Space Saving Kitchen Hacks For Small Kitchens

Small kitchens are a common feature of rental properties, but they present a unique set of design challenges. From a lack of storage to dimmed light, a smaller kitchen can be off-putting to potential property investors or tenants.

The key is to focus on strategic updates that not only maximise your available square footage but also enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the room. The following tips and tricks will enhance a smaller kitchen and help you make the most of every square inch to bring in more tenants.

Create a Purpose for Underutilised Spaces

Even small kitchens have pockets of space that can be put to better use. For example, a corner cabinet can be custom-made to fit a space or you can utilise a short worktop space beneath cupboards for a coffee corner – "having a dedicated drink areas is a growing trend where coffee bars, teas, breakfast food, cups, bowls are all stored", explains bespoke kitchen specialists David Haugh. These creative solutions make great use of awkward areas that would otherwise go to waste.

Maybe you install a pull-out unit in deep corner cabinets so you can access the items inside more easily instead of wasting the valuable space. By thinking outside the box and embracing the unconventional, you can breathe new life into even the most challenging areas, creating a small kitchen that is both highly efficient and visually appealing.

Storage Hacks for Small Spaces

One of the biggest challenges in a small kitchen is finding adequate storage space to accommodate all your essential cooking and dining essentials. However, with a bit of creativity and clever thinking, you can maximise every nook and cranny to keep your space organised and clutter-free.

Start by evaluating your existing cabinets and drawers and look for opportunities to optimise their usage. Install pull-out shelves or organisers within your cabinets to access items with ease and consider adding vertical dividers to neatly compartmentalise your cookware, utensils and pantry goods. Additionally, utilise the insides of cabinet doors by mounting slim racks or hooks to store items like spices, lids or small tools.

Beyond your built-in storage, explore versatile solutions that can be easily integrated into your small kitchen. Wall-mounted racks or shelves are excellent for displaying and storing frequently used items, while freeing up valuable counter space. Opt for slender, stackable containers or jars to neatly organise your dry goods, and maximise vertical space with hanging racks for your pots and pans.

For an even more seamless and visually cohesive look, consider custom cabinets or built-in storage solutions that are tailored to the unique dimensions of your small kitchen. These specialised designs can help you make the most of every inch, cleverly incorporating features like pull-out drawers, hidden compartments, and integrated organisational systems.

Make Your Kitchen Surfaces Do Double Duty

Maximising space in a small kitchen requires ingenuity and creative thinking with areas of the room that might already be being used. One solution involves utilising the area over the sink by adding an affordable over-the-sink cover, which provides extra prep space that can be discreetly tucked away when not needed.

Another strategy involves transforming the narrow space between the fridge and the wall into a hidden storage gem with a DIY rolling pantry. This customisable solution is perfect for storing canned goods and other kitchen essentials, making use of otherwise wasted space.

Consider repurposing nearby nooks or closets in adjacent rooms for supplementary storage that's easily accessible but doesn't take up valuable room in the kitchen itself. You can convert a recessed niche or unused cupboard into a convenient storage space for kitchen tools or non-perishable items. Conceal the area with a curtain to maintain a cohesive look while keeping stored items out of sight when not in use. By implementing these clever double-duty solutions, even the smallest kitchen can be optimised for efficiency and organisation without the need for costly renovations.

Opt for Slim-Line Appliances

In addition to optimising your storage, incorporating space-saving kitchen appliances can be a game-changer in a compact cooking environment. Today's market offers a wide array of slim-line, space-conscious options that provide the same functionality as their full-size counterparts, without overwhelming your limited square footage. Look for compact refrigerators, slender dishwashers and downsized ovens that can be seamlessly integrated into your kitchen design.

These space-saving appliances not only free up valuable space in your kitchen but also contribute to a clean, cohesive aesthetic that is sure to appeal to potential tenants. When outfitting a small kitchen, be mindful of selecting appliances that offer the perfect balance of practicality and style, ensuring that every element within the space works harmoniously to create the illusion of a larger, more inviting cooking environment.

Multifunctional Kitchen Islands

For small kitchens that lack sufficient counter space and storage, a strategically placed kitchen island can be a game-changing addition. The key is to find an innovative, right-sized solution that maximises utility without overwhelming the available floor plan – bonus points if it can be moved with ease to free up floor space when it's not in use.

This mobile design allows you to reap the benefits of a built-in workspace, with the added flexibility to roll the unit out of the way during clean-up or when entertaining. Simply push the island aside to open up the flow of traffic and create a more spacious, unencumbered environment.

Look for compact island designs that strike the perfect balance between functionality and footprint. Opting for slimmer profiles and lower heights to ensure the island doesn't dominate the room. These streamlined islands can provide valuable extra prep space, as well as additional storage through the incorporation of hooks, bins and other clever add-ons.

When it comes to small kitchens, maximising every portion of available space while creating a visually appealing and functional environment is the ultimate goal. By embracing the latest colour trends, finishes and accents, you can breathe new life into even the most compact cooking spaces.

Image is from a townhouse in Cardiff on sale at Emoov May 2025. For the full listing, please click here.