The kitchen is perhaps the most important room in any home. Whether you enjoy cooking as a solo form of relaxation or like to use yours as a communal space to gather friends and family, our kitchens have the ability to bring us together, indulge our interests and help us create memories.
For those of us with small kitchens, it can be hard to know how to utilise this space fully to make it as warm and inviting as it is functional. Whether it’s planning where appliances go or knowing what colour to paint the walls, having a small space can feel limiting.
Luckily, a small kitchen doesn’t mean having to miss out on doing the things you love. We spoke to a range of experts – from interior designers to storage gurus – to help you make the most of this space…
See the benefits
“Don’t ever be frightened about a lack of space;” says Michele Rodriguez-Wise Co-Founder of L’Una Design – an interior design studio based in Cheltenham. “See a small kitchen as an opportunity to design a space that’s thoughtful – it can perfectly showcase your personality.”
Michele’s husband and fellow Co-Founder, Dustin Wise, echoes this sentiment. “See it as a chance to improve functionality and be more considerate and sustainable in your habits. Use the limited space you have to use your kitchen more efficiently.”
When it comes to seeing the benefits of a small kitchen, it really does come down to mindset as well as practicality. “Often as humans, if we have extra capacity in any room, we feel the needs to fill it,” says Poppy Duffree, Founder of Organised Interiors – a professional home organisation company. “We see this all the time when we help people move home, in every room of the house. However, with a small space you only use what you have, prompting you to think more carefully about how you want your space to look and feel.”
Hannah Bullivant, an interior stylist, has created a beautiful small kitchen space inside her static caravan home.
Choose your appliances
Before you can think about the decorative aspects of your kitchen, you’ll need to start prioritising what appliances you need. “Think about the key functions of the kitchen: cooking, cleaning, preparing and storing,” says Dustin Wise. “If you can’t fit in a dishwasher, it’s not the end of the world. Or, if you’re not willing to compromise on this, look for compact versions.”
Forfeiting a dishwasher was a reality for interior stylist, Hannah Bullivant. When her family relocated from London to a static caravan in the countryside, she found herself with the task of designing a kitchen with minimal space. “Think about your non-negotiables carefully,” she advises. “For us, we knew we didn’t need a dishwasher, and that freed up a cupboard space. After assessing our needs, we decided our non-negotiable was a microwave, so ensured we had one in our kitchen. Just because you have a small space doesn’t mean you have to do without your necessities.”
When speaking with experts about other appliances you can forfeit, many suggest using a hot water tap as a space-saving solution. “Hot water taps take up space under the sink but they save so much valuable worktop space by removing a kettle,” explains Charlie Avara, Managing Director at All Done Design, a design and build provider based in London. “While you’re thinking about this, consider if you actually need a toaster, too. Most ovens will have a grill element – so consider using your oven to make your morning toast and grilled sandwiches.”
All in all, it comes down to weighing up your priorities. But, a small space doesn’t have to take the fun out of cooking, and a small kitchen can still have all the appliances you need for this. “A lot of people worry that they won’t be able to cook their favourite meals for their family, like a Sunday Roast, but this just isn’t the case,” says Michele Rodriguez-Wise. “When we design small kitchens, we look for appliances that double-up in their uses, like combination ovens that include microwaves. We also use multifunctional hobs with integrated extraction to save space.”
This small kitchen created by Brayer Design uses combination appliances.
Use clever storage solutions
To make a small kitchen work, it’s all about using clever storage tips and tricks. Poppy Duffree is well-versed in intelligent storage solutions, helping people every day to become more organised. “Utilise every space, even the ones you haven’t thought about,” she advises. “Think about the insides of cupboard doors, space above cupboards, walls and ceilings. Using all the space available to you won’t make your kitchen feel cluttered; it will give you the opportunity instead to have a perfectly organised space.”
Emma Bridgewater Black Toast Set of 3 Round Tin Caddies Boxed
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Matalan Small Floral Folk Glass Jar (9cm x 13cm)
Le Creuset Stoneware Storage Jar, 540ml, Bamboo
So, just how can you use your space to its maximum potential? Poppy recommends all the following storage solutions:
- Use rectangular and square food storage. This gives containers the ability to be stacked – round jars are not space efficient. Within each cupboard, use shelf inserts to maximise height, too.
- Use hooks on the back of doors for items that can be hung up.
- Look for under-sink storage containers that can fit around piping.
- Use bamboo drawer dividers – allowing you to separate and store utensils clearly without clutter.
- Use shelving rather than cupboards if you’re looking to add wall space. These are much less bulky.
- For small freezers, remove outer boxes, write cooking instructions on packaging and stack vertically to fit more in.
