Okay, now comes the reality check: small kitchens are a killjoy. You go in, slap your elbow on the bar, reach and knock at a cabinet, and the fridge door slaps you in the face. Ring some bells? 😅
Been there. Done that. Still got the bruises.
However, the best part is that you do not have to smash walls and take some money over your head to give your kitchen the major glow up. It only takes a couple of clever tricks, a little bit of illusion, some style and like magic you can make your tiny kitchen appear much larger and brighter than what it really is.
But then in your small kitchen it seems to be more of a shoe box than being chic, then stick on to your heels fellow. I am telling you real, achievable, idea-transforming stuff, you do not need a degree in renovation. 🙌
1. Go All-In on Light Colors (Seriously, It’s Not a Myth)
We shall begin with the most apparent (and as well most overlooked) remedy, which is light colors. Not to mention just the walls.
When you paint with soft color such as white, beige, light grey or pale blue over your:
- Cabinets
- Walls
- Backsplash
- Floor tiles
–you reflect more light and that immediately gives space. Some years ago, I repainted my cabinets (the awful black holes that are also known as charming rustic brown) with off-white, and poof, my kitchen appeared twice as large. Not kidding.
Pro Tip: On walls the matte finish is awesome, but on cabinets? Go glossy. It allows the greater reflection of light.
The reasons it works: Light colors reflect natural and artificial light, which creates an impression of greater airiness in your kitchen, and less cramped atmosphere.
2. Kill the Clutter (Your Counters Are Not Storage)
I know, I know counter space is life. Just an informational note, but in case yours is lined wall to wall with 14 appliances, three canisters, banana holder, and that nothing-to-hide one lonely mug that never gets put away,–it is time enough to move towards a clean up.
Here’s how you fix it:
| Declutter Move | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Ditch countertop decor | Frees up visual space |
| Store appliances you don’t use daily | Keeps counters clean |
| Use wall-mounted shelves or magnetic strips | Adds vertical storage without bulk |
You are after open space where you want the lines clean and that is what makes the room breathe. It is like your kitchen said, “ahhh I can stretch.”
3. Let There Be (Layered) Light
Even the most seemingly good kitchen design will be ruined by bad lighting. It may not be the correct thing to use that depressing ceiling bulb and leave it.
Instead, use layered lighting, aka:
- Overhead ceiling lights for general brightness
- Under-cabinet lighting to eliminate shadows
- Pendant lights over islands or counters (if you’ve got room)
All those three can be accommodated even when the space is small, just downsize it. You would not believe the magic of few warm white LEDs under the upper cabinets. It is such as contouring on your kitchen.
Have you ever asked yourself why, in luxury kitchens, you have an impression that they are even bigger? Size, size, no; it is lighting, my boy.
4. Say Yes to Open Shelving (But Say No to Chaos)
If you don t turn an open shelf into a junk drawer in disguise, it can be godsend in a small kitchen.
When proper, the open shelves will violate less area on the walls, add dimension to the area and provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate your taste (hello, colored-coordinated mugs).
But here’s the key:
- Keep it curated, not crowded
- Stick to neutral or matching colors
- Store things you actually use, not just decorative fluff
IMO, open shelves in the kitchen: The black is black for the kitchen, deliciously cool but only in the case of promised clean behavior.
5. Use Reflective Surfaces (Your Kitchen’s Selfie Moment)
Mirrors in the kitchen? That may sound crazy, but once you give it a go things will make sense. By means of adding reflective surfaces, such as: you can literally double the perception of space.
- Glass cabinet doors
- High-gloss backsplashes
- Mirrored panels (yes, even one can do wonders)
- Stainless steel appliances that bounce light
My kitchen has gone through the process of visiting an Instagram filter in real life when I replaced my ceramic backsplash with a light-reflecting glass tile. Bright. Clean. Fancy. And much much less morose.
Reflection = depth. And the depth there = the visual magic that occurs in a small kitchen.
6. Go Vertical, Not Horizontal
Have you ever had the impression that your kitchen has been squeezed to the sides? It is so because we are used to designing side to side, rather than floor-to-ceiling. Big mistake.
You have valuable space over your cabinets, along your walls, and in the backs of doors. then use it:
- Install tall, slim cabinets that stretch toward the ceiling
- Mount hooks or magnetic strips for utensils and knives
- Hang long, vertical art or decor to draw the eye up
You are not only saving space but also playing tricks with your brain that there is a lot more of it. Sneaky? Yep. Effective? 100%.
7. Choose Smart, Space-Saving Furniture (Size Totally Matters)
The thing is: in a small kitchen your enemy is bulky furniture. That giant table of food or bloated stools on bar can be very comfortable, but they consume valuable property quicker than that pizza.
