99 Ingenious Ideas to Steal for Your Small Kitchen
From storage tricks to décor ideas, here’s how to squeeze all you need out of your kitchen, however little it is
Kate Burt
23 May 2016
Houzz UK. I'm a journalist and editor, previously for the Independent, Guardian and various magazines. I'm now excited to part of the editorial team at Houzz UK & Ireland, bringing the best of British and Irish design, interiors and architecture to Houzz.com.
Houzz UK. I'm a journalist and editor, previously for the Independent, Guardian and... More
This article is from our Most Popular stories file
Whether you’re planning a new kitchen from scratch, semi-renovating what’s already there, or just looking for ideas to boost a space you aren’t in a position to change, this bumper Ideabook should provide plenty of inspiration.
Whether you’re planning a new kitchen from scratch, semi-renovating what’s already there, or just looking for ideas to boost a space you aren’t in a position to change, this bumper Ideabook should provide plenty of inspiration.
51 Ways With Mirrors Part l: Big up a vintage piece
The simple placement of a mirror next to a window can make a significant difference to any room, but especially a small one. This interesting, vintage glass has the added benefit of resembling a window in its own right (though you’d have to be comfortable looking at yourself while scrubbing the dishes…).
The simple placement of a mirror next to a window can make a significant difference to any room, but especially a small one. This interesting, vintage glass has the added benefit of resembling a window in its own right (though you’d have to be comfortable looking at yourself while scrubbing the dishes…).
52 Ways With Mirrors Part II: Opt for sleek and contemporary
Alternatively, a built-in mirror that doubles as a splashback behind the hob almost creates a window in this modern kitchen. If you’re designing from scratch, and it’s feasible, aim to have a mirrored splashback opposite a window to boost light and also to reflect some greenery or rooftops and sky into the kitchen.
Alternatively, a built-in mirror that doubles as a splashback behind the hob almost creates a window in this modern kitchen. If you’re designing from scratch, and it’s feasible, aim to have a mirrored splashback opposite a window to boost light and also to reflect some greenery or rooftops and sky into the kitchen.
53 Ways With Mirrors Part III: Wrap it around
Done right, you can get even bolder with a mirrored splashback. In this cute, sunny kitchen, the optical illusion is highly effective: the eye takes a while to realise the room is only half the size it initially appears to be. And, bonus, you get two windows for the price of one. No wonder the room feels so light and airy.
Another idea to steal here is the wood detailing – see how the grain follows through, creating a flowing, streamlined effect? Careful matching in this way has further stretched the space visually.
Done right, you can get even bolder with a mirrored splashback. In this cute, sunny kitchen, the optical illusion is highly effective: the eye takes a while to realise the room is only half the size it initially appears to be. And, bonus, you get two windows for the price of one. No wonder the room feels so light and airy.
Another idea to steal here is the wood detailing – see how the grain follows through, creating a flowing, streamlined effect? Careful matching in this way has further stretched the space visually.
54 Ways With Mirrors Part IV: Mix modern and antique
If you don’t want, or can’t fit in, a vintage, framed mirror, choosing antiqued glass for a mirrored splashback instead can add interest and soften an ultra-modern scheme, as seen here.
Check out, too, that nifty built-on dining table. It’s a nice alternative to the classic breakfast bar. What could have been a slimline extension has been cleverly enlarged with a curved oval tabletop, which maxes eating space without taking up floor space in this compact kitchen-diner.
If you don’t want, or can’t fit in, a vintage, framed mirror, choosing antiqued glass for a mirrored splashback instead can add interest and soften an ultra-modern scheme, as seen here.
Check out, too, that nifty built-on dining table. It’s a nice alternative to the classic breakfast bar. What could have been a slimline extension has been cleverly enlarged with a curved oval tabletop, which maxes eating space without taking up floor space in this compact kitchen-diner.
55 Ways With Mirrors Part V: Take it to the top
Another way to create a cunning optical illusion of more space is to fit mirror right up to the ceiling.
Here, the visually confusing effect is boosted by the addition of open shelves, which appear to float in midair. Note how the homeowners have only stored glass or reflective items on these surfaces, which maximises the effect.
Another way to create a cunning optical illusion of more space is to fit mirror right up to the ceiling.
