20 Ideas For Small Kitchen Design That Will Make Your Small Kitchen Look Bigger

This post shows you the best small kitchen design ideas to try today!

During my relocation, I hired an agent to find an apartment that fit my specific preferences and fixed budget.

While there were no options with a large kitchen within my price range, I ultimately chose the home I loved the most.

To make the kitchen appear more spacious, I brainstormed several ideas and was impressed with the results.

I’ll share creative and innovative ideas for remodelling your small kitchen to make it look bigger.

Stay tuned until the end!

Pin it for later! ⤵️

Try white and brown

If you want to add a touch of different colors to your small kitchen, a white and brown theme as the primary scheme always works well.

Opt for white walls and cabinets, with brown flooring and open shelves.

To complement the brown tones, choose antique bronze cabinet handles.

Have a pot rack

Have a pot rack suspended from the ceiling for convenient storage, making your small kitchen look more prominent.

Then, paint your kitchen windows and cabinets a teal color to create a dynamic and vibrant atmosphere.

Finish this idea by adding marble to the wall to complement the design.

Get creative with storage

Even a small kitchen can be visually transformed with convenient storage solutions.

Utilize your vertical wall space by installing open shelves above the sink.

Additionally, closed cabinets should be integrated beside and above the chimney and above the fridge to provide ample storage.

Take advantage of natural light

Ensure you have large transparent windows to allow natural light to flow into your small kitchen.

Position the window so you can see the outside view from inside.

This openness will enhance the sense of space, making your small kitchen look bigger.

Embrace counter stools

Your small kitchen can become a multi-functional space by adding some counter stools.

Choose stools that are firm and appropriately sized to match the height of your kitchen island.

Place three stools with sufficient space between them to complement the overall design.

Make use of every corner

Every corner of your kitchen can be functional without looking cluttered.

Opt for a wall oven and a cooktop on your timber countertop, and add cabinets on the wall and underneath the countertop.

This arrangement will leave ample space in the middle, helping your small kitchen appear bigger.

Go for a grey theme

Use different shades of grey for your Kitchen Island, cabinets, and glass door edges.

Create a visual break with lighter neutral floor tiles.

Then, suspend pendant lighting from the ceiling to add height and draw the eye upward, enhancing the sense of your kitchen being big.

Try a neutral theme

Choose a white shade for your small kitchen walls and countertop to create a bright, airy feel.

Complement this with brown wood tiles on the floor to add warmth and contrast.

Ensure you have a window and a door to allow natural light to reflect off the neutral colors, making your small kitchen appear bigger.

Be minimalistic

If you love simplicity with a touch of luxury, this idea is perfect for you.

Embrace closed cabinets to store your kitchen essentials, creating a clean look in your small kitchen.

To enhance the sense of space, display only the items you currently use to avoid clutter.

A touch of art

Unleash your creativity with artful displays to significantly impact your small kitchen.

This could be as simple as arranging a collection of books on an open shelf, adding some potted plants, or featuring a framed print.

Additionally, place a doormat in front of your kitchen door to enhance the entryway and create a welcoming atmosphere.

Seamless tile design

Use uniform tiling on your floor and ceiling to create visual continuity, which will help make your small kitchen appear bigger.

Opt for glossy finishes on your countertop and walls to enhance reflections.

Complete the look with ample natural and artificial lighting to amplify the sense of space further.

Built-in appliances

Achieve a streamlined appearance and enhance the flow of your small kitchen with integrated appliances like a microwave and cooker.

This approach maximizes your space and gives your kitchen a modern look.

The seamless integration of these appliances reduces visual clutter, making the kitchen feel more open and inviting.

Blend matte and glossy

The interplay between matte and glossy surfaces adds depth and dimension to your kitchen, making it feel bigger.

Opt for matte finishes on darker shades and shiny finishes on brighter shades.

Complement this design by placing some potted plants.

Skylight window

If your small kitchen lacks space for a traditional window, consider installing a skylight instead.

This will make your space feel taller and provide a sky view, creating a connection to the outdoors.