Professional organiser, Poppy Duffree, makes the most of shelf space and clever spice storage solutions.
Embrace colour
Once you’ve measured up for appliances, found your storage solutions and thought about the functionality of your kitchen, you can start thinking about the fun part – decorating it!
Experts, from stylists to designers, find time and time again that people opt for white walls when designing a small kitchen, but this may not be the best option. “Unfortunately, if you have a small space, you can’t try to make it feel bigger through painting it white,” says Charlie Avara. “Instead, embrace the size and fill it with personality pieces and colours that reflect your tastes. “I’m working on a small kitchen project at the moment where used white units but painted the walls Banana Yellow. This adds character and warmth, and the walls will do the talking, not the cabinetry.”
When Hannah Bullivant was designing the kitchen in her static caravan, she decided to embrace colour fully. “Our kitchen is teal and green,” she reveals. “I’m into teal as it’s got a lovely link to nature and makes the space feel bigger. It also has a lot of grey in it so it’s contemporary yet warm.”
If you would prefer to stick to a neutral colour for your kitchen walls, consider adding texture to give your space colour and depth. “Add texture to your kitchen through flooring and worktops – like by choosing a marble or wood effect worktop,” says Dustin Wise. “With cabinetry, don’t be afraid to mix lacquers and woods. We tell our clients to consider bold colours and adding texture as being similar to when you get dressed in the morning. You contrast and layer to create an overall look that feels unique to you and exciting.”
Hannah has embraced colour in her kitchen to add personality to her home.
Add lighting
Lighting can be used to illuminate your space and make it feel and appear bigger. “Use feature lighting, like under cabinet lighting and spot lighting, that are positioned to hit the centre of your worktop space,” suggests Charlie Avara. “This looks great but is also practical – giving you light directly where you’re working. Also, you can consider a feature pendant over the sink to add interest and personality.”
Charlie also suggests adding multi-purpose lighting – like lamps – that can be easily moved between spaces. “I’m a big fan of rechargeable desk lamps and I always use them in my home,” she says. “I have one sitting in the kitchen for ambient lighting while I cook but then when I want to move and eat, I can take it through to the dining table.”
Michele Rodriguez-Wise also agrees that carefully planned lighting is a must for small kitchens. “Lighting needs to function but also be ambient, as this will enhance the space,” she says. “Think of lighting as creating focal points so your eye is drawn to a design aspect on the wall or worktop, be that colour or texture.”
Spotlights can be used to add both functionally and decoratively, like in this Davey Lighting design.
Use décor to express your personality
Adding personality to your kitchen is the finishing touch. Think about what you want to think about when you’re using the space, or what you’d like people to be drawn to when they visit. For example, something like a shelf doesn’t just have to be a space-saving solution – it can also be used to display your interests and tastes. “Consider shelving to be as important for styling as it is for storage, says Poppy Duffree. “Display recipe books, matching spice jars and other decorative items on your shelves. I also love to hang plants from them to bring life into my space.”
Art is another option – whether you opt for prints, decorative tiles or ceramic vases. “I love art in the kitchen and I love bright colours: be that expressed through tiles, cupboards or walls – says Hannah Bullivant. “I also add candles, flowers and plants to express my personality. The key thing to remember is that all kitchens can benefit from adding joy, beauty and ritual.”
Graham & Green Lemons Jug
Transporting us to the Amalfi coast of Italy, we love this fun lemons jug from Graham & Green. Use as a vase or as serveware, this jug will become a statement piece in your kitchen.
Le Creuset Butter Dish 17cm
What better way to embrace this eccentric trend than investing in a traditional butter dish. Designed in Le Creuset’s popular Volcanic colourway, keep this always on your worktop or island unit for a touch of colour and flair.
Roberts Revival RD70 DAB/DAB+/FM Bluetooth Digital Radio with Alarm, Red
Everyone needs a radio in their kitchen and this Roberts Revival Radio is at the top of our wishlist. Not only does it tap into the Kitschen trend, but red is everywhere right now, and we think this would look great placed on any kitchen windowsill.
Oliver Bonas Kairi Pink Stripe Ceramic Vase
Designed with a retro finish, we can’t get enough of this ceramic vase. With relaxed stripes, this vase is a wonderful way to add a pop of pink to your kitchen.
Fenwick Leaf Laquered Salt and Pepper Grinder
An exclusive design by Addison Ross, these bobin salt and pepper grinders are effortlessly stylish and trendy. They also will be gorgeous additions to your Easter and summer tablescapes this year.
fenwicks Banana de Madeira Centrepiece
At the top of our homes wishlist has to anything from the stunning Bordallo Pinheiro range. Inspired by nature, this trendy bowl can be used as a fruit bowl or used as serveware for salads, side dishes and more.
