Small apartments and homes offer plenty of charm, but they tend to be lacking when it comes to kitchen space. Luckily, there are tons of small kitchen ideas that maximize storage and efficiency. By thinking creatively about how to make the most of your tiny kitchen floor plan and utilizing whatever countertop and wall real estate you have, you can make even the tiniest of kitchens a space you enjoy cooking—and hanging out—in. Ahead, we’ve gathered 51 small kitchen design tips to help you maximize your space, be it a petite galley kitchen or just a single wall in an open-plan apartment. Whether you’re renovating and starting from scratch or just looking to refresh your existing space, read on to get your small kitchen in tip-top shape.
1. Extend cabinetry to the ceiling and install a sliding ladder
To maximize the limited space in this 1935 bungalow in Atlanta, Georgia, Copper Sky Design + Remodel extended the cabinetry—which is painted in in Benjamin Moore’s Webster Green for timeless appeal with a playful edge—to the ceiling. For easy access to kitchen storage in upper cabinets, the team also installed a sliding library ladder. “It glides along a rail across the kitchen, even over the refrigerator, providing easy access to the tall cabinets while adding charm that complements the home’s historic character,” says Micaela Quinton, the firm’s director of design.
2. Maximize visual interest with two-tone cabinetry
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This New York City galley kitchen designed by Mazzarini & Co. balances historic character with modern functionality. “Nestled inside a dark brown, lacquered alcove, the space features two-tone custom panel front cabinetry in rich mahogany paired with warm grey upper cabinets,” shares Dan Mazzarini, the firm’s principal and creative director. He says the juxtaposition creates depth within the narrow footprint without overwhelming the tiny kitchen. Calacatta Arabescato marble countertops and backsplash create visual continuity, while nickel fixtures and door pulls add shine. “Overall, the space was created to feel streamlined enough for daily use, but with an intentional approach to craftsmanship and material richness,” Mazzarini says.
3. Incorporate built-in storage space in creative ways
Interior designer Zoe Feldman, founder of Zoe Feldman Design, designed this small kitchen to be highly functional while still feeling intentional and layered. “Built-in storage played a central role in that balance,” Feldman says. Instead of relying solely on upper cabinets, the designer incorporated vertical niches that serve as practical storage while creating visual structure. “They give the eye a place to land and offer room for everyday objects that add warmth without creating clutter,” Feldman shares.
4. Utilize verticality as a design tool
“In a small kitchen with an open plan and tall ceilings, verticality becomes a design tool,” says Cortney Bishop, founder of her namesake design firm based in Charleston, South Carolina. Bishop recommends running materials uninterrupted from floor to ceiling to anchor the space and give it architectural presence. “Avoid visual fragmentation by limiting the material palette, simplifying and integrating the cabinetry profile, and treating key elements like the hood, lighting, and island as sculptural volumes,” the designer advises.
5. Continue materials throughout an open floor plan
“When designing small kitchens to blend into a larger space, we incorporate as many finishes as we can [for continuity],” says Susana Simonpietri, creative director of Chango. The designer shares that she likes to play with wood in particular. “If there is something like a clad ceiling with wood planks, for example, we carry that into the kitchen so it feels like a built-in,” Simonpietri explains.
6. When there’s no room for a kitchen island, install a peninsula
“In renovating this Washington, DC, row house kitchen, we expanded the opening of the former galley layout and added a peninsula to create an open-concept space where there wasn’t room for an island,” says Emily Vaughan of the Bethesda, Maryland–based Emily Vaughan Interiors. To warm up the white cabinets, the designer layered in a vintage rug, woven counter stools, a powder blue backsplash, and a Cole & Son wallpaper in the adjoining dining room.
7. Add visual interest with a patterned backsplash
Adding a patterned backsplash to a small kitchen is a go-to approach for creating an interesting and timeless space for interior designer Allison Garrison of Allito Spaces. “For this home, we wanted an airy, open aesthetic, so we chose a tile with a neutral base and soft colors,” Garrison shares. Given this San Diego home’s casual nature, cement tile was the material of choice. “One of the most challenging aspects to get right when using a patterned tile is deciding exactly where it will terminate and how to create balance; for this kitchen we had the perfect wall to feature the tile, and removed upper cabinets surrounding the hood so that the tile could really shine,” the designer says.
