Small Kitchen Design Ideas: 8 Ways to Maximise Your Space
They say good things come in small packages, and that’s certainly true of small kitchens. It’s easy to scroll through social media or flick through interior magazines, see huge kitchens and think you couldn’t possibly create something similar in a smaller space. But at Kinsman, we love designing for every size of room, creating small kitchen designs that deliver style, storage and wow factor, no matter how limited the floor plan.
From clever layouts to thoughtful colour palettes, here are our top small kitchen ideas to help you make the most of every centimetre.
1. Choose a Space-Saving Layout
The right layout is the foundation of any small kitchen. Many arrangements work well within a compact floor plan, including a streamlined galley, a versatile U-shape, an efficient L-shape or a simple one-wall design. Each one is designed to optimise both function and flow, so everything you need is within easy reach.
Not sure which suits your home? Explore our kitchen layout ideas, or ask one of our designers during your free design consultation. For the very smallest spaces, like a granny flat or studio apartment, our guide to creating the perfect kitchenette has more ideas.
2. Maximise Cupboard Storage
Once you’ve chosen your layout, it’s time to make every cupboard work harder. Our range of storage solutions is designed to make small kitchens feel organised and easy to use:
- Pull-out pantries give you lots of storage inside a narrow cupboard, with adjustable baskets that make everything easy to reach.
- Internal drawers bring pantry items to you, rather than leaving them lost at the back of a deep cupboard.
- Corner storage solutions, like our two-level corner half carousel, turn hard-to-reach corner cupboards into usable storage with swivel shelves.
- Deep soft-close drawers with inserts keep pots and pans organised and within easy reach while you cook.
- Cutlery trays with moveable dividers make organising cutlery and utensils easy.
- Hidden bins tuck away inside your joinery for a sleek, seamless look and easy recycling and composting.
For more inspiration, discover our favourite kitchen storage accessories from Hettich.
3. Use Your Wall Space Wisely
When floor space is limited, your walls can do more of the work. Wall cabinets above the benchtop keep plates, glasses and pantry items within easy reach, while a few open shelves give everyday essentials a home and keep the room feeling open. A pull-out pantry beside the fridge or oven also turns a narrow gap into useful storage. Explore more cabinet ideas in our kitchen cabinet guide.
4. Make Your Island Work Harder
If your space allows, a kitchen island is a beautiful centrepiece and a great way to double your storage. Deep drawers, pull-out racks and dividers keep kitchen essentials organised within the island itself.
For even more function, create a multi-purpose island with a built-in sink, dishwasher and bin for the perfect clean-up zone. Extend the benchtop to allow for seating so the island doubles as a casual dining table and use the end of the island for open shelving.
For more inspiration, see our guide to kitchen island ideas.
5. Choose a Colour Palette That Makes Your Space Feel Larger
Simple yet effective, a neutral colour palette instantly makes a small kitchen feel larger and brighter. Bright whites are always popular, while soft greys, natural timbers and panel-look cabinetry add warmth and texture without closing in the space.
Add interest with metallic handles and accessories, and bring in texture, or even a touch of colour, through your splashback such as coloured tiles.
6. Let in the Light
Light is one of the most powerful tools in a small kitchen. A window splashback draws in natural light and views, while reflective splashback materials bounce light around the room. Fluted glass inserts in your wall cabinets break up banks of cabinetry and add a sense of lightness, while LED strip lighting under your wall cabinets brightens the benchtop for food prep.
7. Choose Compact and Integrated Appliances
Compact appliances save valuable space without sacrificing function. Consider slimline dishwashers, under-counter fridges and integrated rangehoods. Integrating appliances behind matching cabinetry also creates a streamlined, cohesive look that makes the kitchen feel calmer and more spacious.
8. Visualise Your Kitchen with Our AI Design Tool
Not sure how it will all come together? Our AI-powered 3D kitchen design tool turns your ideas into realistic renderings, so you can see your small kitchen take shape before you meet with a designer. Try our kitchen planner.
Create Your Perfect Small Kitchen with Kinsman
Whatever the size of your space, our designers can help you plan a small kitchen that’s stylish, practical and full of clever storage.
Book your in-store, in-home or virtual design appointment, or download our new Designer Catalogue for more images, inspiration and product information.
Small Kitchen FAQs
What is the best layout for a small kitchen?
Galley, L-shaped, U-shaped and one-wall layouts all work well in small kitchens. The best choice depends on the shape of your room, where doors and windows sit, and how you like to cook. A designer can help you find the right fit.
How can I make a small kitchen look bigger?
Choose a light, neutral colour palette, integrate appliances behind matching doors, keep most storage behind closed cabinetry, and make the most of natural light with a window or reflective splashback.
Can you fit an island in a small kitchen?
Often, yes. Even a compact island can add valuable storage, bench space and seating. Just make sure there’s enough room to move comfortably and open drawers and appliance doors around it.
How do I get more storage in a small kitchen?
Make every cupboard work harder: pull-out pantries, internal drawers, corner solutions and deep drawers with inserts make storage easier to use, while wall cabinets and open shelving put your wall space to work.
