Limited space can be a hassle when renovating your kitchen.

1. Opt For Neutral Colors

The choice of paint color is vital when making a small kitchen look spacious. Opt for neutral colors like white or light grey.

These hues can reflect light, create an open atmosphere, and make the space feel larger than it is.
To create visual interest without overwhelming the space, consider incorporating a high-contrast color by adding dark lower cabinets, or a bold backsplash.

2. Hidden Furniture

Hidden furniture is a smart way to make a small kitchen feel more open and less cluttered. Too many visible pieces can overwhelm the space, while movable options help keep the layout flexible and functional. A simple rolling cart with a butcher block top works perfectly — use it as extra prep space when needed, then tuck it away to free up valuable floor area. Without a fixed island, the kitchen feels more spacious, airy, and easier to move around in.

3. Minimize The Clutter On Your Countertops

Small kitchens are all about efficient organization to make the most of them. My #1 tip to make a small kitchen look bigger is a simple but effective one: clear the clutter off counter surfaces. By clearing everything off as much as possible, the eye has less to land on in a narrower focus, which visually opens up the space instantly. Space is tight so everything in its place out of sight makes a big difference!

4. Consider Appliance Garages

Consider adding appliance garages along the back wall beneath the upper cabinets to keep small appliances hidden and create a cleaner, more streamlined look. To make the space feel larger, use horizontal stripes in rugs or install hardwood flooring horizontally or diagonally to visually widen the room.

For example, in this Pacific Heights kitchen in San Francisco, appliance garages are built on both sides of the cooktop with tambour doors. The horizontal hardwood flooring, full-height cabinetry, and thoughtfully placed lighting help draw the eye deeper into the space and make the kitchen feel more open.

5. Don’t Try To Squeeze In A Freestanding Island

Don’t try to squeeze in a freestanding island if you don’t have the space. You’re better off having a peninsula off one of the kitchen runs, negating the need for 360 space around the island.
Make sure you keep the work surfaces clear of small appliances and clutter. You can do this by maximizing storage in the base units with pull out drawers rather than fixed shelving.

6. Considering Open Shelving Cabinets

Replacing a wall cabinet with open kitchen shelving is an effective way to make a small kitchen feel larger and more open while still maintaining practical storage. Open shelves also create an opportunity to style everyday essentials such as stacked bowls, wooden cutting boards, mugs, and decorative canisters without sacrificing functionality.

For a clean and cohesive look, keep a consistent color palette or use neutral textures throughout the display. If open shelving in the kitchen is not the right fit for your style, consider replacing solid cabinet doors with glass-front cabinets to achieve a similar sense of openness while keeping items protected and organized.

7. Using Mirrored Splashbacks

A mirrored backsplash can instantly make a small kitchen feel larger, brighter, and more open by reflecting light and visually expanding the space. It also adds a refined, elegant touch to the overall design.

For a more Parisian-inspired kitchen look, consider an antiqued mirrored backsplash above the range cooker. This simple design upgrade creates a beautiful focal point while helping the room feel significantly more spacious and airy.

8. Stay As Monochromatic As Possible

The key to making a small kitchen look bigger is to keep the design as monochromatic and cohesive as possible. A consistent color palette helps create a clean, seamless look that visually opens up the space. To add personality, incorporate details such as a reflective backsplash, decorative hardware, or subtle metallic accents.

Another effective design tip is to conceal appliances with custom panels, allowing them to blend seamlessly with the cabinetry. This creates a more unified and polished appearance, making the kitchen feel larger, cleaner, and more thoughtfully designed.

9. Maximizing Natural Light

Maximizing natural light is one of the most effective ways to make a small kitchen feel larger and more open. A bright, well-lit space instantly creates a sense of airiness and visual depth.
If possible, consider installing large windows, glass cabinet doors, or a skylight to allow light to reach deeper into the room. Even in spaces with limited daylight, design choices can make a big difference. For example, in a recent showroom kitchen project, strategic use of reflective surfaces and light finishes helped create a brighter, more spacious feel despite the lack of natural windows.
Choosing light-colored paint for walls and cabinetry also helps reflect light and visually expand the space. Mirrors or glossy finishes can further enhance brightness and make the kitchen feel more inviting. By maximizing every available light source, even the smallest kitchen can feel open, bright, and welcoming.

10. Install Floor-To-Ceiling Cabinetry

One of the best ways to make a small kitchen look bigger is to install floor-to-ceiling cabinetry and avoid bulkheads or upper cabinets that stop short of the ceiling. This not only maximizes storage but also creates a clean, seamless look that feels more polished and designer-inspired.
We hope these ideas help you make the most of your kitchen space.