8. Balance strong color with calm neutrals
For Feldman, this penthouse kitchen Washington, DC, was about contrast used with restraint. “The blue paint is rich but muted, so it holds its own without overpowering a small footprint,” the designer says. She paired it with a sculptural plaster range hood and a boldly veined stone that runs seamlessly from the countertop to the backsplash. Feldman notes that the hood is intentionally quiet in both color and form to allow the stone to do the visual heavy lifting and prevent the color scheme from feeling busy. “Together, they create a clear hierarchy: strong color on the perimeter, calm neutrals at the focal point,” Feldman says.
9. Allow charm and character to shine
This small kitchen was designed by Meredith Beregovski, principal designer at Georgia Street Design, for a guest cottage tucked into the North Carolina mountains. “The original cabinetry and countertops already carried so much character, including a whimsical floral backsplash that set the tone from the start,” she shares. A soft, storybook color palette and thoughtful details make the space feel cozy and collected. “In this small kitchen, the charm comes from restraint: letting original elements shine and adding just enough personality through lighting, hardware, and a few well-placed details,” Beregovski says.
10. Lean into decorative details
Before it was reimagined by Mallory Robins and Elizabeth Bennett, principal designers at Kobel + Co., this natural light-filled, open floor plan kitchen was a narrow galley kitchen. “To make a small kitchen feel cohesive within an open plan, we leaned into decorative details that soften its presence,” the designers share. A styled open shelf, furniture-inspired hardware, and light colors create a curated space that isn’t dominated by appliances. “The hard-working pieces—the range and refrigerator—are subtly tucked out of sight, allowing the more decorative elements to take center stage,” Robins and Bennett reveal.
11. Invest in quality materials
“The size of your kitchen does not matter if you are picking materials that work well together and stand out,” says Anja Michals, founder of the Bay Area–located Anja Michals Interior Design. In this San Francisco Spanish-style home, Michals selected kitchen cabinets ebonized with a stain so they appear black but allow the grain to show. “We decided on black and white floors as a classic choice and also something that would pack a small punch,” the designer says. Michals paired the Lorca tiles from Tabarka Studio with a slightly more rustic tile on the wall and hood. “Color and texture are important as well in small spaces,” the designer adds.
12. Display art on walls and floating shelves
For his first studio, Mazzarini didn’t want a white kitchen, but a space that felt like a hotel suite kitchenette. “This space was not only the kitchen but also the entryway and a gallery for one-room living,” Mazzarini shares. “Cerused slate grey cabinets and open white oak shelves were planned from the get-go—a way to both disguise what we didn’t want to see and display my collection of objects from throughout the years,” he says. He capitalized on the 12-foot ceiling height and styled art above the kitchen sink and the opposite wall. “That, plus picture lights and the transom I added on the doorframe into the living room, made for dramatic gallery-like lighting, transitioning seamlessly from day to night,” Mazzarini says.
13. Increase functionality with space-saving solutions
This Atlanta kitchen designed by Gabriela Eisenhart, founder and creative director Silo Studio Design, is in a historic home with a smaller footprint. “My main design focus was maximizing functionality while honoring the architectural charm, which guided every decision during the design process,” Eisenhart says. She integrated space-saving solutions such as an appliance garage into the custom cabinetry and relocated the refrigerator to open up the layout. “What was once a galley-style kitchen is now a functioning modern day kitchen with a nod to its early 20th-century roots.”
14. Bring in graphic elements
In this small kitchen, the goal for Hollis Loudon Puig, founder of Hollis Loudon Interiors, was to bring personality, movement, and modernity into what she says was otherwise a very white, builder-grade space. “In small kitchens especially, I love using graphic elements like a bold runner or strong black-and-white artwork to create visual rhythm without overwhelming the footprint,” the designer shares. In addition to adding warmth and texture underfoot, the runner grounds the space and draws the eye down the length of the kitchen.
15. Add a prep area
You may not have space to expand or add a full island, so think about bringing in a slim rolling kitchen cart or bar cart to hold your mise en place or serve as extra counter space. Even a narrow console can work as a spot to set tools and ingredients on while you cook.
16. Remove upper cabinets
“Open shelves are extremely functional and make it so much easier to access dishes and glasses,” says New York–based interior designer Jenny Wolf, adding that 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.”
17. Get custom hardware
“I try to use hardware as statement pieces. It’s the jewelry you put on to complete the look,” says architectural designer Karen Williams, who serves as the creative director for St. Charles New York.
