7 Small Kitchen Ideas to Make Any Space Work

Don’t let the fact that your kitchen is tiny prevent you from fully utilizing your cooking space. After all, most of us can’t rely on takeout day in and day out. (And truthfully, is there a better way to wind down after work than preparing a nourishing meal?) To fully enjoy the process, it’s important to set up your kitchen to make cooking and meal prep activities you look forward to. That’s right—even if you’re majorly lacking in square footage. Trust me: small kitchen ideas abound.

Luckily, there are so many clever hacks that you can implement to add major storage (and style) to your small kitchen. Below are seven of our favorite small kitchen hacks that will work in any space. What’s even better is that all of these approaches are renter-friendly, too, and won’t cost you a pretty penny in the process.

Featured image from our interview with Claire Zinnecker by Michelle Nash.

Maximize Vertical Space

If your cabinets don’t extend all the way up to the ceiling, be sure to take advantage of the open vertical space. You can display decor, plants, and bins on top of your cabinets, all the while freeing up valuable drawer and pantry space. Just be sure to keep a folding small step ladder nearby for when you need to access said items!

To ensure that this solution is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, be mindful not to crowd this area with anything and everything. For example, glass vases, hurricanes, and the like are excellent items to store here as they don’t take up much visual space yet are often bulky in size.

Install Shelves and Hooks

Make the most of even the smallest slivers of wall space by installing some storage shelves and hooks. As seen here, thin shelves make it easy to corral and display a collection of spice jars, while hooks keep small pots and pans within reach. While you could simply display a piece of framed art on a wall like this one, taking a functional approach is so much more efficient (while still being visually compelling!).

Add an Island

A freestanding island like this one can serve so many purposes in a small kitchen. Not only does it offer valuable storage, but it also doubles as a seating area for two and provides plenty of surface space for food prep. These days, there are so many styles of islands to choose from, so it’s easy to find one that matches your aesthetic, kitchen size, and budget.  

Hang a Pot Rack Across the Window

If you love the look—and functionality—of a pot rack but aren’t sure where to hang one in your kitchen, consider replicating this approach where one is installed in front of the kitchen window. If you’re not wild about the view outside, this technique will offer you both visual interest and a bit of extra privacy, all the while keeping your cooking space nice and organized.

Push an Island Against the Wall

If your kitchen’s layout prevents you from placing a freestanding island in the middle of the room, you can create a similar effect by pushing a narrow island or console table against the wall. You’ll benefit from increased counter space while still being able to move about your small kitchen freely.

Install a Wall Rack

Have an empty wall in the kitchen that’s just begging to be transformed? Make it work for you by installing a chic-looking wall rack that will majorly amp up your storage game. This one holds so many different kitchen tools, from knives (no need for a knife block on the counter!) to bowls to stirring spoons and much more.