19+ Beautifully Simple Small Kitchen Design Ideas [Pictures] - MyMyDIY | Inspiring DIY Projects (2024)

Whether you have a tiny home or just a regular small kitchen, these ideas will help you make the most of your space. With a little bit of creativity, you can turn even the tightest kitchen into a stylish and functional room. So get started on your small kitchen makeover today!

Tiny homes have become more popular over the years as the struggle to find affordable housing for buyers has given cause to make certain buying decisions.

(Check out our favorite small outdoor kitchen ideas)

For minimalists, tiny homes with tiny living rooms and tiny kitchens are the ideal trend to make the most out of something that takes up the least amount of space.

Despite its small frame, a tiny home needs to be able to cater to all the needs of a homeowner. It needs to be able to allow the tiny home dweller to eat, live, and sleep in a place that also has full bathroom amenities.

There are a number of great possibilities to turn even the smallest corner into something that seems larger than life. Even if your home may not be as tiny as the kitchen is, there are still some great ideas to maximize the limited amount of space you have at your disposal.

Tiny Kitchen Ideas

1. Closet Space

If it feels like all you have is closet space to work with for a tiny kitchen, then making it look like a closet is one design idea you can go with. This is actually a miniature kitchen setup, which has been trending as a best seller for new tiny home designs and renovation projects.

For homes that have basem*nt suites they’re renting out, the installment of a tiny kitchen like this has become increasingly popular. How simple or complex you wish for the miniature kitchen unit to be is up to you. It boils down to what you need and what you have room for.

2. Creative Cabinets

For tiny homes that have a bedroom loft directly above the kitchen area, one of the smartest moves to pull off is to use the space between the staircase and the floor to install cabinetry.

You’d be surprised how much you can stuff into those cabinets with canned goods, linen, and whatever else you need to make your little dwelling feel more like home.

3. Darkwood

As a tiny kitchen idea, the rustic appeal of a dark wood finish to the cabinetry met with a marble counter, is simply amazing. This is a great idea to spruce up a camping unit or a tiny home that has a kitchen layout not much different than this.

4. Dine-In

When the tiny home is so small that the kitchen up against the wall only has enough room for the fridge, sink, and stove, the smart move would be to place a bar-like counter that features shelving underneath to maximize the limited space you have.

Aside from using it as a place to dine, the shelving opportunities underneath can either house the microwave or coffee maker that’s easy enough to reach and use when needed.

5. Lineup

When the tiny kitchen has everything lined up against the wall like soldiers, this is the most efficient way to make the most out of the limited space you have as a home. A layout like this offers an open floor feeling that can either have a little two-seater bistro in place or a little kitchen island that serves the dual purpose of extra counter space and a bar-like eatery.

6. Miniature Kitchen Unit

Sold as a miniature kitchen, this idea for a tiny kitchen serves as a great replacement to upgrade the outdated tiny kitchen you currently have. A design not much different from this is often found in bachelor suites that don’t give much room to work with.

Everything you need for a kitchen to do everything it needs to do is there. If you don’t care for the microwave, use a convection oven in its place. If you need a coffee maker that bad, get a tiny one you know won’t take up much space.

Some folks are known to park the coffee machine on the nightstand, next to the bed, as this is usually the first thing they grab for in the morning.

7. Old Camper Upgrade

Not only is this tiny kitchen idea an ideal upgrade to an old camper but it also works in a super-tiny home as well. Usually, campers have cabinetry above the tiny kitchen area that holds the dinnerware and not much more.

The cool idea to turn the upper half of the tiny kitchen into hold either a toaster oven or microwave is genius. You still have the cabinetry but a more efficient one that also looks like it has caught up to the times.

A decent paint job and a few other upgrades here and there can really turn this tiny kitchen area into a little masterpiece.

8. Quite Contemporary

If you happen to have a tiny kitchen that needs to be modernized, the contemporary look never goes out of style. This also doubles as a minimalist favorite, thanks to its stylish simplicity to behave like a small kitchen that has enough of what a person needs to get by.

9. Rustic Flavor

For the tiny farmhouse kitchen look, going with a rustic look adds character to this wee little room.

10. Trayed

The highlight of this tiny kitchen idea is the dining area. The pull-out tray fixed in the counter unit can be neatly tucked away and out of sight when it’s not needed. Then, when it is time to eat, simply slide the tray out and dig in.

This is a great option, especially if you need to use the counter space to hold a coffee maker or microwave oven.

11. Woodsy

For a tiny kitchen idea, turning the wall into a woodsy work of art adds a hint of an old farmhouse style to a small room that could use a bit of a design upgrade.

Make the most out of this tiny area with the right color scheme and storage needs and you have yourself a nice and neat, functional little kitchen.

More small kitchen design & color ideas

If you’re like most people, you probably have a love-hate relationship with your kitchen. It’s the heart of the home, where wonderful memories are made… and where we spend hours every day trying to keep it clean and organized. If your kitchen is on the small side, you know that space is at a premium. But just because your kitchen is small doesn’t mean you can’t make it work for you. With a little creativity, even the tiniest kitchens can be both functional and stylish.

