12 space saving hacks for small kitchens
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12 space saving hacks for small kitchens

Maximise your space with these small kitchen ideas.

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Published: May 3, 2025 at 4:00 pm

12 space saving hacks for small kitchens

The kitchen is the heart of the home – where we cook delicious meals, argue over who’s doing the dishes, and brew that all-important first coffee of the day. So why wouldn’t we want it to be a space we love?

Even the smallest kitchens can be a joy, especially when you make the most of every inch. With these small kitchen ideas, you’ll discover expert tips and clever tricks to help you make the most of your space.

12 small kitchen ideas that will maximise your space

1. Floor-to-ceiling cupboards

An open plan kitchen with white cupboards

If you have an open plan kitchen, there are lots of ways to utilise your space. Having floor-to-ceiling cupboards can give you so much storage space, and incorporating your oven into the cupboard housing makes it feel out of the way.

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2. Choose a light colour

A stylish, compact, country chic style small kitchen ideas. The counter tops are arranged neatly with appliances, such as an electric mixer and a toaster.
Credit: Getty

Since you’re working with a small space, you will want to let in as much light as possible. Opting for a light colour for your cupboards and surfaces can assist in this.

3.  Add open shelving

A small blue kitchen with floating shelves
Credit: Getty

Floating shelves can add character to your space and give it a farmhouse feel. It also adds extra space to store things like jars, spices and cookbooks.

4. Add pantry drawers

Adding pantry drawers

Having spices and pantry items out on the kitchen surfaces can take up valuable space. A pantry drawer is an easy solution to neatly tidy away all your commonly used items.

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5. Opt for a single bowl sink

A small kitchen idea is to have a single bowl sink

To save space, a single bowl sink is ideal. Keep it on-trend with this option from B&Q.

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6. Add a hot water tap

Hot water tap in small kitchen

Save space with dual-purpose appliances. A hot water tap will save worktop space as you won’t need a kettle or a water filter (plus, they look stylish). 

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7. Low and light blinds

A roller blind in a farmhouse style kitchen
Credit: Hillarys

Letting in as much light as possible is key to creating a light and airy space. If you want privacy in the evening, blinds are a great option.

“Roller blinds are an excellent choice for small kitchens. They take up virtually no space, allow maximum light in when open, and are easy to keep clean,” says Victoria Robinson, style and trend expert at Hillarys.

8. Folding furniture

folding furniture is a good small kitchen addition to save space. A white foldaway table in a small kitchen

A foldaway table will help you save valuable space. When it’s not in use, the chairs can be neatly folded away under the table. The surface, once folded, can also give you some extra surface space.

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9. Magnetic knife block

knife block on wall

Keep knives out of the way and off your kitchen surfaces with a magnetic knife rack. It fixes to your wall or the inside of a cupboard door to keep everything neat and tidy.

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10. Wall-mounted wine rack

wine rack in farmhouse kitchen

If you have unused wall space, a wine rack is the perfect addition. This one also keeps glasses out of the cupboard, freeing up space.

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11. Kitchen hooks

A light wall with bacl hooks in a small kitchen

It might seem simple, but hooks can be a brilliant and cost-effective way to save space. 

Al Bruce, Founder of Olive & Barr, tells us: “You can hang them anywhere to store anything. They can turn your apron collection into textured wall art, your chopping boards into wooden focal points, and your backsplash into an untapped storage spot, all while freeing up some other space too.”

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12. Plate organiser for cupboards

plate rack with red plates stacked

A plate organiser is a great addition to your cupboard, keeping everything neat and stopping your plates from getting chipped or  toppling out every time you reach for one.

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Small kitchen ideas to make the most of your space

Small can be mighty! And a few clever tricks can help you elevate your kitchen to something you can fall in love with.

Expert tips to elevate a small living room

If you’ve got a cosy home, making the most of every inch matters – and it’s not just about the kitchen. Check out our top tips for decorating a small living room.

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