When your kitchen footprint is small, every centimetre counts. Whether you’re working with a narrow galley in a Victorian terrace or a compact apartment kitchen, the goal is the same: a space that feels calm, clever and genuinely enjoyable to cook in.
At Rehome, we see firsthand how well-planned ex-display and preloved kitchens can completely transform smaller homes. To dig deeper into what really works in compact spaces, we asked interior designers, flooring specialists, organisers and home-improvement experts from around the world to share their best advice.
Here’s how to design a compact kitchen that works beautifully now and for years to come.
The future of compact kitchens: smarter, not bigger
Yeung Jun, Marketing Lead at HERA Bathroom, has overseen upgrades for more than 18,000 compact HDB kitchens, so he’s seen every space-saving trick there is. His favourite idea: a 2-in-1 sink and chopping board, where a bamboo board slides neatly over the sink to create instant extra worktop space, with “zero install” and a quick drop-in swap.
He says:
“2-in-1 sink + chopping board – slide the bamboo board over the sink – instant extra 0.4 m² counter. Zero install: drop-in, 60-sec swap.”
For Deepak Shukla, Founder of Pearl Lemon Properties, the biggest wins come from multi-functional design. He explains:
“For compact kitchens, the biggest wins come from multi-functional design. Think fold-out counters, integrated storage, and lighting that layers depth instead of space. It’s not about having more, it’s about designing smarter.”
Architect-turned-interior designer Anh Ly, founder of Mim Concept, agrees that compact kitchens are moving away from the idea of compromise. She advises:
“Go white: We need our homes to feel roomier, lighter, and brighter. … Paint your walls, shelves, floor, and cabinets white. Your kitchenware should also be predominantly white. … I’ve noticed that some of my clients with small kitchens use extra shelving above the kitchen door.”
Designer Stephen Posey of woodrouterguru.com calls it “intelligence in design”. He believes:
“The future of compact spaces lies in versatility. Every inch will have a purpose, with foldable countertops, hidden shelving, and magnetic wall storage leading the way. At the same time, soft colour palettes, reflective surfaces, and warm lighting will make even the tiniest spaces feel open and calm.”
Monica Lewis, President of J.S. Brown & Co., highlights how small kitchens are becoming multi-functional rooms:
“Making the kitchen a multi-function room. Thanks to cutting-edge hardware … We can now conceal entire kitchens behind sleek panels or movable walls. It’s the perfect blend of modern minimalism and everyday practicality, offering small spaces the same sophistication and flexibility as a luxury home.”
Shannon Taylor of Lakeland Furniture sees the trend clearly:
“For compact kitchens, design will focus on clever multifunctionality — think extendable breakfast bars, stackable seating, and modular cabinetry that adapts to changing needs. Light-reflective materials, open shelving, and slimline furniture pieces will help create the illusion of space, while well-placed task lighting enhances both aesthetics and practicality.”
Ismael Abedin Ingelmo, founder of DXMID, adds a lifestyle perspective:
“In two decades of designing urban apartments … people cook less but care more about quality, convenience, and health. … The priority now is compact smart storage, easy recycling, and separating organic waste elegantly within limited footprints. Small kitchens increasingly act as micro-labs of sustainability — natural daylight, visible healthy food, and intuitive layouts that support quick yet mindful living.”
Make every centimetre work harder
Storage isn’t just a line on a checklist; it’s the backbone of your design in a compact kitchen.
“Compact kitchens come in an array of shapes and sizes, and often homeowners are challenged with quirky-shaped rooms and odd proportions. Although such obstacles require extra thought and planning, they often result in a unique kitchen design with an abundance of personality.
“When in the planning stages, establish these elements and discuss with a designer how to make the most of them. It may be that alcoves could provide the perfect spot for the ultimate kitchen larder, or an unused corner could offer space for a dining nook flanked with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry.
“In small kitchens, storage space is often limited, so seek out opportunities to incorporate extra shelving and cabinetry wherever possible. Remember, cabinetry doesn’t have to look identical — glazed cabinets provide an opportunity to display your favourite glassware while offering a visual break in a run of solid-fronted doors.”