18. Get super organized inside your cabinets
For any small room (a kitchen or otherwise), getting organized is essential. When space comes at a premium, you can’t afford to waste any of it—even the hidden space inside your cabinets. Stock up on risers, lid organizers for your various pots and pans, spice-sorting systems, and anything else that will streamline and maximize your kitchen storage.
19. Streamline dish duty
If your small kitchen doesn’t have room for a dishwasher, making sure that the kitchen sink is both an efficient and tidy space is key. Consider adding in a compact dish rack, like this one from Simple Human, that drains directly into the sink and will never rust.
20. Splurge on fun glassware
There might not be room for much decor—so let your dishes do the talking. Unlike hefty serving pieces, colorful drinkware adds visual interest without bulk. Display arty stemware on an open shelf, or let a pitcher pull double duty as a countertop vase.
21. Add a kitchen island
Even if your kitchen is on the narrow side, you can still bring in a small kitchen island for prep space and conversation. Consider a rolling island, which can be pushed out of the way once dinner is ready. “Don’t think if you have a tiny kitchen that you can’t have an island. You can; you just need to put it on wheels so that when you’re working and you need an island it’s there, and when the guests arrive you can push it over to the side or move it into the dining room or living room and let it be the bar,” says interior designer Ellen Cheever. Alternatively, choose an island with slim legs that you could pull a few stools up to and let it double as bar or breakfast seating.
22. Use light colors to visually expand your small kitchen
“The lighter the kitchen, the larger it can feel,” Wolf says. “Sometimes, if there is a good view out a window, I like to focus on bringing the outdoors in and using nature to dictate the palette.” Keeping an especially light palette on countertops, backsplashes, walls, and millwork also helps a small kitchen feel more open. If you’re not in the market for a full renovation, consider the cooking tools that you always have out: Cutting boards, pots and pans, and linens can all lift a space if you opt for pieces in light shades.
23. Double down on white
The lightest palette of all, of course, is all white. “White paint will help spread and reflect light around, which also makes a space seem bigger,” says interior decorator and blogger Emily Henderson. If you have exposed shelving, create a wall of white by displaying white dish sets.
24. Maximize floor space with a dining nook
The shape of the room can have just as big of an impact as the square footage. “It’s important to pay attention to the structure of your kitchen,” Henderson says. “If you have a small dining nook, then go for a round table that opens up floor space and seats more people than a square one would.”
25. Pair utilitarian appliances with refined cabinetry
“People who frequently cook want to maintain something visually appealing. For one client—a New York City lawyer who has eaten at virtually every major restaurant in downtown Manhattan—it wasn’t about being a show kitchen, but a foodie’s kitchen. It’s very utilitarian—he wanted a heavy-duty Wolf stove—yet we took care in the selection of the finishes. The white cabinets are glass, and the gray cabinets are lacquer—they really play with materiality. This way, it’s not too precious or too utilitarian,” says designer Stephanie Goto.. For those not in the market for a whole new range, consider a striking espresso machine, like this Brutalism-inspired one by Anza, instead.
26. Think vertically
Just can’t get rid of that timeworn cookbook or prized flea market find? “Installing pot racks, knife mounts, and open shelving above your stove will free up tons of space,” says Henderson.
27. Get rid of all clutter
“Countertops are prime real estate for clutter, which instantly makes a place feel smaller,” Henderson says. “Make a point of getting rid of all your unused plastic containers and mismatched dinnerware every couple of months.” Tidy up your produce storage while you’re at it: A handy covered fruit bowl will separate onions and garlic from odor-absorbing fruit and keep their papery skins from cluttering the countertop. And if you’ve got the installation skills, a hanging fruit basket for those extra bits and bobs will add visual interest too.
28. Add a pegboard
Pegboards give you space where you didn’t think you had any—which is a huge boon in a small kitchen. You’ll find plenty of prefabricated pegboards online, like this handmade option from Etsy. Use it to hang everything from measuring cups to colanders. Or go the Julia Child route and put it to work showing off (and organizing) burnished copper cookware.
29. Opt for small appliances
“Don’t think small means cheap apartment, entry-level, dormitory stuff anymore. High-quality small appliances are now available. The other thing is combination appliances: You can have a microwave-convection-browning appliance,” Cheever says. We wholeheartedly agree. If you’re toying with putting in a new oven but rarely cook for a crowd, consider a convection oven instead. It is tiny enough to fit on a countertop and works as both an oven and toaster. And if you’ve been curious about the crisping capabilities of the trendy air fryer, you’ll love the circulation of the convection oven.
