10 Kitchen Design Ideas for Small Spaces: Creative Small Kitchen Design Tips From My 10+ Years of ExperienceClara Y. MendezSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Open Shelving to Create Visual Space2. Slide-Out Pantry Magic3. Mirror Backsplash4. Compact Appliances5. Island on Wheels6. Vertical Storage Solutions7. Light Color Palette8. Under-Cabinet Lighting9. Multi-Functional Furniture10. Glass Cabinet DoorsFAQTable of Contents1. Open Shelving to Create Visual Space2. Slide-Out Pantry Magic3. Mirror Backsplash4. Compact Appliances5. Island on Wheels6. Vertical Storage Solutions7. Light Color Palette8. Under-Cabinet Lighting9. Multi-Functional Furniture10. Glass Cabinet DoorsFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEOne of my funniest design memories? A client once insisted we keep her collection of 27 teapots in prime display space… in a kitchen with barely 6 square meters to work with! That project taught me an important truth: small kitchens demand big creativity, and the right design ideas can make them not just functional, but truly delightful. In this article, I’ll share 10 of my favorite small kitchen design tips that I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) over the past decade — so you can skip the mistakes and enjoy the magic.1. Open Shelving to Create Visual SpaceRemoving bulky upper cabinets and replacing them with open shelves instantly makes a kitchen feel bigger. It also pushes you to curate what you own — no more mystery items hiding in the back. Just be ready to dust a bit more than usual, and style it so it looks intentional.save pin2. Slide-Out Pantry MagicIf you think you don't have pantry space, think again. Slim slide-out units between the fridge and wall can store a surprising amount. I once used kitchen layout planner software to help a client squeeze in one of these, and she still messages me about how much she loves it.save pin3. Mirror BacksplashIt’s not common, but adding a mirrored backsplash reflects light and visually doubles the space. Bonus: you can check your hair while cooking. Downsides? Keep it spotless, or every little splash will show.save pin4. Compact AppliancesSwapping standard appliances for slimmer, integrated ones frees up valuable counter space. I learned this trick when working on a tiny city apartment — the homeowner gained 30 cm of prep zone just by choosing a narrower dishwasher.save pin5. Island on WheelsPortable kitchen islands give you flexibility. You can use them for prep, then roll them away when you need floor space. It’s an affordable, renter-friendly solution that still feels luxe.save pin6. Vertical Storage SolutionsNever ignore that awkward space above the fridge. Use tall cabinets or rails to hang utensils, pots, and pans. In one remodel, I used a free floor plan creator to check heights before adding a full wall storage grid — no more wasted walls.save pin7. Light Color PaletteBright whites, soft greys, or pale pastels make walls recede, enlarging the sense of space. Pair that with good lighting, and even the smallest galley kitchen can feel airy.save pin8. Under-Cabinet LightingIt’s cheaper than you think and completely transforms how your countertop looks. LED strips tucked under cabinets brighten dark work zones and add a cozy mood for evening meals.save pin9. Multi-Functional FurnitureThink fold-down tables, benches with storage, or a breakfast counter doubling as a desk. Planning these features in early is key — I used a 3D floor planner once to make sure a folding counter cleared the oven door when opened.save pin10. Glass Cabinet DoorsReplacing solid cabinet fronts with frosted or clear glass reduces visual heaviness. Just remember, glass reveals more, so it works best if you’re tidy or enjoy styling displays.save pinFAQ1. What colors make a small kitchen look bigger?Light shades like white, pale grey, and soft beige reflect more light, creating the illusion of more space.2. How can I add storage to a tiny kitchen?Use vertical space, pull-out units, and multifunctional furniture to maximize every inch without crowding.3. Are open shelves practical in small kitchens?Yes, if you keep them curated and dust regularly. They add openness but require more visual organization.4. What’s the best layout for a small kitchen?A galley or L-shaped layout often works best, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) guidelines.5. Can mirrors really make my kitchen feel bigger?Absolutely. A mirrored backsplash or reflective surfaces bounce light and expand visual depth.6. How do I choose appliances for a small kitchen?Opt for slimline or multi-functional appliances to save space without losing performance.7. Is under-cabinet lighting worth it?Yes, it improves visibility for cooking tasks and adds ambiance for entertaining.8. Can I fit an island in a small kitchen?Yes, consider a narrow island or one on wheels for flexibility, ensuring at least 90 cm clearance around it.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE