Here's How to Make Your Small Kitchen Feel Bigger (2024)

We spend a lot of time in the kitchen — it's the heart of the home, after all. While having a big, spacious cooking space is a dream for many homeowners, small kitchens can be just as functional when properly designed and organized. Whether your kitchen design is modern, traditional or contemporary, it's possible to infuse personality into small spaces — even when remodeling on a budget. To help you make the most of your limited square footage, we rounded up small kitchen ideas that pack a lot of style.

Tackle kitchen clutter by putting up shelves, hanging pots from the ceiling or bringing in a rolling cart. If you're dreaming up a major refresh, consider painting cabinets a fresh shade (light colors make a small room pop) or install a tiny kitchen island that doubles as extra counter space. Try experimenting with checkerboard floors, layering in vintage accents or taking a kitchen backsplash all the way to the ceiling. Swap upper cabinets for open shelving (a great hack for galley kitchens) or go big with artwork (it can easily become the focal point).

Whether you live in an apartment, condo or your house is lacking kitchen space, we've got no shortage of kitchen inspiration to steal. And, if you're hunting for space-saving solutions for other rooms, check out our advice for apartment living rooms, small bathrooms or tiny dining rooms.

Take note from Donny Mak Design&Build and install large shelves in front of the kitchen window. Not only does open shelving provide storage for dishes and glassware, it's a great place for houseplants to thrive.

Galley kitchens are long and narrow with cabinets lining both sides of the room. Although they tend to get a bad rap (some say they feel crammed), they can make cooking a breeze since all of your cabinets are within reach. Here, interior designer Julia Chasman makes this small space feel elegant with green cabinets and gold fixtures.

The end of this galley kitchen presented the perfect place to tuck in shelves under the window. Here, REFORM opts for baby blue cabinets and puts blue dinnerware on display to double as decor.

Go with over-the-top patterns, colors, rugs and decorative accents. Piling it on with purpose will help your space feel cozy, not overwhelmed when properly executed.

The work of John McClain Design, this small kitchen is also a dining room and living room — and, yet it feels super spacious and sophisticated. Two small bistro tables near the sofa provide additional dining space.

Learn to work with the space you have by capitalizing on every nook and corner. If your actual kitchen is small, there may be a small crevice or awkward nook that can be reworked into additional kitchen space.

Due to the placement of a back door, this kitchen is split in two parts, leaving a lot of open floor space. It's the perfect opportunity to bring in a small dining set.

Skip a decorative backsplash and hang this metal rack instead. Attach metal hooks to hang pots, pans, pitchers, cutting boards and other cooking must-haves.

From the butcher block countertop and moody green cabinets to the cafe curtains and glass pendant light, this small kitchen — designed by Sarah Stacey — is packed with vintage charm and character.

Pair classic horizontal subway tile with a creamy, all-white palette to nail a classic look. For a little drama, choose geometric flooring tile.