The Top 34 Small Kitchen Ideas – Interior Home and Design
“Everything happens in the kitchen. Life happens in the kitchen.” – Andrew Zimmern
If you ask the average homebuyer for a list of must-haves in their next house, a large kitchen would be one of the top responses. But living with a small kitchen doesn’t need to be an inconvenience. With the right decor, any kitchen can be the kitchen of your dreams.
Keep reading for some of the best small kitchen ideas inspired by the top design trends of the moment. You’re sure to learn a thing or two to make you appreciate your small kitchen for everything it offers, rather than what it lacks.
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1. Black and White Small Kitchen Ideas
Incorporate shades of black and white for sleek, minimalistic kitchen decor. This simple color scheme is easy to coordinate with existing design elements in and around your kitchen.
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White kitchen appliances can feel dated, even after investing in the latest models. Stainless steel appliances are a great alternative that won’t interfere with your black-and-white color palette.
If solid colors are too dull, a granite or marble countertop will add texture and dimension to the space. Concrete countertops are also extremely popular right now. Place a few green potted plants around the room to liven it up a bit.
2. Contemporary Small Kitchen Ideas
Contemporary design is all about what is most popular right now. If you focus on your kitchen’s core elements rather than filling the room with unnecessary decor, you can do a whole lot with very little space.
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Ornate cabinetry adds character to any kitchen design without taking up any more physical space. Look for beveled cabinet doors or decorative hardware in neutral tones. Or, go with smooth, low-profile cabinets for a more industrial aesthetic.
Subway tile backsplashes in white, black, or grey are super popular right now — consider extending your backsplash to adjacent walls for a more cohesive look. Patterned backsplash tiles are less common in contemporary design but are a great way to liven up an overly neutral color palette.
3. Small Space Kitchen Ideas
Not every home has an extra-large kitchen, and that’s okay. Whether you’re working with a small apartment kitchenette or a miniature version of the “real deal,” a few decor changes can make all of the difference.
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If the space doesn’t allow for overhead cabinets, install a sturdy floating shelf in its place. You can also repurpose a large bookshelf as a makeshift pantry. Open shelving is great for increasing your kitchen storage as well as showing off small decor items.
Even if you’re working with a tiny space, your kitchen still needs to be functional. Choose your kitchen tools carefully, as many of them will double as decor, whether you like it or not. Low-profile, wall-mounted storage solutions, like a magnetic knife strip, are also worthwhile investments.
4. Narrow Small Kitchen Ideas
Working within the limitations of a small kitchen isn’t always about size. It can also be about shape. Shallow cabinets and countertops can make up for some of the lost space in a narrow kitchen. Be sure to offset appliances wherever possible to save yourself some headaches in the future.
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You can also opt for a single-wall kitchen, keeping all of the cabinets and working space to one side. Placing a small dining table along the opposite wall not only offers a spot for quick meals but can also double as additional counter space when needed.
While it’s convenient to have all of your appliances within arm’s reach, pushing your refrigerator, sink, or oven further out can make a huge difference in a small kitchen. Stacked appliances are another option, but they won’t fit in every space.
5. Classic Small Kitchen Ideas
Even the smallest kitchen remodel is expensive and time-consuming. So, it makes sense that you’d want to avoid passing trends in favor of a classic look to avoid remodeling every few years.
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When it comes to your kitchen’s permanent fixtures, keep everything clean and simple. White cabinets with low-profile hardware will go with pretty much any decor. Natural wood countertops are a great way to bring some warmth to the room, but stone or marble counters can work just as well.
If these kitchen ideas sound boring, don’t worry. You can add tons of character with interchangeable decor like towels, wall art, potted plants, and an area rug. Swap out original fixtures for a bold chandelier or pendant kitchen lighting.
6. Compact Small Kitchen Ideas
When working with an ultra-compact space, maximizing your storage space is essential. Take advantage of all available cabinets and pantry space to avoid cluttered countertops.
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If you need more counter space than your current kitchen provides, a tall table or rolling counter are a couple of small kitchen island ideas that might do the trick. For kitchens with an L- or U-shaped counter, use barstools to turn one end into a casual dining area.
7. Vintage Style Small Kitchen Ideas
Despite what you might believe, ultra-modern small kitchen ideas aren’t your only option for design inspiration. It’s 100 percent possible to design a beautiful, vintage-inspired kitchen that doesn’t feel overly cluttered.
