Alright. Got a small kitchen? Bit tight on space? Doesn't mean you've got to live with something that's awkward or hard to use. Loads of people do fine with less room. Some of the most practical kitchens I've worked in weren't big at all.
Truth is, if you plan it right, it can actually work better than a massive one.
You just need to stop wasting space, keep the design simple, and avoid clutter that builds up fast. Here's what's worked in places I've lived, fitted out, or helped sort.
That Corner You Avoid? Use It Properly
You know that awkward corner cupboard that everyone hates? It's not useless — it's just badly set up.
Stick in one of those shelves that spin or swing out and boom, you've actually got usable storage. Pans, baking trays, tall bottles — all sorted. You're not digging through the back anymore.
And the narrow gap between units? Don't leave it empty. Stick a pull-out in there. It's perfect for oils, vinegar, spice jars. Even just tea towels.
It's the little fixes like this that start adding up.
Light Colours Help. No Need to Overthink It.
White's obvious, yeah — but not everyone wants an all-white kitchen. Fair enough.
Soft greys, pale stone shades, light pastels — all work. They bounce light around and stop the space from feeling boxed in.
If you like bold colour, don't go mad with it. Use it on small stuff: handles, a few tiles, kettle, mugs. That's more than enough to break things up.
The big stuff — walls, cupboards — keep those bright and simple.
Got a Window? Let It Do Its Job
Biggest mistake? Blocking out natural light.
Bin the heavy curtains. Roller blinds or light fabric do the trick without making it dark. If the room's facing north or doesn't get much daylight anyway, just fake it. Under-cabinet lighting or spots above the hob help lift shadows and brighten things up.
Light makes a cramped space feel bigger. Simple.
Open Shelves (If You Can Keep Them Tidy)
Wall cupboards everywhere? Makes the kitchen feel like a cave.
Open shelves give the walls a break. Plus, you can see where stuff is. Great for mugs, jars, cereal bowls — anything you grab often. Just don't overload them or they'll make things look worse.
Keep it neat or don't bother.
Storage That's Actually Useful
If your kitchen's small, then what you do with cupboards and drawers matters a lot.
Deep drawers work better than standard base units. Pull them out — you see everything at once. No crouching, no digging.
Wall hooks are great for pans. Magnetic strips? Perfect for knives. Inside cupboard doors? Use them too. Hang bin bags, store cling film, keep the junk drawer under control.
You don't need more room — you just need better use of it.
Appliances That Don't Eat the Whole Room
This one's simple. Full-size oven, big fridge, giant dishwasher... they don't always fit — or make sense.
Slimline dishwasher? Get one. Oven with built-in grill? Save space. Fridge behind a cabinet door? Makes everything look tidier.
And if you've got an appliance that does two jobs, even better. Microwave with a grill or oven that steams — bang, done.
No need for three separate machines doing half a job each.
Layout — Don't Overcomplicate It
One wall? That's fine. Works in narrow kitchens. Just line everything up and keep it tight.
L-shape? Bit more flexible. You can squeeze in a table, a stool, or just more cupboard space. Whatever works.
Just remember the triangle rule — cooker, sink, fridge. If they're all miles apart, it's a pain to cook.
Keep them close. Keep it simple.
A Bit of Glass Goes a Long Way
Glass = more light, less bulk.
Cupboard doors with clear panels open things up visually. You don't even notice, but it breaks up solid blocks. Glass splashbacks reflect light and they're dead easy to clean.
Even a little glass-topped table, if you've got space for one, helps. Looks lighter. Feels lighter.
Clear the Worktops (Really)
If your counters are full, your kitchen feels even smaller. Fact.
Toaster, kettle — sure. Anything else? Find a drawer for it. Keep what you use daily out. Put the rest away.
You'll be surprised how much calmer it feels just from clearing the sides.
Quick Wrap-Up
You don't need a massive kitchen to have one that works. What matters is how you use it. Get your storage sorted. Keep the colours light. Pick the right layout and don't over-clutter.
That's really it.
Make the best of what you've got — and it'll feel bigger than it is.
Looking for Horley Kitchen Designers who know what they're doing with tight spaces?
That's where we come in.
Whether you're in a flat, terrace, or anything in between, we've built kitchens that make the most of what's there — no waffle, no silly ideas. Just smart designs that work for your life.
Pop in, visit our website https://www.raffles-redhill.co.uk/kitchens-horley/, or send over what you've got to work with. We'll help you sort a kitchen that actually fits.