Here, the visually confusing effect is boosted by the addition of open shelves, which appear to float in midair. Note how the homeowners have only stored glass or reflective items on these surfaces, which maximises the effect.
56 Add an internal window
If your small kitchen is also windowless, could you add an internal window to ‘borrow’ light from a neighbouring room? Here, the glass also doubles handily as a splashback, meaning it takes up no extra valuable wall space.
If your small kitchen is also windowless, could you add an internal window to ‘borrow’ light from a neighbouring room? Here, the glass also doubles handily as a splashback, meaning it takes up no extra valuable wall space.
57 Fit a window on the world
Here’s another glass splashback, but in this scheme the window looks onto the outside world.
This is an option that could be especially worth exploring if your dinky kitchen is part of a new extension. The multi-purpose function of your window could bag you some valuable extra vertical space for additional wall units or shelving.
Here’s another glass splashback, but in this scheme the window looks onto the outside world.
This is an option that could be especially worth exploring if your dinky kitchen is part of a new extension. The multi-purpose function of your window could bag you some valuable extra vertical space for additional wall units or shelving.
58 Shelve every spare inch
The awkward shapes thrown up by the slim, side-of-the-fridge spot and sloping ceilings here haven’t been wasted, and pack in useful storage.
Design your shelves around the objects you need to store on them to maximise their usefulness. Also, paint them either the same colour as the walls or your units, so they don’t intrude visually into your little space.
The awkward shapes thrown up by the slim, side-of-the-fridge spot and sloping ceilings here haven’t been wasted, and pack in useful storage.
Design your shelves around the objects you need to store on them to maximise their usefulness. Also, paint them either the same colour as the walls or your units, so they don’t intrude visually into your little space.
59 Have holes instead of handles…
Even a design detail as small as protruding handles can impinge on the sense of space in your kitchen. Going handleless doesn’t have to require push-open devices or ready-made doors – well-made holes will work perfectly.
Buy your kitchen carcasses and have a skilful joiner make the doors for you – you could even go for affordable MDF with grooves cut into it to create this tongue and groove effect. Then, instead of fitting handles, ask the joiner to cut finger holes into each door or drawer front. Bear in mind that an integrated dishwasher in a kitchen like this could be tricky.
Even a design detail as small as protruding handles can impinge on the sense of space in your kitchen. Going handleless doesn’t have to require push-open devices or ready-made doors – well-made holes will work perfectly.
Buy your kitchen carcasses and have a skilful joiner make the doors for you – you could even go for affordable MDF with grooves cut into it to create this tongue and groove effect. Then, instead of fitting handles, ask the joiner to cut finger holes into each door or drawer front. Bear in mind that an integrated dishwasher in a kitchen like this could be tricky.
60 …or go ready-made handleless
61 Aim high
Floor-to-ceiling cupboards maximise storage brilliantly in a small kitchen. They can also help a room to look taller.
As they’re trickier to access, the top cupboards are most useful for things you don’t need every day, or even household filing and admin if you’re in a super-dinky spot. If this is the case, you could consider having very narrow shelves inside the cupboards, creating slim pigeonholes for your paperwork.
Check out brilliant micro home office ideas
Floor-to-ceiling cupboards maximise storage brilliantly in a small kitchen. They can also help a room to look taller.
As they’re trickier to access, the top cupboards are most useful for things you don’t need every day, or even household filing and admin if you’re in a super-dinky spot. If this is the case, you could consider having very narrow shelves inside the cupboards, creating slim pigeonholes for your paperwork.
Check out brilliant micro home office ideas
62 Install above-door shelving…
The space above a door can be a brilliant spot for bonus storage. Here, the homeowners are lucky enough to have a deep wall in which to bury a niche, making this shelf flush to the wall.
Even if you don’t have thick walls, a shelf or two, or even a small, bespoke cupboard, can do a similar job.
The space above a door can be a brilliant spot for bonus storage. Here, the homeowners are lucky enough to have a deep wall in which to bury a niche, making this shelf flush to the wall.
Even if you don’t have thick walls, a shelf or two, or even a small, bespoke cupboard, can do a similar job.
63 …or take them right round
This version not only extends around the sides, too, but also shows the idea as protruding shelves rather than as a niche.