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Natural wood grain cabinets were once the standard but are now rare in contemporary kitchen design. Whitewashed wood cabinets are common in old farmhouse-inspired kitchens. Updated hardware can make a set of original wood cabinets feel brand new again.
Creating a vintage-style kitchen is mostly about small details. Retro window treatments and towels are an easy change that can make a big difference. Antique china, crocks, jars, and even light fixtures are other great decor options.
8. Traditional Small Kitchen Ideas
For a classic look that won’t go out of style anytime soon, go with a high-contrast, refined color palette for your kitchen decor. Colored cabinets can liven up a kitchen as long as you choose a color that will age well and keep the rest of your decor fairly neutral.
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You can make a significant impact on your kitchen decor with a simple area rug. Statement light fixtures are another great way to make your kitchen visually interesting without overdoing it. Hang a clock, culinary-inspired illustrations, or other timeless decor sparingly on one or two walls.
9. Simple Small Kitchen Ideas
White walls are the best way to ensure your kitchen looks clean and put-together. You can use pops of bright colors or even natural wood grain to add variety. Go with a simple geometric or subway tile backsplash to protect the wall space above your counters.
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Open shelving offers tons of extra storage and also makes it easy to see exactly what’s on hand at any given time. The same is true for countertop baskets, stands, and holders. But adding storage space of any kind will prevent your simple kitchen from becoming overwhelmed with clutter.
Stay away from unnecessary wall decor or trinkets. Instead, choose unique appliances and fixtures to add a touch of personality to the space.
10. White Farmhouse Small Kitchen Ideas
If you’re in love with the white farmhouse aesthetic, you’re far from alone. This style is easily one of today’s most popular small kitchen design ideas, and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere soon.
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Since modern farmhouse decor is primarily white, this trend is perfect for small kitchen design. Use whitewashed wood paneling, subway tiles, or brickwork to add texture to your kitchen decor. For a warmer look, mix in plenty of natural wood grain elements.
Overhead open shelving is the ideal place to store dry goods you don’t use often. You can also display decorative plates or small antiques. Pay homage to rural life with little details like a bread box, wood cutting board, analog scale, or crock set out on your counters.
11. Grey Small Kitchen Ideas
Grey home decor has been a big trend for years, serving as many designers’ neutral of choice. Sadly, grey often gets a bad rap for being boring or outdated.
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One stylish way to incorporate grey in your kitchen design is by using one of the lightest shades you can find. Think of your chosen grey as an off-white. These greys are light enough to compliment natural wood grain and stone, especially granite or marble.
When choosing accents for a grey kitchen, you can go one of two ways. Silver and black accents give off an industrial air. On the other hand, gold and brass accents are warm and inviting. Play around with different color schemes to discover which is right for your small kitchen.
12. Colorful Small Kitchen Ideas
After years of neutral colors dominating the home decor market, bold palettes are finally making a comeback. Choose a single standout shade and keep the rest of the space neutral. In a room like a kitchen, your walls and cabinets are the two best canvasses.
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Before coating your kitchen in the brightest paint you can find, think about how this color will coordinate with your home decor as a whole. If your kitchen is separate from the rest of your home — picture a galley-style kitchen, for example — the possibilities are nearly endless. But if you have an open-concept kitchen, stop and take a look at the big picture first.
If you have the skills, time, and resources, painting over existing cabinetry will almost always be more affordable than buying brand new cabinets. This also gives you far more freedom when it comes to color selection since most cabinets come in very few shades.
13. Classic Small Kitchen Ideas
Even the smallest kitchen remodel is expensive and time-consuming. So, it makes sense that you’d want to avoid passing trends in favor of a classic look to avoid remodeling every few years.
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When it comes to your kitchen’s permanent fixtures, keep everything clean and simple. White cabinets with low-profile hardware will go with pretty much any decor. Natural wood countertops are a great way to bring some warmth to the room, but stone or marble counters can work just as well.
If these kitchen ideas sound boring, don’t worry. You can add tons of character with interchangeable decor like towels, wall art, potted plants, and an area rug. Swap out original fixtures for a bold chandelier or pendant lights.
14. Modern Small Kitchen Ideas
Modern design encompasses a wide variety of trends and aesthetics, giving you the freedom to pull inspiration for all types of sources. Whether you prefer a more natural Scandinavian look, a quirky mid-century vibe, or an industrial style, modern decor is perfect for a tiny kitchen.
