Small Kitchen Ideas: 30 Design ideas to copy, very simple and clever
Many people think that the decoration ideas for kitchens we share don’t apply to their homes, but nothing could be further from the truth. Today, we want to show you that you can have the kitchen of your dreams with these 30 very simple and clever small kitchen ideas for organizing and decorating.
The designs, layout, and ideas for little kitchens that we present in this article are suitable for a very small kitchen and even for a tiny kitchen. Regardless of their shape: corner kitchens, square ones, elongated, galley, american kitchens, with island, with bar, modern, concrete kitchens, open to the living room, with a dining area, breakfast nook, and more…
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Small kitchen design: organization, storage and decorating ideas
If you’re thinking about making changes, repairs, makeover… but without a kitchen remodel, take notes and save ours small kitchen ideas photos. They will serve you as inspiration for having a better small kitchen, on a budget, using DIY and decor.
And, if after seeing all these useful and practical ideas for small kitchens, you want to see how they would look in your home, we recommend using a free online kitchen planner.
It’s a quick and simple way to see how it will turn out, check if you have enough space, and even get an idea of the price of including new kitchen furniture.
Kitchen cart or auxiliary storage furniture
You may not have space in the kitchen to add more countertop, cabinets, an island, or a bar. But, surely you can include auxiliary kitchen furniture, like a kitchen cart or kitchen shelves, that helps increase storage and organization.
At the same time, they can serve as decorative elements: Floating shelves, baskets, boxes, kitchen organizers, a kitchen island cart, a trolley, wall or ceiling hooks, display cabinets, small tables…
You can buy them at stores like IKEA, The Home Depot, or Amazon for a very reasonable price. So, if you need small kitchen ideas on a budget, this is for you.
Storage cart and workstation
One of the best options is a kitchen trolley with a workbench like this one. It increases storage and functionality, even in a very small kitchen.
They are also very cute and perfect for decorating your home.
See on Amazon
Kitchen bar for small spaces
Among the furniture options to consider for a little kitchen, a kitchen bar, a wall breakfast bar or kitchen peninsula is a must-have in small spaces.
A kitchen bar is the perfect solution for those open to the living room. They serve as a transition between spaces, allow more light into the kitchen. Also, provide additional workspace for cooking and dining, using stools or high chairs.
High bar table with stools
You don’t have to have a kitchen bar integrated into the existing design, they can be purchased separately.
Typically, it is composed of a high table with stools and storage, which is attached to a wall to make the most of the space like this one.
See on Amazon
Moreover, these kitchen designs are very versatile when it comes to decorating. Use different materials for the kitchen bar or island compared to the rest of the house or apartment: cement, concrete, barn wood, wood, tiles…
Incorporate vibrant colors, pendant lights, designer stools… and you’ll add a lot of personality to your decor.
This interior design technique is frequently used in apartments and houses for sale or rent. These kitchen bar ideas for small spaces capture the customer’s attention positively with the details, and they overlook the idea that the kitchens might be too small for them.
However, if it is a really tiny kitchen and doesn’t have enough space to accommodate a bar or peninsula, consider including a breakfast corner or a wall breakfast bar.
They are narrower and are attached to the wall, not meant for food preparation or cutting, but rather for dining, placing small appliances, and like kitchen decoration.
Small kitchen island
It may sound unbelievable, but it’s possible to have a mini kitchen with an island. However, you’ll need to resort to mobile islands with wheels or lightweight ones. If your kitchen doesn’t have enough space for a permanent island or bar, this type of small kitchen islands is perfect for you.
You can increase the workspace when needed, and when not, use it as an auxiliary kitchen furniture, simply by moving it to another spot, even as a serving table when entertaining friends and family at home.
Mobile kitchen island
This mobile kitchen island is a practical addition to your kitchen, made from hardwood with a black or white finish.
It features adjustable shelves, drawers, a drop-leaf breakfast bar, towel bar, spice rack, and locking wheels.
An ideal solution for increasing both storage and workspace in your kitchen.
See on Amazon
For this kitchen islands for small kitchens, you can use a butcher block table or a kitchen utility cart with wheels, like the FÖRHÖJA models from IKEA. They come with a wooden countertop, shelves, and drawers to store what you need.
Kitchen shelves
Many times, we avoid placing kitchen furniture on the wall to make the space look more spacious and bright, which is a completely valid decision. However, we lose a very valuable kitchen storage space.