This version not only extends around the sides, too, but also shows the idea as protruding shelves rather than as a niche.
64 Adapt your worktop
If you don’t have space for a mini worktop extension to create an eating perch, could you do away with base units under a section wide enough for a couple of chairs?
A full wall of storage elsewhere in the kitchen, as here, is a potential solution for maintaining sufficient storage. Again, extending storage right to the ceiling will claw back additional cupboard or shelf space.
If you don’t have space for a mini worktop extension to create an eating perch, could you do away with base units under a section wide enough for a couple of chairs?
A full wall of storage elsewhere in the kitchen, as here, is a potential solution for maintaining sufficient storage. Again, extending storage right to the ceiling will claw back additional cupboard or shelf space.
65 Abandon wall units
Keep a compact, U-shaped kitchen from feeling claustrophobic by choosing airy, open shelving instead of solid wall units.
The trick to making it work? Colour coordination! Even if you have pots and crockery in many different hues (unlike the tonally ordered arrangement in this space), you can arrange your things by grouping similar colours together, and even going for an ombre effect by arranging them to create a gradient effect – browns next to oranges next to yellows and so on.
Keep a compact, U-shaped kitchen from feeling claustrophobic by choosing airy, open shelving instead of solid wall units.
The trick to making it work? Colour coordination! Even if you have pots and crockery in many different hues (unlike the tonally ordered arrangement in this space), you can arrange your things by grouping similar colours together, and even going for an ombre effect by arranging them to create a gradient effect – browns next to oranges next to yellows and so on.
66 Vote for soothing neutrals
A muted palette can create a luxe hotel look. While this may not meaningfully max your available space, it will feel calm and sophisticated, rather than cramped and cluttered.
A muted palette can create a luxe hotel look. While this may not meaningfully max your available space, it will feel calm and sophisticated, rather than cramped and cluttered.
67 Section your drawers
Many of us have already embraced the smart idea of stashing crockery in drawers rather than cupboards, where items at the back can languish, unloved and rarely used.
But the kitchen drawer in this space takes the idea a step further: a pegboard-like base allows for moveable dish ‘posts’ to keep everything in its place, making more of the available space.
Many of us have already embraced the smart idea of stashing crockery in drawers rather than cupboards, where items at the back can languish, unloved and rarely used.
But the kitchen drawer in this space takes the idea a step further: a pegboard-like base allows for moveable dish ‘posts’ to keep everything in its place, making more of the available space.
68 Make your oven do double duty
In a dinky kitchen, your choice of oven could have a significant impact on saving space.
Where there’s no room for a microwave and an oven, consider a combi microwave oven with grill that will do everything – something like the model shown in this rustic-industrial kitchen.
If the kitchen’s about to be built, go for an integrated model to give more of a streamlined effect. If you’re adapting an existing kitchen, and pulling out the oven to make more cupboard space, you could mount a non-built-in model on a wall shelf.
In a dinky kitchen, your choice of oven could have a significant impact on saving space.
Where there’s no room for a microwave and an oven, consider a combi microwave oven with grill that will do everything – something like the model shown in this rustic-industrial kitchen.
If the kitchen’s about to be built, go for an integrated model to give more of a streamlined effect. If you’re adapting an existing kitchen, and pulling out the oven to make more cupboard space, you could mount a non-built-in model on a wall shelf.
69 Harness your hob
Because induction hobs are flat and almost flush to the worktop, they can double as an extra work surface when not in use. Simply cover with a chopping board. Bonus!
Find out more about induction hobs
Because induction hobs are flat and almost flush to the worktop, they can double as an extra work surface when not in use. Simply cover with a chopping board. Bonus!
Find out more about induction hobs
70 Hide everything
Go uber-minimal, with everything concealed behind closed doors and drawers. This all-white, clutter-free kitchen may not be for everyone, but it certainly packs in the storage without crowding the space.
Go uber-minimal, with everything concealed behind closed doors and drawers. This all-white, clutter-free kitchen may not be for everyone, but it certainly packs in the storage without crowding the space.
71 Cook up a splashback-height shelf
This hand-built Scottish kitchen gains useful space by the super-simple addition of a wall-width shelf across the top of the low splashback.
