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If your small kitchen has you feeling stuck, don’t fret. Interior designers are full of tips for how to make the most of your limited space—in terms of both functionality and style—whether you’re planning to take on a reno or are just looking for a quick fix. Below, four pros weigh in with their tried and true suggestions.
Meet the Expert
- Rachel Little is the founder of Browne House Interior Design.
- Allann Arnold and Victoria Payne are the co-founders of Sloan Hollace Hill Country Interiors.
- Andrea Sinkin Jaffe is the founder of Andrea Sinkin Design.
Reconsider Storage Solutions
Maximizing storage in a small kitchen is of course key, but you can think outside the box when it comes to tucking away items in order to add style to your space at the same time.
“Reconsider how everyday items are stored so that they become functional decor by utilizing vertical storage and integrating multi-functional furniture,” says Rachel Little, the founder of Browne House Interior Design.
For example, Little suggests, consider hanging your pots and pons from the ceiling to free up valuable cabinet space while making a design statement.
You can even get creative when it comes to displaying your everyday forks and knives, she adds.
“To maximize your drawer space, put silverware on your counter in a seagrass utensil holder or a unique container found at your favorite antique shop,” Little says.
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Opt for Dual Purpose Decor
On a related note, make sure that even your decorative items can serve a purpose—or a variety of purposes—if need be.
“Use beautiful bowls to display fruit that can also be used for serving salads, or cutting boards that double as decor when not in use,” says Allann Arnold, the co-founder of Sloan Hollace Hill Country Interiors. “These pieces add a layered warmth while being functional.”
Cozy the Space with a Rug
While you may not have space in your kitchen for a full on runner, you can still add a cozy feel to the space by integrating a smaller rug in front of the sink, notes Andrea Sinkin. The founder of Andrea Sinkin Design is partial to vintage rugs in particular. To ensure that yours stays in place as you move about your cooking space all day long, she offers a simple hack.
“Use hot glue to hold down the edges so you don’t trip and it doesn’t move all over the place,” Sinkin says. “That won’t damage the rug or the floor, and you can pop it up and down easily for cleaning any time.”
Stick to a Simple Color Scheme
If your kitchen features glass cabinets, your space will appear less visually cluttered if you keep all of your dishware simple in color rather than opting to display bowls and plates in every hue under the sun.
“All white dishes, and matched glasses and all white mugs are very timeless,” Sinkin says.
Be Mindful About Where You Invest
Less is more in a cooking space that lacks in square footage.
“In a small kitchen, investing in a few high-quality, standout elements can make a big impact without breaking the bank,” says Victoria Payne, the co-founder of Sloan Hollace Hill Country Interiors.
She recommends splurging on showstopper pieces such as waterfall countertops on a peninsula or small island, handmade specialty tiles, specialty marble slabs, and more.
“These features can elevate the design and add a luxurious feel to the space,” Payne says.
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Prioritize Natural Light
If you’re in the process of remodeling a small kitchen, consider adding skylights or upgrading to more sizable to let the sun stream in, Arnold suggests.
“Natural light can make any space feel larger and more inviting,” she says.
Skip the Upper Cabinets
The concept of forgoing any type of storage element in a small kitchen may seem unimaginable. However, as Payne says, “It’s often beneficial to reduce upper cabinets and instead focus on well-organized lower cabinetry.”
She explains that in small cooking spaces, upper cabinets can make a space feel too heavy and cramped. Plus, when you remove them, new viable opportunities emerge.
“Upper wall space can then be used for windows, wall sconces, or open shelving,” Payne says.