Small kitchens don’t have to feel cramped or lack functionality. Remodeling a small kitchen is a fun way to use your creativity to make your remodeling ideas for a small kitchen come to life. As housing costs continue to rise and urban living becomes more prevalent, maximizing every square inch of your
small kitchen remodeling project has never been more important. When redoing a small kitchen, keeping in mind your kitchen triangle, between the refrigerator, sink, and stove, will help to make sure that you have enough room to cook.
In this article, we have asked our team of kitchen contractors to give us fifteen amazing small kitchen ideas to share with you so that you can find some inspiration to make your project a success. If you are planning to become one of the many small kitchen remodelers out there, this article will be a great guide for you.
2025 Small Kitchen Design Trends
When designing small kitchens today, homeowners focus on smart material choices and thoughtful color combinations. These elements create the illusion of more room without major structural changes. The goal is to make compact spaces feel larger and more inviting.
Key 2025 Trends:
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Two-tone color schemes for visual depth
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Larger format tiles to reduce visual clutter
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Textural elements for character
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Quality materials like quartz or marble countertops
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Contrasting materials and finishes
Space-Saving Kitchen Remodeling Ideas
1. Maximize Vertical Space with Floor-to-Ceiling Storage
One of the most effective ways to create more storage in a small kitchen is to take advantage of every inch of vertical space by installing cabinets that reach the ceiling. Custom cabinets that extend to the ceiling eliminate the dust-collecting gap above standard cabinets while providing additional storage for seasonal items, specialty cookware, or small appliances you don’t use daily.
Install upper cabinets with varying heights to create visual interest while maximizing storage. Consider adding a library ladder for safe access to high shelves, or use the uppermost shelves for decorative items that add personality to your kitchen design.
2. Embrace the Power of Open Shelving
Removing upper cabinets and replacing them with open shelving can make a small kitchen feel significantly more spacious and airy. Open shelves create the illusion of more space while providing easy access to frequently used dishes, glassware, and cooking essentials.
Style your open shelves thoughtfully by mixing functional items with decorative pieces. Display beautiful dishes, plants, or artwork to create focal points that add personality to your kitchen. Keep items organized and visually appealing since everything will be on display.
3. Install a Strategic Kitchen Island or Rolling Cart
Even in a tiny kitchen, a well-designed kitchen island can provide additional counter space, storage, and prep areas. Consider a compact rolling kitchen island that can be moved when not in use or tucked away to maintain clear pathways.
Choose an island with built-in storage, such as drawers, shelves, or wine storage. If space is extremely limited, opt for a narrow rolling cart that can serve as extra prep space and storage while being easily movable when you need more room to cook.
4. Optimize Corner Spaces with Smart Storage Solutions
Corner cabinets are specifically designed to fit into kitchen corners and make use of otherwise awkward spaces that often go underutilized. Modern corner cabinet solutions include lazy Susans, pull-out drawers, and specialized corner storage systems that make every inch accessible.
Don’t forget about corner wall space, which can accommodate corner shelves for spices, small appliances, or decorative items. These often-overlooked areas can provide valuable storage without taking up precious floor or counter space.
5. Create Visual Expansion with Light Colors and Reflective Surfaces
Light colors on walls and cabinets, combined with reflective surfaces like mirrored or high-gloss backsplashes, can create the illusion of more space by reflecting natural light throughout the kitchen. White cabinets remain popular for small spaces, but consider light sage green, soft blues, or warm cream tones for a fresh, contemporary look.
Incorporate reflective surfaces strategically through stainless steel appliances, glossy subway tile backsplashes, or even mirrored elements. These surfaces bounce light around the room, making the entire space feel brighter and more open.
6. Implement Smart Pull-Out Storage Systems
Modern small kitchen remodeling projects increasingly feature pull-out storage solutions that make every inch of cabinet space accessible and functional. Install pull-out drawers in base cabinets, spice racks that slide out from narrow spaces, and pullout storage organizers that bring items from the back of deep cabinets to the front.
Consider pull-out cutting boards, trash bins, and even small appliance storage that keeps countertops clear. These solutions ensure that nothing gets lost in the depths of your cabinets while maximizing the usability of your storage space.
7. Add Under-Cabinet and Task Lighting
Proper lighting is crucial in small spaces, and layered lighting can make your kitchen feel larger and more functional. Install under-cabinet LED lights to illuminate countertops for food preparation, reducing shadows and making the space feel brighter.
Combine under-cabinet lighting with pendant lights over islands or dining areas, and consider adding interior cabinet lighting for glass-front cabinets or open shelving. Good lighting not only improves functionality but also creates the illusion of more space.
8. Choose Space-Saving Appliances
Modern small kitchen design trends include selecting appliances that fit seamlessly into cabinetry and choosing undercounter refrigeration options like dual refrigerator drawers. Consider apartment-sized appliances, slim dishwashers, or combination microwave-convection ovens that perform multiple functions in a single unit.
Look for appliances with sleek, integrated designs that blend with your cabinetry. Stainless steel appliances can add a professional look while maintaining a cohesive design throughout your small space.