It’s the perfect height for storing frequently used herbs and spices (and these would look especially good decanted into matching little containers). Equally, mugs and glasses could be kept handily close to both kettle and tap.
In addition, the smart shelves on the end wall are only as wide as they need to be. Breaking slightly with convention, the bottom one overhangs the worktop a little, yet it isn’t in the way.
This hand-built Scottish kitchen gains useful space by the super-simple addition of a wall-width shelf across the top of the low splashback.
It’s the perfect height for storing frequently used herbs and spices (and these would look especially good decanted into matching little containers). Equally, mugs and glasses could be kept handily close to both kettle and tap.
In addition, the smart shelves on the end wall are only as wide as they need to be. Breaking slightly with convention, the bottom one overhangs the worktop a little, yet it isn’t in the way.
72 Let your worktop spill over
The obvious thing would be to end this worktop where the wall stops, to the right of the sink. But why be conventional when you could, instead, create more space.
Elsewhere, this ‘worktop overhang’ idea has been used to house a teeny breakfast bar, but here, with the steps down to the kitchen area in the way of any potential seating, this space simply expands the useable work surface.
The obvious thing would be to end this worktop where the wall stops, to the right of the sink. But why be conventional when you could, instead, create more space.
Elsewhere, this ‘worktop overhang’ idea has been used to house a teeny breakfast bar, but here, with the steps down to the kitchen area in the way of any potential seating, this space simply expands the useable work surface.
73 Build around your boiler
Boilers are generally bulky, awkward and never where you’d like them to be – ie, often in the kitchen. But don’t let yours thwart you. Use it as the starting point for a super-practical bespoke utility cupboard, with little nooks for everything you need to stash in it.
Try laying out all that needs to be stored and design the shelving around it, rather than vice versa, to max the space.
Boilers are generally bulky, awkward and never where you’d like them to be – ie, often in the kitchen. But don’t let yours thwart you. Use it as the starting point for a super-practical bespoke utility cupboard, with little nooks for everything you need to stash in it.
Try laying out all that needs to be stored and design the shelving around it, rather than vice versa, to max the space.
74 Consider a cutaway breakfast bar
If a rectangular table simply won’t fit (or won’t let you open your cupboards), don’t feel disheartened. Instead, think whether you could modify your table, or create a makeshift breakfast bar, as here, so it will.
Check out the classic Tam Tam storage stools, too – perfect for keeping not-in-use tea towels inside.
If a rectangular table simply won’t fit (or won’t let you open your cupboards), don’t feel disheartened. Instead, think whether you could modify your table, or create a makeshift breakfast bar, as here, so it will.
Check out the classic Tam Tam storage stools, too – perfect for keeping not-in-use tea towels inside.
75 Add a micro worktop
This vintage-style country table is teeny, but provides a sliver of extra workspace. A table like this could also makes a good tea and toast point in a kitchen where there isn’t quite enough workspace.
This vintage-style country table is teeny, but provides a sliver of extra workspace. A table like this could also makes a good tea and toast point in a kitchen where there isn’t quite enough workspace.
76 Exploit corner shelves
If you need some depth to store larger items on your shelves, but don’t have the headspace, consider tucking them into a corner.
If you need some depth to store larger items on your shelves, but don’t have the headspace, consider tucking them into a corner.
77 Design a wraparound splashback
To give the impression of a more elongated space, aim for long, unbroken lines, and be careful where you position blocks of colour.
Work to create a design that encourages the eye to keep moving, which will enhance a sense of flow. This continuous tiled splashback does that job simply and effectively.
To give the impression of a more elongated space, aim for long, unbroken lines, and be careful where you position blocks of colour.
Work to create a design that encourages the eye to keep moving, which will enhance a sense of flow. This continuous tiled splashback does that job simply and effectively.
78 Use Colour Wisely Part l: Be strategic
All white is a pretty foolproof scheme to keep a small kitchen feeling light and open. However, colour might make you happy… So, don’t swerve it, but do be aware that too many colours, used with abandon, could shrink your space.
The best advice is to use colour strategically. You could, for example, add flashes of neon, whether in a streak of paint or coloured glass, or simply in your accessories and appliances.
All white is a pretty foolproof scheme to keep a small kitchen feeling light and open. However, colour might make you happy… So, don’t swerve it, but do be aware that too many colours, used with abandon, could shrink your space.
