Although kitchen inspiration often showcases vast, open-plan kitchens bathed in natural light, the reality in most homes is very different. Small kitchens are much more common, and at eba, we believe that they can be just as comfortable, aesthetic and functional.
In this article, discover our tips and tricks on how to optimally design a small kitchen so that it’s a welcoming, pleasant space you want to spend time in. With carefully considered unit placements, intelligent space-saving solutions and appropriate materials and finishes, it's absolutely possible to create a stunning, fully functional modern kitchen, even in a smaller room.
Adding an island: an ideal solution for open-plan spaces
An island can be a small kitchen's best friend, particularly if it's open-plan. In a singular living space with kitchen, dining and living room areas, the island will help to structure the space whilst still allowing the light to circulate around the room.
For the best use of space, we recommend lining one wall with kitchen units and placing the island opposite it, in parallel. A bar area, ideal for quick meals or as an additional workspace, can be built into the island.
In a small kitchen, the island can be multifunctional – used for additional countertop space, or as somewhere to house the sink or hob. When paired with full-length column units, it ensures all available space is used.
It’s possible to add an island to a closed kitchen, as long as the layout is adapted and adequate space is left for moving around.
An L-shape is practical for small kitchens
Very popular in small kitchens, especially in square or long, rectangular ones, L-shaped layouts help maximise space and facilitate circulation. This set-up allows the kitchen essentials (cook, prep and wash zones) to be placed together whilst leaving the central area empty, lightening it visually.
Our advice: use one end of the 'L' for electronic appliances (refrigerator, oven, microwaves), and make use of all available height by adding column units that extend to the ceiling. On the other side of the 'L', install food prep areas, the hob and the sink, to create a fluid, ergonomic workspace.
Small U-shaped kitchen that maximises space
A U-shaped kitchen maximises the use of space in small rooms as it benefits from three walls to furnish. However, this layout is not suitable for narrow rooms as it requires at least 120 cm between unit fronts in order to be comfortable to move around.
Another major advantage of a U-shaped kitchen layout is that the activity triangle (between the cooking, washing up, and storage zones) is naturally optimised as the different work spaces are grouped together, but on different surfaces. For a really functional kitchen layout, we recommend installing the hob opposite the column units with electronic appliances and the sink in the centre, as a connection between the two.
A small, parallel kitchen: ideal for long spaces
In long but sufficiently wide rooms, a parallel kitchen, (two lines of units opposite one another) can be a very effective solution.
By maximising both horizontal and vertical space, this layout creates a comfortable work space whilst optimising storage and prioritising the circulation of natural light through the open central area.
For closed or narrow spaces, where it's not possible to put two parallel lines of units, an alternative would be to add a small bar with stools along one wall. This solution adds space for eating or working, without overloading the room.
You could also opt for a parallel layout in a small, open-plan kitchen using an island or a peninsula. These two options are particularly practical as they add workspace and storage as well as structuring the room.
In all kitchens, whether in open-plan or closed rooms, it's essential to leave a gap of to ensure the kitchen is comfortable to move around.
Another design option for small open-plan kitchens installed in parallel is to opt for a bar. Not as deep as an island or a peninsula, a bar still structures the space and ensures the kitchen is fit for socialising.
Our tips for small kitchen design
Lean into minimalism
Small kitchens can quickly become visually overloaded. Because of this, it's best to adopt a minimalist approach, and clear out your kitchen utensils, glassware and electronic appliances. Efficient organisation of drawers and cupboards will help keep your everyday comfortable. By removing things that aren't useful, you free up space for essentials.
Utilise vertical space
In a small kitchen, every centimetre counts. Shelves on walls, tall units and bespoke solutions will help you optimise storage space without cluttering the counter.
At eba, we offer plinth drawer units, which replace the traditional plinth with a drawer, allowing you to use all available space down to the floor.
Opt for integrated appliances
Choose appliances that are built into the unit to optimise the space and make your small kitchen feel refined. Built-in appliances visually declutter the room and make the design feel minimalist and elegant.
Choose the right materials for a small kitchen
The choice of materials will be a determining factor in how your small kitchen looks and feels.
For open-plan kitchens, materials play an important role in dividing the room. Choosing finishes in the same tones as the rest of the home will help create a uniform, cohesive space. Conversely, if your goal is to create separation between different areas, the choice of materials can support this - especially something like different flooring for the kitchen.
Choosing the right colours for your small kitchen is also important. Dark colours (like black, grey, or dark wood), might be on-trend, but shrink the space visually. It's not impossible to use these finishes, but we'd advise using them more in bright, open-plan spaces or as accents. Light colours will make the room feel bigger and brighter, so are ideal for small, closed or narrow kitchens.
Our small kitchen projects
Small, open-plan kitchen with an island in marble and wood
In this small, open-plan kitchen, the central island is the focal point. Pairing a marble-effect worktop with wooden and matte black unit fronts, it structures the space and provides an additional work surface. This layout optimises the available space whilst creating a fluid separation between the kitchen and living room. The integration of handleless bridging units creates clean lines that reinforce the feeling of space.
Small parallel kitchen in wood and marble
This small, parallel kitchen is a fantastic example of how to optimise the space in a long room. The two opposite lines of units maximise storage and efficiently organise the workspace. The light wooden unit fronts paired with the marble worktop makes the space feel bright and elegant but still warm and welcoming. The central space is clear, allowing ease of movement around the room.
Small L-shaped kitchen in dark wood and white
This small kitchen, around 10m2, has an unusual layout, with the central island placed perpendicularly to the line of units. This was the best configuration to use every inch of available space whilst ensuring that the kitchen still felt comfortable and inviting. The dark wooden unit fronts add character, whilst the white wall units visually lighten the design. The built-in storage and LED lighting strips placed under the units make this kitchen highly functional and easy to use.
Small kitchen with a multifunctional island bar
This small open-plan kitchen uses a bar to structure the space. A great space-saving solution, the bar enables the owners to cook or eat whilst maintaining a connection to the living room – ideal for hosting. The contrasting shades of navy and white give the kitchen an inviting, contemporary look.
Small kitchen with bar and optimised storage
In this design the island has been replaced with a bar to make it more suitable for the very compact kitchen space. Less bulky than a full island, the bar structures the room and creates somewhere to sit and enjoy a meal. Bespoke storage solutions and open alcoves help to make use of the space whilst bringing rhythm to the composition. The choice of soft shades and warm materials also contributes to making the room look bigger.
Small kitchen with peninsula and illuminated glass door cabinets
This small kitchen is structured by a peninsula. Smaller than an island, it’s easy to move around and can be used as an additional worktop or a functional dining space. The white unit fronts with their clean lines accentuate the brightness of the room and help it to look bigger. In contrast, the illuminated glass door unit with a wooden interior add depth and warmth to the space whilst showcasing the glassware.
Successfully renovating a small kitchen
A comprehensive approach needs to be taken when designing small kitchens in order to get the most out of the space. The layout, the storage, the materials and the lighting need to be considered together to create a space that is functional as well as pleasant to live in.
Contact one of our teams to help you meet the exact needs of your space.
