10 ideas for compact spaces

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If your goal is to make your small kitchen work as easily and efficiently as a much larger kitchen, then a carefully planned layout is always the best place to start. Our small kitchen designs that work every time, include the most space-saving solutions, no matter how stressful your cooking conditions may be.

While there are plenty of small kitchen ideas for inspiration, the most successful spaces balance style and function. This may seem obvious, but it’s all too easy to bother finding a home for all your favorite appliances, only to realize there’s no longer a place to store your egg cup. Likewise, the trend towards open shelving will definitely add character, but are you ready for all the dust needed to keep them looking #shelfie ready?

Small kitchen designs that work every time

When planning a small kitchen design that works every time, the best solution is usually determined by the placement of existing windows and doors. There is no one-size-fits-all layout, but there are ways in which each layout can be made to work harder.

It is necessary to choose wardrobes that increase the interior space. For example, deep, wide drawers and pull-out cabinets are more accessible than cupboards, so you’ll make use of every inch, explains George Forsyth, director of Drew Forsyth & Co.

Corner designs are often unavoidable in a small kitchen but you can’t afford to lose cabinet space in the back. Invest in space-saving interior fixtures like Le Mans and Carousel mechanisms, which will show it all.

1. Choose a U shape for a lot of prep

The U-shaped layout is the best way to fill a lot of setup space in a small kitchen. With only a short distance between the three sides, it’s also a great design for achieving the golden “working triangle” connection between the stove, sink and refrigerator which is at the heart of every good kitchen design.

Try to leave at least one countertop height clear of appliances or a sink, so you can really spread out when baking or eating meals. This main setup area would also feel more comfortable to use if there were no wall cabinets or deep shelves in sight.

2. Make the most of the L-shape

In a small kitchen, the L-shaped layout is often all about balancing storage against floor space. If the U-shape or kitchen layout leaves barely any room to wrap, drop one height. This will give yourself more wiggle room.

You will likely need to include wall cabinets to make up for limited storage. Bend the units to the ceiling to reduce their impact, and deflect any gaps that collect dust as well. Choose bold geometric floor tiles to give the impression of more space and add plenty of character without overpowering a compact kitchen.

3. Island worker

If you always assumed island units were only for large, open-plan kitchens, think again. “Excluding an island in a small kitchen makes no sense because more space is needed than ever before,” says Catherine Finkernagel Ross, director of Finkernagel Ross. Even an island as small as 60cm x 60cm would be useful for prep work, with vital storage space below. Consider putting the island on wheels, then you can always move it to one side when not in use.

‘The only real limitation on the dimensions of your island is the space available around it. The minimum walking space we recommend around a fixed island is 90cm, to allow for easy flow through the room. 1m wide is preferred if possible’. Check out these kitchen island ideas for inspiration. your own space.

4. Choose full size fixtures

While it’s tempting to get space-saving miniature appliances and sinks to maximize storage in a tight layout, they can all end up looking both Lilliputian and Lilliputian. Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL, explains that “a full-size cooker and double sink are not only functional, but also make the kitchen big and spacious even though it may be quite small.”

“Here, the floor-to-ceiling storage wall is very beautifully fitted, and it lends a traditional and grand feel to the kitchen, making the space feel so much more than just a small kitchen,” Parker adds.

5. Leave room for a small table

If there is no dining room anywhere else in your home, choosing an L-shaped kitchen design is a wise move because it will leave one wall free for a built-in table. The extendable version will allow additional clients when needed, without affecting day-to-day space.

Placing the refrigerator at the entrance to the kitchen allows easy access to drinks while the chef is busy cooking up a storm. Refrigerators tend to go deeper than kitchen cabinets, so you can use them to hide a sink full of crockery from view! The built-in microwave at eye level will save valuable counter space.

6. Hide your cooking in plain sight

In open-plan living spaces where the kitchen is primarily your living room, a more discreet design can help set the mood for relaxation once you’ve finished dinner. A low-profile design without traditional wall cabinets that scream “kitchen” will blend into the background when it’s time for Netflix and relaxation.