The best advice is to use colour strategically. You could, for example, add flashes of neon, whether in a streak of paint or coloured glass, or simply in your accessories and appliances.
79 Use Colour Wisely Part ll: Decorate with tones of one colour
Keeping to one hue in your small kitchen will help maintain an aesthetic that oozes control and calm. Here, different shades of blue on the units create a soothing gradient effect, while a white backdrop – and minimal accessorising – keeps the room from looking colour-cluttered and potentially smaller as a result.
The spike of neon yellow is so small it doesn’t impinge on the space.
Keeping to one hue in your small kitchen will help maintain an aesthetic that oozes control and calm. Here, different shades of blue on the units create a soothing gradient effect, while a white backdrop – and minimal accessorising – keeps the room from looking colour-cluttered and potentially smaller as a result.
The spike of neon yellow is so small it doesn’t impinge on the space.
80 Use Colour Wisely Part lll: Tap into off-white
To maintain that airy, bigger-space feeling without going for brilliant white on the walls, simply choose the perfect almost white. A hint of cool blue-green, as here, will generally create a more relaxed mood than a warmer shade.
To maintain that airy, bigger-space feeling without going for brilliant white on the walls, simply choose the perfect almost white. A hint of cool blue-green, as here, will generally create a more relaxed mood than a warmer shade.
81 Don’t try to cram it all in
If you have a teeny cook space, chances are you’re not going to fit every bit of storage or appliance into the general kitchen zone. If you have an open-plan space, don’t be afraid to let a dresser or set of kitchen units spill around a corner.
Here, the owners have chosen to connect the around-the-corner units to the kitchen by having them in the same finish. However, if you want to build more of a living room feel outside the confines of the cook space, consider an antique French dresser, open shelves that mix storage with framed pictures or pieces of art, or a closed cupboard painted the same shade as the walls to ‘hide’ it.
If you have a teeny cook space, chances are you’re not going to fit every bit of storage or appliance into the general kitchen zone. If you have an open-plan space, don’t be afraid to let a dresser or set of kitchen units spill around a corner.
Here, the owners have chosen to connect the around-the-corner units to the kitchen by having them in the same finish. However, if you want to build more of a living room feel outside the confines of the cook space, consider an antique French dresser, open shelves that mix storage with framed pictures or pieces of art, or a closed cupboard painted the same shade as the walls to ‘hide’ it.
82 Make use of odd-sized gaps
Standard base units have fixed measurements and so, unless you’re going bespoke, you may well find you have an odd-sized gap you’re not too sure how to fill, but need to use.
These slide-out baskets are one solution. If you have a smaller space, you might consider mini wine shelves or micro drawers just big enough for a set of spoons in one, forks in another, napkins in another, and so on. You could even DIY these, if you have the shelves in place, by sourcing dinky-sized storage boxes without lids that you can pull in and out.
Standard base units have fixed measurements and so, unless you’re going bespoke, you may well find you have an odd-sized gap you’re not too sure how to fill, but need to use.
These slide-out baskets are one solution. If you have a smaller space, you might consider mini wine shelves or micro drawers just big enough for a set of spoons in one, forks in another, napkins in another, and so on. You could even DIY these, if you have the shelves in place, by sourcing dinky-sized storage boxes without lids that you can pull in and out.
83 Pop in a half-height pull-out larder
Alternatively, you might have the optimum size gap for one of these – perfect for spices and cooking condiments next to the oven.
Alternatively, you might have the optimum size gap for one of these – perfect for spices and cooking condiments next to the oven.
studiocuvier.se
84 Customise your shelves
Keeping clutter off your worktop and maxing cupboard and drawer space are two things you’ll probably want to do in a petite kitchen.
One excellent way to do both is to make your shelves work harder by hanging things under them, something this cool Scandi kitchen does particularly well. Also look out for baskets and utensil pots you can hang, or under-shelf shelves that hook onto the fronts of your existing shelves.
Keeping clutter off your worktop and maxing cupboard and drawer space are two things you’ll probably want to do in a petite kitchen.