Al Bruce, Founder of Olive & Barr
Jake Fry, Founding Owner of Smallworks, specialises in optimising small homes. He outlines:
“In a small kitchen, the main objective is maximum use of space, with a conscious effort not to sacrifice style. Built-in storage is a great asset … Furniture that has multi-function use is very important … Vertical storage will help … the object is to create a kitchen space which will feel spacious and functional and yet be very handy, showy and effective in your taste.”
Storage specialist Minnie Claridge of theinteriordesignnook.co.uk reminds us:
“Not all kitchen storage is created equal. In a small kitchen, you have to maximise how much you can fit into each unit. … A cupboard with two shelves in it has a lot of wasted space, whereas four drawers take up the same space but store twice as much. My favourite bonus-storage tricks are plinth drawers and double-layer cutlery drawers.”
Professional organiser Christina Giaquinto of Modular Closets drills into the details:
“Invest in a plate organiser or a vertical plate stacker! … Use drawer dividers or adjustable plate holders to create designated spaces in your cabinets. … To save space and stack plates neatly, nest smaller plates on top of larger ones. … Install adhesive hooks or racks to hang lightweight plates … Maximise your vertical space by using wall-mounted shelves, pegboards, or tall cabinets … Choose multifunctional furniture like a foldable dining table, pull-out cutting board, or a kitchen island that has storage underneath.”
Yoni Asulin, Project Manager at ASL Remodeling, puts it bluntly:
“Look, for compact kitchens, the math is simple – vertical storage or wasted money. … Every single cabinet goes to the ceiling now … They gained 40% or more storage for £5,000 extra in materials and labour. … Corner drawers instead of lazy Susans save you about 30% of that dead corner space. And pull-out pantries in those skinny 6-inch gaps? I’m installing three of those a month now. … If your small kitchen renovation doesn’t include at least one ‘wow, that’s genius’ storage solution, you’re leaving money on the counter.”
Melissa Lunardron of ML Interior Design shares a similar philosophy:
“Small kitchens can still feel spacious and stylish: Maximise storage: Pull-out pantries, deep drawers, and hidden cupboards keep benches clear. Vertical storage: Make use of walls for hanging utensils, pans, or rail systems … Zone your space: Islands or benchtops can serve multiple purposes. Integrate your appliances: Built-in microwaves, dishwashers, and fridges create a seamless look and reduce visual clutter.”
Designer Daniela Alilovic (Spaces by Dee) adds the mindset shift:
“For small kitchens, the key is to eliminate unnecessary countertop items and any single-use tools … Small spaces can easily feel cluttered … Minimalism and smart organisation are key here.”
Light, colour and materials: make small feel spacious
Light and colour are some of the most powerful tools in a compact kitchen.
Anh Ly recommends:
“Go white: … Paint your walls, shelves, floor, and cabinets white. … Your kitchenware should also be predominantly white.”
Krystle Marie Nickels suggests:
“For small kitchens, my top tip is to embrace light, airy tones paired with open shelving and layered textures to make the space feel larger and more inviting without sacrificing character.”
Lorri Hicks Cazenave proposes a bold but practical angle:
“In smaller kitchens … intentionality and texture go a long way. … A single rail or ledge with curated essentials feels sculptural and efficient. … Compact spaces actually benefit from rich colour and tactile finishes — they make the room feel deliberate and designed, not like a compromise.”
On flooring, Ian Tomlinson (Chaunceys Timber Flooring) recommends:
“For a small kitchen I recommend opting for light-coloured wood flooring to make spaces appear brighter and more open … Use wide planks … herringbone or chevron patterns with a light finish … draw the eye across the floor and create the illusion of space.”
Adam Robertson (Urbane Living) adds:
“When designing a small kitchen extension, the key is to maximise light and create a sense of flow. … Opt for lighter tones such as pale oak or elm … If the kitchen forms part of an extension, it’s best to choose a continuous floor finish that runs seamlessly from the existing space into the new area … avoid visual breaks that can make the room feel smaller.”
From the tile and worktop perspective, Mike Head from Atlas Ceramics shares:
“For compact kitchens, vertical integration of backsplash materials creates perceived height and spaciousness. … Extending the same tile from counter to ceiling eliminates visual breaks … Large format tiles work better in small kitchens … because they create fewer grout lines, which reduces visual clutter … Light-reflective surfaces are crucial in compact kitchens with limited natural light.”