30. Use baskets for storage
Add baskets! If you’re running out of space in your cabinets and pantry, baskets and bins can make all the difference. Find baskets that fit the vibe of your kitchen and can double as decor and additional storage. Consider a basket for your clean kitchen linens that can be tucked out of the way on the lower shelf of a kitchen island, for example.
31. Add extra seating to your small kitchen
Put that extra counter area to use! Pulling up a few barstools will help take advantage of what can be an extra dining spot for casual dinners or for having your morning coffee.
32. Add a good kitchen rug and other warm accents
Incorporating warm accents like a good rug can make a small kitchen feel more like a cohesive space, especially if you have a one-wall kitchen that isn’t its own separate room. Natural colors, like those in this jute rug above, will be especially forgiving for the odd coffee spill.
33. Use concealed storage
“Maybe it’s our modern approach, but we design with concealed storage for the most part. With open shelving there’s a concern about dust, and there’s just less of a desire to showcase the interior of cabinetry,” Goto says. It’s not just dinnerware you can conceal—you can basically stash away anything. If you’re designing a small kitchen from scratch—or completely overhauling one—the possibilities for concealed storage are endless. Williams has stashed appliances behind a set of custom French doors, tucked a pullout banquette into an island, devised pullout marble pantries, and concealed outlets. “I love designing in a creative and unique way to incorporate the fundamental necessities of the kitchen,” she says.
34. Invest in kitchen supplies you don’t mind showing off
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If your kitchen is in the same space as, say, your dining and living room, set out well-designed pots, pans, kettles, and dinnerware right on the stove or counter (or even on that weird shelf created by the tops of your cabinets) when not in use.
35. Use the wall space above the counter for additional storage and decor
The sky’s the limit—or at least your ceiling is—when it comes to how much storage you can add onto a wall. You can create an incredibly efficient storage system with shelves for glassware, hooks for mugs, pegs for pans, and a rod for frequently used utensils without taking up much space at all. Or use this space to add a little greenery to your kitchen without giving up any precious counter space.
36. Use pattern in unexpected places, like your floor
Wolf says the floor—an often overlooked area of a kitchen—is the perfect place for a high-impact design element: “A patterned floor will give the illusion of a greater expanse to the space.” Wolf likes mixing it up with either chevron or herringbone wood-floor patterns or even using hand-painted cement tile for a more bohemian feel.
37. Double down on color with vivid appliances
If you don’t want to commit to a colorful wall, opt for a colorful appliance instead. Something that’s always out, like a stand mixer, toaster, kettle, or coffee machine, will add just the right bit of color to an otherwise white space.
38. Or open up part of the walls
It’s often difficult to open up a galley kitchen completely, particularly in old buildings, due to the placement of pipes, but you can still add light and air by removing even a small section of the wall. A portal or open corner can help connect the kitchen to the rest of the living space.
39. Install a pot rack
If those bulky pots and pans are taking up valuable storage space, try hanging them from a rack to create a culinary centerpiece—and free up room in your cabinets for other essentials.
40. Find a tiny sink, and get one with a cover so it doubles as a prep area
“Don’t overlook the sink. The biggest innovation in sinks today is they all come with covers. When you need a big sink, it’s there for cleanup, and when you need a tiny sink, it’s there as well,” Cheever says.
41. Consider a mirrored backsplash
“Mirrors are especially useful when there is no, or minimal, natural light in a kitchen,” Wolf says. “They can help to open the space up and bounce light around.” The designer has been known to use antique mirror tiles instead of traditional tile for a backsplash.
42. Put up artwork
Just like every room in your house, your kitchen deserves artwork. Adding art that fits your space and style is a simple but effective way to amp up your kitchen design.
43. 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.) Consider adding them to open shelving, drawing the eye upward and creating interest in even the smallest of kitchen spaces. Potted herbs, like basil or oregano, are an easy addition that will also liven up your favorite dishes.
44. Hang a mirror above the stove
According to Wolf, you can create the same effect with a mirror. “It’s better to look at than a plain wall,” she says.
45. Make the most of marble
Marble is a stunning addition in any kitchen. This newly renovated kitchen in Manhattan features Calacatta marble countertops and backsplash—and we’re here for it.
