How Do I Maximise Space in a Small Kitchen Without Remodelling?

How Do I Maximise Space in a Small Kitchen Without Remodelling?

How Do I Maximise Space in a Small Kitchen

Whether you're working with a cosy galley kitchen or a compact corner space, trying to make everything fit—and still function well—can be a daily struggle. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a full renovation to turn a cramped kitchen into a clever, space-smart haven.

With a few layout tweaks, smart storage additions, and a touch of creativity, your small kitchen can feel bigger, brighter, and a lot more enjoyable to cook in. And the best part? Everything you need to make it happen can be found in-store or online at Colour Supplies. 

1. Make the Most of Vertical Space

One of the most underused areas in small kitchens is the wall space. Going up instead of out is a simple way to gain storage and free up counter space.

Try these vertical storage tricks:

• Install open shelves to store jars, spices, or crockery you use often.
• Use magnetic strips to hang knives or spice tins.
• Add hooks or a pegboard for utensils, pans, or even mugs.
• Hang baskets or wire racks on the inside of cabinet doors for cleaning supplies or foil.

You’ll find wall hooks, racks, shelving brackets and magnetic storage strips at Colour Supplies—perfect for maximising every inch.

2. Choose Furniture That Doubles as Storage

In a small kitchen, everything needs to earn its keep—including your furniture. Look for pieces that offer hidden storage or flexible use.

Space-saving furniture ideas:

• A freestanding kitchen trolley with shelves or drawers underneath.
• Fold-out tables or breakfast bars that tuck away when not in use.
• Benches with lift-up seats for extra storage.
• Slimline larders or tall cabinets that use height over floor space.

When you are limited in how much space you have, the furniture you buy needs to be functional, not just aesthetically pleasing. This will help with making sure your kitchen doesn't look or feel clustered. 

3. Edit, Organise, and Decant

It’s easy for small kitchens to feel cluttered. A big part of gaining space is making sure you’re only storing what you actually use—and keeping it well-organised.

Start by:

• Decluttering anything you haven’t used in the past year.
• Grouping similar items together (baking supplies, tins, sauces).
• Decanting dry goods into clear jars or labelled containers.
• Using drawer organisers, shelf risers and tiered spice racks.

4. Use Colour and Light to Your Advantage

Design tricks can help your kitchen feel bigger, even if the floorplan hasn’t changed at all. The placement of furniture, lighting, and more can make a huge difference in how a kitchen is perceived. 

Visual space-enhancing tips:

• Use light, neutral colours to reflect natural light and open up the room.
• Add under-cabinet lighting to brighten worktops and remove shadows.
• Keep window sills clear to allow in maximum daylight.
• Use mirrors or glass splashbacks to bounce light around the room.

5. Add Clever Add-Ons (That Don’t Require Drills)

Not every improvement needs a toolbox. Some of the best kitchen space-savers are add-ons that take just minutes to set up.

Quick and easy ideas:

• Stick-on hooks inside cabinets or under shelves.
• Over-the-door organisers for cleaning supplies or bin bags.
• Stackable storage baskets for fresh produce or snacks.
• A slim rolling cart that fits between appliances or beside the fridge.

Inside hooks on a cabinet door is something that helped me personally out a lot, it's much easier to find what I need as my cabinet space is less cluttered. 

6. Reconfigure What You Already Have

Sometimes, the answer isn’t adding more—but rearranging what you already own. Take an hour or two to rethink your current layout. 

Ask yourself:

• Are the things you use most stored within easy reach?
• Are your drawers overflowing while upper shelves sit half-empty?
• Could you group items differently to open up new cupboard space?
• Are any appliances taking up room on the worktop that could be moved?

And with this final tip we wrap up our How Do I Maximise Space in a Small Kitchen guide. Hopefully this article has helped you understand how you can find ways to maximise and make the most use out of the space you have in your kitchen.