Downsizing to a smaller home?
Working with a tiny kitchen in your apartment?
Don’t fret — small spaces can still be big on style and function!
With some clever design ideas, you can transform your pint-sized kitchen into an efficient, organized and gorgeous space.
As an interior designer who specializes in small living, I’ve helped many clients maximize their tiny kitchens.
The key is choosing the right layout, storage solutions, materials and decorative touches to enhance the space.
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Optimize Storage with Cabinet Fronts to the Ceiling
Maximizing vertical storage is a must in a small kitchen.
One great way to do this is by installing cabinetry that goes all the way up to the ceiling.
Having cabinet fronts that reach the ceiling provides you with significantly more storage space.
The tall cabinetry makes the kitchen feel more closed in and cozy (rather than awkwardly large).
It also gives you plenty of room for dishes, food items and small appliances.
When designing for a tiny kitchen, I always recommend cabinetry that reaches the ceiling.
The extra storage capacity is invaluable.
For a seamless, built-in look, match the color and style of the upper cabinets to the lower cabinets.
Consider open shelving above the upper cabinets to break up the wall of cabinetry.
You can also integrate interesting details like glass cabinet doors, built-in lighting or crown molding.
Getting creative with your ceiling-height cabinetry is an excellent use of vertical space in your petite kitchen.
Just make sure to include storage solutions that are easily accessible, like pull-out shelves or a step stool.
Built-In Banquette Seating
One way to add function and character to your small kitchen is to incorporate banquette seating.
A built-in bench with tables adds casual dining space and storage in one furniture piece.
Banquette seating works especially well along one side of the kitchen, using what would otherwise be wasted space.
The benches can have open shelving underneath for storing items like cookbooks and food canisters.
Or you can customize with large drawers for pots and pans.
Upholster the bench cushions in a durable, stain-resistant fabric that complements your kitchen decor.
Select tables that fold down into the bench for a space-saving design when not in use.
Add cushy backrests for comfort.
Beyond mealtimes, a kitchen banquette creates extra seating for parties, homework space or relaxing with a good book and cup of coffee.
It brings cozy character to your tiny kitchen.
When incorporating banquette seating, pay close attention to the measurements of your kitchen.
Be sure to leave enough clearance around the benches for walking and opening appliances.
Banquette seating is a smart solution for small kitchen spaces with limited room for a freestanding table and chairs.
Use a Peninsula Instead of a Full-Size Island
For many homeowners, an island with seating is a must-have for their dream kitchen.
But a full-size island may not be feasible for compact kitchens.
As an alternative, consider incorporating a peninsula.
A peninsula is a connected countertop that juts out from a wall or bank of cabinets.
This type of layout provides some of the benefits of an island, like additional prep space and bar-style seating.
But it takes up less overall floor space in your petite kitchen.
When designing a kitchen peninsula, allow for at least 42 – 48 inches of clearance for walking around it.
Opt for stools that tuck neatly under the overhang when not in use.
Incorporate electrical outlets into the peninsula for convenient access while cooking.
Beyond seating, a kitchen peninsula is ideal for food prep, staging dirty dishes, charging devices and more.
For a more decorative element, use the backside of your peninsula for open shelving or a framed chalkboard.
Though more compact than an island, a thoughtfully designed peninsula can add handy space and character to your small kitchen.
Install Shelving Over Doorways
Here’s a clever storage solution that takes advantage of frequently overlooked space — installing shelving over doorways in your kitchen.
This out-of-the-box idea provides a home for storing cookbooks, decorative items or small appliances.
When styling doorway shelving, consider items you use most in the kitchen.
Keep staple ingredients, oils and spices close by for easy access while cooking.
Display colorful dishware to inject your personality.
Or neatly organize small appliances like the coffee maker, toaster or blender.
Doorway shelving should have enough clearance so you don’t bump your head.
Measure the height of the doorway and leave at least 6-12 inches above for comfortable passage.
For safety, secure shelving firmly into wall studs.
Beyond just storage, doorway shelving makes a pretty design statement.
For an eclectic look, mix different sizes, shapes and colors.
Or go for symmetrical and seamless with shelving that spans the entire length and matches the rest of your cabinetry.
