A short guide on how to make the most of the space you have in your small kitchen, including clever design tricks and layout ideas to make it appear much larger than it really is.
Good things come in small packages, and the same can be said about your kitchen, providing you make the most of some innovative layouts and design tips. From lighting to storage, our small kitchen design guide has the answers you seek.
The lighter the colour scheme of your small kitchen, the larger the room will appear. Dark colours can make a space look cramped, while brighter colours reflect the light to create an illusion of space. If possible, opt for the same colour for the units and the walls.
Beautiful Galley Kitchen Ideas
High gloss kitchen units help to reflect the light even further and are widely available at a reasonable price due to their current popularity.
High gloss tiles, such as white metro tiles, will also help to capture more light in your small kitchen design. You could even install a mirrored splashback behind the stove or the sink to enhance this.
Lighting is the key to making a small area appear larger. Fit lights underneath wall cupboards to make food preparation easier and save space.
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You should also consider using directional spotlights to bounce light from walls and appliances back into the room. Another popular and useful option in terms of small kitchen lighting is to fit LED downlights in and around the bottom of the low-level kitchen units.
Don’t use dark, heavily patterned curtains to dress your window; fit a sleek, light blind that can be fully retracted to ensure as much natural light as possible. If the room allows it, consider putting in a skylight/light tube, too.
Try not to incorporate too many cupboards into the design of your kitchen, as they’ll make the room feel quite claustrophobic. Instead, opt for some open shelving. You can use a selection of sleek/pretty containers to store anything you need to be easily accessible, from sugar and tea bags to dishwasher tablets and soap.
Kitchen Design Tool
Hang larger utensils on hooks underneath shelves or wall cupboards and put up a magnetic knife strip, which removes the need for utensil holders and blocks on the worktop while freeing up drawer space.
If possible, fit a (lower level) corner cupboard, as they provide heaps of space for larger/less regularly used gadgets/pans/tableware. Pull-out larder cupboards also make the most of a slim space.
Consider investing in a mobile butcher's block. Small square versions are available, and not only do they look very attractive, but they also provide both storage and extra workspace. Plus, they can be moved easily, enabling you to arrange your space according to your activity.
Modern Galley Kitchen Ideas
This could take the form of a slimline worktop in an area that can’t accommodate units - attached to the wall above a radiator, for example. Even if it only extends 30cms into the room, it will still be big enough to dine at.
An alternative would be to attach a peninsula that extends into the centre of your kitchen, or even a piece of worktop that can be pulled out from underneath the standard worktop and slotted back in again once you’ve finished your meal.
If you have the space for a kitchen island, aim to incorporate an essential appliance into it to free up space elsewhere in the room. You can install a hob or a sink onto the top an island, and a fridge or extra storage underneath. Remember, kitchen islands don’t have to be huge. Square islands measuring much less than a metre in length and width are very popular for a reason!
Kitchen Layout Ideas For Small Kitchens
When adding a dining area to a kitchen, it's worth noting that it is usually the seating that takes up the most room. Ensure that any dining space is created with enough room underneath to tuck away chairs or stools completely.
All the well-known manufacturers sell modern appliances in a range of sizes. It's all about finding the right one to match your kitchen's requirements, as well as your taste.
Dishwashers measuring just 45cm in width (as opposed to the standard 60cm) are readily available. Invest in one with a pull-out cutlery tray at the top (rather than a chunky cutlery basket) to maximise the space available inside.
How To Design A Square Kitchen
Smeg, the makers of beautifully coloured 1950’s retro refrigerators, make slim and half-size versions of their standard offering, while AGA makes a 60cm wide version of their iconic cooker, with 2 ovens and a hotplate.When you click on a retailer link, we may earn affiliate commission , helps fund our not-for-profit mission. This tracks your activity using third party cookies . By clicking a link you are consenting to this.
Transforming your kitchen is exciting, but it can be tricky to know where to start. We run through some kitchen design ideas to help you get some inspiration regardless of your budget or kitchen size.
Before you buy – or even start the process – take a look at our best kitchen brands guide to find out are the top-rated companies. Customers have judged them on durability, customer service and value for money.
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To discover three brands earned Best Buys for their kitchen units when we assessed them in our lab, visit our best kitchen units page.
Trying to work out the perfect plan for your kitchen? Head over to our kitchen planning guide to get all the details right
Think about how you're going to use your island in relation to the rest of your kitchen. What do you want it for? How will it affect the workings of the rest of your kitchen? Once you know that, you can be clearer on what size and type to get, as well as how to position it.
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Islands can be as big as you want but, if you're tight on space there are also slimline versions. You can also get one on wheels so that it can be moved out of the way when needed (more on this below).
Another way to save space is to get a peninsula instead. This is essentially where units carry on from your current kitchen and jut out into the room. You can see an example in the gallery below.
Whatever you do, one key thing to keep in mind is how much space it will take up and what usable space you will have around it. Think about the 'kitchen triangle', helps you plot out the distance you need to leave between different parts in your kitchen.
Great Ideas For Small Kitchens
Our gallery includes a range of kitchen ideas, from kitchen islands with seating to statement islands, to help get you thinking about what you want.
A freestanding kitchen island is exactly what it sounds like: an island that isn't fixed into position (you can see a couple of examples in the gallery above).
It will usually have legs, lifting it just off the floor or even creating more of a table, depending on what you opt for. They come in the range of sizes, from compact to as big as any other type of island. These types of islands don't usually house appliances or sinks, so take this into consideration.
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These kitchen islands are brilliant for small kitchens as it will give you extra worktop space. Some models include storage underneath, and can also double up as a place to eat or a trolley to move food and drink between rooms when you’re entertaining.
If you're keen on this type, make sure you buy one that has locks on the wheels so that it will stay in place when needed. Also think about where you will move it to: is there actually space in your kitchen to take it out of its position?
If you have a kitchen that’s more compact than you'd like, there's plenty you can do to transform it into a beautiful but practical space that works for you.
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If you don’t mind losing a bit of worktop, consider a full height cupboard. Or look for taller wall units or bespoke cupboards fitted up the ceiling to take advantage of more of the vertical space in your room.
Corners are often wasted when you install standard units, so instead choose corner cabinets with carousels that make better use of the space.
Storage is vital in any kitchen, but particularly when it's a small one, so think creatively about the space you have to play with.
Small Kitchen Ideas For Even The Tiniest Of Spaces
You can buy a vast array of baskets, shelf-risers, racks, hooks and other items to make the most of the storage space inside cupboards and drawers.
Even the most overlooked areas can be useful. The top of the fridge or microwave can house small appliances you don’t use very often, such as blenders.
A breakfast bar or a fold-out table can be a good way to add much needed dining space into a small kitchen and it can also provide extra work surfaces for preparing meals.
Best Galley Kitchen Design Ideas
Another thing to consider are appliances. Integrated appliances that are built into your kitchen units can give a sleeker, tidier appearance and be great space savers.
Don't be limited in your kitchen plan by only looking at standard
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