You’ve got big dreams and an even bigger Pinterest board, but somehow your kitchen is barely bigger than a walk-in closet. Sound familiar? Been there, burnt that toast. 😅
When you’re working with a tiny space, every inch counts. And designing a kitchen that’s both functional and aesthetic can feel like trying to win Tetris on expert mode—with your eyes closed.
But hey, don’t stress. I’ve got your back! Whether you’re living in a city apartment, a cozy cottage, or just trying to make your open-plan space work harder, these top 10 kitchen design tips for small spaces will totally change the game.
Let’s kick off with the first five. Ready to become a kitchen design ninja?
Tip #1: Go Vertical or Go Home
Ever looked up in your kitchen? No really—look up. You’re probably missing a goldmine of unused space.
Why vertical storage matters:
- Upper walls are prime real estate for open shelves, hanging pot racks, or even a tall pantry cupboard.
- Keeping stuff off your countertops makes your kitchen feel bigger—and you can actually find your spatula when you need it.
Pro Tip: Mount a magnetic knife strip, a hanging spice rack, or even pegboards for utensils. Instant function, zero clutter.
Rhetorical Check-In: Why let your walls be boring when they can work just as hard as your blender?
Tip #2: Choose Multi-Tasking Furniture (Because Who Has Room for Extra Anything?)
If your kitchen is short on square footage, you can’t afford pieces that only do one thing. That’s like inviting someone to a potluck who shows up empty-handed. Rude.
Some MVPs of multi-tasking furniture:
- Kitchen islands with built-in storage
- Drop-leaf tables that tuck away when not needed
- Stools that double as storage bins
- Rolling carts you can stash in a corner
Why it rocks: These options give you work surfaces and extra storage, without hogging space like a 90s stereo system.
FYI: Just make sure whatever you pick has wheels or folds—because static furniture in a small kitchen? Total space hog. 🙃
Tip #3: Go Light and Bright (AKA: The Optical Illusion Trick)
If you can’t actually expand your kitchen, make it look like you did.
How to fake a bigger kitchen with design:
| Paint & Surfaces | Lighting |
|---|---|
| Use white or soft neutrals for cabinets & walls | Add under-cabinet LED lights for brightness |
| Choose glossy or reflective finishes | Use glass cabinet doors or open shelving |
Light colors bounce light around and keep your kitchen from feeling like a cave. Pair that with great lighting and some reflective surfaces, and boom—hello, spacious vibes.
Bonus: Mirrors aren’t just for selfies. A mirrored backsplash? Chef’s kiss.
Tip #4: Think Like a Minimalist (Even if You’re a Maximalist at Heart)
Look, I get it. You love your gadgets. But do you really need three whisks, seven ladles, and a bread maker you used once during lockdown?
Here’s what to do:
- Purge duplicates and rarely-used tools.
- Prioritize everyday essentials.
- Store seasonal or rarely-used items elsewhere—basement, closet, neighbor’s garage (hey, I’m not judging).
IMO, clutter is the enemy of function. And let’s be honest, fewer things = less cleaning. Win-win.
Ever noticed how minimalist kitchens in magazines always look huge? That’s not magic—it’s editing. Do the same IRL.
Tip #5: Smart Appliances = Smart Choices
Tiny kitchen? Then say goodbye to jumbo appliances that eat up your counter faster than you eat snacks while cooking.
Best appliance tips for small kitchens:
- Opt for apartment-sized models (18″ dishwashers, 24″ fridges, etc.)
- Go for combination appliances (like a microwave-convection oven)
- Use compact or foldable appliances (think collapsible toasters, countertop air fryers that store vertically, etc.)
Hot Take: You don’t need a six-burner stove to make great pasta. What you do need is counter space that isn’t hijacked by a bread machine from 2009.
Tip #6: Use Cabinet Interiors Like a Pro (Yes, Even the Door Backs)
Okay, here’s the truth bomb: most people waste 30% of their cabinet space.
Why? Because they treat cabinets like deep black holes instead of the clever storage zones they should be.
How to max out your cabinet interiors:
- Install pull-out drawers or tiered shelves inside lower cabinets.
- Use adhesive hooks or slim racks on the inside of doors for lids, cutting boards, or spices.
