20+ Simple Small Kitchen Design Ideas That Will Take Your Breath Away

Simple, small kitchen design ideas seem to be the newest trend, not to mention the way forward, considering shrinking apartment sizes. But smaller kitchens are also an opportunity to innovate in design. We have put together a list of simple designs for kitchens with less space keeping storage and aesthetics in mind. You can go bold or neutral in colour choices, but we’ve got your back with the storage options. Take a look at this spectacular collection of small kitchenette design ideas we have for you.

Small kitchen design #1: When in doubt, go for white

They say white is a great pick from the list of simple small kitchen design ideas to make small spaces appear more spacious, especially when there isn’t much natural light. You can get all-white cabinets with an Aztec-patterned backsplash in black-and-white to make the kitchen pop!

Small kitchen design #2: U-shaped design for the win

When there’s a shortage of space, U-shaped kitchens are an excellent design to make the most of your kitchen space. This simple small kitchen design with wooden laminated cabinets at the top, white modular cabinets at the bottom, and a floral backsplash brings a warm welcoming energy into the space. An absolute keeper in the books of contemporary small kitchen ideas.

Small kitchen design #3: Blue and white take the crown

Another stunning design in white, accompanied by a blue wall and printed tiles for a beautiful finish. This kitchen is perfect for singles and young couples who are constantly on the move! Bookmark this contemporary small kitchen idea for inspiration.

Also Read: The 9 Best Kitchen Designs by Livspace Across all Budgets

Small kitchen design #4: Don’t hold back on the colour

If neutral shades are too passé for you, mix them with a pop of colour for a stunning contrast. This tangerine and black kitchen is equipped with enough storage to handle all your culinary needs. Make sure to add this to your list of small space, simple kitchen design ideas for your next kitchen makeover.

Small kitchen design #5: Not so mellow with yellow

Who says simple small kitchen designs have to be dull? When you have enough natural light, you can experiment with bold colours like this sunny yellow! Use this kitchen colour combination to soften the look and create a visually appealing space when in doubt.

Small kitchen design #6: Conventional and classy

This is for those who have a rather conventional taste but want the best of finishes and fixtures. Simple, small modular kitchens can really work for you if you know how to manage the space with all the accessories available in the market these days. Or ask our designers!

Small kitchen design #7: Small and compact

Small kitchens and kitchenettes are preferred for rental places and service apartments. This design is easy to maintain and the marriage of neutral shades with warm wooden tones goes with any interior style.

Small kitchen design #8: Elegance gets a new meaning

What an incredible new combination of colours – denim suedette and champagne tones come together like bread and butter! The soft hues of the colours bring forth a sense of elegance and refinement.

Small kitchen design #9: Go bold with purple

Again, if a pop of colour is what you prefer, go for this combination. The pop of purple stands out as the focal point here. This contemporary small kitchen idea is delightful and easy to handle as well.

Small kitchen design #10: Colour me charming

We love how the floorboard designs have extended to the kitchen cabinets, imparting a rustic and sophisticated look to the kitchen space. The veined kitchen countertops, that are reigning supreme this year, blend beautifully with the wooden laminates and white cabinets. It’s definitely worth holding onto this small size kitchen design idea.

Small kitchen design #11: Stay classy with glossy

This cosy all-white kitchen design with glossy cabinets and mosaic backsplash is what dreams are made of. This small modular kitchen design allows you to get playful with colours. Use earthy-coloured containers and bring in plants to add a natural touch.

Small kitchen design #12: Let the backsplash steal the show

The grey tends to cool down interiors and is a great addition to the books of contemporary small kitchen ideas. The backsplash is the highlight here, making the kitchen look very pretty.

Small kitchen design #13: On trend with blue

According to the latest trends, the colour blue is expected to be widely embraced in 2024. The design palette is a beautiful harmony of enchanting hues. The blue cabinets with black handles and countertop make a bold statement, while the whites bring in a serene sophistication. The patterned blue and white backsplash paints a Mediterranean look to the kitchen space. With ample closed storage units, there’s plenty of countertop space for cooking.

Also Read: Interior Design Trends 2024 Decoded by a Livspace Designer

Small kitchen design #14: Who doesn’t love a breakfast counter?

If the kitchen is small but you have a little space to spare, make the most of it by adding a breakfast counter! It doesn’t just add charm to the kitchen space, but also provides extra dining space when you have guests over. This is a beautiful small modular kitchen design in blue and white.

Small kitchen design #15: L-shaped design saves you space

An L-shaped kitchen design is another great way to maximise your kitchen space. The union of off-white with wooden laminates is a timeless design that is sure to elevate your culinary adventures.

Small kitchen design #16: Touch of green

Nothing like a bit of biophilia in your kitchen to make it an inviting and warm space. We love how the homeowners have incorporated various elements to turn their simple and small kitchen design into an interior masterpiece. This small kitchenette design idea incorporates a dazzling patterned backsplash and countertop, and a pastel wall that matches the cabinet handles in an all-white canvas. 

Also Read: Bringing Nature Indoors: The Benefits of Biophilic Design in Office Spaces

Small kitchen design #17: Whispers of elegance

This kitchen with patterned dado tiles, dark wooden laminates, white colours and touches of gold is a sure way to mesmerise you and your guests. The fluted shutters and pendant lights further enhance the beauty of this kitchen. Additionally, the kitchen holds tall storage units to stow away all your kitchen essentials.

