20 Small Kitchen Ideas For Studio Apartment That Will Make The Most Of Every Space

This post shows you the best small kitchen ideas for studio apartment to try today!

I recently moved out of my parents’ home and could only afford a studio apartment. All the apartments that were within my budget had a small kitchen.

As someone who enjoys home cooked meals, this was a great shortcoming.

Fortunately, a quick internet search revealed that the size of the kitchen does not matter instead, it is how I chose to use the space.

I’ll share with you small kitchen ideas that will help you make the most of every space in your small kitchen.

Keep reading to discover creative ways of maximizing your kitchen space.

Pin it for later! ⤵️

Open shelves on the wall

Add open shelves on the walls for extra storage or display of your décor pieces.

Match the wood type and color of your shelves to that of your cabinets for a more cohesive look.

Add lighting on top of your shelf to make it the focal point of your small kitchen in a studio apartment.

Small Appliances

Use a white mini fridge to save on space in your small kitchen.

A black two-burner cooker top is another great small appliance idea you can incorporate to make the most of your limited space.

Merge the two with a black countertop for a seamless look.

Stacked appliances

Place your microwave on top of your fridge if you have limited counter space in your small kitchen.

Additionally, place all your appliances on one wall to free space on other walls.

Add a spice rack on top of your range for fast and convenient access.

Storage rails

A storage rail is a storage solution that can also be used as a decorative element.

Hang your printed mugs here to display their prints.

Lastly, add base and suspended cabinets and pull-out drawers to serve as additional storage space in your small kitchen.

Closed cabinetry and open shelves

A combination of closed cabinetry and open shelves merges aesthetics and functionality in a small kitchen.

Use the open shelves to store and display your aesthetically looking utensils and the closed cabinetry for the other utensils and kitchen items.

Use the same paint color for the cabinets and shelves for a merged look.

Closed and open cabinetry

Combine closed and open cabinetry to maximize the wall space in a small kitchen.

Add a wall-mounted table and stools as sitting provisions as they occupy less space.

Complete the look with nude diamond-pattered rug.

A functional Kitchen Island

Make your kitchen island functional by having an island sink.

Add brown bar seats to the Island and have it double up as an eating space. 

Complete the look with a black pendant light to make the island the focal point of your small kitchen.

Built-in appliances

Go for a built-in cooktop as it occupies less space than a freestanding cooker.

Add track and under-cabinet lighting to illuminate every space in your small kitchen.

To add a pop of color, use neon orange transparent seats for your wall-mounted table.

Add greenery

Strategically position potted plants in different spots in your small kitchen for beautification.

Blend succulent, foliage and hanging plants for a greater appeal.

Paint an arch on your wall and use lime green paint to merge the greenery theme.

Loft bed

This might sound crazy but if the vertical space is adequate, you can have a loft bed on top of your small kitchen.

Under the loft bed, go for a U-shaped kitchen layout to achieve additional base cabinetry and counter space.

Have one end of the U-shape serve as a bar space and add two matching bar stools.

Glass cabinet doors

Glass cabinet doors will allow you to engage your creativity by displaying decorating utensils or décor pieces in your small kitchen.

For the base cabinets, go for solid doors to hide the less appealing kitchen items.

Finish your look with a patterned rug for a warm feel.

Portable Appliances

Use a cooktop that is not built-in and can readily be moved to free counter space when you are not cooking in your small kitchen.

Add suspended medium brown walnut cabinets to contrast the white base cabinets.

Finish the look with a simple yellow flower bouquet on your counter top for visual appeal.

Small seating area

Have a two-person dining set in your small kitchen.

Use white plastic Eames chairs with brown legs that match your dining table.

Use the same shade of white for your walls, cabinets and pull-out drawers for a unified look.

Kitchen/Laundry combo

Create room for your laundry machine in the kitchen to capitalize on the kitchen’s plumbing and save on space.

