Tiny-Kitchen Ideas for Tiny Living
Ideas on how to make the most of your small kitchen space.
The tiny-house movement is both a social and architectural movement promoting simplified living in small spaces. With these tiny homes come tiny kitchens in need of practical furnishings which can be a little daunting when you don’t know where to start. Whether you follow this movement or merely have a small kitchen, our tiny-kitchen ideas offer both space-saving hacks and stylish inspiration.
What Is a Kitchenette?
Before you can understand what a kitchenette is, you’ll need to know what it isn’t. Though sizes may vary, a full kitchen is a separate room that contains most, or all, of the standard kitchen appliances, including: a dishwasher, a full-size fridge, an oven, a stove, and a microwave. A tiny or small kitchen is more compact and usually opens up into a larger area like a living room, they are often found in apartments. These small kitchen sizes necessitate space-conscious amenities and appliances in order to make the most of your kitchenette.
Tiny-Kitchen Ideas
Make It (Multi)functional
Before you can begin saving space in your small kitchen, you will need to take stock of your kitchenware, consider the available countertop room and cabinetry and consider new tiny kitchen design ideas. Single-purpose appliances take up unnecessary space without being as economical as multipurpose ones. So ask yourself if you really need that ice cream maker or how often you use that panini press. In the name of efficiency, consider investing in practical, multifunctional items that will be used frequently whilst occupying minimal space. Here are some no-fail, multipurpose kitchen appliances that are sure to help you make the most of your small kitchen.
Dutch Oven:
Forget trying to store that 16-piece pot and pan set in your cupboard – a Dutch oven is a small kitchen must-have. This minimalist multifunctional kitchen essential is capable of performing so many tricks that you’ll wonder what you ever did without it. Thanks to its even heat distribution, a Dutch oven is perfect for braising meat, making soup, and even baking bread. Dutch ovens hold plenty of water for boiling hearty pasta portions, and because they’re so pretty, you can even serve your meal right out of the pot
Air Fryer:
The air fryer is a great modern kitchen appliance alternative to a full convection oven. It’s space-saving and can cook quicker than a regular oven. You can cook all kinds of foods in the air fryer, including frozen meat, homemade fries, vegetables, and even some smaller desserts like cookies and apple fritters. An air fryer is a much-needed choice if you’re looking for fried food without all of the calories. Just a thin coating of oil is enough to perfectly crisp your favorite meals. The cooking basket has a nonstick coating which makes cleanup a breeze. If your small kitchen doesn’t include an oven, an air fryer is the perfect investment that takes up little countertop room while still performing many functions.
Multi-Cooker:
If you’re looking for a true all-in-one, the multi-cooker is a small kitchen must-have. It may be little in size, but it can perform a multitude of tasks while taking up very little countertop space. A multi-cooker is your one-stop appliance for stovetop cooking. It can handle baking, steaming, roasting, or even sautéing. Whether simply cooking rice or preparing to sous vide fish, with a clever appliance like this, you won’t even need an oven.
Tip!
Invest in mini versions of your primary appliances to meet your needs without overcrowding your small kitchen. Opt for small-scale versions like an induction plate with two burners instead of four, a mini fridge, and (if need be) a washer-dryer combo. And if you simply can’t live without your dishwasher, the countertop model might be ideal for you.
When considering small-kitchenette ideas, space is your biggest commodity, so make sure to use it wisely. Shelving makes up for the lack of countertop space in a small kitchen, so take advantage of any bare space on your walls.
Floating Shelves:
Gone are the days of bulky shelving. Free up floor space and add an updated element with floating shelving. With a range of stylish colors and designs to choose from (and hanging brackets that are invisible once mounted), these open shelves offer a contemporary small kitchen storage solution.
Tiered Shelves:
If one shelf is simply not enough, consider tiered shelves as a convenient compromise. The multiple racks are a must-have, especially if you’re battling to pare down your kitchen contents. With so many options to choose from, you can choose options that best match your favorite small kitchen ideas. Choose open shelves with pipe-style frames for a more industrial look or geometric designs for a modern and minimalist feel.
Accent Shelves:
Accent shelves are displaying your favorite items. Just because you’re saving on space doesn’t mean you can’t show off your beautiful china and crystal glassware collection. Family heirlooms don’t need to collect dust at the back of a cupboard when you have a gorgeous array of wall-mounted accent shelves to choose from.
You will want to avoid taking up more room than necessary in a small apartment kitchen. There are many kitchen design ideas that can help to take advantage of your vertical space while still maintaining a minimalist and modern kitchen.
