Design

10 Design Tips for Small Kitchens: Maximize Space & Style

Discover 10 expert design tips to maximize space and style in small kitchens. Learn how to create an open, functional, and beautiful kitchen.

Kristen Davis

September 18, 2024

Modern kitchen with sleek, dark cabinetry and light wood flooring. The design features a large kitchen island with a striking natural countertop, displaying strong natural veining. The cabinets on the right house built-in ovens and a dishwasher. Large windows provide a scenic view of trees and mountains, letting in natural light. The slanted wooden ceiling adds warmth to the space, and the overall design combines a warm, minimalist aesthetic with functional elegance.

Designing a small kitchen can be tricky, but with the right approach, you can turn even the tiniest space into a functional and stylish cooking area. Here are 10 essential tips from our designers to help you make the most of every inch, while ensuring your kitchen looks modern and feels spacious.

Small Kitchens: How to Maximize Space & Style

1. Go Vertical

When space is limited, using the height of the room becomes crucial. Floor-to-ceiling cabinets are a perfect solution for maximizing storage while creating a sleek, unified look. The added height draws the eye upwards, making the room feel taller.

Maximize height with floor-to-ceiling cabinets.
Create a unified look to draw the eye upward.

Pro-Tip: Consider glass-front upper cabinets or open shelving to break up the visual bulk and store less-used items up top. Out of sight, out of mind!

Bright and minimalistic kitchen with white cabinetry and light wood flooring. The kitchen features a white countertop and integrated appliances, including a gas cooktop with a modern range hood. A small, curved peninsula with a sink extends into the space, accompanied by two light wooden bar stools. Decorative items, such as jars and cutting boards, are placed on the countertop. A pendant light with a clear glass shade hangs above the island area, adding a soft, modern touch to the overall clean and airy design.

2. Open Shelving for Light and Airiness

Traditional upper cabinets can make a small kitchen feel cramped. Instead, opt for open shelving to lighten the room. Displaying frequently used items, like dishes and glassware, keeps everything accessible while reducing visual clutter.

Open shelving lightens the space.
Display curated essentials to keep things accessible.

Pro-Tip: Keep the shelves minimal and tidy. If you’re prone to clutter, open shelving may not be your best friend—stick to closed cabinets.

Contemporary kitchen with a light, neutral color palette, featuring flat-fronted cabinets with integrated handles and a spacious L-shaped layout. The countertop is light-colored, and open wooden shelving runs along the back wall, displaying glassware and dishes. A small window above the sink brings in natural light, framing a view of greenery outside. The kitchen peninsula includes integrated microwave and has seating for two with white stools featuring wooden legs. The floor is covered with large concrete-effect tiles, and a modern pendant light with multiple adjustable spotlights hangs above the island.

3. Focus on One Color

A single, cohesive color scheme creates a sense of unity in a small kitchen, making it feel bigger. Light shades, especially on cabinets and walls, reflect more light and enhance the sense of space.

Choose a cohesive color scheme for unity.
Lighter shades reflect light and open up the space.

Pro-Tip: Pick a color you’ll actually want to live with long-term.

A warm and inviting kitchen with a soft beige and wood-toned color scheme. The space features light-colored cabinetry with a sleek, minimalist design and marble countertops. A central kitchen island includes a sink and extends into a breakfast bar with wooden stools. A stainless steel refrigerator and built-in oven are integrated into the cabinetry. The wood flooring complements the light walls, and a pair of pendant lights with layered circular designs hangs above the island. Decorative items, such as plants and cutting boards, add a touch of homeliness to the space. A cozy seating area with a gray sofa is visible in the foreground.

4. Smart Storage Solutions

In a small kitchen, every inch counts. Use innovative storage solutions like pull-out pantries, corner cabinets with rotating shelves, and custom dividers for deep drawers to make the most of your space without cluttering countertops.

Innovative storage solutions maximize every inch.
Personalized dividers help organize deep drawers efficiently.

Pro-Tip: Vertical dividers inside deep drawers work wonders for organizing cutting boards, trays, and baking sheets. Goodbye to chaos.

Close-up of a kitchen drawer with an organized cutlery and utensil tray. The tray, made of light wood, holds neatly arranged spoons, forks, and knives. Below this drawer is another drawer with neatly stacked plates, including white and gray-colored dinnerware. The modern kitchen cabinetry has a dark matte finish, and the glass panels in the lower drawer allow visibility into the contents. The overall look emphasizes organization and clean, modern design

5. Compact Appliances for Space-Saving Efficiency

Just because your kitchen is small doesn’t mean it can’t be functional. Invest in compact or multifunctional appliances, such as a combined microwave and oven or an induction cooktop with flexible zones, to save on space without sacrificing performance.

Compact appliances save space without losing functionality.
Multifunctional options like microwave-oven combos are efficient.

Pro-Tip: Choose appliances that do double-duty. A microwave that doubles as a convection oven, or a fridge with a freezer drawer, can save valuable counter and storage space.

Modern pantry and kitchen area featuring light wood cabinetry and shelves. On the left, open shelves display glass jars filled with various dried goods such as pasta and grains, offering a clean and organized look. The countertop area to the right includes built-in wine coolers, a small coffee station with a sleek espresso machine, and cups ready for use. Above the counter is a built-in stainless steel oven. The cabinets have gold handles, and the backsplash is a subtle marble design that adds a touch of elegance to the space.

