Play with Pattern
One design benefit of having only a small amount of wall space to work with is that you can mix and match colors and patterns without fear that the look will overpower the room. Here, a tiny patch of wall surrounded by white cabinets becomes a canvas for a cheerful checkerboard of blue and green tiles; the green-and-white shade at the window adds a whimsical touch.
Open Up
If it's structurally possible in your home, open up one wall of a small kitchen and install a high counter to separate it from the other space, like these homeowners did. Not only does the counter become a place to eat and do homework, it's also a gathering spot that will allow you to converse with guests while you prepare food.
Textural Tiles
In lieu of paint, a wall of gleaming tiles can add an element of fun to a small kitchen. Further punctuate the space with details that catch the eye, like black hardware, colorful canisters, and a sculptural stove hood.
Related: 17 Backsplashes for a Unique Kitchen
Look Up
Maximize storage space by choosing cabinets that reach the ceiling. This kitchen's all-white color scheme, which embraces the walls, cabinetry, counters, pendant lights, and seating, helps the room feel more spacious.
Related: Storage Where You Least Expected It—10 Sly Spots to Stash Your Stuff
Rustic Charm
Blond wood cabinets echo this cottage's exposed beams and ceiling slats, while a stainless steel backsplash gives the room a modern edge. Along the windows, a wide sill that matches the countertops provides a casual spot for morning coffee.
Color Confidence
While it's true that whites and lighter hues can visually expand a small space, a bold use of color creates a welcoming atmosphere as well. Here, apple green cabinetry pairs well with the black and white details of the room. Glass-front doors keep the color from overwhelming the space.
Related: Going Bold—10 Kitchens That Pop with Color
Galley Reimagined
To create a U-shaped space, this homeowner closed off one end of a walk-through galley kitchen with a glass-block wall behind the stove. The floor tiles echo the grid pattern of the glass blocks, emphasizing the graphic, modern feeling of the room.
Related: Galley Kitchens—Unique, Compact, and Efficient
Personal Style
Whatever size room you're working with, let it reflect your taste. This cozy kitchen is brimming with country accents, from the butcher-block counters to the sink skirt and fabric-covered stools. If you paint one cabinet door with chalkboard paint, you'll never again have to search for your grocery list!
Fun Underfoot
Never underestimate the power of a floor pattern to enliven a small space. A classic black-and-white checkerboard has timeless appeal and can be made with either tiles or paint. Maximize the floor's decorative punch by choosing a streamlined, all-white scheme for the rest of the room.
Related: Kitchen Flooring: 8 Popular Choices
Classic Details
Tucked into a sunny alcove, this charming space capitalizes on the decor that is so popular in kitchen design today: white walls, white cabinets, black granite counters, and warm wood floors. Recessed lighting and bare windows underscore the room's clean-lined look.
Related: I'm Dreaming of a White... Kitchen—10 Bright Beauties to Behold
Take a Seat
Much loved for their nostalgic charm, banquettes can be a great seating solution in small kitchens. Here, two benches (one with additional storage built into the back) are positioned in front of a sunny window. Other eye-catching details in the room include colorful collections housed on open shelves and a playful linoleum pattern on the floor.
Related: Is a Banquette Right for You?
For More...
For more about kitchens, check out:
10 Handsome Hues for a Hardworking Kitchen
11 Clever Alternatives to Kitchen Cabinets
Around the Block: 12 Upcycled Kitchen Islands
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