Small Kitchen Ideas

Are you dealing with a small kitchen? Don’t let its size limit your creativity! With the right kitchen units and design ideas, you can make the most of your small space. Here we’ll share some tips and tricks to help you create a big look in a small kitchen. From maximizing storage to adding natural light, you’ll find plenty of inspiring ideas to help you transform your kitchen.

An image showing light grey kitchen units

  • Choose a neutral colour

When it comes to modern kitchen design, choosing a neutral colour palette is a popular choice. A neutral colour, like white or grey, can make a small kitchen look more spacious and open. While white is often the go-to colour for modern kitchens, grey is an equally great option to consider. A modern white kitchen with handleless cabinets and sleek finishes can look clean and polished, but grey offers a more subdued and cozier feel. Plus, it pairs well with a variety of other colours, making it a versatile choice for a contemporary kitchen. Don't be afraid to mix and match shades of grey or incorporate accents of other neutral colours like beige or cream for added dimension. By opting for a neutral colour scheme, you can create a calming and sophisticated look in your small kitchen.

See Our Of Grey Kitchens

 

An image showing a neutral-coloured kitchen, kitchen is gloss cashmere

  • Keep your shades simple

One of the easiest ways to make a small kitchen look bigger is to keep your colour palette simple and neutral. Modern kitchen design often relies on clean lines and a minimalistic approach and opting for a monochromatic colour scheme can help to achieve this. Consider using shades of white, cream or even light grey to create a timeless, contemporary kitchen.

Another popular colour trend for a small kitchen is sandstone. This stony hue is a cooler version of ivory or cream and is perfect for creating a fresh, airy atmosphere. When paired with glossy fronts like our Vallo Gloss Cashmere, it creates a modern white kitchen that feels bright and spacious.

Whatever colour scheme you choose, keep it simple and consistent throughout your space. This will create a cohesive look that won't overwhelm the eye, making your small kitchen appear bigger and more inviting. Consider opting for handleless kitchen cabinets and units to further streamline your space and create a seamless look.

Remember that modern kitchen design doesn't always have to be about bold colours and flashy accents. Sometimes, the simplest design choices can have the biggest impact. By keeping your shades simple, you'll be able to create a sleek, contemporary kitchen that feels fresh and modern without sacrificing space.

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an image showing a two tone kitchen in light and dark greys

  • Try out two-tone

If you want to create an illusion of a spacious kitchen, try using two-tone colours. A handleless kitchen can help you achieve a sleek, modern look that is perfect for this design. One of the best ways to implement the two-tone concept is to use a dark shade for your base units and a lighter one for your wall units.

Our Greco Gloss Dove Grey is a great example of a lighter colour that can help you achieve this. When used for your wall units, this colour can make the area appear more open, while the darker base units will create depth and a sense of sophistication.

The two-tone effect can be subtle or bold, depending on your preference. You can even experiment with other colours that complement each other, like black and white or navy and cream. Just make sure that the colours you choose don't clash and that they are easy on the eyes.

Overall, trying out a two-tone approach in your small kitchen can be a great way to maximize your space and give it a fresh, modern look. It's a design strategy that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing, and it's easy to implement with the help of our handleless kitchen units.

See Our Greco Gloss Dove Grey

 

An image showing a matt black and white kitchen

  • Go matt to brighten up

If you want to brighten up your small kitchen without going overboard on bright colours, consider using a matt finish. Matt finishes offer a muted look that adds a luxurious aspect to your kitchen design, without overpowering it. They are also great for low maintenance, as they tend to show fewer marks made by fingerprints or water.

One way to use a matt finish in your small kitchen is to combine white with a super matt or matt finish. This combination is not only on-trend but also visually expands your space, making your kitchen feel larger than it is. It also works well with different lighting conditions, so you can enjoy your kitchen in different ways throughout the day.

When choosing a matt finish, be sure to choose a high-quality paint or surface that is durable and resistant to stains. Avoid using gloss or semi-gloss finishes as they tend to reflect more light, which can make your kitchen appear smaller and more cluttered.

Overall, using a matt finish is an excellent way to brighten up your small kitchen without sacrificing style or maintenance. So, if you're looking to update your small kitchen's look and feel, consider going matte to add a touch of luxury and create a spacious feel.

See Our Range of Matt Kitchens

 

  • Add low-level wall units

Low-level wall units are a great way to increase storage space in your small kitchen without sacrificing floor space. They are designed to sit just above the countertop, which means they take up half the space of a standard wall unit while providing extra storage space for essentials.

These wall cupboards come in different shapes and sizes, so you can choose the ones that fit your needs best. You can use them to store plates, glasses, or even cookbooks. Low-level units also make your kitchen appear bigger as they prevent shadows from being cast across the surface below, which can make the room brighter and more inviting.

When choosing your low-level wall units, consider the colour and design that matches the overall style of your kitchen. They come in a variety of finishes and colours, from classic white to sleek black, and some even have glass fronts that add a modern touch to your space.

