skip to main content
Photos
Photos
Advice
Stories From Houzz
Houzz Discussions
Houzz Research
Sign In
Houzz Logo Print
  1. Kitchen
  2. Size: Compact

Expansive and Small Kitchen Ideas and Designs

All Filters (2)
Refine by:
1 - 20 of 161,891 photos
Item 1 of 3
Spacious Shaker In Letchworth
Spacious Shaker In Letchworth
Planet FurniturePlanet Furniture
A light, bright open plan kitchen with ample space to dine, cook and store everything that needs to be tucked away. As always, our bespoke kitchens are designed and built to suit lifestyle and family needs and this one is no exception. Plenty of island seating and really importantly, lots of room to move around it. Large cabinets and deep drawers for convenient storage plus accessible shelving for cook books and a wine fridge perfectly positioned for the cook! Look closely and you’ll see that the larder is shallow in depth. This was deliberately (and cleverly!) designed to accommodate a large beam behind the back of the cabinet, yet still allows this run of cabinets to look balanced. We’re loving the distinctive brass handles by Armac Martin against the Hardwicke White paint colour on the cabinetry - along with the Hand Silvered Antiqued mirror splashback there’s plenty of up-to-the-minute design details which ensure this classic shaker is contemporary yes classic in equal measure.
Idlewylde
Idlewylde
Unique HomestaysUnique Homestays
This is an example of a small country open plan kitchen in Other with medium hardwood flooring and brown floors.
Bells Yew Green
Bells Yew Green
Alistair Fleming DesignAlistair Fleming Design
Inspiration for an expansive traditional open plan kitchen in Sussex with shaker cabinets and marble splashback.
West Dulwich Family Home
West Dulwich Family Home
Imperfect InteriorsImperfect Interiors
This detached home in West Dulwich was opened up & extended across the back to create a large open plan kitchen diner & seating area for the family to enjoy together. We added oak herringbone parquet in the main living area, a large dark green and wood kitchen and a generous dining & seating area. A cinema room was also tucked behind the kitchen
Architects Project
Architects Project
Mark HardyMark Hardy
Inspiration for an expansive midcentury kitchen in Hampshire with concrete flooring, grey floors and a wood ceiling.
Blackheath Black Kitchen
Blackheath Black Kitchen
piqupiqu
This unusually shaped kitchen in Blackheath has been completely refurbished. Clever design has been used to maximise functionality in the space available by including a waterfall island with a reduced side to mirror the shape of the room, tall units that reach right up to the ceiling and reduced depth cupboards on one of the walls. The beautifully sleek German black cabinets have been complimented with striking Dekton Trillium stone from Cosentino.
Kitchen
Kitchen
Sakkara ResidentialSakkara Residential
A bright and bold kitchen for a small flat in colourful Notting Hill
Design ideas for a small contemporary l-shaped kitchen/diner in London with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, purple cabinets, quartz worktops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, black appliances, medium hardwood flooring, brown floors, white worktops and feature lighting.
The Hertfordshire Home
The Hertfordshire Home
Simpson & VoyleSimpson & Voyle
Immerse yourself in the opulence of this bespoke kitchen, where deep green cabinets command attention with their rich hue and bespoke design. The striking copper-finished island stands as a centerpiece, exuding warmth and sophistication against the backdrop of the deep green cabinetry. A concrete countertop adds an industrial edge to the space, while large-scale ceramic tiles ground the room with their timeless elegance. Classic yet contemporary, this kitchen is a testament to bespoke craftsmanship and luxurious design.
West 5 Apartment
West 5 Apartment
Brosh ArchitectsBrosh Architects
Kitchen
Inspiration for a small contemporary galley enclosed kitchen in London with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, composite countertops, beige splashback, black appliances, light hardwood flooring, beige floors and beige worktops.
Project Aery
Project Aery
CCASA ArchitectsCCASA Architects
A compact but yet generous living, dining room and kitchen with big traditional sash windows allows for natural light throughout the space.
Design ideas for a small contemporary single-wall kitchen/diner in London with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, composite countertops, grey splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood flooring and white worktops.
Blue and Pink Kitchen in Brockley
Blue and Pink Kitchen in Brockley
Puccini KitchensPuccini Kitchens
Step into this vibrant and inviting kitchen that combines modern design with playful elements. The centrepiece of this kitchen is the 20mm Marbled White Quartz worktops, which provide a clean and sophisticated surface for preparing meals. The light-coloured quartz complements the overall bright and airy ambience of the kitchen. The cabinetry, with doors constructed from plywood, introduces a natural and warm element to the space. The distinctive round cutouts serve as handles, adding a touch of uniqueness to the design. The cabinets are painted in a delightful palette of Inchyra Blue and Ground Pink, infusing the kitchen with a sense of fun and personality. A pink backsplash further enhances the playful colour scheme while providing a stylish and easy-to-clean surface. The kitchen's brightness is accentuated by the strategic use of rose gold elements. A rose gold tap and matching pendant lights introduce a touch of luxury and sophistication to the design. The island situated at the centre enhances functionality as it provides additional worktop space and an area for casual dining and entertaining. The integrated sink in the island blends seamlessly for a streamlined look. Do you find inspiration in this fun and unique kitchen design? Visit our project pages for more.
Brighton | Open Plan Kitchen
Brighton | Open Plan Kitchen
Design Interiors LtdDesign Interiors Ltd
