Decorating & Design
September 18, 2024
Step Aside Big Kitchens, These Tiny Spaces Do More With Less
It’s no surprise we love small spaces at House & Home — we even have an entire issue dedicated to them (order our 2024 September issue now!). “There’s something about the efficiency of a well-designed small space that’s so appealing,” says Emma Reddington, H&H’s Deputy Editor. “Everything is where you need it, and your movements and actions are minimized. It’s like a well-choreographed dance — so satisfying.” And when it comes to the heart of the home, that’s exactly how it should be. Everyday dishes within reach, sufficient space to prep food, easy access to baste the roast in the oven and plenty of hidden storage.
We checked in with five designers who maximized every inch of space in their clients’ petite kitchens — without sacrificing stylish, bold design. Scroll down for 5 hardworking spaces that do more with less!
A Character-filled Galley Kitchen
Kitchen Size: 104 Square Feet
Design: Justine Dunk
Although designer Justine Dunk had originally planned to remove the load-bearing wall between the kitchen and dining room in her clients’ Upper Beaches Victorian-era home, they decided on a revised galley kitchen layout due to budget constraints, and the desire to maintain the heritage home’s integrity. “The design is very much inspired by English country and Victorian interiors,” says Justine. “Shaker-style cabinetry, the farmhouse sink and unlacquered brass hardware add character, a sense of history and charm to this small space.”
“I think in a small space people are sometimes afraid of pattern or bold color choices, but when done correctly they can actually make a room feel larger — and they definitely add personality,” says Justine. While the original plan was to install classic black and white marble basketweave floors, they discovered a checkerboard tile pattern below the more recently installed linoleum and wanted to honor this original detail. The sage green cabinets in Farrow & Ball’s Calke Green are topped by honed black granite counters, and softened by Farrow & Ball’s Tailor Tack for the walls.
As for Justine’s #1 piece of advice for designing a petite kitchen: concealed storage and appliances. “We chose panel-ready appliances so that the millwork design could remain uninterrupted, creating the illusion of a larger space,” she says. The refrigerator, dishwasher, garbage/recycling station are all integrated into the cabinetry for a seamless look.
“The open shelf along the south wall allows some breathing room and creates a sense of lightness which is so important in a narrow room,” says Justine. A dedicated spot on the counter space serves as a coffee station for coffee and espresso makers, while glassware is housed above. “Having these dedicated areas also helps with the flow in a small space. People aren’t reaching over each other to grab the items they need.”
A Church-conversion Loft Kitchen
Kitchen Size: Approx. 105 Square Feet
Design: Studio Cajole
When designer Nicci Harrison of Studio Cajole was hired to reimagine her clients’ church-conversation loft, it was filled with builder-grade finishes and inefficient spaces. “The kitchen cabinets didn’t go to the ceiling, so were missing out on a lot of potential storage; it look stunted and cluttered.” The original kitchen also had a little peninsula that cut off the kitchen from the rest of the open dining room. “To remedy this we looked to European kitchens with the long galley style and a dining table floating in the middle. This made it feel much more open and inviting,” says Nicci.
To keep the kitchen feeling light and airy, Nicci chose white oak for the lower cabinets, with a mix of open and closed storage above. “In a small kitchen, try to leave one wall without upper cabinetry. Play with wall treatments like tile, wood paneling, wallpaper and even a pot rail or open shelf or two,” says Nicci.
“Going custom is the most efficient way to maximize every nook and cranny,” adds Nicci, who balanced the open shelf with lots of closed upper storage. A custom appliance garage hides everyday items and small appliances.
See more of this compact city home here.
A Moody Townhouse Kitchen
Kitchen Size: Approx. 85 Square Feet
Design: Studio 1NINE1
According to designer Emilia Wisniewski, when space is at a premium, an open kitchen layout can be transformative. “By removing non-essential walls or barriers, it creates a seamless flow between the kitchen and adjacent living areas. This not only makes the kitchen feel larger but also fosters better interaction and movement within your home,” she says. Emilia also believes that small spaces don’t need to be white and bright. For her client’s downtown Toronto townhouse kitchen, custom oak cabinets in a black stain are topped by dark quartzite countertops for a moody, “goth apothecary vibe.”
When in doubt, go custom. “Tailored solutions like integrated appliances, pull-out pantries, corner drawers, and cabinets that extend to the ceiling can dramatically increase storage capacity,” says Emilia. The designer also uses smart technology to maximize efficiency in small spaces. “From dishwasher drawers, to smart refrigerators that can manage your grocery list to induction cooktops that save space and energy, integrating technology can enhance both the functionality and aesthetic of your kitchen,” says Emilia.
See more of this moody townhouse here.
A Cottage Guest Cabin Kitchen
Kitchen Size: Approx. 160 Square Feet
Design: Architecture by Robert Packman, Interior design by Clarisa Llaneza
In the case of this guesthouse on Muskoka’s Lake of Bays, the magic is in the kitchen. Hidden pantry doors, integrated lighting and appliances, and a uniform color palette are some of the ways this design team made the tiny kitchen feel more expansive than it is. “Efficiency is key but that does not have to compromise the design; take the small layout and run with it – great design comes from challenges and site conditions, so don’t be scared to think out of the box,” says Interior Designer Clarisa Llaneza.
“Guests might think the double door leading to the bedroom corridor could easily be a fridge or a pantry, giving the impression of a larger kitchen,” says Clarisa. “We wanted to maintain a symmetrical and discreet look.”
See more of the cottage guesthouse here.
A Stylish Rowhouse Kitchen
Kitchen Size: Approx. 110 Square Feet
Design: Corey Laurysen of Laurysen Kitchens, Tommy Smythe and Lindsay Mens for TOM Design Collective
“In a rowhouse, there’s not a huge amount of space for a kitchen,” says fashion stylist and homeowner Erica Wark of the Victorian house she shares with husband Corey Laurysen, a third-generation owner of Laurysen Kitchens. Because the kitchen is petite and open to the rest of the house, the design team made sure to use visual, material and color cues that would connect it to the rest of the main floor’s eclectic schemes. “The plaster crown was added to match the one we selected for the whole main floor,” says Tommy. “Here we chose the same profile but a scaled-down version to connect better with the scale of the millwork.”
“The panel-ready cabinets make it look so much cleaner and more sleek,” says Erica. The Liebherr fridge is concealed behind a panel that’s as stately as a fine armoire. Two drawers, dressed in brass cup handles, pull open to reveal the freezer.
See more of this stylish Victorian house here.