And Mike Bowman Technical Product Manager from Patio Productions advises:
“Materials used in kitchens can help to create the illusion of a larger space than they actually are. … Materials such as glass or polished quartz … reflect light creating the appearance of more space. … Thin materials for the countertops will also help to maintain the appearance of more space by reducing the ‘visual weight’ of the material.”
“Using layered lighting such as recessed LEDs, under-cabinet lighting, and one overhead pendant can remove the shadows that make a smaller kitchen appear claustrophobic. … Installing mirrors behind open shelving, or installing a pocket door that disappears into the wall can restore several square feet to the overall space. The ultimate goal is to maximise every inch of your kitchen to provide a sense of purpose and space, regardless of the actual size of your kitchen.”
Layout and hidden functionality
Storage and finishes are crucial, but the ‘invisible’ design decisions are just as important in a small kitchen.
Jason Rowe, Founder of Hello Electrical, sees a clear trend toward hidden functionality:
“Small spaces are being developed to more multi-functional areas, where there is an intention with each point and fitting of service. … In smaller kitchens … I suggest retractable power points in drawers, and vertical power tracks behind splashbacks. These allow for less bench space and more flexibility … Good electrical planning creates functional benefits more than furniture can.”
Shannon Taylor recommends:
“For compact kitchens … Extendable breakfast bars and stackable seating … and modular cabinetry that adapts as your needs change.”
Kate Conrad of Madison & Mayfair comments:
“With the average size of a UK kitchen shrinking, multifunctionality has never been more important. … Choose counter-depth appliances and under-counter refrigeration rather than large standalone appliances … Integrated appliances do mean less choice … but they allow a sleek finish and reduce visual clutter. … Use the full height with your cabinets and even consider ladder access. … Pick two or three complementing colours and textures … lots of different colours and finishes will make your small space seem noisy and cluttered.”
Cleanability: the small-kitchen sanity saver
In compact kitchens, anything that’s hard to clean becomes annoying very quickly.
Iryna Balaban of Elite Maids NY urges:
“The big lesson here is to have cleanability top of mind when designing your space. A black glossy faucet and open shelving might look lovely, but they’re also a cleaning nightmare … textured light stone counter surfaces and full-height cabinetry will save you so much time in the long run when it comes to cleaning.”
Minimalism helps here, too. The fewer redundant items you own – and the more intentional your storage – the easier it is to keep worktops clear and cleaning quick.
Putting it all together in a Rehome compact kitchen
So what does a well-designed compact kitchen actually look like?
Imagine a narrow UK galley kitchen that’s been reworked using a pre-loved ex-display set from Rehome:
- Tall cabinets run right up to the ceiling, with a mix of deep drawers, corner drawers and a slim pull-out pantry. Inside, plate organisers, dividers and clever inserts keep everything in its place.
- A light, continuous floor in pale oak-effect herringbone flows from the hallway into the kitchen, while large-format tiles rise from the worktop to ceiling behind the hob, adding height.
- Base cabinets are a calm mid-tone, with lighter uppers and a slim, softly polished stone worktop that reflects light without feeling shiny.
- A slim movable island or trolley provides extra prep and serving space and can be wheeled aside when guests arrive.
- Power sockets are tucked tidily into a vertical track behind the splashback and a retractable pod near the main prep zone.
- Lighting is layered: under-cabinet strips for chopping, a small pendant over the breakfast bar, and discreet recessed spots for general light.
- Everyday tools live on a single rail and compact shelf, curated and beautiful, with the remaining clutter hidden behind clean, handleless doors.
It’s not a huge kitchen, but it feels airy, efficient and designed with real care. Most importantly, it’s a space you’d actually enjoy spending time in.
If you’re planning your own compact kitchen, shopping pre-loved and ex-display ranges on Rehome is a smart way to get high-quality cabinetry, worktops and appliances at a fraction of the usual price. Use the expert ideas above as a checklist while you browse: look for vertical storage, multifunctional layouts, light-boosting materials and easy-clean finishes.
With the right design decisions, even the smallest kitchen can feel spacious, stylish and ready for whatever your life throws at it.