Remodeling a small kitchen can be a daunting task, but with the right ideas and expert tips, you can turn your compact space into a stylish and efficient haven. In this article, we explore the 20 best small modern kitchen ideas that will inspire and guide you through the process of maximizing both style and efficiency in your kitchen.
1. Use Neutral Colors
Start your small kitchen transformation with a neutral color palette. Light tones create an illusion of space, making the area feel open and airy. Consider shades like white, beige, or light gray for your cabinets, walls, and countertops.
2. Glossing Surfaces
A glossy kitchen interior is an excellent choice for people who want to make their kitchen feel larger. This is because glossy surfaces reflect and bounce light, creating the illusion of a bigger space. While small kitchen interior design and kitchen design, in general, has recently shifted away from glossy surfaces, it can still be a wonderful choice when used in moderation. Some possible surfaces that could be glossed include:
- Your kitchen cabinet
- Your kitchen countertops
- Your kitchen shelves
As with neutral color options like black and white, adding natural or lightly treated wood to your space can help add warmth.
3. Simplify Your Light
Keep lighting simple and effective. Install recessed lights to brighten the entire space without taking up valuable headroom. Task lighting under cabinets and pendant lights above the island provide focused illumination where needed.
4. Utilize Your Island
Another key aspect of making your kitchen remodel a smashing success is to find new ways of utilizing your kitchen island (or adding an island if you don’t have one). Here are some ideas to help you get started below:
Consider Incorporating a Sink Into the Island
One way to really up the functionality of your kitchen island is to add a sink to it. Having a sink placed on your island provides a centralized location in the kitchen for cleaning and dishwashing. Rather than having to go back and further across the kitchen, you can prep, slice, cook, and dishwash in a singular area. Creating a more efficient space for cooking and meal prep not only helps the process go smoother but also saves you additional time and effort.
Add a Cooktop
Another way to spruce up your island is to add a cooktop or stove to it. Adding a cooktop generally works best for larger kitchens with more expansive islands, as trying to cook on a small island with limited counter space can be quite difficult. However, adding a cooktop to your island can add both uniqueness and convenience to your overall kitchen design. It also provides a beautiful and welcoming space for interacting with your family and house guests while you create delicious meals together.
Use it to Optimize Your Storage
To make the most of your kitchen island, optimizing your storage space is essential! Built-in cabinets and drawers can be installed underneath your counter, providing a convenient place for storing items like pots, pans, utensils, and small kitchen appliances. Having a dedicated space for storing these things helps you keep your kitchen functional and free of clutter, so you can focus on cooking and enjoying the space.
Add Lighting
The lighting you choose in your kitchen is an especially critical part of designing your space. The lighting you select should provide enough light for cooking, cleaning, and other typical kitchen tasks yet also complement the surrounding space and add a sense of style. Many different lighting options for your kitchen exist, including:
- Direct lighting
- Indirect lighting
- Pendant lights
- Track lighting
- Chandeliers
- Corner lamps
When it comes to kitchen lighting, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, consider your overall kitchen aesthetic and typical cooking habits and try to find lighting that aligns with these needs.
Don’t Forget About Electrical Outlets
Don’t forget about adding electrical outlets either! Electric outlets on your kitchen island open up a whole new range of possibilities, making it much easier to connect kitchen appliances and other electronic devices (such as cell phones and computers).
Try Incorporating Seating
You can also add seating to your kitchen island to help make it feel more welcoming. Adding seating elements like tall chairs or bar stools creates a multifunctional space where everyone can hang out and spend time together. Seating at kitchen islands isn’t just great for dining either—it also provides a convenient location for studying, working, or simply enjoying each other’s company.
Change Your Countertop Material
If you want to refresh the appearance of your kitchen island or perhaps update its look to something more modern, try changing the countertop material. Changing the countertop material is a great way to elevate your island to the next level and make it something truly special. Stunning countertop materials like granite, quartz, marble, and butcher block are wonderful, timeless additions to any kitchen island. Marbles, warm undertones, terracotta, and other natural countertop surfaces are predicted to be especially popular in the year 2024.
Don’t Forget About Electrical Outlets
Don’t forget about adding electrical outlets either! Electric outlets on your kitchen island open up a whole new range of possibilities, making it much easier to connect kitchen appliances and other electronic devices (such as cell phones and computers).
Take into Consideration Your Overall Kitchen Design and Aesthetic
Before committing to any large design project for your kitchen island, it’s important to take into consideration your overall kitchen design and aesthetic. Taking this time to reflect helps ensure you’re creating a cohesive look that transforms your space into the very best it can be. Take special care to ensure that the dimensions of the island are proportional to the size of your kitchen and that your plans allow for sufficient clearance around the perimeter and ease of movement.