Small kitchen design #18: Get funky with colours

Bring in a fun vibe to the kitchen with a colourful backsplash and hood. The L-shaped design enables you to maximise your space and the white colours make the kitchen look spacious. A wicker basket is a great way to store fresh produce and add a charming element to the kitchen. 

Also Read: The Greatest Cost Guide to Kitchen Designs for Small Kitchens Under 100 Sq. Ft.

Small kitchen design #19: Parallel kitchens are here to stay

Parallel kitchen designs are another great way to maximise your kitchen space. They provide a clean look while providing you with additional countertop space. The blue cabinets, white countertop and black frames create a visually striking aesthetic that exudes elegance and timelessness.

Small kitchen design #20: You can never go wrong with grey and white

This L-shaped compact kitchen design is great for small families. The grey and white combination is a beautiful design which is completed with spacious cabinets, loft units and wicker baskets. We are obsessed with the white dado tile in herringbone pattern.

Small kitchen design #21: Chic design, abundant storage

The grey and white colour combination gives class and panache to the kitchen space. This kitchen design is also equipped with plenty of storage space to stock your ingredients and other supplies.

Since compact kitchens are the next best thing, learn about how to make them work with compact kitchen design ideas.

Small kitchen decor ideas

Decorative fan

Decorative fans are absolute game-changers for kitchen decor ideas – they’re like having a personal breeze machine that actually looks gorgeous! While you’re busy sorting out kitchen cabinets for small kitchen spaces, don’t forget to look up. A stylish ceiling fan pulls double duty, keeping things cool when you’re cooking up a storm and adding serious visual appeal to your small kitchenette ideas. 

Whether you go for sleek copper blades or rustic wood designs, these spinning beauties make your space feel larger by drawing the eye upward. Plus, many come with integrated lighting – because nothing says clever small kitchen design like getting two brilliant functions from one fabulous fixture!

Make your backsplash do all the talking

Backsplashes are back! To be completely fair, though, because they never left. Forget plain white tiles that blend into the background. Think geometric patterns that make your eyes dance, or hand-painted tiles that tell a proper story. The best part about kitchen decor ideas? Every square inch counts, so your backsplash becomes the main event rather than an afterthought. Whether you’re working with existing kitchen cabinets for small kitchen spaces or planning a complete makeover, a funky backsplash can tie everything together beautifully. 

From Moroccan-inspired to cheeky subway tiles laid in herringbone patterns, your small kitchenette ideas just got a serious style upgrade. And here’s the clever bit – bold backsplash designs actually make kitchens feel more spacious by creating a focal point that draws attention away from the compact footprint!

Kitchen cabinet decor ideas

Open shelves

Time to give those kitchen cabinets for small kitchen spaces a proper glow-up! Swap out boring handles for statement hardware that screams personality – think brass pulls or matte black drama that instantly elevates your small kitchen decor ideas. But here’s the real game-changer: open shelving! 

Ditch a few upper cabinet doors and watch your tiny kitchen ideas transform completely. Your small kitchenette ideas suddenly feel twice as spacious when you display pretty dishes and colourful bowls instead of hiding everything away. The trick with small kitchen design is making everything work harder, and open shelves are brilliant multitaskers – they’re storage, decor, and optical illusions all rolled into one!

Modular solutions for your cabinets

Say hello to the superheroes of small kitchen design – modular cabinets! These clever little units are like playing grown-up Lego with your tiny kitchen ideas. Mix, match, stack, and rearrange until your heart’s content because modular systems adapt to your space rather than the other way around. Got an awkward corner that standard kitchen cabinets for small kitchen spaces can’t handle? Pop in a triangular module! Need extra height? Stack ’em up like building blocks. 

The beauty of modular cabinet decor is that you can start small and add pieces as your budget (and enthusiasm) grows. Plus, they’re brilliant for renters who want stylish small kitchen decor ideas without permanently altering anything – just take your modular masterpiece with you when you move!

Cabinets in farmhouse decor

Ready to bring proper countryside vibes to your tiny kitchen ideas? Farmhouse style cabinets are absolute magic for small kitchen design – they make even the tiniest spaces feel like cosy country cottages! Think creamy blues, sage greens, and that perfectly imperfect distressed finish that whispers “I’ve got stories to tell.” The brilliant thing about farmhouse cabinet decor is how it tricks the eye – those chunky wooden frames and beadboard panels actually make kitchen cabinets for small kitchen spaces feel more substantial without being overwhelming. 

The best part? Farmhouse style loves a bit of organised chaos, so your small kitchen decor ideas can include open shelves displaying mismatched crockery, hanging baskets, and all those lovely imperfections that make a space feel properly lived-in rather than showroom sterile!

How can Livspace help you?

We hope you have been inspired by these beautiful kitchen designs for small spaces! Our team of seasoned and creative designers is ready to collaborate with you to bring your vision to life.

• Our expert team can custom design your dream home with curated render designs and expert advice
• Livspace kitchens are built with DuraBuild Cabinets, AntiBubble Technology and more!
• We have delivered over 75,000+ happy homes
• We promise high-quality and durable materials

If you want beautiful interiors for your home, then look no further. Book an online consultation with Livspace today.

Disclaimer: All contents of the story are specific to the time of publication. Mentions of costs, budget, materials, finishes, and products from the Livspace catalogue can vary with reference to current rates. Talk to our designer for more details on pricing and availability.