Solid wood countertops are a beautiful option that you don’t see in many contemporary homes. You can also use wood paneling to cover cabinet doors, walls, and appliances.
Oversized or built-in stove tops are a staple in modern kitchen design, and it never hurts to have more working space at your disposal. Fill up the room’s vertical space with hanging light fixtures or a large range hood.
Small Kitchen FAQs
Most people will agree that every kitchen should have a sink, refrigerator, and some type of oven. But these kitchen essentials can come in many forms. For example, someone living in a tiny apartment might have a mini-fridge and toaster oven rather than full-size appliances.
If you have a small kitchen space, it’s more important to think about the items your kitchen could do without. Even if your kitchen isn’t the smallest in the world, don’t give up valuable space for a microwave or coffee maker you rarely use.
If you’re not a real estate expert, you might be guessing as to what makes a galley kitchen different from others.
In truth, galley kitchens are both extremely simple and extremely common. A galley kitchen is an extended room or hallway with counters and cabinets along both walls. This layout also goes by the name “corridor kitchen.”
The Best 20 Leather Jackets for Men in 2021
With the winter months (hopefully) dwindling down, it’s time to start planning ahead to a time where we can wear thinner jackets and fewer layers. While it may be tempting to quickly shed your parka and grab for whatever piece of outerwear is nearby, don’t reach for last year’s wardrobe item just yet. Isn’t it time you try something new, like, say, a leather jacket?
Though it may seem all leather jackets are similar, there are actually many different designs and styles that work for different body types and tastes. In this article, we will take a look at the hottest leather jacket trends that have hit the market this season.
Best Buy
1. Ionic Black Leather Jacket
Ionic Black Leather Jacket from The Jacket Maker is an excellent choice for any guy looking for a slim and sleek jacket in a classic black finish.
It’s made with incredibly tough, yet soft, sheepskin leather, making it a great choice for guys that aren’t used to wearing leather jackets.
One of the best things about the Ionic is its streamlined look. While it offers four outside pockets, the zippers are subtle, so they don’t detract from the sleek look. This design gives it a more streamlined look than most leather jackets, without taking away from any of the authenticity.
2. Saint Laurent Leather Biker Jacket
There is a reason why leather jackets and bikers are usually associated with one another. Historically, many motorcycle riders have seen a leather jacket as a stylish way to protect themselves, not only from the elements but also from the possibility of a crash. While this may seem hard to believe – it’s not like leather comes with a large amount of padding, after all – leather has actually been shown to offer more protection than your average vinyl jacket or equivalent.
Maybe you’re not hopping on a motorcycle anytime soon, but you can still treat yourself to this biker-inspired Saint Laurent leather jacket. With a price tag surpassing $5,000, it’s certainly our premium pick on this list, but if you’re looking for the leather jacket of a lifetime, you have it right here. This pick is sure to come with the “for life” quality Saint Laurent is particularly known for.
3. Reiss Keith Leather Cafe Racer Jacket
Reiss is a British fashion retailer that’s been around since the 1970s. For the first 30 years of its brand history, it focused solely on men’s fashion before eventually expanding to carry items for women as well. However, the fact high-quality items for men are at the heart of this brand is very apparent through their simple wardrobe staples such as the Keith leather cafe racer jacket.
This Reiss jacket comes at a considerably lower price point than its counterparts, which makes it a pick that packs a lot of value. It’s made from super-soft leather and features a full lining. It’s the perfect choice for anybody who prefers a slim-fit jacket.
4. Dean Brown Leather Biker Jacket
Let’s be honest… A traditional racing-style biker jacket is about as cool as it gets. With the high band-style collar and heavy-duty zippers on the front of The Jacket Maker’s Dean Brown Leather Biker Jacket, you’re sure to get that badass look.
The Dean is made with 100% real cowhide leather, so it might be a little stiff at first, but it will break in and patina like none other. The Dean features three zippered pockets on the front as well as zippered cuffs, providing that authentic racing jacket-look without killing your bank account.
5. Ksubi Capital Leather Jacket
The Capital Leather Jacket from Ksubi comes in 100% authentic leather and is designed to have a biker fit. It’s heavy-duty with a protective interior quilted lining. It also features retro details such as antique zippers.
Kusbi is an Australian fashion label that’s existed since the 1990s. While the brand was originally focused on high-end denim, they’ve expanded their offerings over time to include other textiles such as leather. Items from Ksubi’s collections have been shown at such high-profile events as New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week, and the company operates a flagship store in New York’s SOHO neighborhood.