9. Utilize Wall-Mounted Storage and Hanging Solutions
Free up valuable counter space by moving storage to your walls. Install hanging pot racks, magnetic knife strips, and wall-mounted spice racks to keep frequently used items accessible while maintaining clear countertops.
Consider installing brass pot rails or hanging systems that add both functionality and visual interest to your kitchen design. Wall-mounted storage can include everything from utensil holders to fold-down tables that provide extra prep space when needed.
10. Design Multi-Functional Spaces
The key to successful small kitchen remodeling is creating spaces that serve multiple purposes. Design your kitchen layout to include a dining area that doubles as additional prep space, or create a coffee station that also functions as a beverage storage area.
Consider fold-down tables, convertible surfaces, and furniture pieces that serve multiple functions. A kitchen windowsill can become an herb garden space, storage, or display area for attractive dishes and glassware.
11. Install Sliding or Pocket Doors for Cabinet Doors
Replace traditional swing-out cabinet doors with sliding or pocket door mechanisms to eliminate the space needed for door clearance. This approach is particularly effective for cabinets near walkways or in tight spaces where opening doors would obstruct movement. Sliding cabinet doors can save up to 24 inches of clearance space in front of each cabinet, making narrow galley kitchens much more functional.
Pocket doors that slide into the cabinet frame completely disappear when open, providing unobstructed access to cabinet contents. This solution works especially well for pantry cabinets or appliance garages where you want full access without doors getting in the way. Consider using barn door-style hardware for a rustic touch, or sleek modern tracks for a contemporary look that adds visual interest to your cabinet design.
12. Create a Breakfast Nook with Built-In Seating
Transform an awkward corner or small dining area into a space-efficient breakfast nook with built-in bench seating and storage underneath. This solution provides comfortable seating while offering hidden storage for linens, small appliances, or seasonal items. Built-in seating takes up less floor space than individual chairs and can accommodate more people in a smaller footprint.
Design the nook with a table that can extend or fold down when not in use, maximizing flexibility in your small space. Add cushions and pillows to make the seating comfortable and inviting, and consider installing outlets nearby for charging devices or plugging in small appliances. The storage underneath can be accessed through lift-up seats or pull-out drawers, providing valuable hidden storage in an otherwise unused area.
13. Use Large Format Tiles to Minimize Visual Clutter
Choose larger tiles for your backsplash and flooring to create fewer grout lines and a cleaner, more streamlined appearance. Large format tiles make small spaces appear bigger by reducing visual interruptions and creating a more cohesive look throughout the kitchen. Consider 12×24-inch or larger tiles for maximum impact, and choose neutral colors that reflect light.
Large tiles also require less maintenance since there are fewer grout lines to clean and seal. For backsplashes, consider running large-format tiles from counter to ceiling to create the illusion of height, or use the same tile on both the floor and backsplash for a seamless, unified look. Subway tiles in larger formats, such as 4×12 inches instead of the traditional 3×6, can provide the classic look while maintaining the spacious feeling.
14. Install a Farmhouse Sink with Custom Apron Storage
A farmhouse sink can actually save space by extending slightly into the room while providing a larger, more functional basin. Choose one with a custom apron front that includes hidden storage compartments for cleaning supplies or dish towels. The deeper basin of a farmhouse sink makes washing large pots and pans easier while taking up the same cabinet footprint as a standard sink.
Custom apron fronts can be designed to match your cabinetry or serve as a focal point with contrasting materials like reclaimed wood or decorative tile. Some apron fronts can be designed with false drawer fronts that open to reveal storage for sponges, scrubbers, and cleaning supplies. Consider a workstation sink with built-in cutting boards and colanders that slide across the sink opening to create additional prep space when needed.
15. Incorporate Fold-Down Work Surfaces
Install fold-down cutting boards, prep surfaces, or dining tables that can be tucked away when not in use. These space-saving solutions provide additional work surface when needed while maintaining clear pathways and open space during regular kitchen activities. Fold-down surfaces can be installed at various heights to serve different functions, from prep work to casual dining.
Consider a fold-down table attached to a kitchen island or peninsula that can serve as a breakfast bar or homework station for children. Some designs include support legs that fold out for stability, while others use heavy-duty hinges that can support the surface without additional support. These surfaces can be custom-made to match your existing countertops or finished in contrasting materials to serve as design elements when folded down.
Making the Most of Your Small Kitchen Renovation
When planning your small kitchen remodeling project, remember that every design decision should serve both form and function. Focus on quality materials like quartz countertops or marble countertops that provide durability and timeless appeal, even in a small space.
At OneStop Kitchen and Bath, designers understand the unique challenges of small kitchen remodeling projects. We can help you maximize every square inch of your space while creating a kitchen that reflects your personal style and meets your functional needs. From custom cabinets designed for your specific space to innovative storage solutions that make cooking more enjoyable, we’re here to help you create the perfect small kitchen for your home.
Contact OneStop Kitchen and Bath today to start planning your small kitchen renovation and see how we can help turn your compact cooking space into the functional, beautiful heart of your home.
