22 Brilliant Ways to Make a Small Kitchen Look Much Bigger
Small kitchens can be charming—but they can also feel cramped if you don’t use the space wisely. Whether you’re working with a galley layout, an apartment kitchenette, or an older home with tight quarters, there are plenty of smart design strategies that can create the illusion of more room.
Below are 22 designer-approved ways to help your small kitchen look and feel significantly larger, without sacrificing personality or function.
1. Don’t Overload Your Walls With Cabinets
More cabinets seem like the answer, but too many uppers can make the room feel boxed in. Leaving some open wall space gives the eye room to breathe and instantly expands the visual footprint of the kitchen.
2. Try a Petite Island or Peninsula
A tiny island can work wonders—even in a small space. If you choose a scaled-down design, you can gain extra prep room and bonus storage without clogging up the walkway.
3. Use Glossy or Reflective Tile
Shiny backsplash tiles bounce light around the room, much like mirrors do. This simple swap gives a small kitchen far more depth and brightness.
4. Define the Kitchen With Unique Flooring
Changing flooring between rooms can create a sense of separation that actually makes each area feel more purposeful and spacious. Patterned or color-contrasting tile can help carve out a “real” kitchen zone.
5. Choose Counter-Depth Appliances
A counter-depth fridge sits flush with cabinetry, keeping bulky appliances from jutting into the walkway. The kitchen will instantly feel less cramped.
6. Add Mirrors Strategically
A mirrored backsplash or panel can make even the narrowest kitchen seem wider. They’re especially impactful in apartments where natural light is limited.
7. Maximize Storage With Drawers
Deep drawers are the unsung heroes of small kitchens. They store pots, pans, plates, and containers far more efficiently than traditional cabinets—and keep everything tidy.
8. Pick Simple, Slim Hardware
Chunky pulls and ornate knobs can overwhelm a tight space. Sleek, minimal hardware keeps the look clean and uncluttered.
9. Use Glass-Front Cabinets
Upper cabinets with glass doors prevent the “wall of cabinetry” look and help light filter through the space. Bonus: they give you a place to display your favorite pieces.
10. Open the Kitchen—But Not Completely
Rather than knocking down every wall, consider selective openings such as widened doorways or pass-through windows. You’ll get more light while keeping some architectural character.
11. Extend Cabinets to the Ceiling
Tall cabinets elongate the room, draw the eye upward, and eliminate wasted space. The resulting vertical line makes even the tiniest kitchen feel taller.
12. Stick to One Color
Painting the walls, cabinets, and trim the same shade creates a seamless envelope that visually blends surfaces together—instantly expanding the room.
13. Choose Clean, Modern Lines
Cabinetry with simple fronts, integrated appliances, and minimal patterning keeps visual noise down. Less clutter equals more perceived space.
14. Layer Different Types of Lighting
Use ceiling fixtures, under-cabinet strips, sconces, and even small lamps. Layers add dimension and make the room feel intentionally styled rather than cramped.
15. Install Checkerboard Tile on the Diagonal
A diagonal pattern widens the room visually and keeps the eye moving outward. It’s a classic trick that works in nearly any style kitchen.
16. Paint the Ceiling and Trim the Same Color as the Walls
When the entire room is wrapped in a single hue, there are no harsh stopping points—your sightline flows smoothly around the space.
17. Build a Base of Light Colors
Soft, pale tones on floors, cabinetry, and walls create a luminous foundation and reflect more natural light, which helps the room feel open and airy.
18. Maintain Clear Pathways
Even clever design can’t save a kitchen that’s difficult to move through. Make sure doorways, walkways, and work areas are free of obstacles.
19. Embrace Dark, Dramatic Hues
On the flip side, small kitchens can also become beautiful jewel boxes. Deep colors add depth, personality, and a cocoon-like charm that feels intentional—not cramped.
20. Play With Contrast
Mixing light and dark tones, patterns, and textures keeps the eye engaged and creates a sense of movement. Contrary to popular belief, contrast can make a small space feel larger, not smaller.
21. Create a Mini Breakfast Nook
Even a small bistro table or built-in bench makes the kitchen feel like a complete, thoughtfully designed room instead of just a workspace.
22. Choose Bold, Impactful Color
In compact kitchens, a powerful color choice can energize the whole space. Test swatches in different lighting before committing—small rooms react dramatically to color changes.
FAQ
How can I make my small kitchen feel larger?
Use vertical space wisely, choose space-efficient appliances, simplify your color palette, and incorporate reflective finishes.
What flooring helps a small kitchen look bigger?
Light-colored floors or large-format tiles reflect more light and minimize grout lines, both of which create the illusion of more space.
What backsplash style makes a kitchen look more spacious?
Horizontal tile patterns—like classic subway tile—encourage the eye to move across the room, making it feel wider.