6. Layered Lighting for Depth

Proper lighting is essential for making small kitchens feel more open. A mix of task, ambient, and accent lighting can add depth and dimension to even the smallest kitchen. Under-cabinet lighting, for example, prevents shadows and makes countertops brighter.

Layered lighting adds depth and dimension.
Under-cabinet lighting prevents shadows on countertops.

Pro-Tip: Dimmable lighting gives you control over the mood, whether you’re prepping dinner or grabbing a late-night snack. Adjustable lighting levels make a big difference in a small space.

Close-up of a sleek kitchen backsplash featuring a large, white marble surface with bold gray veining. Under-cabinet lighting illuminates the space, highlighting the modern design. A minimalist utensil rail is mounted to the backsplash, holding black and white kitchen tools, including tongs and serving spoons. The upper cabinetry is a soft, neutral color, blending seamlessly with the contemporary aesthetic of the kitchen.

7. Ditch the Island in Favor of a Peninsula

Islands may be popular, but in a small kitchen, a peninsula is often more efficient. It offers the same extra counter space and storage without taking up as much floor space. Plus, it helps define the kitchen area without closing it off.

Peninsulas offer more space efficiency than islands.
Define kitchen areas without taking up as much floor space.

Pro-Tip: Utilize the underside of the peninsula for hidden storage. Think of it as extra cabinet space that works double-time.

Modern, minimalist kitchen with a clean white color scheme and light wood accents. A spacious island with a light countertop extends into a breakfast bar with three wooden bar stools. Open shelving along the wall holds glassware and dishes, and the backsplash features a smooth, neutral surface. The kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, including a refrigerator and oven. A linear pendant light with adjustable spotlights hangs above the island. Large gray floor tiles complete the contemporary aesthetic of the space

8. Underlit or Recessed Toekicks for an Elevated Look

Recessed toekicks are a subtle design trick that gives the illusion of more floor space. By setting the base of the cabinets inward, you create a "floating" effect that makes your kitchen feel lighter and more open.

Recessed toekicks give the illusion of more floor space.
Inward cabinet bases create a floating effect for a modern look.

Pro-Tip: Adding LED lighting strips to the toekicks enhances this floating effect, giving your kitchen a modern, spacious feel.

9. Integrated Appliances for Clean Lines

Incorporating appliances into your cabinetry can help maintain clean, uninterrupted lines. Built-in fridges, dishwashers, and ovens blend seamlessly into the design, preventing bulky standalone appliances from breaking up the flow.

Integrated appliances maintain a seamless look.
Built-in designs avoid breaking up visual flow.

Pro-Tip: Opt for panel-ready appliances that match your cabinet fronts. This way, you’ll enjoy a sleek look—and, eventually, you’ll always know where the dishwasher is hiding.

Stylish kitchen featuring dark wood lower cabinets and tall pantry units, paired with a white marble countertop. A built-in microwave is integrated into the cabinetry, and upper glass-front cabinets provide additional storage. Large floor-to-ceiling windows offer a view of the city skyline, bringing in natural light. Three pendant lights with brass accents hang above the counter, adding a touch of elegance. The kitchen design balances dark wood tones with light finishes, creating a modern and sophisticated atmosphere.

10. Clever Flooring for Visual Expansion

Flooring plays a crucial role in small kitchens. Light floorboards, seamless concrete, or large-format tiles can reduce visual distractions and create a continuous, uninterrupted surface. This seamless look makes the kitchen feel more expansive.

Choose light or wider floorboards, seamless concrete, or large-format tiles to reduce visual distractions.
Create a continuous surface to make the kitchen feel larger.

Pro-Tip: Large-format tiles or wide, with minimal grout lines will reduce visual clutter and create a seamless look, making your kitchen feel more spacious. And let’s be honest—less grout means less to clean. We’re all for that.

Bright and modern kitchen with a neutral color palette, featuring white upper cabinetry and light wood lower cabinets. The kitchen island, with a marble countertop, extends into a breakfast bar with wooden bar stools. Stainless steel appliances, including a dishwasher and a stove, complement the clean and minimalist aesthetic. A white subway tile backsplash adds texture to the walls, while a gold chandelier with spherical lights hangs above the island, creating a focal point in the room. The light wood flooring enhances the warmth and inviting atmosphere of the space.

Ready to Transform Your Small Kitchen?

By combining these strategies, you’ll maximize storage and functionality while making your small kitchen feel open and inviting. FORM Kitchens specializes in sleek, modern designs that make the most of any space. Learn more about how FORM Kitchens can transform your kitchen space with our personalized kitchen cabinetry.

Modern kitchen with a minimalist design, featuring light wood cabinetry and a contrasting black kitchen island. The island includes seating with three black bar stools and is illuminated by three sleek, black pendant lights hanging from the ceiling. The kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, such as a refrigerator and a stove. Open shelving on the right side of the kitchen displays white dishes and decor. A large window above the countertop allows natural light to fill the space, offering a view of greenery outside. Light wood flooring complements the warm and inviting atmosphere.

FAQs

What’s the best color scheme for a small kitchen?

Light, neutral shades work best for reflecting light and making the space feel larger. Opt for soft tones like white, cream, or light gray.

Should I install an island in a small kitchen?

A peninsula is often a better option for small kitchens. It offers extra counter space without taking up as much room as an island.

How can I create more storage in my small kitchen?

Use innovative storage solutions such as pull-out pantries, custom drawer dividers, and floor-to-ceiling cabinets.