7 Tiny Kitchen Ideas to Optimize Small Spaces

Let There Be Light

When you have a smaller space, natural light is key. Not only will this elevate the space aesthetically, but it will also make it feel less dark and claustrophobic. This example by Flourish Sustainable Design & Build lets in just the right amount of sun.

“A small kitchen creates an opportunity for mindful living,” adds Sophie James, an architect and interior designer with the firm. “My approach is to reject complicated gimmicks and embrace simplicity and efficiency.”

Stay Organized

In a smaller space, organization is a major consideration. Keep clutter at bay by carefully curating your dishware; if it’s not beautiful enough to display, then there may not be a reason to keep it.

In this 1920s-era craftsman home, Hannah Oravec, founder of Lawless Design, used floating shelves to beautifully showcase a series of blue-and-white mugs and plates. “It’s now an open, functional space for our clients to cook and entertain,” she says.

Bring the Outside In

If your tiny kitchen opens up to a patio or deck, use that opportunity to create extra space. “We utilize indoor-outdoor living for tiny kitchens,” says Sarah Latham of Latham Interiors. When designing a small kitchen, it’s important to use every bit of space to your advantage.”

Hook It Up

Hooks are a handy way to keep napkins, towels, and more within arm’s reach. As a bonus, they can also free up drawers and cabinets, so you’ll have additional room for other essentials—a boon for tiny kitchen layouts.

“I love to install a series of hooks on the wall to hang pots, pans, and even utensils,” says Tom Magill, senior home stylist at Anthropologie. “These fruit hooks add a whimsical, three-dimensional layer to the wall.”

Hide Additional Amenities

In smaller kitchens, sometimes it’s wise to hide certain features; this approach will help the layout feel less crowded. In this example, an eye-catching accent wall opens up to a miniature wet bar, creating the perfect venue for entertaining.

Designer Ramzi Makram-Ebeid, founder of Human Nature, notes that this approach helps “create depth,” while also making appliances easy to access.

Blend Style and Storage

Storage space is paramount in a tiny kitchen, but so is a beautiful color palette to go with it. This space from Lund Haus Studio has both, with a delightful blue color scheme that really makes all of the dishes and appliances shine.

“We transformed this tiny kitchen into a space that beautifully balances style and functionality,” says CEO and principal designer Sam Lund. “To maximize every square inch, we installed a custom pegboard system for cookware and everyday dishes, along with a mounted magnetic knife strip.” 

Make It Work

The average shelf can now double as a work surface—or even a desk. In this small pied-a-terre, interior designer Sara Shoemaker of Y. McFadden interiors had to make a limited kitchen area work; creative organization solutions were the key.

“We used unexpected, hidden shelving and cabinetry to tuck away the everyday minutiae,” she says.