Small Kitchen Designs
Small Kitchen Designs - Every Centimetre Doing Useful Work
A small kitchen does not have to mean compromised storage or a cramped feel. The right design makes a compact kitchen work better than a larger kitchen that has not been planned properly.
Small Kitchens Need Better Design, Not More Space
Most small kitchens suffer from the same problem - they were designed with standard-sized units arranged in the most convenient way for the builder, not the most efficient way for the homeowner. Corners are wasted, wall space is underused and worktop is given over to appliances that could be integrated.
A bespoke small kitchen is designed around the room you actually have. Every unit is sized to fit. Every corner is planned. Storage is built into spaces that an off-the-shelf kitchen would leave empty. The result is a kitchen that feels more spacious and works harder than a larger kitchen that has not been properly thought through.
Layouts for Small Kitchens
Galley Kitchen
Two parallel runs of units facing each other. The galley layout is one of the most efficient kitchen designs because everything is within arm's reach. We recommend a minimum of 1.2 metres between the two runs for comfortable movement. Galley kitchens suit narrow rooms and through-kitchens where there is a door at each end.
L-Shaped Kitchen
Units arranged along two adjoining walls, forming an L. This layout opens up the rest of the room for a small table or additional floor space. The corner where the two runs meet is designed with a corner carousel, pull-out shelving or a diagonal unit to avoid wasting the deepest part of the L.
Single-Run Kitchen
All units along one wall. This works in very narrow rooms or studio apartments where the kitchen shares space with a living area. We maximise a single-run layout by building full-height tall units at one or both ends, using the wall above the worktop for open shelving or wall units, and integrating appliances to keep the worktop clear.
Design Details That Make Small Kitchens Work Better
- Handleless doors - no protruding handles means less visual clutter and no risk of catching on handles in a tight space.
- Light colours and reflective finishes - pale tones and gloss or satin finishes bounce light around the room, making the kitchen feel more open.
- Full-height units - tall larder and pantry units use the full height of the room for storage, replacing the need for multiple base units.
- Deep drawers instead of cupboards - drawers pull out fully so you can see and reach everything inside. No more crouching to find items at the back of a base unit.
- Pull-out and corner units - magic corners, pull-out racks and carousel units turn dead space into usable storage.
- Integrated appliances - a fridge, dishwasher and washing machine behind matching door fronts give the kitchen a streamlined, built-in look that makes the room feel less cluttered.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, yes. Slimline dishwashers are 450mm wide instead of the standard 600mm, which makes them viable in compact layouts. We can also position a dishwasher in a base unit that might otherwise be dead space - for example, next to the sink where plumbing is already in place. We assess this during the design visit.
A full island usually needs a room of at least 3.5 by 4 metres. In smaller kitchens, a slim peninsula or a mobile butcher's block is often a better solution - it gives you extra prep space and can be moved out of the way when not in use. We will advise honestly on what your room can accommodate.