50 Best Small Kitchen Ideas and Designs for 2021

For most people, the kitchen is the hub of family life. It’s the place where everyone gathers in the morning when they’re just starting their day and the place were everyone comes together in the evening while dinner is cooking. However, not every family has a large kitchen to work with.

Just because you don’t have a lot of space to work with doesn’t mean that you can’t have a lovely kitchen. With the right design tips and tricks, you can turn a smaller kitchen into a cheerful and functional space in your home. From creative uses of space to bright colors that give the illusion of a bigger area, there are plenty of smart ways to give a little kitchen a whole lot of life and character.

Don’t feel limited by a small kitchen space. Here are fifty designs for smaller kitchen spaces to inspire you to make the most of your own tiny kitchen.

Check Out 50 great small kitchen design ideas to Try this Year

1. Find Serenity With Muted Blues

Blue is a bright and cheerful color that can bring a sense of calm to any kitchen. However, some find really bold blues to be too overwhelming. This homeowner gave their modest kitchen a bright but demure ambiance with a muted blue hue on the walls and cabinets. One interesting design choice is the mirror above the sink. While most of us associate above-sink mirrors with bathroom decor, a mirror above the sink in a kitchen does wonders to open up the space. The clear doors on the upper level cabinets also add some extra dimension to this small but inviting space.

2. A Very Narrow Space Becomes Larger Than Life With Bright Hues

When it comes to small kitchen design, don’t feel like you’re stuck with the same old design techniques. This homeowner was stuck with a very unconventional kitchen space, in the sense that they had a narrow space but very high ceilings. To work with the architecture instead of against it, they went high with their decorations. The wall decal and the eye-catching lamps draw the eyes up, which makes the high ceiling and not the narrow space the focal point of this kitchen. While they kept the cabinets and walls white, the multi-colored backsplash brings cheer to this slim space.

3. An Entire Kitchen Hidden In A Beautiful Furniture Piece

If anyone has made the best of a tiny kitchen space, it’s this clever homeowner. They have built an entire kitchen counter, complete with a sink, microwave and shelving space, into a beautiful floor-to-ceiling furniture piece. This piece looks just as beautiful open as it does closed. Not only have they made a lovely nook that is completely functional, but the demure accents ensure that this piece fits in well with the rest of their shabby chic home design. This piece would be perfect for a kitchen with limited space, in addition to a functioning wet bar for a parlor or game room.

4. Modern, Sunny and Bright

These days, many kitchen decorating ideas are moving away from the cozy and shabby chic look and more towards the modern, minimalist and clean look. This kitchen design is sunny and inviting, but also quite modern and sophisticated. The brushed tin on the cabinets gives this kitchen a sleek look, while the use of greenery and the floor-to-ceiling windows ensure that the space is cheerful and inviting. The homeowner’s decision to keep their spices in decorative jars on shelves instead of hidden away in closed cabinets is inspired and can be replicated by just about anyone.

5. Classic With A Touch Of Modern

A lot of kitchen design pictures feature spaces with white cabinets and walls. While this might seem boring to some, there’s a practicality to it. With this simple foundation, you can truly create just about any decor scheme in your space. This homeowner chose to work with teal and cream decor pieces and accents. The focal point of this design is the antique chandelier, which gives this otherwise modern design a touch of old world charm.

6. Trendy Modernity Meets Retro Charm

The juxtaposition of the baby blue retro fridge with the sleek, shiny black accents in this tiny kitchen design is truly inspired. The bright white tile backsplash ties the whole look together. This kitchen design idea demonstrates that you don’t have to feel locked into working with design ideas from just one era. Mixing the old with the new can create a look that is charming yet current. The little accents, such as the cream flowers and the antique wooden boxes, finish off this simply gorgeous design.

7. Soft, Feminine and Sunny

Home decor doesn’t have to be about modern architecture and fashion-forward design accents. There’s nothing wrong with sticking with a classic, feminine design scheme. This homeowner chose to create an accent wall, adorned with a lovely soft green floral wallpaper. It works beautifully with the rest of the space, which is a simple but bright white. The hideaway breakfast bar on the accent wall is a great idea for anyone who wants a kitchen table but simply doesn’t have the space. Stools can be stored in a nearby coat or supply closet and retrieved as needed. This is a lovely use of a small space that isn’t too overwhelming or overpowering.

8. A Futuristic, Polished Design

If you prefer your home decoration inspiration to be futuristic and modern instead of classic and demure, then this is the perfect kitchen design scheme for you. This homeowner utilized a hideaway kitchen space, which have been a popular choice in major Asian cities like Seoul and Tokyo, where apartment space is limited, for quite some time. Everything about this design is about as modern as it gets, from the polished metallic surfaces to the hanging gold spherical light fixtures. This design would be perfect for any apartment or condo dweller who wants to turn their small space into something big.