- Pop in under-shelf hanging baskets for snacks or mugs.
Bold Opinion: If your cabinet door isn’t holding something, you’re doing it wrong. 🙃
Rhetorical moment: Why waste the back of a cabinet door when it can hold your entire spice addiction?
Tip #7: Embrace Open Shelving (But Don’t Go Overboard)
Open shelves are a gift to small kitchens. But they’re also a double-edged spatula—beautiful when styled right, but cluttered AF if not.
Here’s how to win at open shelving:
- Display matching dishes or clear jars for a tidy, cohesive look.
- Keep it to 1–2 shelves per wall to avoid visual overload.
- Mix in small art pieces or greenery to keep things fresh and lived-in.
Real Talk: Open shelving isn’t for hoarders. If you’re not ready to display your stuff like it’s a HomeGoods catalog, maybe skip this one. 😅
Tip #8: Zone Your Space Like a Mini Pro Kitchen
Even in the tiniest space, you need flow. Ever found yourself spinning around like a confused squirrel because your trash can is across the room from your prep area? Yeah—same.
Create work “zones” by function:
| Zone | Key Items Nearby |
|---|---|
| Prep Zone | Cutting boards, knives, mixing bowls |
| Cook Zone | Pans, spatulas, oils, spices |
| Clean-Up Zone | Trash, sink, dishwasher pods, drying rack |
Why it works: You’ll move more efficiently, and your kitchen won’t feel like a chaotic food fight every time you make dinner.
Quick Question: Wouldn’t life be easier if your cooking oil wasn’t stored next to your cereal? (Yes, it would.)
Tip #9: Use Mirrors or Gloss Finishes for Instant Space Magic
Okay, you’re not literally adding square footage—but a shiny backsplash or mirrored cabinet? Total smoke and mirrors (in the best way).
Smart design tricks:
- Add a mirrored panel behind your stove or above the sink.
- Use high-gloss cabinet doors to bounce light and open things up.
- Consider glass tile backsplashes for depth without the drama.
Pro Note: Just wipe ‘em down often. Greasy mirrors = nightmare. Learn from my mistakes. 😅
Tip #10: Keep Counters Clear—It’s Non-Negotiable
Let me be blunt: your countertop is not your storage unit. It’s where the cooking magic happens. So if it’s buried under mail, blender bases, and your cat’s food bowl… we need to talk.
Easy counter-saving hacks:
- Use appliance garages or slide-out shelves to hide bulky tools.
- Store less-used gadgets in a nearby closet or pantry (even under the bed if you must—no judgment).
- Mount microwaves or toaster ovens under cabinets.
IMO, the golden rule of small kitchens? If it doesn’t serve a daily purpose, it shouldn’t live on your counter.
Final Thoughts: Your Tiny Kitchen Can Still Be a Total Rockstar
Just because your kitchen is small doesn’t mean it has to feel cramped, cluttered, or chaotic. In fact, with these 10 tips, I’d argue you’re about to have the most efficient, stylish, and functional space on the block. 💁
Here’s a quick recap:
| Tip # | Game-Changer Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1 – Go Vertical | Use that wall space like it owes you money |
| 2 – Multi-Task | Furniture that hustles harder than your ex |
| 3 – Bright Light | Reflective surfaces = more visual space |
| 4 – Minimize | Let go of stuff you never use |
| 5 – Smart Appliances | Downsized tools that still pack a punch |
| 6 – Inside Storage | Doors, pull-outs, sneaky baskets—use them all |
| 7 – Open Shelving | Display the cute stuff, hide the chaos |
| 8 – Kitchen Zones | Prep, cook, clean—with flow |
| 9 – Mirror It | Shine, shimmer, and make it look bigger |
| 10 – Clear Counters | Clutter = kitchen kryptonite |
So now that you’ve got all 10 tricks up your sleeve, here’s your challenge:
Pick 3 changes you can make this weekend—yes, just 3—and start small. You’ll be shocked how big a difference they make in your daily kitchen dance.
And hey, don’t forget to have fun with it. Because designing your kitchen should be less about frustration and more about creating a space you actually want to be in (even if the oven timer just screamed at you).
Catch you in the next one—and happy cooking, space-saver! 🍳💪