Small Kitchen Design Ideas For A Functional Space
To make the most of a small kitchen and design a space of value and style, you’ll want to focus on space-saving solutions that reap beautiful results.
We’ve organized our 25 best ideas for remodeling a small kitchen into four categories of kitchen design elements.
Small Kitchen Design Elements:
1. Lighting
2. Cabinets
3. Color
4. Practical
LIGHTING
When you don’t have a lot of space to work with, you want to make the most of every functional design element.
Lighting is an amazing way to brighten up a small kitchen and create an inviting space. Lighting also does a great job of making a room appear bigger, which is a huge plus when you’re designing a small kitchen.
Statement Lighting
Statement light fixtures are eye catching and beautiful. The right statement lighting will capture your gaze and create the appearance of a large space. Statement lighting is excellent for small kitchen designs because it allows you to be creative without taking up much room. Plus, statement lighting lets you put your own unique touch on an interior.
Skylights
Skylights are perfect for adding natural light to a small space, especially a small kitchen. If you’re completely redesigning your kitchen, you can easily add skylights to create a more open and well lit space.
Task Lighting
Task lighting is essential for small kitchens. Adding task lighting to your kitchen lets you easily illuminate your work space and add style to your design. Task lighting is an increasingly popular trend in small kitchen design that is crucial to creating a bright and inviting space.
CABINETS
Cabinets are one of the most important kitchen design elements.
When it comes to kitchen design, cabinets can make the biggest impact and are arguably the most crucial part of any kitchen. Cabinets give you the opportunity to be creative in your material, color, and hardware choices to create a truly one of a kind space.
High-Gloss
High-gloss cabinets and backsplash are perfect for smaller kitchens. The reflective and glossy material creates the illusion of a larger space while adding a modern flair to the design.
Open Shelving
Open shelving is a stylish way make the most of your wall space. We recommend placing open shelving above your sink, stove, or other unused wall area. You can also replace upper cabinets with open shelves to remove some bulkiness from your kitchen and give it a more open feel.
Minimal Hardware or No Hardware
Small kitchen design should be minimal and practical. With slab-style cabinet doors rising in popularity, the need for hardware has decreased. By opting for minimal or no hardware you’ll give your kitchen a more streamlined appearance which will in turn create the illusion of a larger space.
Gold Hardware
Gold hardware is also a beautiful choice for a small kitchen design and has a way of brightening up an interior. Whether you prefer light cabinets or dark, gold hardware pairs beautifully with most color palettes and offers an elegant touch to any kitchen design.
COLOR
You can use color to transform your small kitchen into a unique and personalized space.
Color is so effective in changing the look and feel of a space that it’s sometimes all you need to successfully makeover your kitchen. Whether you prefer bright and bold or soft and subtle, you’ll love these ideas for adding color in a small kitchen design!
Removable Wallpaper
Removable wallpaper is not only convenient, but it’s also a fast and effective way to make your small kitchen design stand out. Use a statement pattern to create an accent wall or place paper behind open shelves to give it a personal touch. Removable wallpaper gives you virtually endless opportunities to make a small kitchen design one of a kind.
Colored Appliances
Colored appliances are extremely popular in small kitchen designs, and for good reason! Stylish and unique, colored appliances offer small kitchens the chance to stand out. Whether you prefer a cobalt blue over, a seafoam green refrigerator, or a bright red wine fridge, there are many ways to create a one of a kind design with colored appliances.
Pop With Pink
Pink is one of the newest trends we’re seeing in small kitchen designs and we are loving it! The soft and elegant hue pairs beautifully with hunter green, navy, gold, and white. Adding a pop of pink to your kitchen will brighten up your space, add dimension, and create an overall inviting appeal.
Mirrored Walls/Backsplash
Mirrors offer the perfect way to add the illusion of space, create dimension, and give your kitchen a brighter look. To utilize mirrored walls or backsplash in a small kitchen is not only beautiful, but practical. Mirrors will give your kitchen a facelift and give you the feeling of a much larger space.
Chalkboard Paint
Chalkboard paint is a practical and stylish way to give your kitchen a unique touch. A small kitchen is often lacking wall space, so a calendar or white board may not be possible. But with chalkboard paint, you can create a functional writing area on any door or wall for weekly agendas, calendars, grocery lists, and more!