9. Black, White and Elegant

There is something to be said for the elegance of black and white home decor designs. This apartment dweller was working with an incredibly narrow kitchen space that didn’t have high ceilings to make up for it. Instead of remodeling the actual cabinetry or fixtures, they painted the ceiling and a single wall in black chalkboard paint, adding a floor-to-ceiling wall decal of an ornate antique fork. The beautiful, French-inspired black chandelier finishes off this incredibly elegant design. This is an example of an apartment kitchen that started off incredibly dull and dreary, but was brought to life with some simple touches.

10. Work With What You Have

This homeowner started with what may have been a nightmare for some. Instead of cabinets, they were stuck with shelves, in addition to an exposed exhaust vent. However, instead of trying to conceal these aspects, they worked with them in their tiny kitchen design. They adorned the shelves with glassware, books and knick-knacks to give the space some personality. Instead of attempting to conceal the exhaust vent, they hung delicate lights from the pipe. This gorgeous design is both chic and deconstructed, giving it an incredibly modern and urban feel.

11. Bright Yellows and Metallic Surfaces

Don’t be surprised if you see a lot of metallic or reflective surfaces when you’re researching small kitchen design ideas. Working with materials like polished tin are great for small spaces because they reflect images instead of just presenting a matte finish. This can create the illusion of a space being far larger than it is; indeed, this is why you’ll see a lot of mirrors when designers are trying to open up a small room. In this kitchen, a reflective ceiling creates the illusion of the room being far taller than it is. The bright yellow color of the cabinets helps to create an illusion of openness as well.

12. A Small Space With A Fifties Flair

This tiny kitchen is inspired by the classic look of 1950s kitchens. The cabinets are painted a classic soft teal, with a tiny antique gas oven instead of a large modern stove. This homeowner is clearly more than eager to play up the retro look of their kitchen, with antique Tupperware and kitchen tools used to decorate the space. This retro look may feel quite daring to some; however, the classic style of 1950s kitchens is a piece of Americana that will forever be in style.

13. A Cherry Red Fridge Is The Focal Point

When reviewing kitchen design images, you’ll start to notice that a common theme is picking one part of the design to serve as a focal point. For many, this is an accent wall. For others, it’s the kitchen island. In this unique kitchen, a retro cherry red fridge serves as a stupendous focal point. The homeowner was smart to keep the rest of the look simple, with muted dark grey cabinets that don’t overpower the brightness of the fridge. The red text on the artwork near the window serves as a beautiful finishing accent that ties the whole decor scheme together.

14. Who Needs Cabinets When Bookshelves Will Do?

Some home decor purists may audibly gasp at the idea of bookshelves in the kitchen, used in lieu of cabinets, but anyone who loves modern design will instantly recognize this as a bold and chic design choice. For many urban apartment dwellers, bookshelves may be the only resource they have for storing their plates, glassware and kitchen accessories. As long as everything is organized in an appealing and eye-catching way, this is a bold way to create a gorgeous decor scheme both in a small space and on a budget.

Small kitchen ideas – to turn your compact room into a smart, super-organised space

Our small kitchen ideas are perfect for those not blessed with a large and sociable kitchen-diner. Sure, you might not have space for a kitchen island, range cooker and dining table to cram guests around. But diminutive doesn’t have to mean drab. There’s a wealth of clever ways to make your kitchen scheme feel spacious…

We’ve got a whole section of kitchen ideas ready to help kick-start your project

Storage is one of the most important elements in a small kitchen. By maximising every spare inch, reorganising areas that don’t work as hard as they should and adding extra solutions where necessary, you can turn a tiny room into a Tardis. More and more kitchen design looks to benefit from minimal clutter and maximum efficiency.

Start by thinking about how you use your kitchen and where everything needs to be as this will help you decide what sort of storage you require. For example, it’s best to store items by how often they’re used, so make sure that everyday dishes are on an easy-to-reach lower shelf with special-occasion pieces higher up.

Small kitchen ideas

1. Utilise wall space to create a compact design

Image credit: Kitchen Makers

When space is at a premium clever compact kitchen design comes to the rescue. ‘When presented with a smaller space it is essential that the layout is carefully considered to make sure every inch of the kitchen is utilised’ says Ben Burbidge, managing director at Kitchen Makers. ‘Creating a bank of cabinetry along one wall is a great way of streamlining and opening up the space. Tall wall units are particularly suited to narrow, galley style kitchens as using this space ensures the area feels less cramped than if filled with larder style dressers.’