Design and organization

Here are some great ideas for making the most of a small kitchen:

1. Get organized. The first step to making a small kitchen work is to get organized. Purge your pantry and cabinets of anything you don’t use, and invest in some good storage solutions. Stackable shelves and containers are your friends in a small kitchen.

2. Keep it light. A small kitchen can feel claustrophobic if it’s too dark. To brighten things up, paint the walls a light, neutral color. If you have dark cabinets, consider painting them white or a light color as well. letting in natural light will also help make your kitchen feel larger and more open.

3. Use every inch of space. In a small kitchen, there’s no such thing as wasted space. Get creative with how you use the space you have. If your kitchen is narrow, use tall, skinny shelves to make better use of vertical space. If you have a little nook or alcove, put a small table there and turn it into a breakfast nook or coffee station.

4. Go for simplicity. When it comes to small kitchens, less is definitely more. Keep things simple and streamlined. Avoid clutter on countertops and in cabinets. Stick to a few key pieces of small kitchen furniture, and choose simple, clean lines.

5. Think outside the box. When you’re working with a small space, you have to think outside the box. That means considering unconventional storage solutions and using every inch of space. Get creative with where you store things, and don’t be afraid to think outside the traditional kitchen layout.

6. Keep it clean. A small kitchen can feel even smaller if it’s cluttered and messy. Make a habit of cleaning up as you go, and do a deep clean on a regular basis. Wipe down countertops, sweep and mop the floor, and declutter surfaces. A clean kitchen will feel more spacious and inviting.

7. Add some personality. Just because your kitchen is small doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Add some personality with color and pattern. Use colorful dish towels or rugs, or add a fun wallpaper backsplash. Choose bright, cheery paint colors to add some life to the space.

8. Play with proportions. In a small kitchen, proportions are everything. Choose smaller appliances, and keep countertop appliances to a minimum. If your sink is too big for the space, get a smaller one. Go for slimline cabinets and narrow countertops.

9. Bring in nature. A small kitchen can benefit from a little bit of nature. Add a potted plant or two, or hang some herbs to dry. A vase of fresh flowers will also brighten up the space.

10. Be clever with lighting. Lighting is important in any kitchen, but it’s especially important in a small kitchen. Use task lighting to make the most of the space, and add some ambient lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

With these tips, you can turn even the tiniest kitchen into a functional and stylish space. Just because your kitchen is small doesn’t mean it has to be boring or cluttered. With a little creativity, you can make the most of your small kitchen and turn it into a space you love.

Styles to choose from

There are a number of different kitchen styles you can try in a compact kitchen. Here are a few of the most popular:

1. Contemporary. A contemporary kitchen is sleek and modern, with minimalist features and clean lines. This style is a solid option for little kitchens because it uses minimal space and doesn’t require a lot of clutter.

2. Traditional. A traditional kitchen is classic and timeless, with a focus on comfort and functionality. This style often includes warm colors and cozy details.

3. Rustic. A rustic kitchen has a country feel, with distressed woods and vintage appliances. This style can be cozy and inviting.

4. Farmhouse. A farmhouse kitchen is warm and welcoming, with a focus on homey details and cozy fabrics. This style is an amazing option for small kitchens because it makes the most of the space.

5. Mid-century modern. A mid-century modern kitchen is retro and stylish, with a focus on simplicity and functionality. This style is excellent for small kitchens because it doesn’t require a lot of space.

6. Industrial. An industrial kitchen is edgy and cool, with a focus on exposed metals and brick walls. This style can be perfect for small kitchens because it makes the most of the space.

7. Eclectic. An eclectic kitchen is a mix of different styles, with no one dominant theme. This style can be fun and quirky, perfect for small kitchens.

8. Mediterranean. A Mediterranean kitchen is warm and inviting, with a focus on colorful tiles and hearty spices. This style can be excellent for small kitchens because it doesn’t demand a lot of space.

9. French country. A French country kitchen is elegant and charming, with a focus on rustic details and cozy fabrics. This style can be ideal for small kitchens because it doesn’t require a lot of room.

10. Japanese. A Japanese kitchen is minimal and sleek, with a focus on natural materials and clean lines.

With so many different kitchen styles to choose from, you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for your small kitchen. Just because your kitchen is small doesn’t mean it has to be boring or cluttered. With a little bit of creativity, you can turn even the tiniest kitchen into a stylish and functional space.

Kitchen color ideas we like for small spaces

If you’re looking for kitchen color ideas for your small space, try using light and bright colors. White and light gray are both excellent options, because they reflect light and make the space feel larger. You can also use neutral colors like beige or tan, or light pastel colors like pink or blue. These colors will brighten up the space and make it feel more open.

If you want to add a pop of color to your kitchen, try using a bold accent color. Accent colors can be used on walls, cabinets, or even appliances. Some great accent colors for kitchens include yellow, orange, red, or green kitchen paint colors. These colors will add personality to your kitchen and make it feel more lively.

No matter what colors you choose, be sure to use them in a way that makes the space feel open and bright. Dark colors can make a small kitchen feel cramped and cluttered, so it’s best to avoid them if possible. Use light colors and neutrals to help your small kitchen feel bigger and more open.