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Small Kitchen Ideas

Small kitchen spaces present a unique opportunity to rethink how a home works. With the right approach, the most compact layouts can become efficient and welcoming. Small kitchen design ideas focus on smart use of space saving solutions, practical kitchen storage, and layout choices that support everyday routines. Whether you're planning a refresh or a full renovation, this guide brings together expert insights and real-life examples to help you make confident decisions and get the most out of every square metre.

A wide shot of Ellen White's kitchen, with a bright atmosphere and a vibrant house plant

1. Brighten With White

When it comes to small kitchen colour ideas, white tones like Ellen White's are a smart choice. Light surfaces reflect more natural light, helping the room to feel cleaner, calmer, and more expansive without changing the footprint.

See White Kitchens

A sand grey, integrated handle kitchen in a galley layout. There are white worktops, white sinks, and dark plank flooring.

2. Streamlined Styles

Modern small kitchen ideas often centre on minimalist ideals, such as clean lines and clutter-free surfaces. Features like integrated handles create a sleek, uninterrupted look that feels open, accessible, and easy to navigate.

See J-Pull Kitchens

A porcelain, slab kitchen with a gloss finish in a galley layout. It has oak-effect flooring, integrated appliances and hob.

3. Go with gloss

Gloss kitchen cabinet doors are a smart choice for compact, dark areas without sufficient natural light. Their reflective finish bounces light around the room, making small spaces feel more open and brighter.

See Gloss Kitchens

matt black kitchen with integrated handle doors and light oak worktops

4. Work with one wall

Kitchenette ideas are all about making the most of minimal space. In studio apartments and holiday lets, smart, single wall layouts like @goodchantier's keep things simple, functional, and ready for everyday use.

See Single Wall Kitchens

A rustic kitchen in a galley layout. Contains cream, shaker cupboards, dark-wood worktops, and a black, built-under oven.

5. Go To Galleys

Smart layout ideas for small kitchens make every move count. Peninsula kitchens offer an alternative to the traditional island, whilst small galley kitchen designs focus on efficiency, with everything within easy reach.

See Galley Kitchens

A warm white kitchen with slab doors in a peninsula layout. There are stone-effect worktops and herringbone oak flooring.

6. Reach Higher

Higher ceilings offer vertical space for cabinetry in compact kitchens. Adding extra tall kitchen larder cabinets makes use of every inch, offering more storage while keeping the footprint minimal and the design clean.

See Larder Cabinets

7. Save on kettle space

Hot water taps offer instant boiling water without the bulk of a kettle. It’s a smart way to save counter space and reduce the number of appliances in a compact kitchen, without compromising on convenience.

See Boiling Water Taps

8. Select a striped effect

Smaller kitchens can still be packed full of intricate details. Wall paneling offers a neat way to add textural and visual variation, bringing the focus onto the walls and making compact rooms appear bigger.

See Wall Panelling