Do you ever wonder, 'How do I make my small kitchen beautiful and functional?' We'll review different kitchen layouts and hacks to make the space feel bigger and look high-end.

Tip # 1: One Wall Kitchen

You typically find one-wall kitchens in small studio apartments or one-room rentals. The layout is exactly how it sounds. All of the cabinets, countertops, and appliances are on one wall. These kitchens work well in small spaces because they are efficient and conserve space.

I recommend using only a few open shelves in this type of kitchen. Since the kitchen is open to everything, you want most of your kitchen appliances behind closed doors. This way, you hide the kitchen's messy side. After all, who wants to look at hanging pots and pans while chilling on the couch or lying-in bed? Try to design the kitchen cabinetry and backsplash to tie into the rest of the space. If you can get the appliances faced with the cabinetry, that works well too.

Another great idea is to design the cabinets with unique elements to look different from typical kitchen cabinets. This design tip will help you and others see past the fact that there's a kitchen in the middle of your living space.

Tip # 2: Small ‘L’ Shaped Kitchen

The L-Shape kitchen uses two of the three walls in the space for the cabinets and appliances. The third wall is usually empty in a small kitchen, or a small table and chairs occupy that space. This layout gives you just a little more room than the one-wall kitchen. Sometimes this layout also opens to the main living spaces. If that's the case, then use the suggestions I mentioned above.

If your L-shape kitchen is in a separate room, using some open shelving or glass front doors is ok here. However, please don't overdo it with the open shelving. You still need somewhere to hide the mess. Nothing makes a small space look smaller than clutter.

If there is a window, try to allow as much natural light as possible. This, too, will make the room feel bigger. Since this space is separated, you can be bold with your cabinets, backsplash, and lighting. Unique color combinations, patterns, and shapes will create a designer feel in your small space. People are now focusing on how beautiful the finishes are, not the fact that the room is small.

Tip # 3: The Small Peninsula Kitchen

The peninsula kitchen is an L-Shape kitchen with an island. However, one side of the island is attached to the wall, technically making it a peninsula. Even in a small space, these kitchens feel larger because their open to another room. They benefit from the visual real estate of the adjoining room.

The peninsula typically offers additional counter space, but more importantly, people love to add seating to this area. Please do not place bar-height stools on a counter-height island. This is a little pet peeve of mine. Use counter-height stools. The taller bar stools work well for peninsulas with a raised secondary counter. And you know when you've picked up the wrong height stools because your legs can barely fit under the counter. That said, this is the time to get creative with your seating. The stool's color, shape, or style can add interest to the peninsula.

If you have enough space, a small regular-height table and chairs added to the end of the peninsula add more seating, function, and style. If there isn't a lot of space, a peninsula with a waterfall edge works well here. That way, that one exposed side now has a high-end finished look. Lastly, adding shelving, cabinetry, or artwork on the wall above the peninsula can create additional storage and interest in your small kitchen.

Tip # 4: Small U-Shape Kitchen

The U-Shape kitchen uses all three sides of the small kitchen. It often offers more countertops, even though the space is small. Investing in higher-end counters in this space will significantly impact the overall design.

People often make their stoves and hoods the center of attention in this layout. This is another area where you can be bold with your design ideas or invest a little more money in your appliances. Remember that this layout has a lot of corners. Unique storage ideas will be necessary here to create the most efficient use of space. The Lazy Susan, or pull-out corner drawers' work well. A corner appliance garage is a good look here too.

If the U-Shape kitchen is large enough, you can place a small butcher block island on wheels, or stainless-steel table in the center, making the space even more functional. This is a nice layout for a small space because of the number of cabinets and counter space it offers.

Tip # 5: Galley Kitchen

The galley kitchen is a long narrow kitchen with two parallel walls of cabinetry and appliances and an aisle that runs straight down the middle. This layout has seen a rise in popularity lately as some people are moving away from the open floor plan (not me, I love an open plan.) But people are opting to add a wall and door to the end of their galley kitchens. Because the area is separate from the other living spaces, it keeps the messes out of view.

To keep the space from looking like a bowling alley or a long narrow hallway, break up the look of the parallel sides. If there is a window on one side, that will naturally help. Open shelving on one side and closed cabinets on the other will work if there isn't a window. Try adding a mirror over the sink or stove.

Add interest with unique colors on the cabinets and walls. This is a long shot, but if there is a way to cut an opening in one of the galley kitchen walls so you can look out over another living space, it will make the area feel more open. If not, stick with lighter cabinets, at least the upper cabinets, so the room doesn't feel small and dark.

Tip # 6: Small Kitchen with an Island

I've seen people add islands to each of the layouts I've already mentioned if the space is large enough. In today's small kitchens, most people still want an island. People love islands because they offer counter space, additional storage below, and space for informal seating.

But most importantly, islands allow people to gather around them. Not to mention, it's typically where the food is. If your kitchen is small but you want an island, try adding a butcher block island in the center. It has a small footprint, but it does the trick. A stainless-steel restaurant-style table with open shelves below also occupies little space and maintains that relaxed feel.

You may be able to have a traditional-style island, just without the overhang for seating. But, if you must add that island to your small kitchen, ensure to leave at least three feet around each side.

Tip # 7: All Small Kitchens

These last tips apply to all small kitchens – Stay clutter free and organized. Check out my declutter video for in-depth details on decluttering your kitchen. Click HERE to watch now.

Keep those open shelves and countertops free of unnecessary stuff! The open shelves should hold dishware of one color to not be visually distracting. Your countertops should have no more than three small appliances and maybe one or two decorative elements.

Built-in pull-out trash cans work best in small kitchens. If not, you'll place your trash cans at the end of the counter. And this is usually unsightly and in the way. Lastly, If the space isn't large enough, don't try to squeeze in that small table or island. Just enjoy the open space that's left.

And That's It!

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