Fun Backsplash
Fun backslash is a perfect way to spice up a small kitchen design. Whether you prefer a bright blue or a more modern black and white pattern, the right backsplash can turn a small, cramped kitchen into a bright and inviting space.
Greenery
Adding greenery to your kitchen design will instantly make your small kitchen feel more upbeat. Plants have a way of making any space appear lively and bright, which is just what you need if you are lacking space. You can opt for small potted plants on your countertop, large floor plants, or a combination of both to create your perfect design.
PRACTICAL
Everything in the kitchen should be beautiful and practical.
When it comes to the kitchen, you don’t want unnecessary items or features getting in the way of your lifestyle, especially if you have a small kitchen. That’s why when designing a small kitchen you want to think about practicality every step of the way. These next small kitchen design ideas are not only practical, but easy to implement, and will make a major impact on your interior.
Storage Bins
Storage bins are a must when you have a small kitchen. They allow you to easily organize your goods and can be just as stylish as they are functional. There are many different ways you can use storage bins in a small kitchen design. From holding fruits and veggies to keeping silverware, storage bins and baskets are the perfect way to create additional storage in your kitchen.
Appliance Garage
Adding an appliance garage has become an increasingly popular request for those with small kitchens. After all, when you’re lacking space, you’re often lacking countertop surface area, which makes even the smallest appliances an eye sore. With an appliance garage you can easily hide your countertop appliances and keep clutter tucked away, which will give your small kitchen design more room to shine.
Pull-Out Pantry
If you’re designing a small kitchen, you have to think about efficient ways to store your items. We love a pull-out pantry that allows you to easily access your most used supplies and ingredients. Adding a pull-out pantry is perfect for a small kitchen and can add some much needed storage space to a small design.
Hanging Pot Rack
A hanging pot rack is a classic way to conveniently store your bulky pots and pans. By keeping them out of your cabinets, you’ll have more room behind closed doors and be able to easily access them from above. Display Cutting Boards
Cutting boards are essential in the kitchen, but they’re also a stylish way to decorate your space. In a small kitchen, space is limited, and displaying your wood cutting boards is a fun way to freshen up your countertops.
Drop-Leaf Table
Drop-leaf tables are a perfect fit for a small kitchen design. They allow you to have additional seating and table space when necessary, which is especially great when you’re limited on space. Drop tables can be built into the wall or moveable and give you a easy way to host additional guests.
Tucked Away Coffee Bar
Coffee bars are at the top of many homeowners lists for their convenience and cuteness. A tucked away coffee bar is the perfect way to add charm and a fresh feel to a small kitchen design. It offers you a designated place for all your coffee-making supplies and allows you to keep clutter off your countertops.
Backless Bar Stools
Backless bar stools are a must in a small kitchen designs. They give you a streamlined appearance and don’t take up as much space as bulky barstools. Adding backless stools to your kitchen’s island, bar area, or table is a stylish way to create additional seating and make the most of your interior.
Movable Kitchen Cart/Island
If you have a smaller kitchen, then you know how important your countertop space is. A moveable kitchen island or cart is an optimal way to add not only countertop surface area, but also extra seating, cabinets, and more. When designing a small kitchen we highly recommend investing in a moveable island and taking advantage of the functional and stylish design element.
Display Your Goods
Create an exposed pantry in your small kitchen design and store spices, utensils, and other kitchen tools within reach. Displaying your kitchen goods is a practical and stylish way to decorate your kitchen without adding extra clutter.
Add A Ladder
Often times, small kitchens need as much storage as possible and have cabinets or shelves stacking up to the ceiling. To make the most of this storage space, add a ladder to your small kitchen design and give yourself the easy access you need to your higher storage areas.
Want More Design Help?
Check out our latest blog on the Three Most Popular Kitchen Design Styles and learn everything you need to know about designing a kitchen with Our Ultimate Guide To Kitchen Design.
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When it comes to kitchen design, The Kitchen Shop has become one of West Michigan’s premier remodeling centers and is here to help you! We have everything you need to create your dream kitchen, from cabinets and countertops to plumbing fixtures, appliances, and hardware, The Kitchen Shop is truly a one stop shop for all your remodeling needs. Our team offers over 300 years of combined experience in kitchen design and a master skill set to ensure the vision you have for your kitchen is brought to life.
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