2. Create an optical illusion using colour

Image credit: Dulux

Painting kitchen cabinets is having a resurgence, as homeowners look for affordable ways to revamp existing kitchens – rather than the expensive task of replacing. And what better way to make your kitchen look brand new than a splash of colour to revive the surfaces. In small spaces a new colour scheme can do wonders to help the space feel that little bit bigger too.

A neutral on the surrounding walls, such as Dulux’s ‘Timeless’ provides a fresh airy feel for the space. While a stronger, more dominant colour such as Dulux’s ‘Urban Obsession’ can give presence to the kitchen cabinetry. By painting all the base units in a darker shade the room will feel divided, creating the optical illusion of a greater sense of space between floor and ceiling.

3. Opt for a crisp colour scheme

Image credit: Ti-Media.com

Make a small kitchen feel light and airy by opting for a neutral colour scheme. However, neutral doesn’t just mean beige or cream. Pair white pattern tiles and marble worktops with duck egg blue kitchen cabinets for a crisp colour scheme that will bounce light around, making the kitchen feel spacious.

4. Invest in flexible storage

Image credit: String

In a small kitchen you need to think creatively when it comes to storage. Instead of investing in ordinary shelves, this wire panel shelving from string maximises storage by adapting to your kitchen’s needs. Add in or take away shelves, hang glasses upside down and even introduce a wine rack. When space is at a premium you need to make sure every inch counts.

5. Distract the eye with bold flooring

Image credit: Jonathan Jones

In a small kitchen go all-out with bold tiling. A strong pattern on the floor distracts the eye and makes the room feel bigger. Every inch of this kitchen has been designed to make the most of the small space from the slimline appliances to the hanging pot plant. Hanging the copper planter is a great way to add some life and decoration in the kitchen with out cluttering work surfaces.

6. Hide appliances in a breakfast cupboard

Image credit: Colin Poole

Keep surfaces from looking cluttered by tucking the toaster, kettle and coffee machine away in a breakfast cupboard. As soon as you open the cupboard your favourite gadget a sat ready to use. This is a nifty trick for making use of awkward corners and that none of your kitchen tech gets lost at the back of a cabinet.

7. Swap an extractor hood for a combined extractor induction hob

Image credit: IKEA

This combined induction extractor hob is a great space saver in a small kitchen. It means you can swap a bulky extractor hood above the hob in favour of extra storage. If you don’t require an extra cupboard of set of shelves, consider leaving the area above the hob empty to give the illusion of a more spacious kitchen.

8. Swap a table for a kitchen island

Image credit: Lizzie Orme

Adding a kitchen island might sound like a terrible idea in a small kitchen. However in a long thin kitchen it is the perfect way to add in extra storage and surface space, whilst keeping the kitchen a sociable space. Choose an island like the one above with plenty of storage space underneath for stowing away vegetables and linens. A slight overhang from the counter top ensure than the four bar stools fit easily under the island, avoiding any potential trip hazards.

9. Paint kitchen cupboards to match the walls

Image credit: David Parmiter

Create the illusion of more space in a small kitchen by painting the cupboards in the same colour as the walls. This works really with a white or grey colour scheme, creating a light and airy space where the units blend into the kitchen walls. In this kitchen every spare inch of space is crammed with storage but a uniform wash of white paint keeps the space looking neat and spacious.

10. Turn an awkward corner into clever storage

Image credit: David Parmiter

A small kitchen requires you making use of every inch of storage space you have. If you have a small boxy kitchen, rather than cramming all your pots and pans into a deep cupboard that is going to become a nightmare when you need to find a particular frying pan, consider swapping a cupboard for a drawer. This clever pullout drawer maximises space and makes finding your favourite frying pan easy-peasy.

11. Consider compact containers

Image credit: Simon Scarboro

Put a windowsill, shelf or recess to work by adding a selection of strong baskets and use to stow bottles, packets or even fresh herbs in pots. Baskets are also a great way to store condiments, meaning you can take them all to the dining table in one trip.

12. Find a new home for the washing machine

Image credit: Caroline Arber

You may think the kitchen is the obvious place to put a washing machine. But in continental Europe, you’re more likely to find it in a bathroom. So if you’re stuck for space, it might be worth relocating your laundry appliances elsewhere. If your bathroom is just as teeny, you might be able to squeeze it in a cupboard under the stairs.

Alternatively, if you have a separate washer and dryer, you consider keeping them in the kitchen but stacking them one on top of the other in a old larder cupboard. It hides them out of sight, saves space and helps streamline laundry days.

