A small kitchen doesn't have to look tight or unfunctional. With some decorating tricks, you can create a sense of amplitude and enjoy each inch better. Designers reveal six simple ideas that can make all the difference without the need for works or major changes.
© Shutterstock
13/11/2026
by
Uthe small kitchen can be a challenge at the time of decorating, since its reduced space limits the application of ideas.
However, as a Real Simple article highlights, there are several tricks that designers resort to and that make this division look bigger.
1. Add wallpaper to ceiling
Looking up in a small kitchen is an excellent way to make space look bigger, Lygia Harkins note, founder of Lygia Harkins Interiors.
“ Add a touch of color and pattern brings a fun air, but the natural fiber wallpaper would be great to give texture”, note. “Keeping the monochrome cabinets also helps!”
2. Add shelves
Floating shelves are perfect for a small kitchen, says Barrett Oswald, founder of Barrett Oswald Designs.
“ Adding floating shelves to an empty wall may seem counter-intuitive, but these can help the kitchen look less heavy and take the monotony out of the closets,” says Oswald. “Just keep the style simple so it doesn’t seem disorganized.”.
3. Banks that can be ‘hidden’
Another of Oswald’s favorite tips for small kitchens is looking for banks that can be hidden when not in use. “The choice of banks matters more than is imagined,” he noted. This helps to make the space more free and to appear more unladen.
4. Focus on continuity
One of the best advice from designer Jessica Cohen to design a small kitchen is to “focus on continuity.” Betting for the same material for furniture or countertops is essential, so that the space seems “continuous” and “wide” instead of distributed.
5. Set things up strategically
Although small kitchens usually have little storage space, it is still important to keep the countertops free of objects – even if it is tempting to fill them with small utensils and other essential items.
“Organize your benches carefully so that the environment does not look visually crowded,” recommends designer Amy Switzerland.
6. Choose bicolor style
Ali Shoemaker, founder of Alison Interiors, highlights a cabinet trick that works very well in small kitchens: create a two-tone color scheme, where the upper cabinets are lighter than the lower ones.
“ In doing so, the kitchen is brighter and looks more open,” says Shoemaker. “This anchors the darkest space at ground level, while the lighter tone creates a more airy environment.”.