Having a small kitchen is often seen as a disadvantage, particularly if you’re keen on trying new recipes and enjoy cooking and baking daily. In fact, some may even say that a small kitchen would put a damper on their creativity, and it is true that it can feel challenging to come up with very complex recipes when you have minimal counter space. But just because your kitchen isn’t a vast, sprawling space that you could rollerblade in doesn’t mean that you should give up on your love for cooking. Moreover, you can make the space pleasant and welcoming by focusing on a particular aesthetic scheme.
If you’ve been looking for ways to elevate your micro kitchen and make the space work in your favour, here are a few of the things you should consider.
Shaker kitchens
The Shaker style is the perfect blend of timelessness and modernity because the clean lines and versatile shapes of this design mean that it looks good in any setting. The integration of Shaker furniture into micro kitchens actually appears to be a 2025 trend. The standard cabinets have relatively thick frames, but they can be refurbished to be slimmer and more understated instead so that they don’t end up taking too much space and making your kitchen feel cramped and claustrophobic. This slightly different look can also look more modern and impactful, as well as add itself to a minimalist, streamlined look.
Apart from the classic look that will always stand the test of time, Shaker units are also made with practicality and functionality in mind, so you have all the storage space you need readily available.
When your kitchen is tiny you don’t want to have appliances, gadgets, cookware,
And utensils occupying every available surface as it will create the visual appearance of a cluttered environment, as well as hinder you while cooking and preparing meals.
Lacquer finish
Cabinets are the centrepiece in any kitchen, but they’ll stand out even more in a micro kitchen. Giving them a new and interesting texture will help tremendously with the overall design. If you integrate additional details such as luxurious hardware or wood panelling, you can also consider adding a lacquer finish to your kitchen units. The resulting look will feel sleek and sophisticated, but there are also practical advantages. It is much easier to maintain the appearance of lacquered cabinets, and the wood is protected from damage to the kitchen’s material.
Hot temperatures, stains, and spills can destroy wood forever, with the only option being to replace the units altogether. The gloss finish of the furniture will also pair well with rough, rustic materials, such as stone flooring, as a pleasant contrast is created between the two.
Colour palette
You may be a huge fan of dark, bold, and dramatic hues such as burgundy, brown, charcoal, grey, and black. It may be very tempting to paint the walls of your kitchen in one of these hues, but that would be a big mistake. When your kitchen is on the small side, painting the walls in a dark hue will make the space feel even smaller, something that you should avoid. Instead, focus on light and warm neutrals to create the visual impression of a wider, airier space. If white feels too sterile and unwelcoming for you, you can always focus on similar colours with warmer undertones, such as beige, cream, or ecru.
Space-saving solutions
Just because your kitchen is tiny doesn’t mean it cannot be efficient and get the job done as well as a much larger space. One way to achieve this is to make use of vertical storage. A hanging unit will allow you to have some of the items you use most within reach, ideally right above your worktop. The kitchen towels, chopping board, and cutlery are the items you probably use most often, and by having them arranged like this, you don’t have to worry about rummaging around shelves and cupboards to find them while cooking. This way, the cooking process becomes safer, more streamlined, and essentially hassle-free.
- Having an in-sink drying rack for the dishes will save space on your countertops, but make sure that the drying rack you choose is made from high-quality stainless steel so that it doesn’t break down from moisture.
- A folding table is also the best choice if you need a place to eat and prepare food that will not take up much floor space.
- Having a table that you can simply tick away and reduce to half its former size or less is a game-changer for any small kitchen and allows you to have comfort and convenience without the risk of bumping into furniture at all times.
Be creative
At the end of the day, you’re the one who knows your space best, and you also know what your specific requirements are and what you’d like your kitchen to look like. All the items and design choices you make should align with your lifestyle and expectations from your space. It also doesn’t hurt to be creative and go for unique choices that work for you, even if they’re not part of the latest trends. Making the most out of all kitchen corners is one of the things you should consider. These areas tend to remain underutilised, but that doesn’t have to be the case for you.
To make every square inch count, you can add some corner shelving. If you have space between your fridge and the wall, you can use it to make a pantry for your canned foods, spices, and herbs. Over-the-sink cutting boards can greatly help if you need an ingenious way to extend your worktop area.
To sum up, while some might see a small kitchen as an obstacle to making home-cooked meals, the truth is that there are many ways to make the most of the space available.