Pot Hangers:
Pot hangers are no longer only found in industrial kitchens. Any home cook worth their salt will know that pots are the biggest culprit when it comes to taking up valuable countertop room and storage space. A pot hanger will stow your pots out of the way but still keep them readily accessible, preventing the need to rummage through your cupboards the next time you’re cooking. Whether you choose to mount your pot hanger on a wall or overhead, you'll be simplifying your culinary experience with this space saver. For a true farmhouse style, invest in copper pots and pans to bring it all together.
Magnetic Knife Strips:
Knives are a kitchen must-have that often occupy drawers or countertop space. Installing a wall-mounted magnetic knife strip will not only give you a modern kitchen feel, but also free up much-needed storage real estate. Magnetic knife strips are hygienic and easy to clean, especially in a small kitchen area. Opt for a strip with a strong magnet to keep your knives in place to show off your cutting-edge collection.
Spice Racks:
Store your seasonings more effectively with a wall-mounted spice rack. Though there are many ways to organize your seasonings in drawers, mounting them instead will allow you to see the labels more clearly. Spice your food efficiently without needing to rummage around in search of your perfect condiment.
Mounted Glass Holders:
If you think we’re done with storage space, you’re mistaken! Glassware tends to be bulky, especially when you have more than one collection taking up far too much space in your small kitchen. Wall-mounted glass holders not only take advantage of the space beneath your cupboards but also ensure your wine glasses are readily accessible for your convenience.
Visual clutter occurs when items of all different colors and sizes occupy surface space, making it feel messy. While it’s possible to effectively utilize your small kitchen storage space, it can still feel cramped because of visual clutter. Restore order and visual balance to your small kitchen with these tiny-kitchen ideas for storage.
Baskets:
Decorative storage baskets come in two materials – wicker and wire. Wicker is great if you want to go for a more rustic kitchen design. You aren’t just limited to one style. Wicker baskets come in different colors, shapes, and patterns, and some include hinged lids or cotton liners. Wire baskets are great when it comes to storing produce. There are many freestanding and tiered options that give you more storage while taking up the same amount of space as a single basket. Though they take up storage space, baskets help to organize loose and miscellaneous items which would otherwise create visual clutter.
Storage Jars:
Just because you’re saving space doesn’t mean that you can’t express your personal style. For eye-catching ideas, line your open shelves with textured glass storage or quirky cookie jars. Fill the glasses with interesting and unusual foods, spices, or sweets to create a striking effect.
Carts:
A kitchen cart is an ideal, multifunctional piece of furniture. It is similar to a kitchen island because it offers both counter space as well as shelf storage below. Kitchen islands are installed or mounted into the floor, making them a permanent feature. Carts are more versatile, whether wheeled or not, because they are lightweight and can be moved to wherever best suits your space. To clear up space, use this contemporary kitchen accessory to display your storage jars and baskets in one place rather than on counters. Select wisely to create uniformity and harmony to keep from creating visual clutter.
Create additional space with built-in cabinetry
Cabinets:
Cabinets provide additional storage space for crockery and appliances. To create a spacious feeling, choose cabinets with glass panes which can emulate windows, creating an open feeling. Learn to stock them efficiently so they don't appear overpacked. Store your most-used items toward the front so that you aren’t awkwardly reaching over less-used items to get what you need.
Pantry Cabinets:
A pantry is a great addition to a small kitchen if you are unable to install cabinets. Better still is the combination of a pantry cabinet and microwave shelf. Available in quaint colors and designs, this dual-functioning furniture will easily free up space in your kitchenette. Plus, they're not overly bulky!
When considering small apartment kitchen ideas, remember that furnishing a smaller area is cost-effective. A tiny kitchen allows you to spend just a little more on your choice finishes while remaining within budget. You can stretch your dollar without compromising on quality and allow your decor to create the feeling of space.
Bright Backsplash:
When painting your kitchenette, lighter colors will produce a feeling of openness and make it feel bigger, particularly when it comes to a backsplash. Installing a bright backsplash will give a dramatic effect. Tiles come in a myriad of colors and designs, allowing you to create a bold focal point.
Wallpaper:
Painting is easy but can be quite simplistic. If you don’t have ample wall space but want to make a statement with a more textured or patterned background, wallpaper is the way to go. Wallpaper can be easier on the pocket, allowing you to easily add a little pizzazz. Peel-and-stick wallpaper doesn’t require the same investment in painting tools, thus saving you money and time.
Under-Cabinet Lighting:
Bringing light into a space can be done with more than just ceiling fixtures. Under-cabinet lighting will chase away any shadows with a stylish flair. These are even more effective in a tiny kitchen to provide a more expansive feel. Under-cabinet lighting is a simple addition, particularly if you opt for a plug-in or battery-powered option. If you would like something a little more permanent, consider the hardwired option if your budget allows for it. Choose dimmable lights if you want the additional perk of setting different moods or easily changing up the look in your kitchen.
No matter the size for yours, small kitchen design ideas are in abundance, so you can make the most of your space in style.
