Genius Ideas for Small Kitchens Will Make the Tiniest Space Feel MASSIVE

While we all dream of spacious kitchens with ample pantry storage and room to move freely, the reality is often far smaller. This can be especially frustrating for passionate home cooks and frequent hosts who would never turn down a last-minute dinner guest. But limited square footage doesn’t have to mean limited functionality. With the right ideas for small kitchens, from swapping upper cabinets for open shelving to using smart organizing strategies, you can transform even the tiniest cook space.

One expert-approved tip that can help make a tiny kitchen seem bigger is utilizing high-gloss paint and shiny backsplashes to reflect more light into the space. Another idea for small kitchens is to downsize your kitchen island or leave it out altogether if there isn’t enough room for one.          

Here are a few ideas that you can use:

Disguise Storage

This plate shelving is a great way to display sentimental china patterns or stellar antique finds. It also doubles as sleek storage. Good organization is often thought of as having to be hidden or bulky, but with a clever use of vertical space in a small kitchen, dinnerware storage can also serve as art.

Carve a Thin Nook

Full-depth countertops take up a lot of space. Take inspiration from designer Kelly Hurliman, and install cabinetry into the wall rather than out of it. A slim inset still allows for a surface to place glassware.

Install a Pot Rack

Small curtain rods or pot racks can help keep countertops clean—a necessity in a small kitchen. Here, design firm French & French uses the bar to hold dried herbs, cutting boards, and other serving utensils.

Forgo Upper Cabinets

In a small kitchen, it’s important to maximize visual space. If you’re able, abandon the upper cabinets to keep your space feeling light and airy. Here, Ashley Maddox, along with designer Hilary Walker, uses a cool white paint to help reflect natural light and contrast from the dark-stained storage.

Make It Cozy

Embrace your kitchen’s small stature and furnish it with antiques to create a cozy feeling. Here, designer Liz Dutton opted for a small dining table that can double as a food prep space to supplement the limited counter space.