The solution to this is kitchen wall shelves, a kitchen accessory that not only serves as an organizer but also as a decorative element if you use floating kitchen shelves.
However, if you don’t like the visibility of kitchen utensils, spices, and food items, or if you’re concerned about dust accumulation, it may not be suitable for you.
Open shelves for the kitchen
Making use of floating kitchen shelves is one of the best small kitchen storage ideas. It provides more space, more brightness, and better organization.
See on Amazon
Kitchen racks as dividers
Surely, this kitchen shelving idea is not something you’ve seen much. It is one of the most ingenious, intelligent, useful, and practical options we have come across while searching for small kitchen organization and storage ideas.
In addition to increasing kitchen storage space with shelves for books, plate racks for utensils, a microwave shelf, cup hangers, fruit and vegetable baskets, a wine rack, spice rack… It also serves as a divider in kitchens open to the living room, creating a modern yet distinct integrated space.
Glass partition wall
With glass kitchen enclosures, glass partitions, or glass walls, you won’t increase the storage or workspace in your kitchen. But, you will enhance its brightness and visual spaciousness.
Additionally, you’ll add an industrial or Nordic touch, both very trendy in small modern kitchen ideas. The style you achieve will depend on the material you choose (metal or wood) and its color.
It’s the most common architectural solution for small homes that desire a separation between the kitchen and the living room. The cost of kitchen glass partitions can be higher since it involves custom carpentry work, but it’s definitely worth it.
Use the hallway
In current house designs, we try to avoid hallways at all costs, but in older or more complicated-shaped homes, it can be challenging to get rid of them. If you find yourself in that situation, make use of the hallway.
It may seem strange, but just as you include wardrobe closets in the hallway to store towels, sheets, or shoes, you can also do the same with kitchen cabinets.
In fact, there are homes that utilize the hallway and entryway to place a small galley kitchen, gaining space for an additional bedroom or expanding the living room.
The kitchenware and appliances can be visible or not, since it is possible to create a complete kitchen design with hidden furniture.
Built-in cabinets
Continuing with modern fitted kitchens, they have an advantage over traditional kitchen furniture, even in very small kitchens.
Using integrated, paneled, and built-in cabinets enables the incorporation of pull-out, foldable, and visually cohesive elements, enhancing both versatility and storage while visually expanding the kitchen’s perceived size.
Make the most of every corner
However, in small space kitchens, it’s nearly impossible to add more storage and organization elements, even if they’re foldable or removable. That’s why you have to make the most of every corner and nook in the kitchen.
Sometimes, we don’t see the possibilities, but they certainly exist. Even if you are remodeling a small kitchen on a budget.
Furniture corners, nooks, next to pillars, wall recesses, under kitchen islands… when it comes to this, the possibilities are endless.
Even the narrowest spaces can be used to store utensils or place kitchen decorations.
Also, under islands, in corners, and beneath benches. Furthermore, making use of the backside of the kitchen island to incorporate dining or living room furniture will save space that can be reclaimed to give a few extra inches to your kitchen.
Materials and colors for small kitchens
As you’ve seen, it’s not just about the layout, furniture, available storage, or workspace; the visual and sensory impression that the kitchen conveys is also important.
The perception of spaciousness depends more on materials, colors, and lighting than on the layout and furnishings themselves.
To enhance the feeling of spaciousness, consider these tips in your compact kitchen or kitchenette:
- Opt for light colors for small kitchen decoration ideas (white, gray…); dark tones can feel oppressive and reduce brightness. Complement with other colors in the kitchen furniture or countertop.
- Use furniture with glossy materials as they reflect light, thereby increasing luminosity.
- Choose finishes with minimal ornamentation: clean lines, simplicity, and lack of moldings.
- In kitchens with vibrant colors, avoid having everything in the same shade. It’s better to have a darker color below and a different one for the wall-mounted cabinets (lighter). This will visually anchor the kitchen at the bottom, enhancing the sense of taller ceilings.
- Natural light is as important as artificial light; incorporate recessed spotlights and LED strips under the cabinets.
What do you think of these simple small kitchen design ideas? Would you add any other organization, storage, or decoration ideas? Write them in the comments, along with any questions you have about kitchen design.
And don’t forget to save your favorite small kitchens images on Pinterest, so you don’t lose sight of the inspiration.
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I am Isa. Spanish architect and passionate about the internet. I've been writing about decoration, crafts, and interior design since 2015, when I started my blog at etereodesignblog.com. Need help? Write to me!
