How to design and decorate a small kitchen

How do you decorate a small kitchen to make it look bigger?

The general rule is the lighter the kitchen decor, the bigger it feels. While sometimes there is nothing better than classic light-reflecting white, light grey is currently very popular and colours like light green and yellow can also add to the light, bright effect. This doesn’t just apply to the walls — make sure that countertops, splashbacks and appliances are also light in colour. You can also display white objects on shelves, including white vases and picture frames. Hanging large mirrors, or choosing mirrored splashbacks, will also reflect light and duplicate the space in the room when looking at the mirror, which helps to add a sense of space.

You can never have enough lighting in a kitchen — it’s a necessity when cooking, but it also makes the space feel bigger.

Don’t be afraid to add some patterns to your small kitchen floor — this is where you can get creative with tiles as a patterned floor will create the illusion of more floor space. Large, tiled wood floors with a chevron pattern also give the impression of a larger room.

What are the best kitchen layouts for a small kitchen?

Small kitchens have their positives. You are forced to consider the layout and make it as functional as possible. It’s easier to waste space in a bigger kitchen. And when you are cooking and eating, everything is within easy reach! Choice of kitchen layout is limited in a small kitchen — but you don’t need a wide choice as you are concentrating on form and function in the space you have. A giant kitchen island looks good, but it won’t cook a meal for you!

The galley layout

The stove, dishwasher and sink will all be within a small area, so preparing food and clearing away is made easier as you don’t need to be pacing back and forth in a big kitchen, with dripping pots and pans and utensils. With limited countertop space, try to utilise walls and organise cupboards to maximise space.

The one-wall layout

This is half a galley kitchen — too small for many people. You might have to compromise on appliances. For small city apartments, holiday rentals and cute cottages, the one-wall layout fits the bill, providing all the basics for a working kitchen.

It’s all about the accessories

You can really have some fun accessorising a small kitchen with practical and stylish gadgets. There are so many on the market, but take a look at our favourite ingenious solutions:

So satisfying! A magnetic hanging utensil set designed so that the utensils slot perfectly together, nestling against each other to take up less space. It’s a beautiful design and looks smart too. ‘Joseph Joseph’ make functional, stylish and innovative kitchen accessories that solve all manner of small kitchen problems, so it’s worth looking at their full range.

An instant hot water tap means that you can retire that limescale-filled, dripping kettle! No more waiting around for the kettle to boil — and it doesn’t boil faster if you stare at it or hold the handle impatiently — because you have steaming hot water on tap for your teas, coffees and to fill a saucepan for quicker cooking times.

You can ditch many kitchen cooking appliances after using an air fryer. Currently gaining a huge fan base, the air fryer uses rapid air technology, with no oil required. Healthier and quicker!

If you are short of counter space in a small kitchen, baking can be a pain. Take a look at the small three-tier cooling racks on the market — so simple, but so effective.

Designing your small kitchen with an island

A kitchen island has become one of the most coveted pieces in a kitchen. It has the wow-factor and it is also highly functional — perfect for eating at, entertaining, extra food preparation space, storage, useful for working at...the list goes on. But how do you fit an island in a small kitchen? There are some creative options available:

• Slim and moveable stainless steel kitchen islands — these are used in professional kitchens
• Small butcher block tables on wheels — these can be found in square designs, perfect for a small space
• A console table is narrow so it can be used as a slim island. An antique, marble-topped console table would be ideal.
• If you can see the potential to knock down a kitchen wall which adjoins a living space, then you can place a wooden surface onto some of the remaining wall. This might be an option if you don’t have space for an island in the centre of the kitchen.

Tip — choose an island with shelves and cupboards to make up for the lack of kitchen cabinets.

FAQ:

Which are the best colours to use for a small kitchen?

Pale, light, neutral colours are best to use in a small kitchen — not just the walls, but cupboard doors, countertops, floors and appliances. To stop it from appearing too bland you can break up the neutral colours with plants, different textures and wall art.

How to add value to your small kitchen space?

To add value to your small kitchen space, consider:

✔ Redecorating 

✔ Replacing the kitchen door

✔ Double-glazing the windows

✔ Replacing the doors on all kitchen cabinets

✔ Opening up space for an open-plan kitchen with island

✔ Being energy efficient by installing a steaming hot water tap

✔ Adding a waste disposal unit to the kitchen sink