Small Kitchens Ideas

Thick Ledge

While our 2017 Kitchen of the Year did not skimp on space, San Francisco designer Jon de la Cruz used plenty of efficient tricks to max out the room. The chunky 11/4-inch-thick Caesarstone counter extends up the wall to the base of the window, making a spot to get a soap dispenser (or wine glass).

Sculptural Island

A small-scale sculptural island places an adventurous tone for this particular 400-square-foot Brooklyn apartment made by Fitzhugh Karol and Lyndsay Caleo of this The Brooklyn Home Company. Brancusi would have enjoyed this island, made from oak plus a hand-carved cherry log painted white, tv wall mounting.

Folding Doors

In Bill Brockschmidt's 640-square-foot flat, the kitchen is located in the entry hall and camouflaged from the living area. "Building folding doors enabled us to change the entry into a mini-gallery when we amuse," Brockschmidt says. "We can even close off the dining room from the kitchen with pocket doors, in order that after guests have arrived, we can open up the kitchen for cooking."

Wicker Furniture

A custom Holland & Company farm table in a Georgetown rowhouse does double-duty as a dinner spot and work surface, while paneled appliances seamlessly blend in with the cabinetry in Benjamin Moore's White Dove. The real illusion comes from Mainly Baskets in the form of seats that are woven. Designer Sarah Bartholomew went to tie the room to the backyard that was adjoining.

Rolling Ladder

Adding additional storage up top is a good idea, if you're able to reach, that's. Katie Ridder installed a rolling ladder (just like the library!) Within this great kitchen to get ceiling-height cabinets.

Stovetop Shelf

To enlarge a tiny kitchen in his San Francisco apartment, designer Scot Meacham Wood added extra shelves. The cabinetry is located in Ralph Lauren Paint's Interior Semigloss in Scuba Black. The curtains are a Christopher Hyland plaid.