Small Kitchen Must-Haves Features

In this article, we cover the must-have features and smart solutions to enhance small kitchen spaces. From expanding storage options to increasing counter space, these tips from top interior designers will help you create a kitchen that’s high on both function and aesthetic appeal. Before you visit your local cabinet store, read on to discover the top small- kitchen ideas and must-haves.

Optimize Storage Space

Lack of storage space is one of the biggest limitations of a small kitchen. To increase usable space, look for ways to add storage both visually and functionally.

Floor-to-ceiling pantry cabinets

Make the most of vertical real estate by installing pantry and cabinet units that extend all the way the entire wall, from floor to ceiling. Opt for extra deep units to increase storage capacity. Glass-front cabinet doors on upper shelves maintain an open, airy feel.

Pull-out cabinets

Transform awkward corners and deep spaces into functional storage with smooth-gliding pull-out cabinets. Mounted on tracks, they make even the back recesses of deep pantries easily accessible. Dedicate pull-out units to housing appliances or platters.

Lazy Susans

Install rotating Lazy Susans in both upper and lower corner cabinets. The spinning shelves provide easy access to items in tricky angular spaces that are otherwise wasted. Sturdy lazy Susan hardware allows smooth access, even to heavy cookware.

Wall-mounted pot racks

Clear up precious counter space by mounting pot racks and utensil racks on wall space or overhead cabinets. Opt for sturdy wrought iron or industrial styles. Floating shelves, wire shelves or pegboards also work for open storage and display.

Under-cabinet organizers

Take advantage of vertical space in the void under cabinets with pull-out shelves or tiered racks for spices. It’s the ideal spot for an under-cabinet knife block too. Just ensure the depths match your cabinetry.

Built-in waste bins

Conceal unsightly trash and recycling bins in custom cabinetry built into toe kicks or integrated into pull-out cabinetry so they disappear when closed. Locate near food prep zones for convenient access.

Strategic storage solutions are key. Analyze how you use your kitchen and look for unused space to add functional storage features.

Expand Counter Space

Even a few extra square feet of countertop make a big difference in a small space. Look for creative ways to gain more counter space in real estate.

Movable kitchen islands

Freestanding, movable islands provide versatile additional counter space that can be shifted as needed. Opt for an island on locking wheels that slide smoothly. Include storage shelves and drawers built in.

Hanging pot racks

Free up counter space in meal prep, by installing overhead racks, hanging pans, or pegboard tool systems on the wall or ceiling to hang utensils and cookware. Position them above the prep zone for quick access while cooking.

Wall-mounted drop leaves

Mount fold-down shelves or tabletops on hinges against the wall. When not in use they disappear, but flip down to become extra work surfaces when needed. Great near cooking zones.

Shallower countertops

If remodeling, choose countertop depths slimmer than the standard 25 inches. At 20-22 inches deep instead, you gain several extra inches of floor space.

Multi-level islands

Maximize the functionality of a kitchen island by incorporating varied counter heights and an eating bar. This makes the island suitable for food prep, casual dining, and serving.

Don’t overlook vertical space in interior design, either. Mounting shelves or rail systems on walls provide additional surface area. Expand counter space wherever you can for improved workflow.

Optimize Natural Lighting

Dark, enclosed spaces only exaggerate the confined feel of a small kitchen. Brightening the kitchen space up with ample natural light makes it feel more open and airy.

Skylights and sun tunnels

Installing a skylight or sun tunnel directs natural light into the kitchen’s darkest corners. Position them near heavy workflow areas like a kitchen island or sink for maximum benefit.

More windows

Look for opportunities to add windows along exterior walls or above the sink to invite sunlight. Knocking out walls for sightlines to adjoining dining rooms also allows light to permeate.

Glass-front cabinetry

Swap out existing solid cabinet fronts for glass-front doors. This maintains a sense of openness while still concealing necessities behind doors. Glass cabinet inserts work too.

Mirrored backsplashes

Strategically placed mirror tiles interspersed in the backsplash reflect incoming sunlight from windows. Bounces light into darker spots.

Light, bright paint colors

Choosing the right paint color scheme is critical for opening up small kitchen spaces visually. Stark white or dark, dramatic shades will likely make the space feel overly sterile or closed-in. Instead, take a nuanced approach with subtle, airy hues that brighten up the room.

• Cool pale grays, greiges, and blues are excellent light reflectors to consider. Soft sage greens and muted taupes also keep things bright without overwhelming.
• For a touch of warmth, try a barely-there buttermilk or straw shade. Generally, the lighter the color, the more expansive a small space will feel.
• Avoid going too stark white, as this can feel cold. Look for colors with just a hint of pigment for balance.
• Painting existing cabinets in a lighter neutral color can freshen up a dated small kitchen. Avoid darker cabinet colors.
• Repainting walls with a lighter or different undertone also opens up the space. Ensure new wall color complements existing finishes.
• Use high-quality paint with more pigments for better coverage. An eggshell or satin sheen helps reflect light as well.