5. Add Extra Shelves
Adding extra shelving to your kitchen can help you maximize the available amount of space, as well as make it easier to organize your appliances, dishes, and other kitchenware. Additional shelving is a practical way to free up countertop spaces and prevent your kitchen from getting cluttered. Extra shelves help you easily store kitchen items and keep them permanently organized. You can also choose from a variety of different shelving options, such as wood, painted, and even metal.
6. Use Locker-Style Cabinets
Opt for locker-style cabinets to add a modern and industrial touch to your small kitchen. This design choice not only looks trendy but also provides efficient storage for your pots, pans, and kitchen gadgets.
7. Use Kitchen Corners
The corners in your kitchen can also be tailored to enhance the visual appeal and functionality of the space. Here are a few different ideas for how to use your kitchen corners below:
Install Corner Shelves for a Pantry Area
One extremely easy way to up your kitchen storage space while utilizing a corner is to install corner shelves and create a pantry area. An open pantry area allows you to easily visualize what food you have available and organize it according to your cooking habits and needs. You can store a variety of items in your pantry area, like:
- Dry goods
- Canned food
- Kitchen appliances
- Spices
- Kitchenware
Consider also adding pull-out drawers and lazy susans to help you reach the back of the corner and quickly access the item you require.
Add Light in the Corner
Corners can also often be quite dark, which can make smaller kitchens feel even smaller. Make the most of your kitchen corners by adding lighting to the corner to open up these areas. Indirect or hanging lighting works quite well, as do LED strips placed underneath your cabinets or shelves.
Add Artwork
One common issue with corner spaces is that many people aren’t sure exactly how to decorate them, so then they end up neglecting their kitchen corners. One no-fuss way to open up your kitchen corners is to hang artwork up. Framed prints and paintings work great, as do more unique art pieces like sculptures and metal.
Put a Cabinet in the Corner
If you can’t or are hesitant to add shelving to your kitchen corner, consider placing a cabinet there instead. Adding a corner cabinet provides a convenient location for storing items. You can also opt for a cabinet with glass front doors, which are perfect for displaying dishes or knick-knacks.
8. Install Built-In Kitchen Appliances
Choose built-in kitchen appliances to create a seamless and cohesive look. Integrated appliances not only save space but also contribute to a streamlined and modern aesthetic in your small kitchen.
9. Add an Appliance Garage
Create a designated space to house small appliances when not in use. An appliance garage with a retractable door keeps the countertops clutter-free, making your small kitchen look organized and spacious.
10. Add a Runner
Incorporate a runner or rug in your small kitchen to add warmth and texture. A runner in a bold pattern or color can become a stylish focal point while protecting your floors and providing a comfortable surface to stand on.
11. Install Pegboard Wall
Maximize vertical storage with a pegboard wall. Hang pots, pans, and utensils on the pegboard to free up cabinet space and add an industrial-chic vibe to your small kitchen.
12. Keep a Consistent Color Palette
Maintain a consistent color palette throughout your small kitchen. This creates a cohesive and harmonious look, preventing the space from feeling cluttered. Stick to two or three main colors to achieve a balanced design.
13. Install a Skirt
Add a touch of charm by installing a skirt under the sink or on open shelves. This simple addition conceals storage while introducing a playful and stylish element to your small kitchen.
14. Highlight with Contrasting Colors
Create visual interest by incorporating contrasting colors. Consider using a bold color for an accent wall or kitchen accessories to add personality and vibrancy to your small kitchen.
15. Add Some Greenery
Bring life to your small kitchen with the addition of plants or herbs. A small potted plant on the windowsill or a hanging herb garden not only adds a natural touch but also enhances air quality.
16. Add a Mirror
Amplify natural light and create the illusion of space by adding a mirror. Reflective surfaces, such as a mirrored backsplash, visually expand your small kitchen and make it feel larger and more open.
17. Use Patterned Wall and Floor
Introduce patterns on walls or floors to add visual interest to your small kitchen. Whether it’s a bold geometric tile or a subtle patterned wallpaper, this design element can transform the look and feel of the space.
18. Put Artwork on Your Wall
Infuse your personality into the kitchen by hanging artwork on the walls. Choose pieces that resonate with your style, adding a touch of sophistication and uniqueness to your small kitchen.
19. Be a Minimalist
Embrace minimalist design principles to create a clutter-free and visually appealing small kitchen. Keep countertops clear, choose sleek and simple furnishings, and focus on essential elements for a modern and efficient space.
20. Add Pendant Lights
Illuminate your small kitchen with pendant lights. Hanging lights above the island or dining area not only provide functional lighting but also serve as stylish statement pieces, enhancing the overall design of your kitchen.
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