10 Small Kitchen & Bathroom Design Ideas: Creative and practical tips from my own renovation projectsLena M. HartwellSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Tall Cabinets that Kiss the Ceiling2. Slide-Out Pantry3. Mirror Magic in Bathrooms4. Fold-Down Wall Table5. Open Shelving with a Twist6. Hidden Laundry in the Bathroom7. Glass Shower Panels Instead of Curtains8. Under-Sink Drawers9. Compact Corner Sink10. Recessed Wall StorageFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEOne of my clients once asked me if we could fit a full-size fridge, a double oven, and a clawfoot bathtub all into a 35-square-meter apartment. At first, I laughed… then I realized they were dead serious. Moments like this remind me why I love design—small spaces force us to think big, and every inch counts. Today, I’m sharing 10 kitchen and bathroom ideas that I’ve used in real-life projects to make tight spaces feel fabulous. And trust me, even the quirkiest requests can be solved with the right space planning magic.1. Tall Cabinets that Kiss the CeilingStorage is gold in small kitchens. Taking cabinets all the way up maximizes vertical space while giving a sleek, modern look. The only downside? You might need a step stool—but hey, it becomes part of the decor.save pin2. Slide-Out PantryA pull-out pantry can hide between the fridge and the wall. It’s slim but mighty, holding more spices than you think. Just be sure to invest in sturdy rails—cheap ones wobble fast.save pin3. Mirror Magic in BathroomsAdding a large mirror above the vanity makes a tiny bathroom feel twice its size. It’s like an instant optical illusion, and combined with good lighting, it’s a total game-changer.save pin4. Fold-Down Wall TablePerfect for a kitchenette dining spot. You flip it up when you need it, fold down when you don’t. I once added one to a micro-apartment, and suddenly the kitchen felt double its size.save pin5. Open Shelving with a TwistInstead of overcrowding your tiny kitchen, try mixing open shelves with closed cabinets for balance. Show off your pretty ceramics without exposing the messy stuff. For complex layouts, I’ve often turned to tools like a digital floor plan mockup to visualize proportions before we drill holes.save pin6. Hidden Laundry in the BathroomIf your washer fits under the bathroom counter, you save tons of space. Just remember to plan ventilation and waterproofing—it’s less glamorous but essential.save pin7. Glass Shower Panels Instead of CurtainsThey open up the room visually and are easier to clean than fabric curtains. The trade-off? Slightly higher cost, but in my opinion, worth every penny.save pin8. Under-Sink DrawersInstead of a clumsy cabinet under the kitchen or bathroom sink, go for drawers. You’ll finally be able to access that cleaning spray without crawling on the floor.save pin9. Compact Corner SinkEspecially great for galley kitchens or narrow bathrooms. You sacrifice a bit of counter space, but you free up movement flow, which is priceless in small layouts. In one remodel, using a compact sink plus a custom kitchen layout tool gave us an extra 30cm of prep space.save pin10. Recessed Wall StorageBetween studs in your bathroom wall hides a world of unused storage potential. Shelving here is perfect for towels and toiletries without eating into floor space.save pinFAQQ: Can these ideas work for rentals?A: Absolutely. Many are low-impact or reversible, like fold-down tables or freestanding shelves.Q: What’s the cheapest upgrade?A: Mirrors and lighting—together they transform a space without heavy reno costs.Q: Do glass panels make cleaning harder?A: Not at all. With a simple squeegee routine, they stay spotless and modern-looking.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