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12 Savvy Solutions for Decorating a Small Kitchen Space

Decorating a small kitchen brings unique design challenges. Limited space constrains layout options and storage solutions. However, with creative tricks and compact furnishings, tiny kitchens can be both beautiful and highly functional.

Follow these 12 savvy small-kitchen decorating ideas to maximize your cozy cooking space.

Install Open Shelving

Open shelving mounts on the wall, freeing up precious floor area. These shelves provide easy access to dishes, cookbooks, spices, and decor. For a unified look, choose shelves that coordinate with your cabinetry.

Wrought iron, natural wood, or glass-fronted shelving adds airy style. For rustic charm, try open shelving made from reclaimed wood. Or go modern with stainless steel wire units.

decorating ideas for a small kitchen

Keep It Organized

Group items logically for a tidy look. Devote shelves by function--one for glassware, another for frequently used skillet and pots. Define zones with bookends and decorative bowls.

Style It Up

Infuse personality by flanking practical items with ornamental objects. Intersperse cookbooks with trailing plants, ceramic chickens, or glass vases. Anchor collections with artwork, such as a large painting or several smaller prints.

Install a Backsplash

An eye-catching backsplash livens up small kitchens. From natural stone to stainless steel, backsplash materials make a strong style statement.

Select Timeless Tile

Subway tiles never go out of style, providing a classic look. White is refreshing, while black makes a sophisticated statement. Go bold with vibrant glass or colorful geometric patterns.

Consider Penny Tiles

Penny round tiles create visual interest through shape rather than color. Their small scale suits tiny kitchens. Materials like marble, travertine, or ceramic work well.

Choose Eco-Friendly Options

Sustainable materials like bamboo, reclaimed wood, recycled glass, and composite paper make green backsplash choices. Brands like EcoSurfaces offer stylish backsplashes with minimal environmental impact.

Use Mirrors

Mirrors effectively double light and space. Position across from windows to maximize brightness. Place near dark corners to amplify illumination.

Reflect Behind the Stove

Since the stove is a focal point, mirrors make a dramatic backdrop. A rectangular mirror expands the look of a narrow galley kitchen. Round mirrors soften hard lines.

Expand Above the Sink

Drawing the eye upward, a tall mirror behind the sink makes ceilings appear higher. Anchor with sconces or pendant lamps to enhance the sense of height.

Install a Pot Rack

Pot racks maximize vertical storage for small kitchens. Mounted on the ceiling or wall above your cooktop or island, they provide easy access to essential pans and pots.

Select Placement

Pot racks work best over islands or ranges where you can easily reach them. Allow adequate clearance--position at least 30 inches above cooktops to prevent scorching bottoms of pans.

Match Materials

Coordinate rack metals and finishes with other kitchen hardware for cohesion. Mix materials, such as stainless steel pots on a black iron rack, for an eclectic twist.

Expand Uses

Use extra space between pots for handy storage of ladles, spatulas, and other kitchen tools.

Add Pendant Lighting

Pendant lights provide both beauty and illumination. Position over islands, sinks, or tables to shine ample task lighting.

Highlight Architectural Features

Define awkward narrow galley kitchens by hanging pendants in a straight line over your work zone. Or cluster three vintage pendants over a circular table to accentuate its shape.

Infuse Your Style

Drum pendants impart an industrial vibe, while crystal pendants evoke elegance. Select colors and formations matching your decor palette for a pulled-together look.

Mix and Match

Create visual interest with varied pendant heights and styles. Coordinate by color or base metal.

Include an Island

Islands maximize work and storage space within modest kitchen footprints. Optimal dimensions span 36-42 inches wide and 16-18 inches deep. Islands narrower than 36 inches feel cramped.

Maximize Seating

Incorporate seating to transform a standalone island into a casual dining spot. Stools tuck discreetly underneath when not in use.

Include Storage

Islands present prime real estate for additional storage. Incorporate cabinets, shelves, or drawers suited to your needs.

Append Functional Features

Consider including an integrated sink or cooktop within your island for enhanced functionality.

