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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.