Oliver Bonas Tresillo Ombre Mini Cafetiere & Mug Set
Not only is this set the perfect homes gift, it’s a wonderful way to add a pop of the trending ‘kitschen’ colours to your kitchen.
Fenwick Rainbow Egg Cups Set of 6
A gorgeous way to brighten up your egg and soldiers, these rainbow egg cups will bring joy to your morning breakfast.
Hay Flare Candlestick Holder
Designed by the Danish brand Hay, this stylish candlestick holder will instantly add dimension and a splash of colour to your kitchen. Its contemporary shape also gives it a cool yet chic feel.
Oliver Bonas Orange Ceramic Gluggle Jug Large
These fish jugs are everywhere right now, so why not add one to your kitchen this year. Available in a host of pastel colours, this jug can be used as serveware, a vase or even as a utensils pot in your kitchen.
John Lewis Lisbon Fine China Tapas Plates, Set of 4, 15cm, Multi
Inspired by Portuguese city of Lisbon, these vibrant fine china plates represent the famous patterned tiles in the city. They will instantly bring a sunny, European feel to your kitchen this spring.
Fenwick Popi Dessert Plate
To serve up your delicious homemade desserts, we all need a fancy dessert plate. This popi one has caught our eye and beautifully combines the on-trend hues of red and pink.
Bordallo Pinheiro Pineapple Pitcher
If you love a statement jug, then you’ll love this unique design by Bordallo Pinheiro at Liberty London. An easy ornament to bring some novelty and personality to your kitchen or tablescape, we think it’s a must-have this summer.
M&S Neroli, Lime & Bergamot Scented Candle
Do you love having a scented candle on while your cooking? This adorable checked pattern candle smells just as amazing as it looks. Designed in a ceramic scalloped jar, simply reuse the jar after finishing the candle as a pot for nick nacks around the kitchen.
Le Creuset Oval Stoneware Spoon Rest, Cerise
A spoon rest is an essential in the kitchen, and we love this one from Le Creuset. Not only is it helpful and handy to have on your worktop, but it’s also an easy way to add a pop of colour to your kitchen everyday.
Fenwick Bordallo Small Bowl 17.5cm
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Enjoy your breakfast every morning in this stunning pink cabbage leaf bowl. They will instantly bring a touch of spring to your serveware this season.
Cath Kidston Painted Table Double Oven Glove, Multi
These dainty floral oven gloves have a pretty, eccentric feel to them and are an easy way to embrace the kitschen trend.
Sazy Sofia Cake Stand, Amber
Display your homemade sweet treats on this stylish yellow cake stand. Vintage inspired, you’ll want to showcase all your lovely bakes on this pretty stand.
Hay Wall Clock
Seeing as blue is on-trend this year, an easy shortcut to this trend is by adding in small blue accessories to your existing colour schemes. An accessory that caught our eye is this wall clock from Hay, which we think will become a staple in your kitchen in no time.
Le Creuset Traditional Kettle
Do you love a cuppa? Upgrade your kettle to this traditional model from Le Creuset, but in this wonderful Bamboo Green hue. Designed to whistle when your water is ready, this eccentric kettle will add a touch of the 1940s to your home.
Anthropologie Margot Champagne Coupe Glasses, Set of 4
Whether you love entertaining or enjoy a quiet tipple at the end of the week, enjoy a glass of champagne in style with these effortlessly chic coupe glasses.
Oliver Bonas Kitchen Disco White Yellow Sign
If you love a boogie in the kitchen, then this sign is calling your name. Simply switch on and illuminate your whole kitchen!
Turkuaz kitchen Stoneware Round Pie Dish
If you’re looking to add a vintage touch to your kitchen, then look no further than Anthropologie’s Betül Tunç’s collection. Pairing traditional designs with on-trend scalloped detailing, this pie dish offers everything you need to serve up your show-stopper bakes.
Emma Bridgewater Polka Dot Biscuit Barrel
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If you’re unsure of the kitschen trend, why not opt for this gorgeous biscuit tin from Emma Bridgewater. It will be a sophisticated yet colourful addition to your kitchen, what more could you want?
EAST END PRINTS Alice Straker ‘Langoustines on Blue’ Framed Print, Black Frame, 33.4 x 28.4cm
Artwork is always the pièce de résistance to completing any room, especially the kitchen. If you love a trendy nautical theme, then this bright blue lobster print will definitely appeal to you.
Embrace the space you have!