Overall, low-level wall units are an excellent option for those with small kitchens. They add extra storage space while keeping the room looking spacious and bright. Give them a try and see how they can transform your small kitchen!

 

  • Save floor space and go vertical

One of the biggest challenges when designing a small kitchen is figuring out how to maximize every inch of space available. One solution is to go vertical with your storage options. This means making the most of your walls to add extra storage space, freeing up your limited floor area.

To make the most of vertical space, consider adding tall kitchen cabinets or open shelving that extends to the ceiling. You can use these units to store less frequently used items such as serving dishes, seasonal tableware, and other bulky items that would take up precious floor space.

Another great option is to incorporate pull-out or pull-and-swing accessories into your storage design. These accessories are designed to make it easier to access items that are in the back of the cabinet, making your storage more user-friendly.

One important consideration when going vertical is safety. Make sure that all your storage units are secured properly to the wall and can withstand the weight of your items. You may also want to consider adding child safety locks or other measures to ensure that your kitchen is safe for little ones.

Overall, going vertical with your storage options is a smart and effective way to maximize your small kitchen space. With the right design, you can create a functional and beautiful kitchen that feels much larger than its physical size.

 

  • Add smart corner storage

If you're struggling to make use of those pesky corner units in your small kitchen, it's time to consider adding smart corner storage. A simple and effective solution is installing a carousel device that rotates to allow easy access to everything inside. This is especially handy for heavier items that can be hard to reach or move around, such as pots and pans.

Not only does smart corner storage make your life easier, but it also maximises every inch of space in your kitchen. This is especially important in small kitchens, where storage space is at a premium. By using every available inch, you can keep your work surfaces clutter-free and create a more spacious feel.

There are various types of corner storage devices available, so you can choose the one that suits your needs. Some carousels rotate independently, allowing you to access both sides of the unit without having to move everything around. Others have a swing-out mechanism, where the shelves pull out towards you, making it easier to see and access everything inside.

Smart corner storage is also an accessible solution for all stages of life. Whether you have mobility issues or are just looking for an easier way to organise your kitchen, a carousel device can help. Plus, with the variety of options available, you're sure to find one that fits your kitchen's style and design.

In short, adding smart corner storage to your small kitchen is a simple but effective way to maximise space and keep everything organised. It's a must-have for anyone looking to create a functional, stylish, and spacious kitchen on a tight budget.

 

  • Add Light to shadows

Adding light to shadows can transform a small kitchen into a spacious one. Shadows in a room can make it feel cramped and closed off, so adding lights can give it an instant lift. Targeting the areas with the most limited light is an effective place to start, but also consider adding lights beneath base units.

Lighting up the floor space is another effective way to make a small kitchen appear bigger and brighter. Low-level lights draw attention to the floor and make it feel more spacious. Consider installing lights under your cabinets or kickboard for a seamless effect.

For those with limited natural light, investing in quality lighting fixtures can make a significant difference. Consider adding a pendant light over your dining area to create a focal point and brighten up the space. Installing lights above cabinets and worktops can also enhance the space and create an illusion of more height.

 

  • Save on worktop space

When you have a small kitchen, every inch of surface area counts. That's why it's important to find ways to save on worktop space, especially in areas where you need it the most.

One great way to do this is by upgrading your tap to a 4-in-1 tap. These taps provide cold, cold filtered, hot, and steaming water all from one convenient source. Not only does this reduce clutter on your worktops, but it also saves you money on energy bills since these taps are more energy-efficient than their electrical counterparts.

Another way to save on worktop space is by opting for built-in appliances. For example, instead of having a standalone microwave taking up valuable surface area, you can opt for a built-in microwave that fits seamlessly into your cabinetry. This also applies to other appliances like ovens and dishwashers.

If you're someone who loves to cook and needs plenty of workspace for prep, consider investing in a portable kitchen island. These islands provide extra surface area when you need it and can be moved out of the way when you don't.

Overall, when it comes to saving on worktop space, it's all about being creative and finding innovative solutions. With a little bit of planning and ingenuity, even the smallest kitchens can feel spacious and functional.

 

  • Switch to slim counters

Kitchen countertops are often the largest and most dominant feature in any kitchen. That’s why changing the countertop style can make a significant impact on how spacious your kitchen appears. Switching to slim counters is an effective and affordable way to save space in your kitchen.

The current trend for slim counters involves a thickness of 12.5mm, which gives a sleek and modern appearance. These ultra-thin counters are made using advanced engineering techniques and are designed to be durable and resistant to damage. You can choose from a range of materials, including engineered stone, marble, and concrete. Slim counters also offer unique designs such as translucent designs and seamless edges, which make your kitchen appear more spacious.

If you prefer a thicker countertop, then a 20mm style might be the way to go. These counters are still much thinner than the traditional 30mm thickness but provide more weight and depth to the design. They can be a great option for those who prefer a traditional style but still want to keep things streamlined.

Slim counters can make your small kitchen appear more spacious by providing a minimalistic, clean, and fresh look. When used with lighter shades and sleek finishes, they create an illusion of more room. This will allow you to have a functional and stylish kitchen without feeling crowded.