So what’s the move?
- Opt for round tables instead of square—they take up less space and feel airier.
- Pick counter-height stools that slide under the island when not in use.
- Try drop-leaf or extendable tables that flex depending on how many mouths you’re feeding.
And do pay no attention to heavy legged chairs. They are a visual clutter in the room that brings with it no value. Be lean, mean, and minimalistic.
Have you ever tried a fold-away wall table? They are like a table… but make them magical.
8. Embrace Glass Everything (Clear = Clever)
Glass. Now we will speak of glass. Not only to drink your wine joking about meal-prepping-it-but also to fill up your decor and furniture.
This is the greatest provision of glass: it allows your eye to travel more without interruption of vision. What that does is create a sense of there being more room in your space, even when really it is the same amount of space.
Here’s how to sneak glass into your setup:
- Glass cabinet doors (or at least a few)
- Glass dining tables or bar tops
- Glass pendant light covers
- Even acrylic or Lucite chairs that practically disappear 👻
Pro Tip:You should not combine an excessive number of glass types in one area – it is not a crystal store. Don t go overboard, such as putting glitz and glamour, but avoid becoming complete disco balls.
9. Use Consistent Flooring (One Floor to Rule Them All)
A kitchen floor that is different at either the start or at the end of the room (tile or wood or laminate to linoleum, laminate or wood to tile, etc.) also visually divides the space. And in the limited space it just becomes more crowded.
This one might seem small, but it makes a HUGE difference.
Rather, choose flowing flooring everywhere in your kitchen and even out into the dining or living area (in the event of an open concept home). You are making a single continuous line, which the eye could follow -aka the illusion of space.
And yes once again the light colored floors are the winners here. Dark floors are moody and luxurious, yet small shrinking, just sayin.
Have you ever seen how big-box stores do not break their flooring by sections? Ya, it is not an accident.
10. Add Mirrors (But Don’t Get Weird With It)
I alluded to this in Part 1, but let us dig more. Reflectors in a kitchen = space reflector.
And no, I don t mean to put a full length dressing mirror behind your sink (awkward). However, with simply one well placed mirror the appearance of a bigger kitchen can be completely simulated.
Try these ideas:
- Hang a framed mirror on an open wall near a window to reflect natural light.
- Use a mirrored backsplash if you’re feeling bold.
- Install small mirrored tiles behind open shelves for subtle depth.
Do not do too much, and your kitchen will turn out to be a dance studio. A single powerful mirror is more than enough- unless that means you want to see yourself burn toast in ultra HD on all directions. 😂
11. Hide the Hardware (And Keep It Sleek)
Big and massive cabinet knobs, cabinet handles, and huge and fancy pull handles on a drawer? Hard pass.
In tiny kitchens hardware must be as simple and flush as possible. Each slight protuberance reflects, casts shadows, and causes clutter (visually and actually) as well.
Some top space-savvy hardware choices:
- Edge pulls
- Integrated finger grooves
- Matte finish slim bar handles
Fancy going hi-tech? Experiment with cabinet push-open cabinets. Nothing is prominent and your cabinets literally mumble the words, I am fancy, each time you tap them open. 😆
It makes a little difference but you will be surprised how much sleeker everything appears.
12. Install Floating or Pull-Out Solutions
And finally, although not by any means least in this game of concealment are the ninja tricks of small kitchen storage: floating and pull-out systems.
These gents make the best use of space, but they do not make your kitchen look cramped. Win-win.
A few killer ideas:
- Floating shelves instead of bulky cabinets
- Pull-out pantry drawers inside slim gaps (so satisfying, FYI)
- Retractable cutting boards or countertops that slide out when needed
- Wall-mounted drop-down storage for spices, utensils, or dishware
Essentially, anything that folds up when being unused = genius.
Here is a small visual analysis:
| Smart Add-On | Why It Slaps in Small Kitchens |
|---|---|
| Pull-out drawer inserts | Doubles storage inside cabinets |
| Floating shelves | Keeps floor space open + clean lines |
| Retractable counters | Adds workspace when you need it |
Final Thoughts: Small Kitchen, Big Personality
And that is it, 12 ridiculously incredible ways to make your little kitchen appear to belong in a magazine. And what a guess? You do not have to hire a contractor and make a loan.
Just remember:
- Light colors and lighting are your besties.
- Clutter is your enemy.
- Reflective surfaces, vertical storage, and glass accents are your sneaky cheat codes.
Oh, and when anyone tells you, you cannot make a tiny kitchen look luxury, open and very functional?
Smile and take your coffee out of your elegantly designed open shelf, and show them that they are wrong. 😉