Small kitchen ideas: Modern kitchen images to inspire your next renovation

For an abundance of small kitchen ideas, browsing images of the completed product is often the best way to gather inspiration. Here are various modern small kitchens to get you thinking about what would work best in your space, and help you define where your style tastes lie too.

Creating simplicity 
This contemporary kitchen layout keeps things simple and makes the most of wall space with added cabinetry. Gather these small kitchen ideas to make the most of narrow spaces: maximise working space by including a wrap-around (U-shaped or L-shaped) bench, opt for a slimline oven, appliances and rangehood too, and for extra storage add overhead cabinetry. 


Galley style
Especially suited to apartments where space is at a premium is the galley-style kitchen. Perfect for small kitchens, it’s one long line of everything you need. To keep it looking modern, try these small kitchen ideas: choose a contemporary clean-lined design in a neutral colour scheme, minimise clutter, include overhead cabinetry for added storage and keep cabinetry and splashback in a white or neutral colour for a seamless look. 

Earthy tones
For a warm down-to-earth kitchen look, a mix of earthy tones works a treat – this timber-look benchtop, off-white cabinetry and warm brown splashback offset by stainless-steel handles and fittings sets the tone perfectly. For those with small kitchens, storage options are often top of their small kitchen ideas list, and this kitchen shows how it’s done. Try these tips for additional and on-display storage solutions: hooks, floating shelving, hanging racks for spices and condiments and overhead cabinetry. More ideas here {link to small kitchen – turning your storage dilemmas around article). 

Up and away
If tiny is a better word than small to describe your kitchen space, then your small kitchen ideas need to be extra smart and savvy when it comes to storage and giving your space a fresh look. Take some inspiration from this design with cabinetry to the ceiling – creating two levels of cabinetry means you can store often used items in an easy to access place, and keep those rarely used plates, vases, glasses and bowls up high. A mix of glass and solid doors breaks up the look with a modern finish, as does a touch of colour to the splashback complementing an almost all-white compact kitchen space.

Creative corners 
For small kitchens tucked into corner spaces, work those corner spots to your advantage with cabinetry and open shelving. Corners can be a great place to tuck in appliances or create a pull-out storage system too. 

Ultimate combination
A perfect mix of modern conveniences and practicality come into play in this kitchen haven. Keeping things modern and visually appealing despite the small space are the gloss cabinetry and benchtop, neutral colour scheme and stainless-steel appliances. Our favourite of the small kitchen ideas used here: the oversized benchtop/breakfast bar – this extension of the bench counter gives the illusion of a bigger kitchen space and creates a little more handy dinner preparation area too.

For home renovation advice or to discuss small kitchen ideas for your home, Melbourne clients can contact The Makeover Group on 1300 768 464 or see www.themakeovergroup.com.au

Richard Armstrong, a Director of Melbourne firm The Makeover Group, has more than a decade of experience in home renovations, including kitchen design and build. He has helped hundreds of clients build on their small kitchen ideas to create a modern and practical kitchen space they love.