Getting creative with vertical real estate is key for petite kitchens.
Doorway shelving is one ingenious way to introduce extra storage and style.
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Opt for Sliding Doors on Corner Cabinetry
Here’s a clever cabinet upgrade for opening up small kitchens: installing sliding doors on corner cabinetry.
This door style maximizes access and space efficiency.
In a tiny kitchen, standard corner cabinet doors often end up blocking each other.
The doors collide when opened, reducing your ability to utilize the storage capacity.
With sliding doors, you avoid this nuisance altogether.
Both doors can be fully opened and accessed without obstruction.
Sliding doors on corner cabinetry allow you to take full advantage of every inch of space.
Beyond better access, sliding doors also provide an updated, sleek aesthetic for your kitchen.
They have a clean, modern look compared to traditional cabinet doors.
Choose sliding doors made of materials like wood, frosted glass or polished metal to match your kitchen design.
Don’t have a corner cabinet?
Consider retrofitting existing cabinetry or installing new custom-built cabinetry with space-smart sliding doors.
This door style maximizes storage access in your petite kitchen.
Install a Wall-Mounted Magnetic Knife Rack
Wall space is prime real estate in a tiny kitchen.
An easy way to take advantage of vertical square footage is by mounting a magnetic knife rack.
This convenient addition corrals essential kitchen tools in one organized spot.
Magnetic knife racks allow you to keep sharp utensils safely out of reach of little ones but easily accessible while cooking.
Models made of wood, metal or other materials add a touch of rustic flair.
Or go for an unconventional material like marble, stone or reclaimed wood for a striking focal point.
When positioning your magnetic knife rack, look for a section of wall space near your prep area.
Mount it about 16 inches above your countertop for comfortable access.
Only install screws into wall studs for a secure hold.
Beyond knives, magnetic racks are also handy for holding up spices, kitchen scissors, metal measuring cups and more.
This wall-mounted storage solution keeps essentials organized and close by in your compact kitchen.
Add Tiered Shelving for Display and Storage
Here’s a budget-friendly storage hack for making the most of vertical space in your small kitchen — tiered shelving!
This basic shelving technique doubles your display capacity in a snap.
Start by mounting a standard shelf or cabinet on the wall, spaced above your countertops.
Then install a second shelf directly underneath, leaving just enough room for the items you’ll be displaying.
For a finished look, make sure the two shelves are level and evenly spaced.
Use the bottom shelf for frequently used items you want close at hand, like spices, oils or dishware.
Designate the top shelf for displaying decorative items or storing items you use less often.
Tiered shelving adds a touch of style while also providing more storage real estate.
Beyond wall shelves, you can also double up on existing cabinetry.
For example, add a second shelf inside an upper cabinet.
When designing your petite kitchen, look for opportunities to create stacked shelving.
This is an easy DIY upgrade for any small space.
Install a Wall-Mounted Drying Rack
Tiny kitchens often lack surface area for air drying dishes.
An easy solution I recommend to clients is installing a wall-mounted drying rack.
This storage essential frees up precious countertop space.
Wall-mounted racks allow you to neatly stack plates upright and securely hold glasses and utensils.
Look for a stainless steel wire rack with a contemporary style that matches your kitchen aesthetic.
Consider a folding design that pivots out of the way when not in use.
Position the rack near the sink for efficient washing and drying.
Make sure to securely install it into wall studs.
For extra drying space above, mount a utensil rod or small shelf.
Beyond creating countertop space, a wall-mounted rack brings visual order to your petite kitchen.
The vertical design gets essentials up and out of the way.
Complete the look with a hanging dish towel.
This functional storage upgrade is an excellent choice for freeing up space and keeping your small kitchen tidy.
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Embrace Open Shelving for a Light, Airy Look
Trading upper cabinets for open shelving is one of my favorite tips for making a small kitchen feel more spacious.
This airy design approach prevents your petite space from feeling too closed in.
The key is thoughtfully styling, editing and organizing the open shelves.
Start by displaying your most beautiful, frequently used dishes.
Add in pretty jars of spices and cooking staples.
Aim for an uncluttered look by minimizing shelf contents.