One excellent way to do both is to make your shelves work harder by hanging things under them, something this cool Scandi kitchen does particularly well. Also look out for baskets and utensil pots you can hang, or under-shelf shelves that hook onto the fronts of your existing shelves.
85 Layer your rails
Why stop at one hanging rail when you can have three? That’s an entire cupboard you’ve just freed up…
Why stop at one hanging rail when you can have three? That’s an entire cupboard you’ve just freed up…
86 Expand corner cupboard space
Could you pack more into your cupboards? This ingenious pull-out rack system fits plenty into a corner unit, and makes it all easy to access.
Make use, too, of the backs of doors for hooks and lid racks. Get inventive with self-adhesive hooks and wire baskets to hang from them – or stash magnetic spice pots on the backs of doors, sides of units or under shelves. Check out racks and stands that create mini shelves inside your cupboards. Flirt with under-sink storage organisers. Think creatively!
Could you pack more into your cupboards? This ingenious pull-out rack system fits plenty into a corner unit, and makes it all easy to access.
Make use, too, of the backs of doors for hooks and lid racks. Get inventive with self-adhesive hooks and wire baskets to hang from them – or stash magnetic spice pots on the backs of doors, sides of units or under shelves. Check out racks and stands that create mini shelves inside your cupboards. Flirt with under-sink storage organisers. Think creatively!
87 Pimp your base units
In the same vein, how clever is this idea for making more of a double cupboard? Get acquainted with a savvy joiner and see what you can create…
In the same vein, how clever is this idea for making more of a double cupboard? Get acquainted with a savvy joiner and see what you can create…
88 Stretch up high
A shelf close to the ceiling is another excellent space booster, and one often overlooked. (Bear it in mind, also, above beds, for books, and in hallways, for more still…)
A shelf close to the ceiling is another excellent space booster, and one often overlooked. (Bear it in mind, also, above beds, for books, and in hallways, for more still…)
89 Don’t be afraid of black
White is an obvious space-booster, but a crisp monochrome scheme can add interest to your kitchen, too.
Keep cupboards white and walls dark. That way, you’ll visually create depth, as the black areas will appear to recede.
White is an obvious space-booster, but a crisp monochrome scheme can add interest to your kitchen, too.
Keep cupboards white and walls dark. That way, you’ll visually create depth, as the black areas will appear to recede.
90 Share your shelves
Maybe it’s not just your kitchen that’s small, but your whole home. While open-plan is on many of our wish lists, it’s not always the most practical for small-space living, where walls equal storage opportunities.
Here, an element of open-plan is introduced, and yet the wall space on the left is not lost, as a book-filled divider plugs the gap. This flexible solution allows the space to be used for storing living room tomes and cookbooks alike, as well as decorative kitchen objects that will look good from both sides of the divide.
Maybe it’s not just your kitchen that’s small, but your whole home. While open-plan is on many of our wish lists, it’s not always the most practical for small-space living, where walls equal storage opportunities.
Here, an element of open-plan is introduced, and yet the wall space on the left is not lost, as a book-filled divider plugs the gap. This flexible solution allows the space to be used for storing living room tomes and cookbooks alike, as well as decorative kitchen objects that will look good from both sides of the divide.
91 Big up a window
If bigger building work is on your horizon, consider enlarging a window in your kitchen. Here, though this one-wall design is in a narrow room, the light and focal point provided by the floor-to-ceiling glazing really opens up the space.
If bigger building work is on your horizon, consider enlarging a window in your kitchen. Here, though this one-wall design is in a narrow room, the light and focal point provided by the floor-to-ceiling glazing really opens up the space.
92 Stash your serveware on the outside
In a large kitchen, there’s often plenty of space for glasses, cutlery, napkins, jugs and pretty serving dishes. In a smaller space… not always.
Consider keeping these items not required for the business of cooking either on the outside of your work area in an open-plan room, or even in a cupboard or drawers separate from the kitchen and close to where you eat.
In a large kitchen, there’s often plenty of space for glasses, cutlery, napkins, jugs and pretty serving dishes. In a smaller space… not always.
Consider keeping these items not required for the business of cooking either on the outside of your work area in an open-plan room, or even in a cupboard or drawers separate from the kitchen and close to where you eat.
