While small apartments and homes often offer plenty in the charm and coziness department, they tend to be lacking when it comes to kitchen space. But just because you may not be flush with counter space, there are still ways to make the most of your tiny kitchen. It’s all about working with the layout of your space, whether your kitchen is confined to a single wall, U-shaped, or tucked in a corner. We’ve gathered the best small kitchen design ideas to help you add storage and style. Whether you’re renovating and starting from scratch or just looking to refresh your existing space, you’ll want to give these trick a try.
One-Wall Kitchens
These tiny kitchens are common in studio apartments and other open-plan spaces. While everything is at hand (and limited to a single row), this layout is seriously lacking in counter space.
Add a Prep Area
You may not have space to expand or add a full island, so think about bringing in a table that can do double duty as a spot for prep and dining. Even a narrow console can work as a spot to set tools and ingredients on while you cook.
© Emily Gilbert Photography
Keep It Concealed
A small one-wall kitchen doesn’t need to be the focal point of the space—especially when you’re in a studio. Install folding doors or panels to close it up (and hide clutter) when it’s not in use.
Sandblasted-oak doors conceal the kitchenette in a Manhattan pied- -terre.Thomas Loof
Galley
Common in small urban apartments, a galley kitchen has a hallwaylike layout with two parallel walls.
Remove Upper Shelves
Galley kitchens have a tendency to feel cavelike, but removing the upper cabinetry and replacing it with shelving can help open the space up. Limit tall storage to the pantry area, where you can keep bulky items that you don’t use frequently, rather than on the counter.
Zames used a darker shade on the lower cabinets and added open shelving in a light wood.Photo: Joe Fletcher Photography
Open It Up
It’s often difficult to open up a galley kitchen completely, particularly in old buildings, due to the placement of pipes, but you can still add light and air by removing even a small section of the wall. A portal or open corner can help connect the kitchen to the rest of the living space.
Photo: Richard Powers
Peninsula
Also known as a G-shaped kitchen, this layout has an extra counter that extends from a U-shaped kitchen.
Add Seating
Use that extra counter area for casual dinners or your morning coffee. Pull up a few barstools and take advantage of an extra dining spot.
Install Pendant Lights
That extra surface area is perfect for prep, but you’ll want it to be well-lit. Add a row of striking pendant lights to brighten up the entire kitchen.
L-Shaped
This layout situates the counters along two perpendicular walls and makes use of a single corner, leaving the rest of the space open.
Install a Floating Table
If your L-shaped kitchen faces a blank wall, why not make use of it? Install a floating shelf or table for extra counter or dining space. Dealing with a narrow space? Install a table that can fold down to be flush with the wall when not in use.
Keep Materials Cohesive
Even a small space can look sleek and put together. Go for panel-ready appliances and match them to the cabinetry and countertops for a minimalist kitchen.
Horseshoe
Also known as a U-shaped kitchen, this style offers plenty of counter space and undercounter storage.
Add an Island
Even if your horseshoe-shaped kitchen is on the narrow side, you can still bring in a slim island. Consider a rolling island, which can be pushed out of the way once dinner is ready.
Lighten Up
While this layout offers plenty of storage, all that cabinetry can make the space feel dark and cramped. A coat of white paint can brighten up the room, and exposed shelving will make it feel more open.
Island
The island is the star of this popular layout. The center element offers space to cook and eat, as well as storage and often a sink.
Make It Stand Out
The island is the centerpiece, so why not make it look special? Try coating the base in a bold color that complements the other cabinetry.
Photo: William Waldron
Install a Pot Rack
If those bulky pots and pans are taking up valuable storage space, try hanging them from a rack to create a culinary centerpiece (and free up room in your cabinets for other essentials).