Work in decorative touches like framed art, trailing plants, or pops of color with dishware.
Add under-shelf lighting for brilliant illumination.
Wood or metal braces provide support and a finished look.
Edited open shelving lends a light, casual aesthetic to your tiny kitchen.
Make sure to wash shelf contents regularly to keep dust at bay.
Embracing this breezy style allows your small kitchen to breathe easy.
Install Track Lighting for Flexible Illumination
Finding adequate lighting is crucial for tiny kitchens.
Track lighting systems provide brilliant, flexible illumination even in petite spaces.
Track lighting involves installing a mounted track on the wall or ceiling.
Small individual light heads fit over the track and can be angled or moved to direct light precisely where needed.
Strategically place track lighting over key kitchen zones like food prep areas, the stove or the sink.
Look for energy-efficient LED bulbs to minimize energy use.
Beyond brightness, track lighting adds stylistic flair.
Mix and match light fixtures in colors and finishes that match your kitchen decor.
Use directional lighting to highlight display shelving or artwork.
Track lighting allows you to brighten up every corner of your small kitchen.
This adaptable, stylish system is easy to DIY install.
It’s an excellent choice for well-lit, functional petite cooking spaces.
Build a Custom Breakfast Nook
Tucking in a cozy breakfast nook is one of my favorite ways to maximize seating in a tiny kitchen.
Custom built banquettes make use of every spare inch.
Start by assessing an unused corner or narrow space near the kitchen entry.
Measure the dimensions and design a bench and table setup to fit.
Look for space to add storage like drawers or open shelving underneath.
Upholster the bench in a durable, colorful fabric that energizes your kitchen palette.
Select table sizes that nest neatly into the banquette when not in use.
Beyond mealtime, a charming breakfast nook invites you to curl up with your laptop and a cup of coffee.
Cushy pillows and an area rug underfoot complete the space.
With a custom breakfast nook, you can add seating to your small kitchen without sacrificing precious floor area.
This cozy spot provides the perfect perch for casual dining and relaxing.
Opt for Pull-Down Shelving That Disappears When Not In Use
Don’t have space for full-time shelving or a kitchen island?
Consider incorporating pull-down shelving that tucks away out of sight.
This versatile design maximizes your storage options.
Pull-down shelving consists of shelves connected to a mounted track system.
Give the shelves a gentle pull and they smoothly descend to a useful position.
With a push, the shelving disappears flush into the wall or cabinetry.
When shelves are stowed, you regain a clean, sleek kitchen aesthetic.
The shelving remains subtly hidden until needed again.
Look for pull-down systems made of durable materials like wood or metal to bear weight.
Pull-down shelves are perfect for small kitchens with limited space.
Use them to hold cookbooks, microwave cookware or extra pantry items.
This multifunctional storage solution expands and retracts in seconds.
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Make Use of Rolling Carts for Portable Storage
Rolling carts provide portable, flexible storage and prep space in small kitchens.
Look for cart models with multiple levels to hold essentials.
Sturdy stainless steel carts have sleek industrial appeal.
Rustic wooden carts lend a homey farmhouse feel.
Choose a style that matches your kitchen design aesthetic.
Use rolling carts to keep frequently used cooking tools and staple ingredients close at hand while you cook.
Store lesser used items like party serving ware or small appliances on carts off to the side.
To maximize your tight quarters, roll carts right up to your prep zone when needed, then tuck them out of the workflow when not in use.
Carts allow you to get organized while making smart use of your limited floor space.
Designing an efficient, eye-catching tiny kitchen is very doable, even if you’re working with an awkward floorplan or very little square footage.
Getting creative with layout, storage and stylish touches allows you to maximize every inch.
The key is selecting space-saving furniture, multifunctional fixtures and clever storage hacks tailored to your needs.
Focus on taking advantage of vertical real estate and underused areas.
With strategic planning and design, you can create a petite dream kitchen that’s high on function and style.
Which of these tiny kitchen ideas resonated most with your needs?
Are you inspired to redesign your compact cooking space?
Whatever the size of your home, a beautifully organized kitchen is within reach.
Get creative and get cooking in your petite palace.
Here’s to designing your amazing small kitchen transformation!
