Elegant Decor Tips for Small Kitchen Style

With real estate coming at a sky-high premium these days, apartment sizes are shrinking, and every inch of square footage is precious. The days of spacious kitchens are long gone—and tinier-than-tiny kitchens are the norm today! Do you dream of a beautiful and functional kitchen, but feel discouraged by the limited space in your apartment? How can you turn a small kitchen into the magical space of your dreams?

Good kitchen design calls for a clever mix of aesthetics and functionality, and designing a small kitchen can prove to be quite a challenge! To begin with, you’ll need to maximise storage and create efficient workflows. Add ease of maintenance and cost-effectiveness into the mix. And then try to do all of this within a tiny footprint. We can already see you throwing up your arms in despair!

Not to worry—that’s why we’re here! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore clever storage solutions, space-saving appliances, and kitchen décor ideas that help to create an illusion of more space. Stay tuned for tips on optimising your layout, choosing the perfect colour scheme, and incorporating decorative touches that enhance your small kitchen style!

Read on, and let’s get started!

Challenges of Decorating a Small Kitchen

Small kitchens are cosy and charming, but as every designer knows, they can pose some serious decorating challenges. Here are some of the biggest hurdles you might face:

• Storage woes: With limited square footage comes limited kitchen storage space as well. And even though your kitchen may be small, your cooking needs aren’t—and you must find the space to stow away all the utensils, tools and supplies you need to whip up those delicious dinners. Finding space for everything, while keeping your countertops clutter-free, can feel like a constant battle.
• Too-small counters: Feeling like you can barely chop an onion without bumping into something? Small kitchens often have limited countertop space, making meal prep a juggling act!
• Odd niches and awkward corners: Small kitchens might come with oddly shaped nooks and crannies. Making the most of such shapes could prove difficult, to say the least.
• Cramped feel: If your small kitchen has a small window to match, you could end up with a lack of light and a dark, dreary feel. Making the most of such a space will definitely prove challenging.

Despite all of these constraints, you can always find a workaround! Here are a couple of highly effective ideas that will ramp up your small kitchen style:

Utilising Vertical Space

Even though you’re short on floor space, you can always make the best use of vertical space! Take the storage up to the ceiling, and create a nice mix of open shelves and closed cabinets for the best kitchen storage solutions.

Multi-Functional Furniture

Make your furniture do double duty! Here are just a few ideas, we’re sure you can think of many more!

• A table that folds up against the wall can offer extra prep space for chopping or kneading, or could become a nifty breakfast bar when needed.
• How about a sliding counter space that swings out from just below the main counter, and can serve multiple purposes?
• A kitchen trolley on wheels could be put to good use as a storage unit, pot holder, or a serving table, as and when the need arises.
• Transformer tables can change sizes, heights, and even shapes to suit your needs. They can be used for dining, meal prep, or turn into a full-sized workspace.

Choosing the Right Colour Combinations for Small Kitchens

Colour plays a starring role in creating the illusion of spaciousness and setting the mood in your small kitchen. Here’s how to use a winning combination of neutrals, pops of colour, and metallic accents:

1. Neutral Base

When it comes to small kitchens, light is your best friend. Choose a light-coloured base for the walls, cabinets, and countertops. Think whites, creams, pale beiges, or soft greys. These light tones reflect light, making the space feel airy and open.

For a sleek and sophisticated look, consider a monochromatic colour scheme. Pick different shades of the same colour for your walls, cabinets, and countertops. While white is a popular option, you can also choose any other pastel shades to create a cohesive flow and minimise visual noise.

2. Add Pops of Colour

Monochrome and all-white kitchens run the risk of being considered boring! This is easily corrected, however, and you can inject serious style with pops of your favourite colour. Use vibrant hues on accent walls, backsplashes, or small appliances, or put down a cowl of colourful fruit on the countertop for an eye-catching display.

For the biggest impact, use colour strategically. A colourful backsplash can draw the eye upwards and create an illusion of height; while a brightly painted accent wall can add a focal point and define a specific area.

Too much colour will overwhelm, especially if your space is small to begin with. Limit yourself to two or three accent colours, and choose hues that complement your chosen colour palette and speak to your sense of style.

3. Metallic Accents

A touch of metallic lustre adds shine and sophistication to even the smallest of kitchens. Start by swapping out cabinet pulls and drawer knobs for hardware in brushed nickel, chrome, or copper. A metallic pendant or ceiling track lights add a touch of glam, while gleaming copper and brass vessels hanging above the island are sure to lend some stylish vintage flair.

Maximising Kitchen Storage Options

Ever noticed that when you add a new storage unit, it gets filled up in no time at all? You can never have too much storage in any kitchen! And especially when it comes to a small kitchen, you’ll need all the clever kitchen storage solutions you can possibly think of.