93 Reveal and conceal
As already mentioned, the less clutter on show in a small kitchen, the more spacious it can feel. So how about this for the ultimate in luxe-look bespoke storage – a splashback that slides across to conceal shallow shelving?
As already mentioned, the less clutter on show in a small kitchen, the more spacious it can feel. So how about this for the ultimate in luxe-look bespoke storage – a splashback that slides across to conceal shallow shelving?
94 Beef up your corners
The convention with corners is to use clever pull-out units designed to fill the space. But sometimes you need a corner to give you room for things that won’t fit around that kind of arrangement. Instead, create a flat wall across the space, as here.
The convention with corners is to use clever pull-out units designed to fill the space. But sometimes you need a corner to give you room for things that won’t fit around that kind of arrangement. Instead, create a flat wall across the space, as here.
95 Tailor your drawers
Here’s another idea for maxing drawer capacity – perfect under-oven practicality. Sorted!
Here’s another idea for maxing drawer capacity – perfect under-oven practicality. Sorted!
96 Slide and hang utensils…
Keep utensils off your worktop by storing them next to your oven instead. A slide-out rack like this is also the perfect place to stash bulky oven gloves for easy access.
Keep utensils off your worktop by storing them next to your oven instead. A slide-out rack like this is also the perfect place to stash bulky oven gloves for easy access.
97 …or pans…
98 …or a pull-out knife block
99 Create zones
Draw the eye away from the cooking area in order to visually trick the brain into registering two distinct zones – and, subconsciously, a larger kitchen as a result.
This is possible even in a narrow kitchen, as seen here, where the homeowners have made an attractive dining area with striking black bentwood chairs.
TELL US…
What makes your small kitchen work wonderfully? Share your tips in the Comments below.
Draw the eye away from the cooking area in order to visually trick the brain into registering two distinct zones – and, subconsciously, a larger kitchen as a result.
This is possible even in a narrow kitchen, as seen here, where the homeowners have made an attractive dining area with striking black bentwood chairs.
TELL US…
What makes your small kitchen work wonderfully? Share your tips in the Comments below.
- 1
- 2
Related Stories
Kitchen Design
Which Kitchen Worktop Colour Should You Choose?
By tidgboutique
Consider these popular colours and styles to get the look you want, no matter which material you use
Full Story
Kitchen Inspiration
5 Inspiring Before and After Kitchen Transformations
Whether you want to boost storage, incorporate original features or maximise your space, take ideas from these designs
Full Story
Kitchen Inspiration
5 Ideas for Kitchen Extension Layouts in Victorian Homes
By Kate Burt
Embarking on a rear extension project? Need layout ideas? Look no further...
Full Story
Kitchen Inspiration
16 Kitchens With Vertically Stacked Tiles
Looking for kitchen tiling inspiration? Browse this gallery of beautiful designs
Full Story
Renovating
Should I Live On-site During My Kitchen Renovation?
By Kate Burt
If you’re weighing up whether to stay put or ship out during your project, this expert guide is a must-read
Full Story
Bedrooms
What to Expect at the Biggest Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Show
Plan ahead with our rundown of what’s in store at the kbb Birmingham event this March
Full Story
Kitchen Design
Which of These Kitchen Renovation Trends Would You Choose?
By Kate Burt
The 2024 Houzz Kitchen Trends Report is out. Dive into the highlights to see what’s topping your choices
Full Story
Kitchen Inspiration
24 Beautiful Bare Wood Kitchens
By Kate Burt
From pale and pared back to warm and textured, unpainted cabinets are suddenly everywhere. Which look do you like best?
Full Story
Kitchen Planning
How to Design a Multigenerational Kitchen
A space that successfully meets the needs of all those who use it is not only inclusive, it’s futureproof
Full Story
Small Space Living
How to Lay Out a Small Kitchen
By Kate Burt
If you’re short on cooking space but have big ideas, look no further – our experts will make your small kitchen sing
Full Story
Lots of these have open shelving, unless you love cleaning it's a nightmare in the kitchen!
I've probably broken all the colour rules here but making a cuppa has never been more uplifting now my teeny kitchen has gone all psychedelic! Thanks to new handles, an array of Valspar tester pots and a lot of lockdown time on my hands, I did this on the cheap, until such time I can totally gut it and completely renovate it...
Simply inspiring!