“I like to incorporate a full slab of marble running behind the range and through to the back of the cabinet,” Williams says. “The single slab, as opposed to marble tiles, provides drama but can also be hard to implement.” For countertops, Williams relishes using slabs with semiprecious stones to create a wow factor. “This is a great area to personalize your kitchen with a fun color or pattern.”
46. Get colorful with an accent wall
An accent wall (or two!) can completely transform the look of your kitchen, regardless of its size, and doesn’t require any power tools. And if you haven’t noticed already, we love a colorful kitchen.
47. 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 downlight with decorative fixtures over the island and prep station,” Wolf says. Good lighting, plenty of it, is incredibly important while cooking.
48. Make your kitchen island really stand out
The island is the centerpiece, so why not make it look special? Try coating the base in a bold color that complements the other cabinetry.
49. Hide your fridge within the cabinetry
This is one of the more expensive small kitchen ideas, but it’s a game changer. Concealing your fridge within your cabinetry streamlines the entire look of the space and gives it a seamless surface.
50. Make use of every nook and cranny
Find a use for everything, even the space next to your stove (it makes a fantastic place to store spices, oils, soup stocks, etc.). One of Cheever’s favorite small kitchen design solutions is adding in “very, very narrow nine-inch-deep pantries, which can take the place of a filler between a refrigerator and a wall.”
51. Revamp the floors
Have your kitchen floors seen better days? You’re certainly not alone—particularly if you’re a renter. But before you start panicking about the cost of a full-on professional floor makeover, keep in mind that there’s a budget-friendly hack worth exploring: chic peel-and-stick floor tiles. Taylor Fusco, the founder of Tay Fusco Design likes how this particular style of faux Carrara marble tile pays a nod to the 19th century. “It’s classic,” she says. “These floors pack a punch in a small space.” Not fully moved by this pick? For a retro look, experiment with black-and-white stick-on tiles to create a charming checkered design.
52. Try a table for two
A petite French wine table sits in the center of this kitchen in lieu of a traditional island—it was all that could fit in the space, explains designer Jeanne Barber, the founder of Camden Grace Interiors in West Hartford, Connecticut. “It does double duty as extra counter space and provides a perfect spot to enjoy morning coffee,” Barber says. “The top tilts, so the table can be tucked away for easy storage during large gatherings, when floor space is at a premium.”
53. Add a mesh moment
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Mesh upper cabinets provide major style without sacrificing functionality in this kitchen designed by Molly Torres Portnof. What one might not guess is that the mesh actually conceals the home’s HVAC system. But that’s not all: “The wow factor in the kitchen is the stunning waterfall live edge peninsula bar ledge with brass dovetail joints,” adds Portnof, the founder of DATE Interiors in Brooklyn.
54. Put your walls to work
Jeff Andrews, the founder of Jeff Andrews Design in Los Angeles, chose to hang essential cookware on the wall of tile behind the oven range in this small kitchen. “I started with the vintage blue in the Smeg appliances, so we chose black, white, and cream colors that complement the color of the appliances and give the entire space a retro vibe,” he says.
55. Conceal storage with some chic drapery
As part of the San Francisco Decorator Showcase in 2024, designer Kristen Peña upgraded a freestanding storage cabinet—positioned in the secondary kitchen of an early-20th-century mansion—by covering the doors with a Zoffany fabric. But one could certainly take a DIY approach to replicate this style. “The covered glass allows this storage piece to be even more functional since it keeps party supplies, tableware, and pantry staples within easy reach but casually hidden,” the K Interiors founder says.
56. Or hide it under your island
In order to accommodate a homeowner’s “impressive collection” of cookbooks, Ginny Padula, the founder of Town & Country Design Studio in Red Bank, New Jersey, added shallow shelves beneath the island countertop to house the many tomes. “Now she can sit at the island with a cup of coffee, flip through her favorite recipes, and plan the next delicious meal for her family,” Padula says.
57. Or put it on full display
Those who wish to enjoy sizable windows in your kitchen without forgoing extra storage will want to take a cue from this kitchen by Jessica Dorling of Dorling Design Studio in Seattle. She opened up a dark cooking space with the addition of a sweeping nine-foot window. “At the same time, we needed storage—so floating shelves became the perfect solution,” Dorling says. “The combination of the large window and floating shelves delivered both function and form, completely transforming how the kitchen looks, feels, and operates.”
