fix this, get rid of those top cabinets and use open storage instead. You can also use things like pot racks, shelves, and magnetic holders for spices and knives.

Wire panel shelves can help you make the most of your space. If you’re not sure how it’ll look, check out some kitchen remodeling ideas before and after for inspiration.

Choose Fresh Colors

No matter what kind of small kitchen you have, using light and neutral colors can make it feel bright and open. But you don’t have to stick to just cream and beige. You can mix in other fresh colors to bring in more light and create a sense of space.

Consider using colors like Apple Crisp, Cream, Beige, Popcorn, and Chai Latte. You can even paint the cabinets the same color as the walls for a cohesive look.

Try a Gallery Kitchen Design 

Gallery kitchen designs were originally used in tight spaces like boats. If you’re dealing with limited space at home, this design can be really useful. It’s basically two opposite countertops with a walkway in between. One side has the stove, dishwasher, and sink, while the other side has counters and cabinets.

This design is super popular in small homes because it’s efficient and practical.

Go for Big Floor Tiles While small floor tiles might seem like a good idea for your small kitchen, they can actually make it feel crowded. The many grout lines between small tiles can be overwhelming.

Instead, choose larger tiles, at least 12 x 12 inches or bigger. With bigger tiles, there are fewer grout lines, and they are spaced further apart, which makes your floor look more spacious.

With the right small kitchen floor plans, the right floor color, and large floor tiles, your kitchen floor will look fantastic.

Light It Up

Don’t forget about lighting when you’re working on your small kitchen design. Just like in other rooms, you need different types of lighting to make it look great. Use bright under-cabinet lights to create the illusion of a bigger space. Also, make sure your ceiling lights are bright, and consider adding dimmer switches for more control.

If you’re not sure what kind of lights to use, take a look at some before-and-after photos of small kitchen remodels for ideas.

Try a Roll-Out Pantry 

In a small kitchen, space is precious, so you want to make the most of it. If you don’t have room for a full pantry, consider a roll-out pantry. This type of storage lets you easily pull it out to see what’s inside and then roll it back when you’re done. The typical size is about 5.5 feet in height and 18 inches wide. If you can’t fit cabinets in your kitchen, you can place them outside the kitchen to keep things organized and your kitchen feeling spacious.

For more ideas, check out some budget-friendly small kitchen design inspiration.

Use a Table as a Kitchen Island 

Instead of a traditional kitchen island, consider using a table in your kitchen. It might sound a bit unconventional, but it can add more workspace and functionality. Plus, it makes your kitchen feel friendlier, especially in a long, narrow kitchen. You can even add storage underneath the table to create more space for your kitchen essentials.

Get the Right Sink – Make It Smaller

We’re used to seeing big 12-foot-long sinks on countertops, but this might not be the best choice for a small kitchen. Instead, consider installing a single small sink in an unused corner of the kitchen. This can save space and make your kitchen look more efficient.

If you want to see how different small kitchen remodeling designs can transform your kitchen, take a look at some before-and-after kitchen remodeling ideas for inspiration.