Dimmable fixtures

Install lighting fixtures with dimmable capabilities. Bright light is essential for food prep, but dimmers allow adjusting to softer, more flattering light for dining.

Proper lighting transforms any kitchen. Evaluate light sources and make adjustments like adding fixtures or reflective surfaces to naturally brighten a small kitchen.

Multi-Purpose Furnishings

When square footage is small kitchen ideas are scarce, choose furnishings that pull double or triple duty wherever possible. Here are some flexible small kitchen furnishing ideas:

Banquette seating

Opt for bench-style banquette seating built neatly into kitchen corners. Banquettes allow for cozy dining while also maximizing unused space with built-in storage drawers directly under the bench cushion.

Peninsula combo

Peninsula islands are longer and slimmer than a standard square island, allowing for a prep surface, casual dining with barstools, and even extra workspace on the dining room side.

Trestle dining table

The slender profile of a pedestal table takes up less floor space than one with legs at each corner. Position against a wall or anchor one end to an island or peninsula.

Fold-down table

For occasional kitchen meals, install a small retractable table that folds down from the wall or up from a base cabinet when needed. It tucks away neatly when not in use.

Butcher block work surface

A movable butcher block island or table seamlessly functions as extra food prep space. But it can be stashed aside when you want an open-concept kitchen look for entertaining.

Seek out furnishings like bar stools, carts, and tables that slide under other surfaces when not in use. The more flexibility, the better.

Clever Storage For A Clutter-Free Look

Messes and clutter plague small kitchens, making the space feel even more cramped. Stay organized with purposeful storage ideas:

Counter-mounted utensil crocks

Keep essential cooking utensils like spatulas, spoons, and whisks neatly corralled in ceramic crocks mounted to the counter or wall. Provides easy access when cooking.

Magnetic knife strips

Keep knives organized and off the counter by mounting magnetic knife strips to the wall or a cabinet door. Choose strips with strong magnets to securely hold blades in place.

Cutlery dividers

Stop flatware from turning into a jumbled mess in drawers by installing custom dividers to keep forks, spoons, and knives neatly separated.

Tiered spice racks

Opt for wall-mounted or inside-cabinet tiered racks to neatly organize spices and oils. Label each shelf for ease of use. Install near cooking zones.

Built-in trash/recycling bins

Bins integrated into cabinetry, toe kicks, or pull-out cabinetry keep trash out of sight. Use hands-free opening mechanisms for hygienic access. Locate near food prep areas.

Frequently used items on open shelves

Display oft-used gadgets on open shelving for grab-and-go convenience. Less-used items can be stashed behind cabinet doors.

Edit regularly and purge unused items to keep kitchen cabinets and drawers from becoming chaotic catchalls. Proper organization is essential.

Upgrade Your Bathroom Alongside the Kitchen

Remodeling your kitchen often presents the perfect opportunity to also overhaul an adjoining or nearby bathroom. Coordinate the transformations to create an integrated living space.

Popular add-ons to consider for bathroom remodels include:

Heated floors

Heated floors can provide literal and figurative warmth to any bathroom remodel. Opting for electric radiant floor heating under tile, laminate, or vinyl flooring sets the stage for a warm and comfortable space.

Radiant heating wire mesh or heating mats are mounted under the flooring and powered by a thermostat, efficiently warming the floor from below. This allows customizing the temperature for luxurious comfort underfoot. No more freezing tile floors!

Heated flooring works well with stone, ceramic, porcelain, and vinyl plank flooring types. It should be installed by experienced professionals to ensure proper setup and integration with the flooring materials.

Inset shelving

Recessed inset shelving seamlessly built right into the wall framing lends a polished, custom look while providing essential bathroom storage and display space.

Floating wall shelves only mounted on brackets have an unfinished look. For a more integrated aesthetic, have inset shelving constructed directly into the wall framing just like recessed medicine cabinets.

This shelving integrates beautifully with the architecture for built-ins that appear tailored to the exact space. Use inset shelving to neatly store and display folded towels, toiletries store small appliances, and decorative items.

High-tech toilets

Today’s high-tech toilets provide the peak of comfort, convenience, and hygiene. With advanced engineering, toilets have moved far beyond just efficient flushing. Smart designs and luxury features now provide an unmatched bathroom experience.