Select Wall-Mounted Fixtures

Opting for wall-mounted fixtures rather than freestanding versions saves precious floor space. Store cleaning essentials in wall-mounted cabinetry flanking the sink or stove.

Try a Wall Oven

Wall ovens occupy minimal footprint compared to traditional ranges. Pair with a ceramic cooktop or induction burner.

Install a Slimline Dishwasher

Narrow dishwashers fit in tight spots with limited clearance. Look for models 20-inches wide or less.

Choose Wall-Hung Cabinets

Mounted directly to the wall, these cabinets seem to float, creating an airier aesthetic. Conceal plumbing hardware for seamless style.

Incorporate Unique Tables

From slim drop-leaf models to space-saving stools, specialized tables ideal for awkward kitchen layouts maximize functionality.

Try Expandable Tables

Butterfly leaf tables hide extension leaves within modest footprints. Pull them out to accommodate extra dinner guests with ease.

Consider Rolling Carts

Caster carts easily tuck against walls for storage, then roll anywhere you need extra surface area.

Opt for Portable Folding Tables

Lightweight folding tables offer exceptional versatility for small kitchens and dwellings. Use as needed, then store out of the way.

Select Adjustable-Height Models

Tables allowing you to raise and lower the work surface enable multiple uses. Lower for food prep or dining, raise as a stand-up desk.

Choose Mini Fixtures

Compact appliances, sinks, and faucets suit modest kitchens. Occupying less visual space, small-scale fixtures prevent overwhelming cramped rooms.

Buy a Slimline Dishwasher

Just 24 inches wide, slim dishwashers fit in narrow gaps beside refrigerators. Quiet models run without disrupting conversations.

Select a Compact Refrigerator

With dimensions as small as 18 inches wide, mini fridges work perfectly for small kitchens. Models with top freezers save bending down.

Install a Small Sink and Faucet

Vessel sinks require less surrounding countertop space versus undermount models. A tall, slim faucet aligns with their scaled-down proportions.

Outfit Multi-Purpose Furnishings

Furniture and seating serving more than one function are perfect for petite kitchens. Look for stools with integrated storage or tables with retractable leaves.

Choose Stools That Store Items

Lift-top seats reveal spacious interior storage for kitchen linens and accessories. Some models even include hooks to hang utensils and towels.

Buy a Bench with Hidden Storage

Benches tucked under tables serve both seating and storage needs. Look for cushion tops and doors or drawers to conceal inside contents.

Select a Rolling Cart Island

Island carts offer counter space, storage, and mobility in one furniture piece. Lockable caster wheels enable easily repositioning as required.

Play with Color Schemes

While all-white kitchens boast enduring popularity, clever color pairings lend depth. Bold hues expand and brighten windowless galley kitchens.

Paint Cabinets

Painting cabinets completely transforms both their appearance and the room's ambience. Deep green or navy blue stained wood looks richer. Opt for lighter tones like powder blue to impart airy vibes.

Use Colorful Backsplashes

From vibrant mosaics to neon glass tiles, colorful backsplashes and accent walls add flair. Contrast with neutral cabinetry and furnishings to prevent overwhelming.

Include Bright Accessories

Pops of color enliven small kitchens through accessories like barstools, rugs, and teakettles rather than permanent changes. Easily swap colors to refresh your space.

Incorporate Clever Organization

Careful organization prevents crammed cupboards in compact kitchens. Tailor storage to your needs with specialized inserts, racks, and other tools.

Add Pull-Out Cabinet Storage

Boasting robust constructions, pull-out systems make items tucked away in back corners accessible. Customize interiors with adjustable shelves, dividers, and trays.

Try Vertical Dividers

Metal racks separating stacked pans, baking sheets, and cutting boards enable grabbing just what you need without disturbing everything above.

Mount Spice Racks

Keep precious cabinet real estate clear by mounting racks on walls or inside doors. Position near cooking zones for convenient seasoning while you cook.

Petite kitchens need not sacrifice form or function. By implementing these savvy small-kitchen decorating tricks, modest spaces facilitate hosting dinner parties and whipping up chef's table creations with ease!