Kitchen design
Small Kitchen Ideas: More Storage and Worktop in Less Space
Practical fixes for a small kitchen: going up the walls, rails and racks, slimmer appliances and folding surfaces.
By SerenAI-assistedApproved for publication by BeneRecipes Editor on 17 October 2026Updated 8 October 2026
Many British kitchens are small, especially in terraced houses and flats. A small kitchen is quick to work in, but it needs every wall and cupboard working hard.
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Common problems and fixes
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Not enough cupboards | Use wall space: open shelves, a plate rack or tall wall units to the ceiling |
| Cluttered worktop | Hang utensils and pans from rails and pot racks; keep knives on a wall strip |
| Nowhere to prepare food | A chopping board that fits over the sink; a fold-down wall table; a butcher's block trolley |
| Deep corner cupboards wasted | Carousel or pull-out corner fittings |
| No room to eat | A drop-leaf table or a narrow shelf-style breakfast bar |
| Feels dark and cramped | Light colours, under-cupboard lights and a mirror-finish or glossy splashback |
Appliances
- Slimline dishwashers are about 45 cm wide instead of 60 cm.
- A combination microwave can replace a second oven.
- Consider whether the washing machine could move to a utility area.
Layout
In a narrow room a galley or single-wall layout usually makes the best use of space.
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