Our client tells us: "I cannot recommend Design Interiors enough. Tim has an exceptional eye for design, instinctively knowing what works & striking the perfect balance between incorporating our design pre-requisites & ideas & making has own suggestions. Every design detail has been spot on. His plan was creative, making the best use of space, practical - & the finished result has more than lived up to expectations. The leicht product is excellent – classic German quality & although a little more expensive than some other kitchens , the difference is streets ahead – and pound for pound exceptional value. But its not just design. We were lucky enough to work with the in house project manager Stuart who led our build & trades for our whole project, & was absolute fantastic. Ditto the in house fitters, whose attention to detail & perfectionism was impressive. With fantastic communication,, reliability & downright lovely to work with – we are SO pleased we went to Design Interiors. If you’re looking for great service, high end design & quality product from a company big enough to be super professional but small enough to care – look no further!" Our clients had previously carried out a lot of work on their old warehouse building to create an industrial feel. They always disliked having the kitchen & living room as separate rooms so, wanted to open up the space. It was important to them to have 1 company that could carry out all of the required works. Design Interiors own team removed the separating wall & flooring along with extending the entrance to the kitchen & under stair cupboards for extra storage. All plumbing & electrical works along with plastering & decorating were carried out by Design Interiors along with the supply & installation of the polished concrete floor & works to the existing windows to achieve a floor to ceiling aesthetic. Tim designed the kitchen in a bespoke texture lacquer door to match the ironmongery throughout the building. Our clients who are keen cooks wanted to have a good surface space to prep whilst keeping the industrial look but, it was a priority for the work surface to be hardwearing. Tim incorporated Dekton worktops to meet this brief & to enhance the industrial look carried the worktop up to provide the splashback. The contemporary design without being a handless look enhances the clients’ own appliances with stainless steel handles to match. The open plan space has a social breakfast bar area which also incorporate’s a clever bifold unit to house the boiler system which was unable to be moved.
Contemporary Sandbanks Style
Contemporary Sandbanks Style
Hobsons ChoiceHobsons Choice
Working closely with the clients, a two-part split layout was designed. The main ‘presentation’ kitchen within the living area, and the ‘prep’ kitchen for larger catering needs, are separated by a Rimadesio sliding pocket door.
Natalie & Chris - Warnham, Horsham
Natalie & Chris - Warnham, Horsham
The Kitchen StoreThe Kitchen Store
A SLEEK & STYLISH DARK GREY KITCHEN WITH CONTEMPORARY DESIGN ELEMENTS, MADE FOR FAMILY LIVING. Our clients were transforming their home into a sociable space for their family of five, so they wanted their kitchen to fit seamlessly into this plan. They socialise often so it was important to create a large open plan kitchen, and a showstopping island was a must! To create this contemporary kitchen we used the Soft Lack design from our German Nolte range, in the colour Graphite. We chose two worksurfaces; Classic Quartz in Alaska Bianca and Caesarstone in Flannel Grey. The concrete effect wrap around worksurface on the island end creates a focal point from the garden and allows for some additional storage. The sleek black top-trim handles and Oak detailing add a real sense of luxury to this design. Storage solutions such as the pantry-style larder and drawer units make the kitchen user-friendly for daily family life.
Trevaylor Cottage
Trevaylor Cottage
Lydia Allen InteriorsLydia Allen Interiors
Design ideas for a small bohemian u-shaped kitchen/diner in Cornwall with a belfast sink, shaker cabinets, yellow cabinets, quartz worktops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, terracotta flooring, no island, brown floors, white worktops and feature lighting.
Spacious Barn Conversion Classic In-Frame Kitchen
Spacious Barn Conversion Classic In-Frame Kitchen
Handmade Kitchen CoHandmade Kitchen Co
A beautiful barn conversion that underwent a major renovation to be completed with a bespoke handmade kitchen. What we have here is our Classic In-Frame Shaker filling up one wall where the exposed beams are in prime position. This is where the storage is mainly and the sink area with some cooking appliances. The island is very large in size, an L-shape with plenty of storage, worktop space, a seating area, open shelves and a drinks area. A very multi-functional hub of the home perfect for all the family. We hand-painted the cabinets in F&B Down Pipe & F&B Shaded White for a stunning two-tone combination.
Mr & Mrs Davis
Mr & Mrs Davis
Diane Berry KitchensDiane Berry Kitchens
This amazing old house was in need of something really special and by mixing a couple of antiques with modern dark Eggersmann units we have a real stand out kitchen that looks like no other we have ever done. What a joy to work with such a visionary client and on such a beautiful home.
Hither Green Kitchen
Hither Green Kitchen
piqupiqu
We love the clean and crisp lines of this beautiful German manufactured kitchen in Hither Green. The inclusion of the peninsular island which houses the Siemens induction hob, creates much needed additional work top space and is a lovely sociable way to cook and entertain. The completely floor to ceiling cabinets, not only look stunning but maximise the storage space available. The combination of the warm oak Nebraska doors, wooden floor and yellow glass splash back compliment the matt white lacquer doors perfectly and bring a lovely warmth to this open plan kitchen space.
Sleek, modernised retro 70's open plan kitchen diner
Sleek, modernised retro 70's open plan kitchen diner
My Bespoke RoomMy Bespoke Room
It's sophisticated and stylish, with a sleek and contemporary feel that's perfect for entertaining. The clean lines and monochromatic colour palette enhance the minimalist vibe, while the carefully chosen details add just the right amount of glam.
Little Inka
Little Inka
Unique HomestaysUnique Homestays
This is an example of a small farmhouse l-shaped kitchen in Cornwall with black cabinets, metallic splashback, black appliances and grey floors.

