Maximizing Space: 7 Small Kitchen Design Ideas for 2024

Are you thinking about remodeling your small kitchen? Sometimes opening up walls, changing the footprint and enlarging your space isn’t in the cards. In that case, it’s important to find ways to improve what you have and make it more functional.

In fact, small kitchen designs can be some of the warmest, most welcoming kitchens. Less space usually requires more creativity and problem-solving skills. The results of this can be more impressive, leading to beautiful and unique space-saving kitchen ideas.

Are you ready to learn about design tips and tricks to improve storage and make your kitchen look bigger? Let’s dive in!

Have you ever considered opening your ceiling? For homes with structural ability, consider a vaulted ceiling. This clever design trick can make any small kitchen layout look much bigger and brighter.

By vaulting the ceiling, your kitchen will look incredibly open and spacious. Additionally, this feature can provide unique design benefits. Some could include the ability to put in faux beams, hang larger unique chandeliers and pendant lighting, or install a beautiful tiled focal wall.

This stunning architectural feature is sought after in some of the most high-end designs across the country. Although it can be an expensive upgrade, it will set the tone for a stunning kitchen remodel. If you’re thinking about making this a DIY project, do thorough research ahead of time to understand what kind of time, tools and investment are required.

In small spaces, simple is best. Tile backsplashes can quickly become overwhelming. Explore the possibility of seamless countertop and backsplash. This is one of the top design trends of 2024 and will fare well in small kitchen designs.

Many kitchens use the same countertop material and run it up the backsplash. This creates a slab backsplash look and can be finished with a small matching shelf at the top for a decorative look. Using a slab backsplash and countertop makes cleaning easy with virtually no grout lines to worry about. With a statement piece like this, your small kitchen design will appear much more modern and streamlined.

One of the quickest ways to visually enlarge a space is by using bright colors. Use light colors on your custom cabinets for an open and airy effect. This could include any colors from white, taupe, light grays, light blues, soft greens and more to natural maple and oak finishes.

For added effect, use floating shelves where possible. Although it might not work in your entire kitchen, there’s something beautiful about open shelves. They create a furniture aesthetic and an opportunity to be more creative with decor as your dishes now become more prominent. Now combine both of these elements for a charming and airy small kitchen design.

In small spaces, lighting is crucial. That’s why installing reflective materials in a small kitchen design can be helpful. By using shiny surfaces, light will bounce around the room giving you the appearance of a more open space. And with so many materials to choose from, there is plenty of room for personalization.

Some great ways to incorporate reflective materials are by using glass or iridescent tile backsplashes, mirrors, glass pendant lights, and even glass cabinet doors. Each of these elements will create a unique look and help your space appear larger. Get creative and help your small kitchen design shine.

When it comes to creative solutions for designing small kitchens, it’s all about storage. There are endless space-saving storage solutions on the market today, so what should you focus on? If your budget is limited, prioritize custom cabinet storage that makes the biggest impact.

Although roll-out trays are great, cabinet accessories that help you maximize space are best. These pieces could include dividers, pegs, or adjustable shelving. By using these clever storage solutions, you will have a more functional and efficient kitchen design. Here are some of our top space-saving kitchen ideas: 

Hide away your unsightly trash and recycling cans with our wastebasket pull-out. The last thing you want to see in a new kitchen is a smelly trash can. Use this pull-out for convenient access to your trash with an elevated aesthetic.

Use every inch of your drawer with the tiered cutlery divider. This storage solution has two storage drawers in one so you can tuck away your everyday cutlery and nice silver in one drawer.

Make pots and pans more accessible with a pots and pans organizer. This large roll-out houses multiple shelves and a wide space to store lids, frying pans, stock pots and more. Simply pull it out with the smooth-gliding system to easily access everyday cookware.

Organize all your spices and cooking oils with the pull-out storage base cabinet. This small kitchen cabinet comes with adjustable shelves and chrome rails to protect all your cooking essentials. Use this compact solution in tight spaces to maximize cabinet storage.

Keep deep drawers organized and under control. Use the multi-storage drawer dividers to organize Tupperware, glass dishes, baking pans, pots and pans, lids and more. This accessory will help you store more in less space.

Use any combination of these custom cabinets for small kitchens to maximize space in your small kitchen!

There’s no easier way to make a small kitchen look bigger than with lighting. With this element, it’s easy to trick the eye into thinking any space is larger. Here are our top recommendations for how to add light: 
 

• Windows
• LED recessed lighting
• Under cabinet lighting
• Pendant lighting
• Wall sconces

Any time you decide to make an investment into lighting you won’t regret it.

For another clever trick, try appliance panels. Custom panels are great because they create a continuous look uninterrupted by bulky appliances. Standard appliances are usually oversized and break up the design.

Most panel-ready appliances will be counter depth for a flush, built-in appearance. This makes your small kitchen look more cohesive and also promotes a high-end, furniture-style design. Talk to your CliqStudios designer about custom appliance panels today!

Overall, you can make the biggest impact with custom cabinets for small kitchens. Sometimes the largest hurdle is finding a place to properly store everyday essentials. Focus on the foundation of your design first, which is cabinetry and the layout. Work through where you want your silverware, pots and pans and dry goods so the kitchen layout works for you rather than against you.

Next, work with an experienced CliqStudios designer you can share your style, budget and design preferences with. They will take your vision and transform it into reality. After that, style choices like color and lighting will be easier to tackle.

For the last tip- keep it simple. When small kitchens have too many lines, textures, colors, styles and patterns, it makes the room appear busy and small. Open it up by using these tips and streamlining the design with modern touches. Your kitchen will draw in family, friends and good memories to remember for years to come.

Ready to get started? Schedule your free design consultation now!