Complement this design with a sliding door.

Utilize both sides

Instead of placing your appliances, sink, and storage cabinets on one side, create a balanced look by strategically distributing your kitchen features.

Place the oven, cooktop, and fridge on one side and the sink on the other.

Add a mat in the middle to define the space and create the illusion of a larger kitchen.

Pay attention to small details

Small details, such as spreading a cotton mat on your kitchen floor, can make a big difference.

Add a personal touch by hanging a piece of wall art.

Finish the look by placing a fruit stand on the kitchen countertop.

Go green

Choose a green-themed wall for your small kitchen design to introduce a relaxed and fresh energy.

Add emerald green backsplash tiles to create a striking focal point that enhances depth and sophistication.

Complete the look with teal green on your kitchen cabinets.

Use different tiles

Select patterned tiles for your small kitchen floor.

Then, use herringbone tiles on the walls to contrast and complement the floor.

Choose a cabinet design that mimics the herringbone pattern to tie the look together and enhance the overall aesthetic.

A hidden pantry

Do you want a streamlined, small kitchen design that is more open and organized?

Take advantage of a hidden pantry to store your kitchen supplies neatly on shelves and baskets.

For easy access, do some labeling.

Go for marble tiles

Marble tiles are always associated with elegance, luxury, and high-end material.

Using marble tiles on your small kitchen’s countertop, floor, and walls creates a sense of continuity and opulence, making the space appear bigger.

Complete this look with under-cabinet lighting to enhance the marble’s reflection and brighten your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best color schemes to make a small kitchen look bigger?

Lighter color schemes, such as soft whites, pale grays, and pastels, are excellent for making a small kitchen feel more spacious.

These colors reflect natural light, creating an open and airy atmosphere.

If you prefer a pop of color, consider light blues or soft greens, which add a refreshing touch without overwhelming the space.

Incorporating glossy finishes on cabinets or backsplashes can also help by bouncing light around the room.

Pair these shades with bright, white ceilings and trim to maximize the expansive effect.

2. How can I maximize storage in a small kitchen without making it feel cramped?

Vertical storage solutions are key in small kitchens.

Consider installing tall cabinets that reach the ceiling, as this not only adds storage but draws the eye upward, making the space feel larger.

Open shelving can also be effective, offering storage without the visual bulk of closed cabinets.

Utilize the insides of cabinet doors for organizing small items or spices.

For a clutter-free countertop, invest in multi-functional appliances and keep only the essentials within easy reach.

3. What type of lighting is best for making a small kitchen appear bigger?

Layered lighting is your best friend in a small kitchen.

Start with ambient lighting, such as recessed ceiling lights, to create a bright and welcoming environment.

Then, add task lighting under cabinets or above the sink for practical workspaces.

Finally, consider accent lighting like pendant lights or a small chandelier, which can add personality and draw attention to key features.

Choosing fixtures with a sleek design and a metallic or glass finish can reflect light, contributing to a more spacious feel.

4. Are there any specific layout designs that work best for small kitchens?

The galley and L-shaped layouts are particularly effective for small kitchens.

A galley layout, with cabinets on both sides of a narrow space, allows for efficient workflow and maximizes storage.

An L-shaped layout, with cabinets and appliances along two walls, opens up the kitchen and can accommodate a small dining area or island.

Both layouts promote a streamlined look and keep everything within easy reach, which is ideal for compact spaces.

If possible, consider an open-concept design to further enhance the sense of space.

5. How can I incorporate an island into a small kitchen without making it feel cramped?

Choose a slim, compact island that offers functionality without taking up too much space.

Islands on wheels are a versatile option, allowing you to move them out of the way when needed.

Opt for an island with built-in storage or seating to maximize its utility.

If your kitchen is too narrow for a traditional island, consider a peninsula or a breakfast bar attached to a wall or counter.

Using the same material for the island as the countertops can create a cohesive look, making the kitchen feel larger.

If you love these ideas, don’t forget to pin the above image to your “Kitchen ” board.