Some kitchens just weren’t built for ambitious cooking; instead, they were meant to only be functional (without the fun). You know the ones, where opening the fridge knocks into the oven, and the counter space is basically just a cutting board you haven’t put away yet. It’s giving “college dorm but make it permanent,” and it can feel a little defeating when you’re dreaming of home-cooked meals but working with the spatial equivalent of a shoebox.
But a small kitchen doesn’t have to mean small flavor. Sure, it’s understandable to think that way, but instead, it just means you’ve got to get clever with it. Think of it like this: people used to make full family dinners in tiny railway kitchens and camper vans. You can totally cook something amazing with two burners, some smart tools, and a little bit of kitchen confidence. But where do you even start?
Start with the Layout
Just because you can’t knock down a wall doesn’t mean you’re stuck. Actually, the key is to rethink where things live. If your cabinets are crammed and overflowing, try using wall space for hanging storage. Sure, it might not be the most ideal, but it really doesn’t hurt to look into pegboards, magnetic spice racks, and even a couple of floating shelves can open up a lot more space than you’d think. You can check out IKEA, they basically offer all of this stuff for a pretty decent price.
But overall, you’ll need to think vertically, not horizontally. How about that empty stretch above the stove? In that case, that’d be perfect for hanging utensils (or something else, feel free to check out Pinterest for ideas). How about those awkward corners? Hello, stackable bins. See, it’s about working with the space.
Make Your Tools Do Double Duty
Well, here’s something: a small kitchen has no time for gadgets that only serve one purpose. You want items that pull their weight and then some. Like a cast iron skillet that can fry, bake, and sauté (just be sure you know how to clean a cast iron skillet, please). But you could even get a blender that also functions as a food processor (most people use them interchangeably anyway) or a cooking timer that doubles as a clock for your kitchen. But overall, multipurpose is the name of the game.
Just Light It Up
Maybe you already knew this, but yeah, lighting can make or break a small kitchen. If overhead light is too harsh (or too dim), then it’s going to be a pretty good idea to just consider adding some under-cabinet LEDs or even battery-powered tap lights. You can usually find these on Amazon, just be sure to read the reviews. But this alone can instantly make the space feel more inviting and less like a utility closet.
Make It Feel Like Your Kitchen
Overall, small spaces still deserve personality. It’s up to you, but it can be something like a colorful rug, a cheerful dish towel, or a few fresh herbs on the windowsill can go a long way. You don’t need marble countertops or a six-burner stove to enjoy cooking; you just need a space that feels good to be in. But yeah, that marble countertop would be pretty nice though.