Here are some ideas you could incorporate in your kitchen:

Utilising Pull-Out Drawers

Pull-out drawers not only maximise space, they also offer easy access, making it easy to access items that are stored at the back of the shelf. This makes them a game changer for a compact kitchen. Here are some ways to maximise the potential of pull-out drawers:

• Consider replacing traditional cabinet doors with pull-out drawers wherever possible. This applies to base cabinets, wall cabinets (especially the lower ones), and blind corner cabinets.
• Within deep drawers below the counter, you can install drawer dividers or organisers to create multiple tiers. This allows for better categorisation of kitchen storage, and more efficient use of space.
• Drawer inserts or compartments that can be moved around help to keep smaller items in place, and keep pots and pans from clattering around within the drawer.
• Drawer liners will keep the stored items clean and dry.
• Pull-out spice racks within cabinets or pantries are a great idea.
• Bottle pull-outs next to your cooktop can hold oils, sauces and condiments for use while cooking.
• Built-in pull-out drawers for trash and recycling bins keep them hidden while being easily accessible, maintaining a clean aesthetic.

Hidden Storage Solutions

Small kitchens require creative solutions to maximise storage without sacrificing aesthetics. Here’s where hidden kitchen storage really shines! Here are some ideas:

• The space between the bottom of your cabinets and the floor can be used for hidden storage! Install toe-kick drawers for storing flat items like baking sheets or cookie trays.
• Accessories like carousel units, Magic Corners or Lazy Susan units can eke out every inch of corner storage space.
• Consider installing a pantry with hidden compartments built into the inside of the door itself.
• Install pull-out shelves or tiered organisers below the sink for cleaning supplies, dish towels, or trash cans.
• A loft with lift-up shutters above the upper run of cabinets gives you valuable extra storage space for bulky items that are not used daily.

Small Kitchen Organisation Ideas

A small kitchen can get cluttered and feel cramped all too soon—which is why it’s important to consider how every little bit of space will be organised! By maximising vertical space, employing space-saving storage solutions, and ruthlessly decluttering, you can transform your tiny kitchen into a buzzing hub of hyper-efficiency!

Here are some thoughtful small kitchen organisation ideas to help you do just that.

1. Small Dining Tables 

Small dining tables are a game changer when it comes to a compact kitchen. Not only can they be used for eating, but they could double up as extra space for meal prep. Think of folding tables that can be neatly tucked away against the wall when not needed, or a drop leaf table that can be extended to seat unexpected guests.

Or, how about a peninsular breakfast counter that is part of the kitchen itself and doubles up as dining space? If you have a corner that isn’t being used, a corner table puts this often-wasted space to the best use. 

2. Compact Appliances

Dealing with a compact kitchen doesn’t mean that you need to do without the appliances that make cooking easier! Compact appliances can pack a punch, giving you the same utility as their larger counterparts.

Microwave convection ovens can combine the functionality of separate microwave and OTG units, and can be used for cooking, baking, reheating and much more. Multi-cookers are highly versatile appliances that can be used for a variety of tasks, such as steaming, pressure cooking, slow cooking, and rice cooking. They can help you to save space in your kitchen by eliminating the need for multiple appliances. Coffee makers come in a variety of sizes, so you can find one that fits perfectly in your small kitchen.

Kitchen Decor Ideas with a Personal Touch

Your small kitchen can be big on personality, if you add your own quirky touches and showcase what you’re passionate about! Here’s how to crank up your small kitchen style in ways that are uniquely you! 

1. Displaying Artwork

Even in a compact kitchen, where there’s a wall there’s a way! Even if you have just a narrow space, you can dress it up with some vibrant artwork. Whether it’s a painting of your favourite fruit or a vintage food advertisement, artwork that reflects your love of food can add a warm vibe.

2. Kitchen Wall Art

Chalkboard art adds a deeply personal touch to any space. If you’re artistically inclined, you can create a chalkboard backsplash where you can display your daily menu, and inspirational quotes, or put up a to-do list.

3. Plants for a Touch of Nature

A touch of nature is always welcome in your home, and plants in the kitchen are a fantastic way to breathe life and add freshness. If your kitchen has a sunny window, herbs like methi, oregano, and coriander will thrive. Having fresh herbs readily available adds a delicious touch to your cooking, and saves you trips to the store!

For kitchens with less natural light, consider snake plants, succulents or pothos. These low-maintenance options will add greenery without demanding a bright spot. If window space is a constraint, why not have some hanging plants on the window grill, or create a lush vertical garden with creepers?