6. Charcoal Navy Blue Suede Biker Jacket
Leather jackets don’t only come in black and brown. If you want something less traditional, check out this navy-blue suede jacket from The Jacket Maker.
The outer shell is made from real goatskin suede leather, and there’s a quilted polyester lining inside for added warmth. Suede has a softer feel and look than other leather types, and is ideal if you’re going for a more boho look.
This jacket boasts a total of four pockets—two inside and two outside.
7. Acne Studios Off-Centred Zipper Biker Jacket
Swedish fashion powerhouse Acne Studios is well-known for their basic wardrobe pieces, so it makes sense that they would have the classic leather jacket look on lock. We love the way this off-centered jacket packs a punch of personality with its multiple buckles and zippers, but we love even more the way that it does not compromise softness or comfort at the expense of appearance.
This jacket comes with a high-end price tag, but it has the high-end materials to match. It is made of 100% genuine lambskin and comes with an interior lining of 100% viscose. Its unique off-center zip takes its inspiration from street style.
8. Lavendard Brown Leather Biker Jacket
The Jacket Maker has something for everyone, including guys that are a bit intimidated by purchasing their first leather jacket. Not only is the Lavendard incredibly affordable, but it also has a really approachable look despite its biker moniker. With open hem cuffs and a tailored fit, it looks great with badass-inspired outfits as well as everyday wear.
The Lavendard is made of real cowhide, which means it will take on a great patina over time. But it might be a bit stiff when you first get it. The more you wear it, the faster it’ll form to your body, break-in, and soften up. The fact that it goes with so many outfits will help speed up that process.
9. Saturdays NYC Leather Harrington Jacket
If you’re unfamiliar with the brand Saturdays NYC, prepare to fall in love. As a laidback lifestyle brand, Saturdays NYC infuses its love for all things surfer culture in all of its fashion offerings. While primarily known for their loungewear, such as sweats and pullover sweaters, they also happen to make one of the best leather jackets on the market right now.
The leather Harrington jacket features a smooth design and has deep pockets for your convenience. It is made of 100% lambskin leather and features a lining made of polyester. Staying true to its brand’s carefree nature, this jacket features a more relaxed fit than many classic leather jackets.
10. Allaric Alley Mocha Leather Biker Jacket
The most distinctive thing about this biker jacket is the integrated waist belt, which helps create an edgy look. This mocha-colored jacket uses real cowhide leather on the outer shell, with a quilted viscose lining inside.
With two pockets inside and three outside, there’s no shortage of places to keep your wallet and keys.
11. Berluti Piped Venezia Leather Jacket
Unlike the other options we’ve included so far, Berluti is known less for being a fashion brand and more for being a leather maker. Since its inception in the late 19th century, the Paris-based manufacturer has been producing fine leather clothing items and accessories, from belts to bags to jackets.
Berluti’s piped Venezia leather jacket is the apex of luxury leather fashion. Made from a distinctive brown shade, this jacket line has been around since the 1980s – and it’s a style that certainly stands the test of time.
This jacket is made from 100% authentic patinated calfskin leather and features shoulder patches and a buttoned collar. For optimal breathability, the jacket even features ventilation eyelets.
12. Kingsman Burnished Leather Jacket
Kingsman is a line of high-quality clothing pieces that exists as a collaboration between Mr. Matthew Vaughn, director of the film The King’s Man, and international online fashion retailer MR PORTER. The line features items that are inspired by classic military style and timeless sensibilities.
The burnished leather jacket from the Kingsman line is unique for its length as well as its appearance. It draws direct inspiration from an aviator jacket worn on-screen in The King’s Man, a period piece that takes place in the 1940s. The jacket is made out of sturdy cow leather and buttons made of buffalo horns. It also features two linings – one made of cotton, and one made of viscose.
13. Francis B-3 Black & White Leather Bomber Jacket
There’s only one way to improve upon a traditional bomber: Add shearling fabric. If you’re going for a more flamboyant look, this black and white bomber jacket is sure to make an impact. It combines real leather on the outside with a faux fur lining.
The white faux fur lining accentuates the black leather, making this jacket stand out from the crowd. It will keep you warm as well!
The dual front pouch pockets are great for a phone and a pair of gloves, so if you’re wearing it on a motorcycle, you’ll have the storage you need.
