3 Genius Tiny Kitchens From the Homes & Gardens Archives That Prove You Don't Need a Pantry to Go Big on Storage
From narrow galleys to compact condo corners, these small but clever kitchens prove even the tiniest schemes can work just as hard as a sprawling one
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There's a real cozy and inviting charm to compact kitchens that you just can't recreate in a larger space. And while some people think a smaller scheme prioritizes function over style, designers have proved time and time again that this just isn't the case.
In fact, small kitchen ideas can still pack plenty of storage and usable surface space while feeling luxurious and fashion-forward – you simply need to be a little bit smarter about how you approach the design. And I've found the best examples from some of our beautiful house tours that truly nail that brief.
1. A Tiny Yet Colorful Kitchen with Mixed Storage Solutions
The cabinets have been painted in Stuart Gold by Benjamin Moore for a bold burst of color, while the checkerboard backsplash was chosen to add a touch of whimsy.
The small proportions of this kitchen, which formed part of a full Toronto condo remodel, limited the layout opportunities, but that didn't stop interior designer Cynthia Ferguson from making the most of the space. The width of 11' had to remain exactly as it was, so it was a case of making it more functional.
'The refrigerator is a great anchor, so we left it on the far left of the long cabinet run, and panelled it for a more cohesive aesthetic. The sink needed to remain where it was, as did the dishwasher. My clients had just purchased it, so we let it remain unpanelled to save some of the budget,' she explains.
'The stove was in perfect working order, so it also remained, but we pulled it away from the wall, as previously it was tight against the corner, and my clients had to stand a cutting board up against the wall so they didn't burn the wall! We added a little counter to the right of the stove for safety,' she adds.
From there, storage and surface space became the real priority, maximizing usable space without creating a kitchen that felt crowded and imposing. The key? Smart storage solutions that were practical for day-to-day use, yet still allowed the design to feel considered and curated. And the process began before the renovation did.
The kitchen island in this kitchen might be small, but its function is mighty. It has been painted the same color as the cabinetry for visual cohesion.
'This kitchen was all about editing before we started the reno, and really looking at what was used daily. Real estate is at a premium in this tiny space, so each cupboard needed to have essentials only,' Cynthia explains. Once the edit was complete, she could start really focusing on smart storage that fit the things that needed to be stored in it.
'Drawers needed to be deep enough to stack pots and pans, and cupboards needed to be deep enough to fit plates. The coffee station was maxed out in terms of storage with the addition of a shelf inside and a bank of additional drawers underneath. Everything needed to do double duty, and some tough decisions were made when we edited!'
'I left the counter on the short run of the cabinetry clean, so there was more prep space for my clients who love to cook. It also allowed for large drawers for cutlery, pots, and pans. The coffee station was a must-have, and the tall cabinet with pocket doors is another balanced anchor to echo the refrigerator. All the upper cabinets are touch latch cabinets to be as clean as possible and not busy the kitchen,' Cynthia says.
But the portable kitchen island is the real star of the show, featuring a buffet counter, storage space, and prep counter, similar to this portable island from Wayfair. 'The addition of an island on lockable wheels makes all the difference in this new kitchen! It has open storage for visual appeal on one side, and the garbage and recycling pull out on the other side, which my clients didn't previously have! When they entertain, it is a great surface to use as a buffet, and they can always roll it out of the way for parties!'
2. A Cottage Kitchen That Blends Storage and Seating
The eat-in table doubles as a kitchen island, offering a dining nook and additional prep space in one space-saving feature.
A small cottage kitchen always has compact proportions to contend with. Sometimes the footprint is small, and in other kitchens, it's the low ceilings that cause a conundrum. But it was the former that made redesigning this small galley cottage kitchen a trickier process.
Owner Kevin Brost wanted the kitchen to be multifunctional and act as the real heart of the home, despite the space only measuring 13 by 9 feet in size. This included adding a seating area to make up for the lack of a dining room in the home. Needless to say, the room needed to work hard.
Throughout the space, storage has been prioritized. Along one wall of the kitchen is a full row of cabinets as well as the sink and stove. This ensures there is plenty of closed storage for essentials within easy reach. And while it may seem like an obvious choice to include wall cabinets, Kevin instead chose open shelving for an open, airy feel.
A closer look at the banquette storage seat shows even the smallest details have been considered, with deVOL's Heirloom Brass Georgian Swing Handles added to each drawer.
But it's the seating space on the opposite wall that proves a genius solution to Kevin's multi-purpose requirements for the kitchen. 'Our eat-in table and bench were born of necessity. The cottage is intimate and does not have a dining room – we have a great outdoor dining area, but cold and rain do come,' he explains.
'By using a counter-height table, we maximized a small space. The table doubles as a work station, and the drawers in the bench provide ample storage for less commonly used items. And the bench is a prime place for our young nieces, Claire and Anna, to park as we make them pancakes,' he adds.
Although banquette seating is no new invention, Kevin has really taken it to new heights in this design. Instead of the standard single drawer or hinged top, he integrated two rows of deep drawers below the seat, doubling the amount of storage you'd usually achieve from this approach.
The bar stools, similar to Rejuvenation's Randle Tractor Bar Stool, add even more seating, but because they easily slide beneath the table, they don't impede the walkway of the kitchen. It proves that a more customized approach really can make a difference to how effective your kitchen storage becomes.
3. A Compact Galley Kitchen With Floor to Ceiling Cabinets
The color palette in this kitchen ensures the space feels bright and warm, while glass details and glossy finishes help to bounce light.
When designing a galley kitchen, it's usually just the narrower proportions you have to contend with. But in this 1920s New York apartment, the kitchen is small in both directions, so a more intuitive design was required to ensure the scheme felt as elevated as the rest of the home, yet still offered enough storage.
'The kitchen was designed as an intimate but refined galley, balancing historic character and modern functionality,' recalls Dan Mazzarini, founder and creative director at Mazzarini & Co., who was tasked with redesigning the space.
When you're already low on surface space in a small galley kitchen, it might seem controversial to fill half of one side with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, but it's a decision that is key to the functionality of this scheme. It's the real workhorse when it comes to storage here, and painted white with glazed doors, it brightens and bounces light around the room. And it's not the only hardworking kitchen cabinetry in the design.
The large upper cabinets are just as important as the full-length ones for maximizing storage in a stylish way.
'Nestled inside a dark brown, lacquered alcove, the space features two-tone custom panel front cabinetry in rich mahogany paired with warm grey upper cabinets. Juxtaposed against the darker wood tone, this creates depth within the narrow footprint without overwhelming,' he explains.
'An extended Calacatta Arabescato marble countertop and backsplash offer continuity while nickel fixtures and oversized food pulls add a layer of shine,' he continues, noting a striking design feature which also helps to make a small kitchen look bigger.
Every inch of space has been maximized in this kitchen, from the full-length cabinetry at the far end to the upper cabinets that extend to the ceiling. But it's been done in a way that ensures the whole room still feels bright and open, filled with elevated materials that make the small kitchen look more luxurious.
'Overall, the space was created to feel streamlined enough for daily use, but with an intentional approach to craftsmanship and material richness.'
There are so many small kitchen storage ideas that don't require you to sacrifice your favorite design details, and these 3 spaces from the Homes & Gardens archives are all the proof you need. And if Cynthia Ferguson's design proves anything, the best colors for small kitchens reach far beyond neutrals, even in a tiny scheme.
