Sometimes, cooking in a small kitchen feels like a game of Jenga. Every pan, appliance, and piece of dishware has to be mindfully arranged to keep everything from toppling over. But with some thoughtful small kitchen design, you can give yourself room to breathe in a tight space.

In this guide, you’ll find small kitchen layout ideas that make the most of every square inch. From galley kitchens to modular setups, these tips can help even the tiniest space feel welcoming and well-organized. 

15 small kitchen design ideas

Whether you’re working with a modern open floor plan or an unusually narrow galley kitchen, a simple layout can improve a small kitchen’s space efficiency, comfort, and aesthetics to create a room you’ll want to make good meals in.

1. Galley layout

   

Galley kitchens keep everything within arm’s reach, but their long, narrow shape can get tight, especially if more than one person needs to be in the kitchen. Use smart countertop and cabinet organization to make the layout comfortable: Stash bulky appliances on one side, clear countertops for prepping on the other, and use task lighting under upper cabinets to brighten the space.

If your galley kitchen feels boxed in, swap a few upper cabinets for open shelving or choose slimmer cabinets to free up floor space. 

2. Pullman kitchen layout for open kitchens

   

A Pullman kitchen layout lines cabinets and appliances neatly against a single wall. For open floor plans, this stops the kitchen from dominating the room. Keep it practical by maximizing the number of upper cabinets or open shelves for storage, and extend the workspace with a small dining table or kitchen island. Adding extra room to prep also creates a better flow in an open-concept layout by visually separating the kitchen from the rest of the space. 

3. Mobile kitchen island

   

Cart a mobile kitchen island into the center of the room when you need to chop or plate, then tuck it against the wall when you need more space to move around. Many mobile kitchen islands come with hooks, drawers, and shelves, so you can have extra prep and storage space when there isn’t enough room for a bulky built-in kitchen island. Some even fold flat to minimize their footprints.

4. Single-bowl sink

   

In a small kitchen, a double-bowl sink swallows valuable real estate. A single-bowl sink leaves plenty of counter space for chopping, prepping, and setting down dirty dishes. If you need more sink space, an apron sink offers a deeper bowl with enough room to soak large pots and sheet pans.

Learn how AI can help you visualize the perfect kitchen sink

5. Floating or open shelves

   

Upper cabinetry is great for extra storage in a small kitchen, but it can hog visual space and block light. Floating shelves let light pass through, bouncing off the walls and creating shadows that add depth and contrast.

Add extra dimension with a textural tile backsplash and dynamic decor, like sculptural jugs and trailing plants in an assortment of sizes. For renters who need minimal installation options, this small apartment kitchen idea provides more storage without compromising light in a dark space. 

Shop for floating shelves on Onton

6. Butcher’s block kitchen island

   

Butcher’s block is a design chameleon: It’s a material that works across many styles, from rustic farmhouse to contemporary Scandinavian. If you need to divide an open floor plan, adding a kitchen island topped with butcher’s block provides extra prep space while also creating a natural boundary between the kitchen and the rest of your living area.

A butcher’s block island is also a great spot to feature some kitchen island decor, like a unique fruit bowl or handmade ceramic vase with tall flowers. 

7. Tall cabinets

   

Tall cabinet designs make the most of high ceilings and limited floor space. They work especially well in minimalist or modern design styles, where flat panel cabinets blend in for a clean, sleek look. Be on the lookout for slimline kitchen cabinets that take up less space but can still fit your favorite plates, glassware, and small appliances.

8. Wall-mounted breakfast bar

   

Coffee lovers, rejoice: You can enjoy your morning coffee perched at a kitchen bar in a small kitchen with sunlight shining down on your coffee mug. A wall-mounted breakfast bar is a smart tiny kitchen idea with a slim footprint. Go for a foldable version that flips up when you need it and vanishes when you don’t, and pair it with backless bar stools that easily tuck away. 

9. Bistro table

   

Not everyone needs a prep station worthy of a cooking show. If you’re more of a diner than a master chef, a bulky kitchen island loses its functionality. A petite bistro table adds charm and function, giving you plenty of room to gather without crowding a small space. 

A bistro table isn’t the only circular table design you can use to maximize a small kitchen layout. A sleek Tulip table is very mid-century modern, and a stone pedestal base adds a classic, traditional note. Pair whatever you choose with a stylish pendant light to turn it into the room’s natural centerpiece. 

10. Under-cabinet LED lighting

    

Layered kitchen lighting gives a small space extra dimension, a necessary design strategy to open a compact kitchen. And LED lighting with a subtle yellow glow adds extra warmth to eclectic retro and bohemian-style kitchens. Install them in glass front cabinets or tucked under open shelves to brighten your workspace on cozy, rainy evenings. 

11. Banquette seating

    

An unused corner of the kitchen is the perfect opportunity to add a small banquette. Wraparound or L-shaped benches with built-in storage are great modern small kitchen ideas, transforming an awkwardly-shaped nook into an inviting spot for casual meals and coffee breaks. 

Personality shines through kitchen seating with cushions and area rugs. Swap in a low-pile floral rug for a cottagecore vibe or crushed velvet cushions that ooze luxury in a traditional kitchen. 

Look for bench cushions on Onton

12. Bold flooring or patterned tile

    

Checkerboard tile, Moroccan-inspired mosaic, and terrazzo floors add tons of personality. Black and white is a classic look, but have fun with colors if your kitchen design style leans more eclectic or maximalist. For a more subdued style, stick to a light color palette featuring muted neutrals or soft pastels. It’ll help a small space feel open and airy while still adding a subtle finishing touch.

13. Glass-front cabinets

    

Glass-front cabinetry breaks up the visual heaviness of solid kitchen cabinets. It’s a built-in display case — think neatly stacked plates, colorful glassware, or a row of cookbooks. Their lightness makes it easier for traditional kitchens to show off milled or hand-crafted details without feeling too bulky. But keep glass fronts to the upper cabinets to decrease the chance you’ll accidentally smash a pane.

14. Painted base cabinets in a bold accent color

    

A burst of color in the bottom half of a space makes a room feel taller. Play around with colorful cabinets and natural countertops, like navy with white quartz or sage green with a light tone butcher’s block. This contrast pulls the eye upward, making the overall layout feel more open.

15. Monochrome color palette

    

An all-white kitchen blurs the lines between cabinetry, countertops, and walls, so the room feels airy and calm. But monochrome doesn’t have to mean “totally flat.” Layer in different shades like a matte black faucet in a white-toned room, and add textures, like a glass vase or concrete plant pots, to make the look more sleek than sterile. 

Discover small kitchen designs with Onton

Ready to make a big splash in a small kitchen? Onton’s AI-powered search engine can help you plan kitchens of every size and style. Try prompts like “glass-front cabinetry” or “small kitchen table” to browse pieces from the best brands. 

Once you discover a few favorites, use Onton’s Imagine tool to preview how your kitchen will come together. Upload a photo and start experimenting with different furniture pieces, styles, and layouts. Or, try a prompt like “small rustic kitchen with wood shelves and sage green cabinets” to envision a whole new room.

Dream up your ideal small kitchen setup with Onton.