How to Fit Everything (Including the Kitchen Sink) Into a Small Space
Get the maximum amount of storage and style out of your compact kitchen with these 10 simple tips
Laura Wheat
5 February 2016
Houzz UK Contributor. Freelance Journalist and interiors obsessive, newly ensconced in a handsome Edwardian semi on top of a hill.
Houzz UK Contributor. Freelance Journalist and interiors obsessive, newly ensconced... More
Don’t be disheartened if your cook space has more in common with a meagre morsel than a bountiful feast – there’s a lot to be said for having everything within arm’s reach. Size has no bearing on style, and there are some very smart solutions for today’s cramped kitchens.
Small-scale appliances, induction stovetops that serve as an extra work surface when not in use, and clever carpentry can all work wonders to make a diminutive kitchen function more effectively. As the old adage goes, ‘good things come in small packages’, and these 10 kitchens are very good indeed.
Small-scale appliances, induction stovetops that serve as an extra work surface when not in use, and clever carpentry can all work wonders to make a diminutive kitchen function more effectively. As the old adage goes, ‘good things come in small packages’, and these 10 kitchens are very good indeed.
1. Maximise a corner
This all-white wonder is tucked away in a corner, leaving room for an open-plan living space that includes a dining table, sofa and study area. Slab-front units provide maximum storage without fussy design details to crowd the space.
This all-white wonder is tucked away in a corner, leaving room for an open-plan living space that includes a dining table, sofa and study area. Slab-front units provide maximum storage without fussy design details to crowd the space.
2. Mix in modern rustic
This kitchen may have petite proportions, but it’s not short on style. Instead of a space-sapping extractor fan, the owners have fitted a ventilation system that draws air through a wall grate. This quirky touch meshes with the kitchen’s modern rustic vibe.
This kitchen may have petite proportions, but it’s not short on style. Instead of a space-sapping extractor fan, the owners have fitted a ventilation system that draws air through a wall grate. This quirky touch meshes with the kitchen’s modern rustic vibe.
3. Convert a corner
A classic galley layout makes the most of this bright corner. Warm wooden benchtops come to life thanks to the light streaming through the dual-aspect windows, while a white colour scheme adds to the fresh, bright feel.
See more galley kitchens that work
A classic galley layout makes the most of this bright corner. Warm wooden benchtops come to life thanks to the light streaming through the dual-aspect windows, while a white colour scheme adds to the fresh, bright feel.
See more galley kitchens that work
4. Discover stripped-back style
Minimalist design can behave beautifully in a smaller space. This elegant kitchen is so streamlined, you might miss its true function if it weren’t for the sink and oven. Inset handles and a concealed extractor fan ensure there are no interruptions in the sleek lines of the units.
Minimalist design can behave beautifully in a smaller space. This elegant kitchen is so streamlined, you might miss its true function if it weren’t for the sink and oven. Inset handles and a concealed extractor fan ensure there are no interruptions in the sleek lines of the units.
5. Have it custom made
This compact kitchen illustrates how bespoke joinery can work wonders in a trickily shaped cooking space. Steel-clad units and concrete benchtops add some industrial style and coveted durability.
This compact kitchen illustrates how bespoke joinery can work wonders in a trickily shaped cooking space. Steel-clad units and concrete benchtops add some industrial style and coveted durability.
6. Maximise vertical space
Maximise the vertical space with plenty of wall units. These slimline upper units provide plenty of storage, and have a decorative quality due to their dainty glass fronts. The classic tongue-and-groove unit doors have been given an unexpected update with fresh mint paintwork and brass cup handles.
Maximise the vertical space with plenty of wall units. These slimline upper units provide plenty of storage, and have a decorative quality due to their dainty glass fronts. The classic tongue-and-groove unit doors have been given an unexpected update with fresh mint paintwork and brass cup handles.
7. Master monochrome
Diminutive yet dreamy, this Scandi-inspired kitchen uses a strict palette of black and white to make the space feel clean and unfussy, with touches of pale wood to lend warmth. A bijou basin helps to maximise the available prep space.
If bench space is really lacking, consider an induction stovetop, the surface of which can be used for non-cooking purposes as soon as the stove is switched off.
Foolproof black and white kitchens
Diminutive yet dreamy, this Scandi-inspired kitchen uses a strict palette of black and white to make the space feel clean and unfussy, with touches of pale wood to lend warmth. A bijou basin helps to maximise the available prep space.
If bench space is really lacking, consider an induction stovetop, the surface of which can be used for non-cooking purposes as soon as the stove is switched off.
Foolproof black and white kitchens
8. Make a style statement
Small but perfectly formed, this scheme proves there’s always room for a few character-filled details. Cool, contemporary cabinets and Knoll Bertoia bar stools are juxtaposed against exposed brick walls and a slate floor for touchable texture.
Small but perfectly formed, this scheme proves there’s always room for a few character-filled details. Cool, contemporary cabinets and Knoll Bertoia bar stools are juxtaposed against exposed brick walls and a slate floor for touchable texture.
9. Snap up slimline units
Narrow kitchens can be tricky to accommodate, but skinny units make new layouts possible. Here, a run of narrow cabinets on the left maintains floor space, allowing a more generously sized row on the right. The benchtop also extends into the window reveal to nab valuable extra centimetres.
Small kitchens from around the world
Narrow kitchens can be tricky to accommodate, but skinny units make new layouts possible. Here, a run of narrow cabinets on the left maintains floor space, allowing a more generously sized row on the right. The benchtop also extends into the window reveal to nab valuable extra centimetres.
Small kitchens from around the world
10. Use your best assets
While this converted chapel may have impressively high ceilings, the other dimensions are on the small side. Tall, custom-built oak units make use of all that vertical space, and a neat shelf beneath provides easy access to frequently used items without them hogging bench space.
TELL US
How have you made the most of a small kitchen? Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
MORE
Stickybeak of the Week: A Small Yet Functional Kitchen Ready for Action
12 Breakfast Bars That Give Cafés a Run for Their Money
10 Surprising Things That Fit Into a Teeny Tiny Kitchen
While this converted chapel may have impressively high ceilings, the other dimensions are on the small side. Tall, custom-built oak units make use of all that vertical space, and a neat shelf beneath provides easy access to frequently used items without them hogging bench space.
TELL US
How have you made the most of a small kitchen? Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
MORE
Stickybeak of the Week: A Small Yet Functional Kitchen Ready for Action
12 Breakfast Bars That Give Cafés a Run for Their Money
10 Surprising Things That Fit Into a Teeny Tiny Kitchen
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Sagiper North America Thank you
I found that only three of the above kitchens have refrigerator and adequate storage space.