14. AllSaints Milo Leather Biker Jacket
AllSaints is a British fashion brand from the United Kingdom. Since its founding in the 1990s, it has grown to an international presence that consists of more than 200 retail stores across Europe, North America, and Asia. The brand is mostly focused on fashion for women and men, though it also sells footwear and other accessories. It has primarily seen its popularity grow thanks to its popularity among a celebrity clientele.
AllSaints makes a number of leather jackets, but the Milo biker jacket is definitely one to write home about. This is a jacket that brings out the very best of two very different worlds – including a soft composition and sharp edges – since it is made of tender lamb leather and decorated to the nines with perfectly-placed zippers and buckles. It also has a distinctive slim fit.
15. Golden Bear Sherpa Jacket
San Francisco brand Golden Bear may have its roots in ship workers in the San Francisco Bay since the 1920s, but it’s evolved today to combine both utilitarianism and high-end style. Although not as recognized outside of its native northern California, to know the stylish jackets of Golden Bear is to love them.
The sherpa jacket, in particular, is exquisite. Like any Golden Bear clothing piece, it’s designed to be worn for life, and fortunately, it comes with a style that will be sure to stay in fashion for decades to come, with brown distressed leather and a notable shearling collar that can be detached.
16. Sven Mocha Suede Bomber Jacket
Here’s another suede leather jacket, this time in a subtle mocha finish. This jacket is made using real goatskin leather and has a total of six pockets (two inside and four outside).
This jacket looks best with a tight fit, which can be achieved perfectly using The Jacket Maker’s custom fitting service.
17. Tom Ford Zip-up Leather Jacket
Tom Ford is well-known for their high-end scents and formal clothing, but they have a strong foot in the casual jacket sphere as well. Not that this zip-up leather jacket is something you would wear to a casual house party. Its sleek edges and formal design make it more than suitable for a fancy professional event or night out on the town.
True to its brand’s roots, no attention to detail was spared in the creation of this particular wardrobe piece. Its straightforward design features 100% authentic leather and a cotton and polyamide lining. It is truly meant to last for life. Made in Italy, this jacket has shallow pockets in the front and a zipper down the center.
18. Schott Vintaged Fitted Cowhide Leather Motorcycle Jacket
Schott is an iconic name in leather jacket world, thanks in part to Marlon Brando, who wore a Schott jacket in The Wild Ones.
This jacket is pricey, but has a classic design and is built to last decades. It’s made from a lighter weight cowhide, which makes it breathable, so it’s perfect for wearing in warmer months.
As you’d expect from this brand, the Schott Vintaged jacket is made in the USA.
19. Bomia Ma-1 Black Leather Bomber Jacket
This classic black leather jacket has a timeless look that will never go out of fashion. It’s made from genuine leather on the outside with a polyester lining inside.
This motorcycle jacket has a rib knit collar and cuffs and a zipped pocket on the left sleeve.
The leather feels soft yet tough—you can tell this jacket is the real deal!
20. Roland Sands Ronin Leather Jacket
This sleek, minimalistic jacket is a real moto jacket trusted by serious bikers. It also looks incredibly cool, with a distressed, vintage feel and a truly American feel.
This jacket can be supplemented with RSD x Forcefield armor to give you extra protection while riding.
Leather Jacket FAQs
While there are many different unique leather jacket configurations out there, there are four classic syles you should be most aware of. In no particular order, they are the leather bomber jacket (also called aviator jacket), the leather racer jacket (sometimes called moto), the trenchcoat, and the fencer. While bomber jackets and racer jackets tend to be more relaxed, the trenchcoat and the fencer are more dramatic.
If you care for your leather jacket correctly you should have a wardrobe piece that’ll last you a lifetime. Most leather jackets cannot be washed at home and must only be handled professionally. The first step to taking proper care of your jacket is to adhere to this rule.
You should also keep your leather jacket dry as often as possible and keep it away from extreme heat or cold air. If you are not going to be wearing your leather jacket for a period of time, such as during a warm season, then you’ll want to be sure that you are hanging it up correctly – this means out of direct sunlight and in a properly-ventilated area.
Determining how much to pay for a leather jacket is a very personal matter. For an authentic leather jacket, you will probably be paying, at a baseline, $500. However, this price can easily skyrocket from here, depending on the jacket’s materials and manufacturing process.
Some leather jackets can cost as much as $10,000! There is no right or wrong number – it’s instead about the brands you like and the style that you envision for yourself.