Expansive and Small Kitchen Ideas and Designs

Want to discover beautiful Expansive and Small kitchen ideas to inspire your new kitchen design? You’ve come to the right place. You can discover millions of Expansive and Small kitchen designs and ideas; from kitchen islands and storage units, to all sorts of kitchen lighting ideas, such as pendant lighting or under cabinet lighting. Whether you want inspiration for all-in-one fitted kitchen designs, some small kitchen ideas or maybe just some tips for improving your kitchen decor, there are tons of photos to inspire you for your next kitchen project on Houzz.

What kind of kitchen design should I go for?

With so many kitchen ideas and photos to look at you might be a bit overwhelmed when it comes to picking your own kitchen design. If you are updating your kitchen you know what a big and important decision it is to get the design right – the kitchen can be the hub and heart of the home, and it’s unlikely that you would invest in renovating your kitchen again in a few years. But fear not, focusing first on the important elements like layout, cabinet style, worktops and appliances will help you to bring together your dream kitchen design. Additional elements like kitchen lighting, cupboard storage and decor can come after in the kitchen planning process. A kitchen designer or fitter can help you to decide the layout of your kitchen in terms of where to place your kitchen units, appliances and island (if you’re having one), but if you prefer to handle this yourself you can focus on where you want your key elements of your kitchen to be – the oven, hob, sink and fridge. Of course you might be constricted by space, but try to envisage the easiest and most efficient layout based on how you usually like to cook and prepare your food. If you’re fed up of always having to carry dirty pans and pots across the room to the sink, place the sink closer to your oven and hob. Once you have the core elements sorted, consider extra layout considerations, such as where your bins will be stored, where the cutlery draw should be and where small kitchen appliances can be installed.

Should I include a kitchen island?

Kitchen island ideas are abundant these days; it seems most kitchen designs include a kitchen island, if not multiple islands. However, if the layout doesn’t work, especially if you have a small kitchen, then there’s no necessity to add in a kitchen island. You can add a breakfast bar or counter to your existing kitchen units, or stick with a good old-fashioned dining table if you don’t need the extra work surfaces. That said, if you do have the room, take a look at some kitchen island ideas to see if the designs inspire you for your kitchen. There are a huge variety of island designs to cater to different needs – you can have sinks, ovens, hobs, wine storage and all sorts of drawers and organisers built-in, you can have separate bars and counters that extend from your island, or you could go for a kitchen island on wheels to make your kitchen layout more versatile.

How do I choose my kitchen units and cabinets?

