When it comes to very small kitchen ideas, I feel like I’ve seen and tried them all. My first apartment had a kitchen so tiny you could barely turn around in it. I remember trying to cook a simple pasta dish and it felt like a full-body workout, juggling pots and pans with zero counter space. It was a challenge, for sure, but it also taught me a lot about making the most of what you’ve got. You learn to be clever with storage and find gadgets that do more than one job.
TL;DR: Small Kitchen Wins
- Go Vertical: Use wall space for shelves and magnetic strips.
- Smart Storage: Think pull-out pantries, drawer organizers, and corner units.
- Multi-Use Items: Get an over-the-sink cutting board or a foldable table.
- Light it Up: Good lighting makes a small space feel bigger.
- Keep it Simple: A clean, uncluttered look is your best friend.
Making Your Walls Work for You
When you can’t build out, you have to build up. This was the biggest lesson for me. My walls went from being just, well, walls, to being my best storage asset. It was a game-changer.
Open Shelving
I was a bit hesitant about open shelves at first. I worried they would look messy. But, by sticking to a simple color scheme for my dishes—just whites and grays—it ended up looking really clean. It also meant I could grab a plate without opening and closing a cabinet door, which in a tight space, actually makes a difference. You can find simple brackets and wood planks at any hardware store. It’s an easy weekend project.
Magnetic Strips and Hooks
Don’t just stop at shelves. I installed a magnetic knife strip, which freed up an entire drawer. It also looks pretty cool, I have to admit. I added a rail system with S-hooks for hanging utensils, mugs, and even small pots. Everything is out in the open and easy to reach. No more digging through a crowded drawer to find the can opener!
“The key to a functional small kitchen isn’t about having less stuff. It’s about having smarter places to put it.”
Choosing the Right Stuff
In a tiny kitchen, every single item has to earn its spot. I got rid of all the gadgets I only used once a year. That weird avocado slicer? Gone. The giant blender I used twice? Replaced with a smaller, immersion blender that fits in a drawer.
Multi-Functional Furniture
My best purchase was a small, rolling kitchen cart. It serves as extra counter space when I’m prepping food, storage for my potatoes and onions, and even a small bar cart when friends come over. When I’m not using it, it tucks away neatly in a corner. Some people even use small, wall-mounted drop-leaf tables. They can be a dining spot for two or extra prep space, then fold down to be out of the way.
Smart Appliances
Appliance companies are finally catching on that not everyone has a huge suburban kitchen. You can now find “slimline” or “apartment-sized” versions of refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers. They do the same job but take up way less floor space. When my old fridge died, I got a taller, thinner one. It holds just as much food but gave me back six precious inches of counter space.
| Appliance | Standard Width | Slimline Width | Space Saved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 30-36 inches | 24 inches | 6-12 inches |
| Dishwasher | 24 inches | 18 inches | 6 inches |
| Range/Oven | 30 inches | 20-24 inches | 6-10 inches |
The Magic of Light and Color
How your kitchen feels is just as important as how it functions. A dark, cramped kitchen is just no fun to be in. I learned a few tricks that made my space feel twice as big, even though the dimensions never changed.
Let There Be Light
Good lighting is a must. My kitchen had one sad, dim bulb in the center of the ceiling. I installed under-cabinet LED light strips, and wow, what a difference! It lit up my counters and made the whole room feel brighter and more open. Plus, it makes chopping vegetables much safer. If you have a window, keep the covering light and sheer. Don’t block any natural light.
Paint it Bright
Dark colors can make a small room feel like a cave. I painted my kitchen a light, neutral color. Think soft whites, light grays, or even a pale blue. It reflects light better and makes the walls feel like they are further away. I also painted my old, dark brown cabinets a fresh coat of white. It took a weekend, but it was the cheapest and most effective update I made. It instantly modernized the space and made it feel so much cleaner and larger. If you want a pop of color, use it in small ways, like with a fun tea towel or a colorful bowl.
