At Cabinet Creations, we’ve seen just about every kitchen layout imaginable—and when it comes to small kitchens, smart planning makes all the difference. In this blog, Kirk walks through nine honest, practical tips to help you make the most of your space.
Whether you’re planning a full remodel or just exploring your options, here’s what to know.
1. Start With a Priority List
Before you even meet with a designer or remodeler, write down what you need and what you want from your kitchen. In a small kitchen, not everything will make the cut. It’s better to go in knowing what matters most so you can make smart decisions if trade-offs come up.
2. Use All Your Vertical Space
If you’ve got soffits above your upper cabinets, consider removing them and taking your cabinets all the way to the ceiling. That extra foot of space adds significant storage and makes the kitchen feel taller. Yes, it’s an added cost—but it’s worth it for long-term function.
3. Invest in the Right Accessories
There are tons of cabinet accessories out there (almost too many), but a good designer can help you focus on what solves your specific needs. From pull-outs for pots and pans to utensil trays and trash solutions, the right insert can make a big difference in a small kitchen. Just remember—like soffit removal, accessories are an added cost.
4. Your Kitchen Doesn’t Have to Have an Island
Many homeowners think an island is a must, but it’s not always realistic—or necessary. Instead, consider a peninsula. It provides countertop space and seating without requiring the walkways an island needs. It may not be flashy, but it’s functional—and that’s what matters most in small kitchens.
5. Use Varied Storage
Not every base cabinet needs to have roll-outs. In fact, using a mix of storage types—drawers, doors, half-depth shelves, full-height cabinets—is usually the most efficient approach. Variety allows you to optimize every inch for the way you use your kitchen.
6. Deepen Your Peninsula or Island (If You Can)
Even in small spaces, we sometimes find room to deepen a peninsula or island by backing one cabinet up to another. Standard base cabinets are 24” deep, but adding another 12” or 18” cabinet on the back can provide more storage and counter space without expanding your footprint.
7. Trash Pull-Outs May Not Fit
We love including trash pull-outs in every kitchen, but in tight layouts, sometimes there just isn’t room. If that’s the case, under-sink accessories or alternative placements can still keep your trash tucked away and off the floor.
8. You Might Have to Skip the Pretty Extras
We know—glass doors and floating shelves look great. But in small kitchens, they’re often more style than substance. If maximizing space is your goal, these features usually get cut. They simply don’t provide the same storage utility.
9. Sometimes… You Just Need a Bigger Kitchen
Not always the answer you want to hear—but it’s true. If your list of “needs” is longer than your kitchen allows, sometimes the only solution is to open up the space. That might mean knocking down a wall or reconfiguring part of your layout. It’s not always our first choice, but it can be necessary.
Need Help Planning Your Small Kitchen?
At Cabinet Creations, we help homeowners turn even the smallest kitchens into beautiful, functional spaces. Reach out anytime—we’re happy to walk you through your options, your priorities, and your plan.