How to design a modern small kitchen: making the most of space without giving up on style
Even when space is limited, the kitchen is filled with stories, flavors, and deep connections. Every small kitchen hides untapped potential—an architectural challenge that invites us to rethink the very essence of living. Carefully selected materials, smart layouts, and a thoughtfully chosen color palette are the tools used to shape a space that reflects the identity of those who inhabit it. The goal is not to adapt to the space, but to reinvent it according to real, everyday needs.
In this guide, you'll find what to consider when designing a modern small kitchen that blends practicality and beauty without compromise. From structural decisions to lighting, every element becomes a building block for creating a refined and elegant living experience.
Table of contents
Even a small kitchen can be stylish
In a small kitchen, every centimeter is an opportunity to explore innovative solutions where aesthetics and smart planning come together. Design is not reserved for spacious rooms—it is a mindset that transforms constraints into opportunities, whether in compact open-plan spaces or enclosed rooms.
A modern style can be achieved through custom solutions that adapt the kitchen to irregular niches or corners, even when space seems insufficient. This is made possible by sliding doors and suspended wall units that make use of vertical space and create a visually harmonious rhythm. Appliances, chosen for their size and performance, are integrated into a cohesive layout that preserves the visual flow.
But the real added value lies in the emotion that a well-designed space can evoke. A small kitchen, when cared for in every detail, encourages slowing down and enjoying daily rituals. A domestic space can become the protagonist—even when compact—especially when it’s designed to hold both beauty and function.
Choosing the right layout
The layout of a small kitchen is a strategic decision that balances practical needs with visual vision. For example, a linear setup is ideal for long and narrow spaces. Arranging cabinetry along a single wall creates visual continuity, enhanced by tall units that make the most of the ceiling height.
If space allows, a compact island can add a useful work surface without compromising movement. The key is to keep proportions modest. An island 60–90 cm wide can become a dynamic focal point. Alternatively, a peninsula anchored to a wall can serve as a prep space or a quick meal counter, possibly including lower-level storage.
Where two or more walls define the perimeter, corner layouts make use of the wall structure with pull-out cabinets or rotating shelves. These solutions combine practicality with elegance: soft-close mechanisms and metal guides ensure smooth movement, while coordinated finishes tie the space together visually.
Multi-purpose and essential appliances
In a small kitchen, appliances must combine compact size with high performance. Combination ovens or cooktops with integrated extractor hoods are great examples of how technology can save space without compromising functionality.
Appliances must also match a specific lifestyle. Those who enjoy experimenting in the kitchen might choose a multi-function blast chiller, while people who value speed might prefer a microwave oven with steam cooking options. The key is to avoid anything superfluous: wherever possible, appliances should have multiple uses, contributing to visual order and efficiency.
Custom finishes—like colored front panels or metal handles—allow even technical elements to become part of a cohesive aesthetic, proving that function and beauty can coexist.
Expanding space with light
Light is a vital ally in small kitchens. A well-designed lighting system enhances the depth of the kitchen, making it appear more spacious and welcoming. Adjustable spotlights and built-in lights in ceilings and under-cabinet shelves illuminate work areas without clutter. LED strips under shelves or along base cabinets create a floating effect and visually stretch the boundaries of the room.
Lighting must also adapt to different times of day: pendant lights and dimmable lamps allow for customizable intensity—bright light for cooking, warm tones for intimate dinners.
Natural light should never be underestimated. Strategically placed mirrors and reflective surfaces amplify sunlight, creating a connection between indoors and outdoors. This approach is common in interior design, where light is not only functional but also an integral part of the home’s aesthetic.
Vertical space and opening systems
Maximizing height is a golden rule in designing small kitchens. Vertical lines—created by tall shelving units, columns, or decorative wall features like tiling—draw the eye upward and enhance the perception of height. In practical terms, this translates to wall cabinets that reach the ceiling, eliminating unused space above traditional units.
Opening systems also play a crucial role in optimizing space. Folding doors are ideal for tight spaces, while features like rotating spice columns or tool racks transform corners into efficient organizers. Integrated ladders or pull-out multi-level shelves can ease access to higher areas, making the most of rarely used space.
These solutions combine ingenuity and elegance. Finishes like tempered glass or light-colored materials add visual lightness and expand spatial perception, showing that functionality doesn't need to come at the cost of style.
Storage systems
In a small kitchen, organization is an essential art that ensures you have all the storage space you need. The goal is not to hide things away, but to give them value. A shelf for breakfast items or a rod to hang copper pans proves that order can also be decorative.
The pantry is a highly desirable element, thanks to its ability to elegantly contain a variety of items. Vertical retractable units and track-mounted systems make previously inaccessible spaces usable, without adding visual clutter. Pull-out drawers with modular dividers increase compartment capacity and add convenience to everyday tasks. Even tricky corners become functional with rotating trays or fan-shaped shelving.
These mechanisms are precise and silent, designed for smooth, long-lasting use. Even the backs of cabinet doors can be functional, with magnetic hooks for cutting boards or ladles. The modularity of these systems allows for complete customization, adapting to your daily needs.
Concealed kitchens and mini-kitchens
When space is extremely limited, concealed kitchens are a highly effective solution. Folding modules, sliding (or bi-fold) doors, and pull-out surfaces allow the working area to disappear when not in use, maintaining a clean and elegant space. These kitchens are ideal for transforming a small apartment, loft, or hotel suite into a sophisticated living area with a simple gesture.
Mini-kitchens combine all zones—worktop, cooktop, sink, and storage—into a single compact module that harmonizes with the surrounding décor. Despite their size, these formats don’t compromise on personality: bold color choices or marble finishes can concentrate beauty and function into a small, design-forward unit.
Both solutions embrace the qualities of minimalist style in a modern context: focusing on the essential without giving anything up. Drop-down worktops, slim built-in appliances, and flush-fitting doors allow kitchen functions to be neatly tucked away when not in use.
Color: expressing personality in just a few square meters
Color has a powerful emotional impact on spatial perception, influencing both how large a space feels and the atmosphere it creates. Light shades like snow white or sandy beige visually expand the room, offering a neutral, luminous foundation. To add depth, you can play with varying tones between walls and cabinetry, combining matte and glossy surfaces. Color accents, however, are essential to inject character.
A vivid palette can include natural, tactile tones such as basalt gray, olive green, or travertine pink, evoking landscapes or emotional impressions. An ultramarine island, sage green cabinets, or a terracotta wall can become focal points that tell the story of who lives there.
Color selection becomes a reflection of lifestyle, conveying personality in a meaningful way. What matters most is that the palette harmonizes with all other elements, transforming the kitchen into a true extension of the home’s identity.
Conclusion: designing beyond dimensions
Designing a small kitchen is an exercise in creativity and self-awareness. Every decision—from layout to lighting tone—must respond to real needs, without sacrificing the beauty of Italian design. Whether you choose a linear setup or a multi-wall configuration, the goal remains the same: to shape a space that reflects who you are.
There are no universal rules, only guiding principles to help you create a kitchen that’s truly your own. A small kitchen, when thoughtfully designed, becomes the beating heart of a home that celebrates authentic living—where every gesture holds meaning.
To design your kitchen, book an appointment at a Berloni Atelier. Together, we’ll turn a small kitchen into something extraordinary—uniting genuine beauty, uncompromising functionality, and truly bespoke design.
Explore the Berloni Catalogue and find out how to create your kitchen.
