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.
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. Opt for a crisp colour scheme
Make a small kitchen feel light and airy by opting for a neutral color 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 color scheme that will bounce light around, making the kitchen feel spacious.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Look to portable storage
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.
6. 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.
7. 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.