8 Insanely Genius Design Tricks for Small Kitchens

Your tiny kitchen is about to feel, like, a thousand times bigger.

By Ashley NiedringhausPublished: May 14, 2015

Your tiny kitchen is about to feel, like, a thousand times bigger.

Choose Pretty Tools

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One Kings Lane

If your cabinets are too cramped to fit all of your kitchen gear, stealthily use the cuter items as decor. For instance, chunky vintage cutting boards or bright colanders can double as artwork. And a row of matching mixing bowls stuck above cabinets looks intentional, not messy. See more at One Kings Lane »

Try a Drop-Leaf Table

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A Diamond in the Stuff

If you yearn for an eat-in kitchen, but a large table just won't fit, consider a foldable option. The leaves flip up so everyone has a spot come dinner time, but tuck out of the way when not in use. Plus, the center of the table can serve as extra prep space all the time. See more at A Diamond in the Stuff »

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Add a Breakfast Bar

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Untamed Perspective

Open space, like the edge of a counter, windowsill, or kitchen pass-through, magically morphs into extra eating space with a board and a few benches. See more at Untamed Perspective »

Lighten Up

Wood, Room, Interior design, Green, Drawer, White, Floor, Furniture, Flooring, Cabinetry,

Erica George Dines

Barbara Westbrook, interior designer and author of Gracious Homes, knows the power of pale hues. She chose Pratt and Lambert's Chalk Grey paint for this kitchen's walls and range hood to brighten the room and impart a sense of openness. See more in Gracious Homes »

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Go Big With Shelves

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Freckle and Fair

Open shelving can offer a ton of flexible storage, but requires a full commitment for it to look stylish. A wall dedicated to shelves looks like a purposeful design statement, but a lowly cart just looks like clutter. See more at Freckle & Fair »

Get Rolling

Wood, Room, Floor, Hardwood, Flooring, Wood flooring, Dishware, Laminate flooring, Wood stain, Shelving,

Paper Daisy Design

While you're cooking, a wheeled cart is as helpful as a big island (which is not an option for most tiny kitchens), but can roll out of the way when you're done. See more at Paper Daisy Design »

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Squeeze in Seating

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Dear Lillie

Even an awkward, narrow nook can comfortably seat six, if you choose efficient built-in benches instead of chairs. Bonus: Extra storage hides under the lovely seats. See more at Dear Lillie »

Look Up

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Lauren Bamford

Hanging pots and pans from the ceiling frees cabinets of bulky equipment and creates visual interest, too. Designer Jason Grant used a natural timber to create a rustic look — try a vintage ladder for a similar effect. See more at Mr. Jason Grant »

From: Good Housekeeping US

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