Kitchen design ideas for a small kitchen

The great thing about design is that whatever space you have to work with, there’s always an opportunity to express your own personal style. So even if your kitchen is on the petite side, with some thoughtful use of colour, pattern, and lighting, you can turn even the narrowest kitchen into a place you won’t want to leave. These top tips will keep your small space ship-shape.

Remove upper cabinets  

The idea of removing the upper cabinets in your kitchen might give you a feeling of dread, but open storage such as shelves gives an airier and more spacious feel in your kitchen. Wire panel shelving is a great option as it maximises storage by adapting to your kitchen’s needs. You can add in or take away shelves, hang glasses upside down and even introduce a wine rack. When space is at a premium you need to make sure every inch counts. 

If you’re not quite ready to relinquish your upper cabinets, you could replace the solid fronts with glass. This pulls the eye past the cabinet frames and into depths of the cabinets, so the walls feel farther away.  

Extend tiles from countertop to ceiling 

Add height and interest by covering the entire wall from counter to ceiling with tiles. A tall backsplash can draw eyes up the wall and make the entire room seem taller. It’s a great way to either maximise the effect of a high ceiling or create the illusion of one to make the space look lighter. Make sure to choose plain tiles if you decide to go down this route and in a neutral colour or this design idea can have the opposite effect.

Invest in a Rolling Kitchen Cart 

You may not have the space to expand your countertops or add a full island, so think about bringing in a slim rolling kitchen cart or bar cart to hold regularly used items or serve as extra counter space. Even a narrow one can work as a spot to set tools and ingredients on while you cook. You can then easily move it out of the way when you aren’t using it. 

Use cabinet lighting 

Lighting is vital for creating the illusion of a larger kitchen. The more light available, the bigger the space will feel. Natural light is preferable, so if you have the opportunity to put in skylights or glass doors this will make your kitchen instantly feel larger. 

Alternatively, add lights underneath wall cupboards or at the base of floor units. Make sure that you don’t use a lampshade that decreases the amount of light. Spotlights are ideal for maximum light. 

Buy an oven with steam or microwave functionality 

A great way to cut down on the number of appliances in your kitchen is to purchase one that can do multiple jobs at once. Our NEFF Built-in oven with steam function is great example as it allows you to bake, roast or steam, meaning there’s no need to fill your kitchen with bulky rice cookers or vegetable steamers. Or if you are a regular microwave user, you could opt for our NEFF oven with integrated microwave functionality. 

Zone with flooring 

Contrary to popular belief, small kitchens can still be used as kitchen/dining spaces. And through clever zoning you can make the room feel like two separate rooms without compromising on space. 

Choose two distinct flooring styles and use them to trick the eye into thinking that there are two spaces. A patterned option is best for the kitchen as it’s more energising and helps disguise spillages. Meanwhile, calming neutral styles work well for a relaxed dining zone.  

Get creative with corners 

A tiny kitchen still has to cater for even the most basic of food prep and serving, meaning it’s key to use every last bit of available space by being savvy with the design solutions. 

Ensure the units are as tall as physically possible to elongate the space. Making the most of magic corners and other clever mechanisms will also help use every millimetre of space. 

Keep the personal touches small 

While personal touches such as trinkets and windowsill pots in your kitchen reflect your personality and make the space feel like home, having too many of them scattered throughout the room will make a small kitchen feel too busy and more claustrophobic. 

Select your favourite ornaments and arrange them on a shelf and frame any special artwork. A pinboard, chalkboard or mesh noticeboard can also create a single space for notes rather than a messy fridge surface, giving a feeling of order. 

About NEFF  

NEFF is a German-engineered kitchen appliance brand, with a product range that includes ovens, cooktops, rangehoods, coffee machines and dishwashers designed to make life in the kitchen a daily pleasure. For people who love to cook, NEFF gives you the tools to creative meaningful connections, express your creativity and make memories. Because real life happens in the kitchen.  

Learn more about NEFF here.   

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