Contrast your black base cabinets with white suspended ones for a greater visual appeal.

Merge the look with a grey, black and white diamond pattered rug.

Suspended shelves

This is a great use of the ceiling space in a small kitchen.

Suspend layered open shelves from your kitchen ceiling and use them as storage or display space for your potted plants.

Add lights on the base shelf for adequate lighting of the counter space.

Lazy Susan Turntable

For maximum use of corner space in your small kitchen, use a lazy Susan turntable to store your cutlery and jars.

Ensure you have under-cabinet lighting for adequate illumination of the space.

Finish the look with a stainless steel kitchen hood, cook top, switch and sockets. 

Separate the kitchen and dining space

Separated spaces is a great way of optimizing the functionality of your small kitchen space and making it feel organized and less cluttered.

Use all-white cabinets for a cleaner look.

Complete the look with a brown and white wave-pattered floor rug.

An open plan

An open-plan kitchen will make your small kitchen feel big and spacious.

For additional storage, use a magnetic knife strip for your knives.

Finish the look with two-tone colored cabinets that match your floors, dining table and seats and a subway-tiled backsplash.

Strategic organization of counterspace

Strategically organize your counter space by having your appliances, sink, cooking area and working space onone side of your small kitchen.

Add a four-person dining set and match the color of the chair to the countertop and the dining table to the cabinets.

Under-cabinet lighting

Install under-cabinet lighting in your small kitchen to maximize on lighting.

On the shelves, display your fine Chinas and photo frames for aesthetics.

To achieve a more seamless look, go for push-to-open cabinets as they have a cleaner finish compared to cabinets with handles.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I maximize storage in a small studio apartment kitchen?

Maximizing storage in a small kitchen involves creative solutions.

Start by using vertical space with wall-mounted shelves or cabinets up to the ceiling.

Consider installing a pegboard to keep utensils and pots organized and easily accessible.

Use multi-functional furniture, like a kitchen island with storage underneath or a cart that can be moved around.

Additionally, choose space-saving appliances, like compact dishwashers or refrigerators, and use clear containers for pantry items to keep everything visible and organized.

2. What are some space-saving design ideas for a small kitchen in a studio apartment?

To save space in a small studio apartment kitchen, opt for open shelving instead of bulky cabinets to make the space feel airier.

Use compact, built-in appliances and consider a fold-down table or wall-mounted drop-leaf table that can be tucked away when not in use.

Choose lighter colors for cabinetry and walls to create an illusion of more space.

Additionally, mirrored backsplashes or reflective surfaces can make the kitchen area feel larger and brighter.

3. How can I incorporate dining space into a small studio apartment kitchen?

Incorporating dining space in a small kitchen requires smart planning.

Consider a small bistro table with folding chairs or a wall-mounted drop-leaf table that can be folded away when not in use.

A breakfast bar or counter-height table can also serve as both a prep area and dining space.

Look for stools that can be tucked under the counter or use a bench with storage underneath to maximize seating and keep things tidy.

4. What are some creative storage solutions for small kitchen appliances?

For small kitchen appliances, use pull-out cabinets or drawers to keep them out of sight yet easily accessible.

Consider a dedicated appliance garage or a countertop appliance caddy that can be closed when not in use.

Magnetic strips for knives and utensil holders mounted inside cabinet doors can save counter space.

Additionally, stackable or collapsible appliances can be stored more easily when not in use, helping to keep your kitchen clutter-free.

5. How can I make a small studio apartment kitchen feel more spacious?

To make a small kitchen feel more spacious, focus on maximizing natural light and using light, reflective colors for walls and cabinetry.

Avoid heavy, dark materials that can make the space feel cramped.

Incorporate glass-front cabinets or open shelving to create a sense of openness.

Use mirrors or reflective surfaces to bounce light around the room and make it feel brighter.

Keep the countertop clutter-free and choose sleek, modern designs that don’t overwhelm the space.

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