Small kitchen ideas

Designing a compact space can feel like a challenge. You want it to be practical, but you also need to keep it free from clutter. Thinking about how to renovate a small kitchen? Or looking for small kitchen interior ideas to elevate the units you already have? There are plenty of ways to make your room work for you. We've put together our top small kitchen ideas to help you create a beautiful and functional space.

A galley layout is the most effective way to arrange a small kitchen, giving you ample storage and a clear central walkway.
Save space by using slimline or multifunctional appliances, pull-out drawers, and wall space for floating shelves and hanging hooks.
Make your small kitchen feel bigger by painting walls and cabinets in bright colours and using mirrors or glossy surfaces to reflect light.

The layout

When considering how to arrange a small kitchen, the layout is your most important decision. You'll need to think about where your appliances go and how you'll move around while cooking. For a small house kitchen design, a galley layout is a great choice. It uses two parallel walls to give you plenty of storage. Plus, you get a long, wide walkway in the middle.

How to maximise space in a small kitchen

When exploring kitchen design ideas for small kitchens, saving space should be your number one priority. Below we’ve outlined our top tips on how to get the most out of your space without it becoming too cluttered.

Compact and multifunctional appliances

When you're short on room, choosing the right appliances helps. Slimline appliances offer the same functions as standard sizes, just on a smaller scale. Look for multifunctional designs that save you buying two separate products like a multifunction oven with a built-in grill or a boiling hot water tap instead of a kettle.

Smart storage

Wondering how to organise a small kitchen? Bespoke storage is always a smart investment. Storage is key, whatever your kitchen style, small or large. We recommend using as much of your wall space as possible by hanging hooks for your mugs or installing floating shelves in narrow gaps.

When planning your small kitchen cabinets, look for internal solutions to make the most of the space. Corner cupboards can be tricky, so try pull-out drawers that bring your pots directly to you.

Foldaway furniture

Finding small kitchen furniture ideas that work can be tricky. A collapsible small kitchen table and chairs is a space-saving option, or you could choose a stowaway set. Either way, it's easy to keep your main cooking area clear as a small kitchen with tables can still feel open and spacious.

Small kitchen décor ideas

Now you have the practical aspects sorted, it's time to think about the aesthetics. Decorating a small kitchen doesn’t have to be difficult, so keep reading for some top tips!

Kitchen colour palette

Design plays a huge role in opening up a room. If you want to know how to make a small kitchen feel bigger, start with your paint. Painting your walls and cupboards in bright colours reflects more light, making the room feel airy, or you can paint your cupboards the same colour as the wall to create a seamless finish. Brighter floor tiles also help a kitchen appear larger.

The illusion of grandeur

A mirror is a fantastic way to use reflection to create the illusion of a much larger room. Try placing a mirror behind your shelving, or if a mirror doesn't quite fit your look, choose reflective surfaces like glossy white doors or bright worktops. Adding a mix of closed and open storage also helps. A solid wall of doors can feel enclosed, so break it up with open shelving.

Minimise clutter

Tucking items away behind closed doors is the easiest way to minimise clutter. Going for handleless cupboards will give you clean lines and a sleek finish.

Inject your personality

Incorporating these small kitchen ideas doesn't mean your space can't have character. The best way to add personality without taking up floor space is by decorating your walls. Add a pop of colour with a bright paint that contrasts with your worktops, or go for a patterned wallpaper.

Wall panelling is another excellent way to add texture. These eye-catching features draw the eye away from clutter and distract from the compact size. This works wonderfully if you're currently looking at small kitchen extension ideas but want to decorate in the meantime.

We hope these small kitchen ideas give you the confidence to transform your culinary space. And remember, a compact room does not mean you have to compromise on style.

Thinking about a new kitchen? Speak to our Design Consultants. They’ll talk through your ideas and our options, then create a 360° design to show you exactly how it looks. You can explore our entire selection of bespoke and ready-made kitchens online or book a free virtual or in-store appointment to get started. We have everything you need to bring your small house kitchen design to life.

Thinking about just adding a lick of paint to your kitchen? Check out our article on the best kitchen cupboard paint.

FAQs

A galley layout is often the best choice for a smaller room. It uses two parallel walls to provide plenty of storage, leaving a long, wide walkway down the middle.

Yes, you can include a small kitchen island if your room is wide enough. Choose a narrow design and ensure you leave enough space to walk around and open your cupboard doors comfortably.

To make your kitchen feel larger, paint your walls and cabinets in bright, light-reflecting colours. You can also use mirrors, glossy surfaces, and open shelving to create an airy, open feel.