4. Vintage Kitchen Tools as Décor

A heartwarming way to add character and warmth to your kitchen is by using vintage kitchen tools as kitchen décor ideas. Poke around in your mother’s store room, and you’re sure to find a few brass urulis, wooden urns, or copper kadais. A quick rub of polish and some elbow grease, and these gleaming vessels can find pride of place in your brand-new kitchen!

Mortar and pestles, atta chakkis and old-fashioned grinding stones are also precious antique finds. Add a little slice of history to your home with these unique tools!

Wrapping Up!

With a little creativity, you can transform your compact kitchen into a stunning showstopper that reflects your unique personality and meets all your needs. Loved our décor tips, and are ready to transform your small kitchen style? 

With clever storage solutions, space-saving appliances, and a touch of creative décor, your dream kitchen is closer than you think! Get in touch with the design experts at HomeLane today.

FAQs

1. What are the most common small kitchen decor ideas?

Small kitchens can be challenging to work with, but with some thoughtful touches you can make them go big on style! We’ve curated some lovely ideas that you can use for inspiration:

• Try open shelves: Replace upper cabinets with open shelves to create an airy and more spacious feel. You can display a curated selection of dishes, mugs, artwork, or small plants.
• Add colourful rugs: A vibrant rug injects colour and pattern without sacrificing counter or wall space. Choose a runner or a larger rug depending on your layout. Make sure that it’s easily washable; spills are all too common in the kitchen!
• Optimise storage: Plan to have organisers, hooks, and pot racks to eke out every bit of storage space, and keep clutter off the counters.
• Use mirrors: Strategically placed mirrors can reflect light and create the illusion of a bigger space. Try a mirrored backsplash for a unique touch.
• Add a dash of nature: Greenery adds life and doesn’t take up counter space! Look for small, hanging plants or vertical herb gardens.

2. How can you design a small kitchen?

A small kitchen can be made to appear larger with a few visual hacks. Here’s how:

• Add lightness and brightness: Use light-coloured paint, cabinets, and countertops to make the space feel open and airy. Glossy finishes will further reflect the light and bounce it around, making your space appear to be larger than it is.
• Maximise storage: Use up all the vertical space available with tall cabinets and explore clever storage solutions like pull-out drawers, corner cabinets, and under-sink organisers. Take the upper run of cabinetry all the way till the ceiling and store seasonal items in the loft.
• Use multi-functional furniture: Opt for furniture that serves multiple purposes, like a breakfast bar that doubles as a workspace.
• Shop for folding/retractable elements: Plan to add folding tables, retractable islands, or hidden appliance garages to save space when not in use.
• Make sure there’s enough light: Layered lighting with overhead fixtures and under-cabinet lights improves functionality and makes the space feel larger.

3. What are the best small white kitchen design ideas?

While white kitchens are always in vogue, too much white can be stark and clinical, and quickly become all too boring! Here are some clever ways to make the most of your small white kitchen design:

• Pops of vibrancy: You can infuse a good dose of personality with colourful accents like a statement backsplash, painted chairs, or vibrant artwork.
• Look for textural contrast: Balance the simplicity of white against natural textures like wood butcher block countertops, woven baskets, or a sisal rug. By introducing tonal interest, you can make your all-white kitchen uniquely yours.
• Add a touch of metallic lustre: Gold, silver, or brass hardware adds a touch of luxury and reflects light. Think of a lustrous copper sink, metallic faucets or gleaming metal accents in the backsplash.
• Shine the spotlight on the floors: A patterned floor adds visual interest without overwhelming the white space. Always choose a small-scale pattern for a balanced look.
• Open up the space: If possible, consider opening up the kitchen to another room to create a more spacious feel. Consult with an architect first, to find out if it is structurally feasible.

4. How do you decorate a small kitchen?

Here are some quirky ideas to fill your too-small kitchen with loads of appeal:

• A chalkboard paint accent wall or backsplash is a lovely idea to fill your kitchen with café-style warmth. Use it for grocery lists, inspirational quotes, or a creative menu, and try your hand at some artistic doodling!
• Recycle and upcycle! Try transforming a vintage ladder or a piece of driftwood into a spice rack, adding a unique and functional touch.
• Hang a cluster of mismatched pendant lamps over your breakfast bar or island for a whimsical and personalised touch.
• Repurpose vintage crates or ladders as shelves for cookbooks, mugs, or decorative items, and add character even as you get extra storage.
• Don’t neglect the ceiling! Paint it a contrasting colour to draw the eye upwards and create an illusion of height. Exposed beams can also add lots of rustic charm.
• If privacy isn’t a concern, consider replacing window blinds with cafe curtains or a decorative film that lets in light while adding a design element.
• A herb garden on the kitchen windowsill is always a great idea.
• Consider replacing traditional cabinet doors with sliding ones. This saves space you’d normally use to swing open a door, and works especially well for a small kitchen.