Use an old dresser to store crockery, and add art, lamps, and plants to enhance the look of the living room. Keep cabinets away from architectural features, such as an eye-catching fireplace, to maintain their focal position.

7. Replace the solid walls with a peninsula

Bringing out the wall between the kitchen and dining room is much less expensive than an extension and rarely requires planning permission if your home is not listed. The peninsula-style design, which looks like an island but with one end attached to the wall, is the perfect solution in this scenario.

Keeping the heart of the kitchen clearly defined, while enhancing the lighting and sense of interior space, it’s no wonder that peninsula design is so popular in small kitchens.

8. Reducing the flow of traffic

If your small kitchen is also a main avenue – that is, it has an entrance/exit at both ends – you will need to think seriously about the flow of traffic through the room, especially if there are children running in and out of the room. One trick for maximizing floor space is mixing in base units that are narrower in depth.

Standard base units have a depth of 56 cm, which is the size required for all-in-one devices. However, for storage, you can switch to units with a depth of 30 cm, sometimes called Slimline, freeing up floor space for people to easily pass through. You can also make it narrower in sink height by installing a compact sink but don’t forget to leave room in the back for plumbing.

9. Climb aboard a double kitchen

Named after the ergonomically efficient ship’s kitchen, the kitchen design allows you to access everything you need in just a few short steps. The double kitchen features units that extend across two opposing walls in parallel tracks. Crucially, no corner cabinets are wasted space.

“Double kitchen designs are very appealing on a practical level,” is what interior designer Heidi Caillier, of Heidi Caillier Design, is excited about. “It forces you to think about how to place every inch, and I also love the mentality of using all of your kitchen against that angle between the range and the sink.”

10. Embrace of Life (One Tablet)

Of all the small kitchen designs available, the single kitchen is the smallest! In fact, it is useful not to go into a kitchen that is too large or too long with a single panel. The maximum distance you should ideally walk between the sink and stove is 1.8 metres, to limit the distance when carrying pans of hot liquid between the two.

But even though it may be small, a single kitchen shares the same ergonomic principles as a double kitchen and can prove to be an excellent solution if you need to include dining or comfortable seating in a room. Usually the lack of work surface area is the biggest problem. The flat top of an induction hob can also be used for prep, with a plate added, before cooking begins and you can also purchase specialized pans with cutting boards that slide over the pot.

What is the best design for a small kitchen?

“Galley kitchens are typically among the most popular small kitchen design schemes,” says Lizzie Beasley, Head of Design at Magnet. With this design, you benefit from two rows of cabinets, with room for cooking and washing. You often have plenty of space for your kitchen counter, as well as storage.

Use the space in a small kitchen by creating a breakfast bar area. Although it may seem up to the challenge, it’s an excellent option if you don’t need a lot of closet storage space. However, breakfast bars can double as a prep and dining space, creating a multifunctional approach to your kitchen design.

How do you keep a small kitchen clutter-free?

Start with a strict culling of unnecessary essentials. If you don’t use something at least once a month, it will likely be stored elsewhere or sold. “Everything you put in a small kitchen has to be chosen very carefully, there is no place for bad appliances or unused pots and pans,” says Helen Parker, Creative Director, deVOL.

You don’t have a lot of space, so make every little relief and surface look as nice as possible. Invest in absolutely perfect things, especially the items on display. Never settle for a small kitchen as it will end up looking mismatched and cluttered.

What are good appliances for planning a small kitchen?

The best multifunctional appliances for a small kitchen. If you can get one device that does the job of two, it’s worth the investment. Consider combining microwaves that double as a second oven when entertaining, and flexible cooler drawers that convert from freezer to refrigerator on demand.

When shopping for an oven, study the internal capacity; 67 liters are standard for a single oven with a width of 60 cm, but you can get 60 cm models that feature an interior of up to 80 liters. Also look for devices that are slim but only if they will work for your family size. A low-profile dishwasher is 45 cm wide, instead of 60 cm, but it will only adjust for nine places, which means you can run it twice a day.