50 Small Kitchen Ideas to Make Your Space Feel Bigger
Trust us, there's no need to sacrifice a bold backsplash or moody cabinet color.
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We spend a lot of time in the kitchen — it's the heart of the home, after all. While having a big, spacious cooking space is a dream for many homeowners, small kitchens can be just as functional when properly designed and organized. Whether your kitchen design is modern, traditional or contemporary, it's possible to infuse personality into small spaces — even when remodeling on a budget. To help you make the most of your limited square footage, we rounded up small kitchen ideas that pack a lot of style.
Tackle kitchen clutter by putting up shelves, hanging pots from the ceiling or bringing in a rolling cart. If you're dreaming up a major refresh, consider painting cabinets a fresh shade (light colors make a small room pop) or install a tiny kitchen island that doubles as extra counter space. Try experimenting with checkerboard floors, layering in vintage accents or taking a kitchen backsplash all the way to the ceiling. Swap upper cabinets for open shelving (a great hack for galley kitchens) or go big with artwork (it can easily become the focal point).
Whether you live in an apartment, condo or your house is lacking kitchen space, we've got no shortage of kitchen inspiration to steal. And, if you're hunting for space-saving solutions for other rooms, check out our advice for apartment living rooms, small bathrooms or tiny dining rooms.
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: 30 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.
Hang Shelves in the Window
Take note from Donny Mak Design&Build and install large shelves in front of the kitchen window. Not only does open shelving provide storage for dishes and glassware, it's a great place for houseplants to thrive.
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.
Take a Maximalist Approach
Go with over-the-top patterns, colors, rugs and decorative accents. Piling it on with purpose will help your space feel cozy, not overwhelmed when properly executed.
Add Corner Shelves
If you don't have the space for wall-to-wall open shelving, go for small corner shelves. Designer Kate Lester created instant storage by hanging three reclaimed barn wood shelves.
RELATED: Open Kitchen Shelving Ideas to Revamp Your Cooking Space
Highlight an Open Layout
The work of John McClain Design, this small kitchen is also a dining room and living room — and, yet it feels super spacious and sophisticated. Two small bistro tables near the sofa provide additional dining space.
Stick With One Color
Embrace a monochromatic palette to create a sense of harmony in a small kitchen. Whites and grays are classic options, but bold colors can be just as timeless (if done right).
RELATED: Green Kitchen Cabinet Ideas That'll Energize the Heart of Your Home
Hide the Fridge
Try a panel-ready fridge, which means the appliance comes with a custom cabinet panel so it blends seamlessly with the rest of your space. Here, a mini fridge hides behind the light gray (Gossamer Veil by Sherwin-Williams) cabinets.
Create the Illusion of More Space
Mirrors reflect light and trick the eye into perceiving a space is larger than it actually is — plus, they look great while doing it.
Make the Most of Kitchen Corners
Learn to work with the space you have by capitalizing on every nook and corner. If your actual kitchen is small, there may be a small crevice or awkward nook that can be reworked into additional kitchen space.
Bring in a Dining Table
Due to the placement of a back door, this kitchen is split in two parts, leaving a lot of open floor space. It's the perfect opportunity to bring in a small dining set.
Mount a Metal Rack
Skip a decorative backsplash and hang this metal rack instead. Attach metal hooks to hang pots, pans, pitchers, cutting boards and other cooking must-haves.
Steal From Vintage Kitchens
From the butcher block countertop and moody green cabinets to the cafe curtains and glass pendant light, this small kitchen — designed by Sarah Stacey — is packed with vintage charm and character.
Keep It Classic
Pair classic horizontal subway tile with a creamy, all-white palette to nail a classic look. For a little drama, choose geometric flooring tile.
Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
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