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A Subway Style Shower solid stainless-steel kitchen tap in a black kitchen with shelves and sink.

Ideas for small kitchens

Reading Time: 6 minutes | Article from 11.8.2026

Just because you don’t have much space in your small kitchen, it doesn't mean you have to compromise on design and convenience. We show you how to optimise a small kitchen.

Planning a kitchen for small spaces

When it comes to fitting out a small kitchen, an L, G or U shape is recommended. When the compact kitchen layout doesn't allow for this, the kitchen furniture should be set up in the most comfortable way feasible. Would you like to fit out a small kitchen? Check out our tips here.

1. Measure the whole space

2. Plan around your preferences and needs

3. Plan the required storage space

4. Focus on flexible solutions

Small kitchen, smart design

With the right design choices, even a small kitchen can feel bright, spacious and inviting. Light colours, clever storage solutions and well-planned lighting make the most of the available space, while thoughtfully chosen sinks and taps add both functionality and style.

Bright & friendly decoration and wall colours

Small kitchens often look overcrowded, even with just a dining area and a kitchenette. You should therefore opt for light colours which make a smaller kitchen feel much larger. You don't always have to go for classic white. You can also decorate a small kitchen in light grey, natural tones or pastel shades. The light colours should be used both on the walls and on the kitchen unit fronts. This creates a harmonious overall look. Glossy fronts are recommended. The surfaces will reflect the light, which will also make your kitchen appear brighter and larger.

More storage space with shelving & organisation systems

Are you looking for ideas for more storage space in your small kitchen? Small kitchen solutions need to be practical, above all. You should be able to reach all your utensils quickly and easily. But for this, everything needs its own designated place. This is why it’s important to fully utilise the storage space in the kitchen cabinets. For example, you can fit base units with a full-extension runner. Another option is storage systems that can be pulled out of the cupboard. Simply hang your pots and pans on practical hanging fixtures. Rails on the walls with magnets or hooks keep all your essential utensils to hand. To make good use of corners and blind spots in the room, a corner cabinet carousel is another good idea.

Incorporate effective kitchen lighting

The right lighting is important to show off a small kitchenette to its best advantage. In addition to a ceiling or pendant light, under-cabinet lights or LED spotlights are ideal. This ensures that the work surfaces are always well lit. At the same time, good lighting makes the kitchen area appear more spacious. Tip: if you’re not planning an open-plan kitchen, a sliding glass door is recommended in a small kitchen space. The glass front allows additional light into the kitchen. At the same time, you’ll gain some valuable space.

A Subway Style 45cm kitchen sink with Steel Expert 2.0 tap on a small kitchen island.

A Linara kitchen tap in front of a window with a view of the countryside

Bright, modern kitchen with wooden worktops, white cabinets and views of the countryside.

Making small kitchens cosy

Space is a rare commodity in small rooms, so you need to get the most out of your small kitchen. However, you can still save some space for some pretty decorative features. Add a splash of colour with beautiful kitchen towels, pictures and vases. You can also create a small herb garden on the windowsill to give the room a natural feel.

Kitchen splashbacks are another popular design feature in small kitchens. There are splashbacks made from glass, stainless steel, aluminium or finished with self-adhesive film. The classic tiled splashback is also still very much in demand. You can find tasteful kitchen tiles in various designs and formats at Villeroy & Boch.

A modern kitchen sink with a high-arch tap, a wooden chopping board with chopped herbs and a knife on it and a dish rack in the sink.

Small decorative items for the kitchen

To add more warmth and cosiness to your kitchen, you can decorate it using natural materials. Wooden kitchen furniture makes your kitchen space feel homely. A similar effect can also be achieved using wooden kitchen accessories such as chopping boards, salt and pepper shakers, and wooden spoons. Ceramic and earthenware jugs, flower pots and vases also add to the cosy vibe. Candles can provide another lovely touch in your kitchen. Placed on the table in an elegant candle holder or tealight holder, they really finish off the cosy atmosphere.

Disocver decorative items

A Statement cup with the words "It's Party Time" on a tray next to a small black bowl of ice cream.

Hang up beautiful coffee mugs

A kitchen with wall shelves and open shelving is always a little reminiscent of a more traditional home kitchen, bringing a nostalgic touch to your small kitchen space while retaining a modern and stylish feel. This kind of shelving provides an opportunity to display selected kitchen utensils in a decorative way. Instead of storing fine porcelain crockery, such as cups, out of sight in the cupboard, you can hang them on a shelf, for example. You can also show off your high-quality plates and bowls on the shelf. This turns crockery and kitchen utensils into attractive decorative features at the same time.

Display herbs in an appealing way.

In addition to houseplants, herbs planted in pots can bring a fresh touch to your kitchen. If you like to cook often, herbs such as chives, basil, parsley and oregano are a must for flavouring dishes. These are also available in dried form. Nonetheless, dishes simply taste better with fresh herbs, plus you can turn herbs in pots into an attractive feature in your kitchen. Herb pots look particularly good on the windowsill. But a pretty herb shelf is also a great idea.

Tip

You can find matching ceramic planters in our store.

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Get the most out of the kitchen

Kitchens in small spaces need to be practical and bright. This requires clever kitchen solutions that perfectly combine cupboards, the sink and electrical appliances. Light colours on the walls and cabinet fronts, along with a few beautiful decorative features will make your small kitchen feels larger and more welcoming. And you’ll be able to get the best out of your kitchen.