Small kitchens can be tricky, but with the right choices, they can also be incredibly stylish and efficient. Interior designers know that when space is tight, every item needs to pull double duty – function matters just as much as form.
Whether you’re outfitting a compact apartment or trying to make the most of a tiny galley layout, smart design is your best friend.
These 10 designer-approved picks are perfect for maximizing style and storage in small kitchens. And if you’re all-in on the tiny living lifestyle, I’ve got 8 extra ideas you’ll absolutely love.
1. Magnetic Knife Strip
Ever noticed how knife blocks eat up precious counter space? A sleek magnetic strip mounted on your wall keeps sharp tools accessible while freeing up valuable real estate.
Professional chefs swear by this space-saving solution that doubles as a stylish display. Your favorite knives become part of your kitchen’s visual appeal rather than hiding in a drawer.
2. Nesting Bowl Set
Imagine having a complete set of mixing bowls that takes up the space of just one! When stacked together, these colorful kitchen workhorses practically disappear into your cabinets.
Many designers favor nesting bowls with multiple functions – measuring marks on the inside, pouring spouts, and non-slip bottoms. Some even come with lids, transforming from prep tools to storage containers in seconds.
3. Over-the-Sink Cutting Board
Who says you need expansive countertops to prep meals comfortably? This genius invention extends your workspace by utilizing the area above your sink.
Look for models with integrated colanders or juice grooves to make food prep even more efficient. When dinner’s ready, simply rinse it off and tuck it away between the refrigerator and wall – no countertop clutter necessary!
4. Slim Rolling Cart
Squeezed for storage but have a narrow gap between appliances? A skinny rolling cart slides perfectly into those forgotten spaces, instantly creating three levels of storage where there was none.
Fill it with frequently used spices, cooking oils, or even a coffee station. The mobility factor means you can wheel it out when cooking and tuck it away when guests arrive.
5. Collapsible Everything
From colanders to measuring cups, the collapsible revolution has changed small kitchen storage forever. These flexible silicone wonders expand to full size when needed, then flatten to a fraction of their height for storage.
Interior designers particularly recommend collapsible dish racks that can be stowed away when not in use. Why sacrifice precious counter space to a bulky dish rack when you could have a temporary solution?
6. Stackable Glass Storage Containers
Mismatched plastic containers with missing lids create unnecessary chaos in small kitchens. Uniform glass storage containers with interlocking lids create a streamlined system that stacks beautifully in cabinets.
Beyond organization, these workhorses go from refrigerator to microwave to table seamlessly. The transparent design lets you see contents at a glance – no more mystery leftovers hiding in the back of your fridge!
7. Wall-Mounted Pot Rack
Pots and pans typically consume an entire cabinet in most kitchens. By moving them overhead, you reclaim significant storage while keeping cookware within easy reach.
Interior designers love how a copper or wrought iron pot rack adds industrial charm while solving storage problems. For the lowest profile option, consider a linear wall-mounted version rather than a ceiling-hung style if your kitchen has standard-height ceilings.
8. Drawer Dividers
Rummaging through cluttered drawers wastes precious time in the kitchen. Custom-fit drawer organizers transform chaotic utensil drawers into perfectly compartmentalized storage solutions.
Expandable bamboo dividers adapt to your exact drawer dimensions, maximizing every square inch. Kitchen designers recommend creating zones within drawers – cooking utensils in one section, measuring tools in another – for intuitive access during meal prep.
9. Hanging Fruit Basket
Fruit bowls devour valuable counter space in compact kitchens. A three-tiered hanging basket brings visual interest to an unused corner while keeping produce visible and properly ventilated.
Many interior stylists choose wire or macramé versions that add texture and warmth to sterile kitchens. As a bonus, this vertical storage solution encourages healthy snacking since fruits remain in sight rather than forgotten in refrigerator drawers.
10. Induction Cooktop
Bulky ranges with multiple burners often overwhelm small kitchens. Sleek portable induction cooktops provide powerful cooking capability with minimal counter footprint and can be stored in a cabinet when not in use.
Beyond their space-saving profile, these energy-efficient appliances heat faster than gas or electric ranges. Many kitchen designers recommend them for small spaces since they generate less ambient heat – keeping your compact kitchen comfortable even during summer cooking sessions.
1. Multi-Function Appliances
Gone are the days of single-purpose kitchen gadgets eating up valuable storage. Today’s combination appliances perform multiple functions in one footprint – think pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice maker, and yogurt maker all in one device.
Professional kitchen designers consistently recommend these space-saving workhorses for small kitchens. When every inch counts, replacing four appliances with one multi-tasker creates significant breathing room in cramped cabinets.
2. Cabinet Door Organizers
The inside of cabinet doors represents some of the most underutilized real estate in small kitchens. Slim organizers mounted here can hold anything from cutting boards to pot lids to cleaning supplies without consuming shelf space.
For maximum efficiency, kitchen organization experts suggest mapping out exactly what will live in each door organizer before installation. Measuring your items ensures you select organizers with appropriate dimensions for your specific storage needs.
3. Pegboard Wall System
Channel your inner Julia Child with a customizable pegboard wall that transforms empty wall space into flexible storage. Unlike fixed shelving, pegboard systems can be reconfigured as your needs change.
Modern versions come in stylish colors and materials that complement contemporary kitchens. Design professionals recommend dedicating a full wall when possible, creating a statement feature that’s both practical and visually interesting.
4. Folding Step Stool
Vertical storage is essential in tight kitchens, but reaching those upper cabinets can be challenging. A slim folding step stool provides safe access to high storage while disappearing to just inches thick when not needed.
Interior designers recommend models that coordinate with your kitchen color scheme since they’ll likely live in a visible spot. Look for options with non-slip feet and a weight capacity appropriate for all household members.
5. Corner Shelving Solutions
Awkward corner cabinets often become black holes where items disappear forever. Modern lazy susan mechanisms and pull-out corner systems transform these problematic spaces into storage superstars.
Kitchen designers particularly favor diagonal drawer systems that slide out at an angle, utilizing every inch of corner space. When remodeling isn’t an option, free-standing corner shelf units can make use of empty counter corners.
6. Sink Accessories
Your sink area can work harder with the right accessories. Expandable over-sink dish racks, corner sponge holders, and faucet-mounted soap dispensers maximize this busy zone without adding clutter.
Professional organizers recommend coordinating sink accessories for a cohesive look. The latest innovations include silicone sink mats that roll up when not needed and collapsible dish drainers that store flat against the wall.
7. Slimline Appliances
Standard-sized appliances can overwhelm petite kitchens. European-style slimline refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines are specifically designed for compact spaces without sacrificing functionality.
Many interior designers recommend 24-inch appliances instead of standard 30-inch models to gain valuable inches throughout the kitchen. These space-saving alternatives have become increasingly sophisticated, offering high-end features despite their smaller footprints.
8. Ceiling-Mounted Pot Plants
Fresh herbs enhance cooking but traditional pots consume precious surface area. Suspended plant hangers bring greenery into your kitchen without sacrificing counter or window sill space.
Design experts recommend choosing trailing varieties like ivy or string-of-pearls for visual impact. For culinary convenience, install a ceiling hook system above a sunny spot where you can easily lower plants for watering and harvesting fresh herbs.