When picking out kitchen units and cupboard styles for a fitted kitchen, you’ll first want to consider the more practical questions – how many units do you need? How many cupboards and drawers do you need? Do you need extra kitchen storage built into your units? It’s always best to overestimate how much kitchen storage you’ll need as we all tend to have a habit of filling up whatever current space we have to the maximum. Next you can consider kitchen cabinet style and colour. Shaker style cabinets and raised and recessed panel cabinets offer a more traditional kitchen cabinet look, while flat panel cabinet doors tend to lend more to the modern and contemporary style. However, going for raised or recessed panel work in a striking colour such as dark blue, green or black can still work with contemporary kitchen ideas. White kitchens can give a sleek and clean feel, but remember you may have to do a bit more cleaning of those cupboard doors if you want everything to stay shiny and fresh. Of course, grey kitchens are the neutral colour choice du jour and can be paired with pale and rich shades alike if you want your fitted kitchen cupboards to contrast with your worktop, splashback, floor, or all of the above. Exposed shelving and storage is also popular for eclectic, Scandi and industrial-inspired looks, so you could opt for glass-fronted cabinets or no wall-mounted cabinets at all. Remember that this will require more restraint in what you can store and more effort in keeping it looking presentable compared to what is stored away hastily behind cupboard doors. The kitchen cupboard handles are also another element to decide upon – do you want traditional round knobs, modern metal bars, country kitchen cup handles or maybe to go ultra sleek with a completely handleless kitchen?

What kitchen storage ideas should I consider?

If you want to keep your kitchen well-stocked and well-equipped but don’t want it spilling over with clutter, then you’ll need to rely on good kitchen storage. Apart from the usual fitted kitchen cupboards and drawer space, there are many other ways of keeping your kitchen tidy. Whilst a large kitchen pantry is the dream of most homeowners, it can’t always be a reality. However, there are now lots of pull out compartments and drawers with trays and shelving that can act as mini kitchen pantries, and you can install handy cupboard organisers that fit onto the inside of the door to make the most of your cupboard space. You can also look at corner drawers and cupboards that open up to reveal lots of extra storage. Rails or small shelves along your kitchen walls or splashback can help with hanging utensils or pans, or storing small items like herbs and spices in an usually empty space. Buy extra kitchen storage products for your home on Houzz

Are there small kitchen ideas for small spaces?

If you’re working with a galley kitchen, a one-wall kitchen in an open plan space or just a pretty small kitchen, there are some small kitchen ideas that can help you get the most out of your cooking and dining area. If you find that you don’t utilise the back of your cupboards (maybe they become the graveyard for out-of-date tin cans), you could decide to go with shallower kitchen units to free up some extra floor space in front of your cabinets. As mentioned, open shelving or glass-fronted cabinets are a popular trend and they should make the space feel more open and less boxed-in. However, if you have the capacity for it, cupboards and kitchen units that maximise the floor-to-ceiling space you have will mean you can use all of that for valuable kitchen storage. Wall or ceiling racks could be a useful solution for hanging pans and pots if you’ve run out of cupboards in which to store them. Kitchen ideas and accessories such as baskets, trolleys and storage jars are both aesthetically pleasing and practical as they give you extra storage space. Kitchen appliances like a fridge or dishwasher can be tucked away in built-in units in fitted kitchens so they blend into your layout and don’t make the space look crowded. Discover all the small kitchen ideas you could need by taking a look at photos of compact kitchens.

What sort of kitchen lighting should I go for?

In the kitchen you need to have practical lighting – no one wants to chop, cut and cook in a dingy room. Kitchen ceiling lights are probably the best way to go, but should you opt for recessed spotlights or traditional hanging ceiling lights? While spotlight LED kitchen lighting will give you excellent light, they may not fit with a design that’s not contemporary. Traditional chandelier lights could work for other kitchen styles, and of course, kitchen pendant lighting comes in all sorts of styles, colours and designs. While the popular choice is to go with one or two pendant lights over your kitchen island, you could also opt for a single pendant light over your dining space, or a few spaced out across your kitchen. Of course, if you want good lighting for your worktops, under-cabinet lighting is the way forward. Speak to your kitchen supplier about having this pre-installed, or there are a number of easy-install options you can fit yourself or with the help of a lighting expert or electrician. In the market for your kitchen lighting today? Once you’ve found some inspiring kitchen lighting ideas here, take a look at our kitchen lighting products to find the new lights for your kitchen project.

Check out these popular kitchen pages below:

1
123456789Next Page
United Kingdom
Tailor my experience with cookies

Houzz uses cookies and similar technologies to personalise my experience, serve me relevant content, and improve Houzz products and services. By clicking ‘Accept’ I agree to this, as further described in the Houzz Cookie Policy. I can reject non-essential cookies by clicking ‘Manage Preferences’.