13. Supersize the sink

Image credit: Georgia Burns

Your small kitchen might not have space for a dishwasher, so it’s worth finding room for a double sink. Keep one bowl for washing and one bowl for dirty dishes. That way you’ll have somewhere to stack mucky prep kit and plates out of sight, and without cluttering up the work surface.

14. Turn every corner into a storage space

Image credit: David Parmiter

Identify places where there’s wasted space, such as the gaps between shelves, at the back of cupboards, below the sink, unused corners and windowsills. Stack wherever you can and have a clear out of kitchenware that’s infrequently used or only has one purpose, so you have less to store.

Think also about relocating items that aren’t in everyday use, but you don’t want to throw out, to elsewhere in your home. Next, think about the space on your walls and doors – try adding a utensil rail or magnetic knife board, hooks on the sides of your cupboards or racks hung over a door. Extra shelves in corners or across alcoves will also come in handy.

15. Add storage helpers

Image credit: Dan Duchars

Your cupboards and drawers are your biggest storage resource but it’s likely that they’re not being used fully. Internal storage solutions will make the most of them, so think about retrofitting wire racks that pull out of corners or slim cupboards, some plinth drawers, or using drawer dividers for utensils, spices, pans or plates.

Boost your storage further with a mobile solution, such as a trolley or butcher’s block on castors, or think about popping baskets or containers on top of your wall cupboards – just keep a sturdy stool nearby so you can reach them.

16. Clear away the clutter in small kitchens

Image credit: David Brittain

Wall cabinets can really encroach on space, so consider doing away with yours. Open shelving can make a huge impact in a small kitchen, creating an open and airy feel, as long as you limit the amount of shelves you use, and what you keep on them.

17. Tidy your worksurface

Image credit: Lizzie Orme

If there are too many items cluttering up the worktops, consider clever solutions like wall-mounted magnetic knife strips, rails to hang utensils, pans, mugs, spice jars and cutlery bins. Also think about what you need to have to hand every day, such as chopping boards, wooden spoons, washing-up liquid, and what can be stored away until needed.

18. Keep your kitchen scheme simple

Image credit: Colin Poole

Nothing makes a room seem larger like simple white walls, so why not take it further with sleek, contemporary details that open up the space. Light, reflective materials and minimal designs are your friends in a small kitchen, so consider white or frosted glass cabinet doors, white stone or composite, or stainless-steel worktops, and white splashback tiling.

19. Look to portable storage

Image credit: Simon Whitmore

Consider a kitchen trolley on casters, which provides an additional prep surface when you need it, tucks away when you don’t and also offers extra storage for cookery books, pots and pans. You can even use it as a handy food and drinks trolley when you have guests.

20. Don’t let space go to waste

Image credit: Colin Poole

Not every kitchen will have room, but if your heart is set on having an island or peninsula, consider a slimline design. The central workstation shown here may be small, but it provides extra storage space and a useful worktop for food preparation.

21. Neaten up a compact kitchen

Image credit: Lizzie Orme

Not every home is blessed with a vast open-plan kitchen but, if your room is on the small side, there’s plenty to feel positive about. For a start, it’s easy to keep everything to hand, and you’ll find a wealth of storage ideas to get the very best out of your space. To avoid cluttering the worktops, plenty of cupboards have been incorporated into this kitchen design.

Opt for handleless designs for a sleek, steamlined appearance. Don’t overdo the materials in a small space. This kitchen features a maximum of three different materials, all in muted colourways.

22. Install floor-to-ceiling cabinetry

Image credit: Barbara Egan

Think vertically by continuing your cabinets up to the ceiling but plan carefully to ensure the room feels as open as possible. Store less frequently used items in high cupboards. Add a breakfast bar if you can – the amount of storage and workspace it provides makes great use of the footprint and will ensure your kitchen is more sociable.

How do I plan a small kitchen?

As with any kitchen, large or small, you need to think about the journey. How do you use the space? There’s a triangle of use within every kitchen, the journey made from fridge to sink to oven – the key elements that need to be considered. Plan your layout around the best way to use the floorspace. Look to use vertical solutions to make the most of every storage space available.

What is the best layout for a small kitchen?

Ben Burbidge, at Kitchen Makers says small kitchens needn’t compromise on dream layouts. ‘Don’t be afraid to include an island or breakfast bar but try not to make the overall dimensions too big as it may restrict movement around the kitchen. Opting for an open or floating island will keep all areas accessible and provide additional seating opportunities. The area under the island’s worktop can offer ample space for storage and kitchen.’