Look for high-end toilets with self-closing lids, heated seats, remote operation, air purification, LED lighting, hands-free flushing, and wall-hung installations for easy cleaning underneath.

Decorating a Small Kitchen

Decorating choices make a major visual impact in a petite kitchen. Use these tips to maximize the look and feel of the space:

• Stick to light, airy color palettes. Whites, pale grays, and subdued blues give the illusion of more space.
• Incorporate reflective finishes like glass cabinetry fronts, glossy tiles, and metallic accents. Reflects light around.
• Use backsplash tile creatively. Opt for eye-catching mosaic tiles or bold patterns to add visual interest.
• Embrace open shelving for frequently used items. This keeps the space feeling light rather than closed in.
• Spotlight collections of coordinating crocks, containers, or glassware on shelves.
• Anchor the space with a colorful rug. Makes a small kitchen feel cozier.

“Painting the cabinets a light, neutral tone opened up our tiny kitchen,” says interior designer Lindsey Avery. “Then we added pops of brightness with vibrant tile and accessories.”

Lighting for Small Kitchen Spaces

Proper lighting transforms a small space. Maximize natural light, but also incorporate:

• Pendant lights over islands and sinks to direct light right where it’s needed most.
• Under cabinet LED strip lighting to illuminate countertops and eliminate shadows.
• Recessed ceiling cans positioned over main work triangles provide ambient fill lighting.
• Sconces flanking windows add stylish accent lighting.
• Dimmer switches allow adjusting lighting levels for different tasks or moods.

“Lighting serves both form and function in a small kitchen,” says designer James Smith. “Use a layered lighting approach for style, tasks, and overall brightness.”

Smart Layouts for Small Kitchens

When remodeling or designing a kitchen under 200 square feet, pay attention to layout. The floor plan and workflow dramatically impact functionality. Consider these small kitchen layout options:

Galley

This single-wall layout is efficient for small spaces. Arrange all cabinets, appliances, and counters along two parallel walls. Great for condos or apartments.

L-Shaped

Provides ample cabinet and counter space in a compact footprint. Offers two continuous countertops turning at a 90-degree angle. Allows multiple cooks.

U-Shaped

Three counters occupy three adjoining walls, with an open side for access. Provides ample prep space and storage despite the small size.

One-Wall

Ideal for open-concept cooking in a living area. Consolidates all kitchen needs along one wall including sink, appliances, cabinets, and counters.

Whatever the layout, optimize the triangle between the sink-fridge-stove and ensure adequate walkways. Creative floorplans tailored to your space make a small kitchen highly functional.

“The galley kitchen layout is incredibly space-efficient. Arranging the workflow along two walls makes the most of every inch in a slim kitchen.” – Emily Johnson, Interior Designer, Emily Johnson Designs

Budgeting for Small Kitchen Features

While optimizing a small kitchen doesn’t require expanding the footprint, many of the must-have storage, organization, and functionality features do have associated costs. Being realistic about budgets allows you to prioritize the upgrades that will make the biggest difference.

Here are estimated price points to keep in mind for top small kitchen upgrades:

• Built-in storage – Custom built-in cabinets and pull-out shelves run $1,500-$3,000 depending on materials and complexity. Refacing existing cabinets is cheaper around $1,000-$2,000.
• Appliances – Expect to budget $300-$600 per appliance for standard sizes convection microwave, refrigerator, etc. Compact appliances cost slightly less.
• Sink – A high-quality sink averages $300-$800. Add $200-$500 for professional installation.
• Faucet – Designer faucets and fixtures run $200-$600. Include installation costs.
• Countertops – The price per square foot installed ranges from $50 for laminate to $150+ for stone.
• Backsplash – Tile backsplash installed typically costs $10-$25 per square foot.
• Lighting – Pendant lights, under cabinet lighting, and fixtures run $50-$200 each plus electrician costs.
• Flooring – Per square foot installed, floors range from $3 vinyl to $15 tile.

The factor about 15% extra for contractor labor, materials, and contingencies. And remember bigger visual impact often comes from smaller strategic upgrades. Prioritize changes that maximize function and style without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts on Maximizing Your Small Kitchen

A cramped, outdated kitchen or small island doesn’t have to hamper your cooking or entertaining abilities. With clever solutions that expand storage, counter space, and lighting, small kitchens can be just as functional and beautiful as larger rooms.

Focus on customizing the layout and adding specialized storage features based on your kitchen use. Multi-purpose furniture also maximizes space and helps make the most of every inch. Lastly, clutter should be kept at bay with purposeful organizational systems.

Though small in square footage, a well-designed kitchen should still have enough room for a high impact. A space-savvy floor plan and the must-have features above allow you to make the very most of your petite kitchen.