Do you love spending time in your kitchen but feel limited on space? Creating a functional area where you can effectively cook, clean, and entertain can be tricky in a small kitchen. To streamline your space and create an effortless organization system, check out our easy small kitchen design ideas below.

Small Kitchen Design Ideas

Finding decor and figuring out how to strategically place it in a tiny kitchen can be tricky, but with the right decor ideas, you can transform your small space kitchen design into a functional room for quick breakfasts or all-day baking sessions. Take a peek below at a few of our fave small kitchen design ideas.

Build Out a Bold Backsplash

A bold backsplash is a great way to spice up a small kitchen without taking up any floor or counter space. We love subway tiles in matte black or white because it's a trend that's here to stay. Bonus: Subway tiles complement just about everything. Moroccan and mosaic tiles are great if your appliances are all one color and you want to add a pop of color. We recommend mint or aqua tiles for a fresh contrast with white cabinets. Tile is great for both backsplash and floors because it's nonflammable, slip-resistant, low-maintenance, and inexpensive. Less cleanup and more time for snacks? Yes, please.

Pro Tip:

If you want to maximize your kitchen design, consider washable wallpaper. This type of wallpaper comes with a plastic coating for easy cleanup and gives you even more versatility when it comes to your small kitchen design ideas.

Say Goodbye to Cabinet Doors

We'll admit it: We love cabinet doors because we can hide our chocolate stash behind them. However, removing them to create open shelving is an easy way to make your kitchen look bigger and add depth. You can keep the inside of the cabinets neat by using wicker baskets to store pantry supplies. If you can't remove the cabinet doors, use the space above the cabinets for bonus storage instead.

Roll Out a Rug

Rugs are great because they're available in so many sizes, making them ideal for maximizing small kitchen ideas. If you have a galley-style kitchen, consider a runner rug to fill the space between your kitchen island and countertops. If you have a U-shaped or one-wall kitchen, opt for a 2' x 3' rug. It's just big enough to give you a comfy spot to stand but still small enough that it won’t overwhelm the room.

Pro Tip:

Don't forget a rug pad; they're a must-have for kitchen rugs. You don't want to go sliding with an open bottle of wine in hand.

Add a Little Life

One of our favorite small kitchen design ideas is adding plants or herbs to the windowsill or a hanging planter. They won't take up any working surface area and they'll add something fresh to your space. Plus, you'll be able to quickly upgrade your salsas and mojitos. Heck, yeah. You can also hang wall planters for a space-saving hack to keep countertops and windowsills clear.

Pro Tip:

Interested in learning more about apartment gardening or what would grow best in your space? Check out our Easy Apartment Gardening Ideas + Tips guide.

Furniture Ideas for Small Kitchens

You really have to think outside of the box for furniture when it comes to small kitchen ideas. Multipurpose pieces are your best friend in a small kitchen, especially furniture items you might not normally think to put in small spaces. Check out our top three furniture ideas for small kitchens below to learn how to maximize your kitchen layout .

Bring In a Bookcase

A bookcase might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to kitchen furniture, but a tall, slender bookcase is a great storage solution. A slim bookcase won't take up a lot of floor space in your small kitchen. Plus its floor-to-ceiling height is ideal for creating vertical space and acting as extra storage for all your glasses, plates, and serveware. Not to mention a bookcase in your small kitchen creates the illusion of a large space with open shelving.

Prop Up a Pub Table

If you spend a lot of time eating meals in your small kitchen or need a multiuse space to work from home, bring in a pub table. These smaller tables are a great idea for a small kitchen for one or two people and act as a bonus workspace. If you have a galley kitchen with a bare wall or window at one end, set up your pub table there. This way you can answer emails, people-watch out the window, or enjoy breakfast as you wait for your AM coffee to brew.

Pro Tip:

Need help organizing a small space dining room or open-plan small kitchen/dining room combo? Check out our 8 Small Dining Room Ideas guide.

Utilize Wall Shelves

Open wall shelves are great for storing dishes and glassware in a small kitchen. Keep open shelves as pared down as possible; the less items you have out, the bigger and tidier your kitchen will look. Install hooks to hang up pots and pans in the space underneath the shelves or use hooks to hang pots and pans above your kitchen island. If you don't have the wall space for shelves but you do have a window, consider installing wall hooks across the top of your window to hang pots, pans, and kitchen utensils. This helps make your small kitchen functional while enhancing your kitchen design.

Lighting Ideas for Small Kitchens

Lighting is one of the easiest small kitchen ideas to make your space pop. The more lighting you have in a tiny kitchen, the brighter and bigger it will feel. If your dining table is in the kitchen, hang a chandelier above it. If you have bar stools pulled up to the countertop or kitchen island, try twin pendant lights instead for a bright breakfast bar. Wall sconces can brighten up any space, especially in narrow galley kitchens with little-to-no natural light. Another idea for small space kitchens, set a lamp in dark corners with no under-cabinet lighting to lighten up your countertops.

Make one of these small kitchen design ideas a reality.