10 Kitchen & Bath Ideas for Small Spaces: Smart, Stylish, and Space-Savvy Kitchen and Bathroom Tricks from My Design Playbook

Once, a client asked me if I could design a kitchen island that also doubled as a bathtub. I laughed, thinking it was a joke—turns out, they were serious! While I didn’t merge the two (plumbing nightmares are not my hobby), that request reminded me that small spaces push us to get wildly creative. Over the years, I’ve found that a little constraint in a kitchen or bathroom can lead to some of the most clever solutions. Today, I’m sharing 10 ideas that have worked wonders for my clients and can do the same for you.

1. Mirror Magic for Depth

Mirrors in kitchens? Yes! I once placed a mirrored backsplash behind open shelves in a narrow galley kitchen, and suddenly it felt twice as wide. The same trick in a bathroom can open up a cramped vanity area. Just watch out: you’ll be cleaning fingerprints more often.

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2. Slim & Tall Storage

Most people overlook vertical space, but slim pull-out cabinets that stretch to the ceiling can hide spices in the kitchen or cleaning products in the bathroom. I used a room planner to visualize exactly how much clearance we had before committing to custom cabinetry—it saved a lot of measuring drama.

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3. Pocket Doors to Save Space

Swinging doors eat up valuable floor space, especially in tiny bathrooms. Pocket or sliding doors keep circulation areas clear, but make sure the wall cavity is free of wiring or plumbing before installation.

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4. Multipurpose Islands

In a small kitchen, an island can also serve as a breakfast spot, prep surface, and hidden storage. Just mind the counter overhang—too much can make aisles feel cramped.

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5. Floating Vanities

Mounting a vanity off the floor makes the bathroom feel more open and allows for under-cabinet lighting. It's a modern look that also leaves room for stashing a small stool or baskets underneath.

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6. Pull-out Pantry & Appliance Garage

One of my favorite kitchen upgrades is a pull-out pantry paired with an appliance garage. It keeps counters clutter-free and essentials close at hand. A free floor plan creator came in handy when arranging these elements to avoid blocking the fridge door.

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7. Statement Lighting in Small Spaces

Don’t be afraid of a bold pendant over the kitchen sink or a sculptural sconce in the bathroom. These focal points draw attention away from the room’s size and give it personality.

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8. Open Shelving with Style

Open shelves can make a small kitchen feel airy, but they do demand neatness. In bathrooms, floating glass shelves can hold toiletries while letting light pass through.

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9. Combine Glass & Tile for Showers

Glass shower doors instantly make bathrooms feel bigger compared to curtains. Adding a vertical accent tile draws the eye upward and gives height. Using a kitchen layout planner might sound odd here, but I actually repurposed it to try different tile and partition combinations before ordering.

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10. Hidden Laundry in Bathrooms

If you’re short on space, tucking a washer-dryer combo behind cabinetry in the bathroom can be a lifesaver. Just ensure good ventilation and easy plumbing access.

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FAQ

1. What are the easiest small kitchen upgrades?

Switching to open shelving, adding a slim pull-out pantry, and enhancing lighting are quick wins.

2. Can a bathroom feel bigger without renovation?

Yes—mirrors, light colors, and better lighting can instantly change the feel without construction.

3. Are floating vanities durable?

When properly anchored to studs and kept dry, they are just as sturdy as floor-standing ones.

4. Do open shelves work in bathrooms?

They do, but they require consistent organization to avoid a cluttered look.

5. How do I maximize kitchen storage?

Use vertical space, pull-out racks, corner solutions, and multifunctional furniture.

6. What’s the best lighting for small kitchens?

Layered lighting—task, ambient, and accent lighting—ensures function and mood.

7. Can I fit laundry into a small bathroom?

Yes, with a compact washer-dryer combo and good planning for ventilation and plumbing.

8. Where can I find inspiration for kitchen and bath layouts?

Design platforms, magazines, and case studies from sources like the National Kitchen & Bath Association (nkba.org) are reliable.