58. Go rustic
Don’t be afraid to go rustic in the kitchen. Exposed beams and wall cladding made from reclaimed wood, sourced from old barns and historic structures, adds major intrigue to this kitchen by Abby Hetherington, the founder of Abby Hetherington Interiors in Bozeman, Montana. “This aged material brings a unique ‘mushroom’ hue—neither brown nor gray—that adds the perfect warmth and tone to the space,” the designer says. “It’s a subtle, lived-in color that feels both timeless and grounding.”
59. Ditch upper cabinets for an airy feel
Skipping upper kitchen cabinets can help make a space feel more airy—and add an eye-catching element. Here, Sarah Harari & Courtney James, the founders of Ivy Interiors, opted for open shelving, “bringing in visual interest while allowing everyday essentials and curated pieces to coexist with intention,” the Hunt Valley, Maryland–based designers explain. “The result is a functional kitchenette that feels elevated, airy, and effortlessly lived-in.”
60. Stick with a classic Calacatta marble
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When choosing a backsplash, you can never go wrong with a classic Calacatta Vaglia marble. Here, the material nicely complements the soft white cabinets that Piper Skillman, the founder of Piper Skillman, Inc, in New York, selected for this kitchen. The AD Pro Directory member appreciates the way in which this material adds “visual interest” to the space. “In addition to providing movement, the marble ties in the Oxblood oven,” she says.
61. Repurpose everyday items
Adnan Anwar, the founder of Adnan Anwar Design in New York, got creative when displaying some of his cooking essentials on the countertop in his own apartment. “I find that urban kitchens are often deficient on drawer space,” he says, noting that his own kitchen contains just one singular drawer. “I made up for this by putting all my utensils in a salt-glazed crock and my flatware in a set of Missoni glasses,” he says. “You want to make sure the items you use are sturdy—delicate glass, for example, is not a fit.”
62. Create visual contrast
Located in Washington, DC’s Park View neighborhood, this small kitchen in Vaughan’s starter home was a DIY makeover. “I used wallpaper on both the ceilings and walls to disguise various soffits and irregular ceiling heights required for plumbing and stair clearances,” the designer shares. Vaughan created visual contrast within the small kitchen by pairing the patterned wallpaper with dark painted IKEA cabinets, an exposed brick wall, and white countertops and backsplash.
Frequently asked small kitchen idea questions
What is trending for small kitchens in 2026?
According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s annual trend report, 2026 kitchen trends will see an increased demand for smart storage solutions such as cabinetry that extends to the ceiling and more pullout drawers and hidden housing for small appliances. There will be an emphasis on personalization, with lighting becoming a decorative statement, backsplashes serving as bold room features, and mixed colors and finishes throughout the space for a layered and curated feel.
What design styles work best for small kitchens?
Say hello to plenty of mixed materials in a small kitchen. “We love layering warm, organic materials—plaster, stone, and wood—to bring depth and texture to our kitchen designs,” Harari and James note. Selections such as handmade tile, unlacquered hardware, vintage rugs, and thoughtfully curated objects lend a sense of character and soul, regardless of square footage. When possible, consider an open-concept layout that flows effortlessly into adjacent dining or living spaces, helping compact kitchens feel more expansive and connected for everyday living.
What color palettes are best for small kitchens?
A handful of hues are fair game to use in small kitchens, designers say—just don’t go all-in with tons of different colors all at once. “I generally advise to keep small kitchens a single consistent color,” Barber says. “Save the two-tone kitchens and contrasting island colors for larger spaces.”
Dorling shares similar sentiments. “It’s less about a specific color and more about color drenching—using a single tone across walls, cabinetry, and trim—which can make a small kitchen feel larger, not smaller,” she says.
How do you make a small kitchen look nice?
Loudon Puig believes small kitchens benefit from confident choices. “When the palette is clean and simple, a graphic rug or bold artwork can do a lot of heavy lifting, elevating the entire room without the need for a full renovation,” the designer says. These confident kitchen design choices instantly take a small kitchen from generic builder-grade to one that has personality and feels intentionally designed.
What’s the ideal layout for a small kitchen?
When it comes to the ideal kitchen layout for a small space, Feldman says clarity matters. “My rule of thumb for small kitchens is simple: Prioritize function first, limit visual interruptions, and choose a few materials that are confident enough to carry the space,” the designer says. When every element is intentional, it will result in a space that feels well-appointed instead of tight.
