Adding functionality to your small kitchen doesn’t have to be expensive at all.
From adding a vibrant splash of color to your backsplash to creating organized smart zones, there are numerous ways to bring your ideas to life.
The options are endless, and you can do it without draining your wallet!
Here, I’ve got 23 awesome small kitchen ideas on a budget.
These include clever design tricks and storage hacks that will spruce up your cooking area and help you maximize its potential.
Get ready to transform your space without breaking the bank!
1) Opt for hooks instead
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Why not make your island work even harder for you? You can use hooks to hang decorations or light pots and pans for added functionality.
2) Consider adding shelving underneath your cabinets
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If your cabinets don’t reach all the way down to the counters, take advantage of that extra space and create your own spice rack, for instance.
It’ll make it super easy to grab whatever you need while you’re cooking at the stove.
3) Put up some sconces
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If your small kitchen needs more light, sconces can do the trick.
Install a few in a style that suits you to brighten up those late nights and early mornings.
4) Get creative with your flooring choices
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Spruce up your kitchen floor with peel-and-stick tiles that are renter-friendly.
A floral dark blue pattern, for example, could look really cute and is great because its busy design adds a unique touch.
5) Consider putting in a single long shelf
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A long shelf that stretches across your entire countertop offers endless possibilities.
You can use it to store canisters, spices, bottles, plates, and more.
For a rustic vibe, think about staining or painting it to make it stand out against your walls.
(Pro tip: You can even stack smaller shelves side by side if that’s what you have available!)
6) Give a storage basket a new purpose
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Grab a storage basket from another room and use it in the kitchen instead of a regular plastic bin.
It’ll give your space a charming and intentional vibe.
7) Give your accessories an upgrade
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Spruce up your small kitchen with stylish soap bottles, storage bins, and other accessories.
They’re a lot nicer to see every day compared to plain old plastic stuff, and they won’t break the bank either.
8) Go for lighter shades
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Opting for lighter colors can really open up a small kitchen, making it feel more spacious and airy.
White and off-white shades are especially great for achieving this effect.
They help brighten up the space and create a sense of openness that’s perfect for small kitchens.
9) Make the most of the space above your sink
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Instead of leaving that wall space above your sink empty, why not add some extra shelves there for storage?
You can pick shelves in whatever style and color you like—whether it’s natural wood or something more colorful, it’s totally up to you.
10) Spruce up with a charming backsplash
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If your small kitchen feels a bit bland but you’re not ready for a big renovation, try using peel-and-stick backsplash tiles to bring in some personality and color.
They’re an easy way to jazz up the space without being overly expensive or committing to a major makeover.
11) Use a Bookshelf
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Bookshelves aren’t just for the living room or home office.
Try bringing one into the kitchen—it can stash small appliances, bins and baskets, your paper towel holder, and more.
12) Think about versatile storage shelves
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Floating shelves are a must-have in any small kitchen remodal, but why not choose ones that really stand out?
Maximize your small space with shelves, for example a lower one that could includes convenient built-in storage for glassware.
Save some of that valuable cabinet space while keeping your glassware easily accessible whenever you need it.
13) Create divisions in the space using curtains
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If you want to separate your small kitchen from your main living space, think about hanging up some curtains.
Whether you’ve got a sink full of dishes or just want to hide your prep mess, just draw the curtains, and you’re good to go.
14) Add extra storage options
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Consider a rolling island that can double as a prep station and serving area while providing additional storage for all your kitchen gadgets and essentials.
Pick a style that matches your current color scheme and overall look.
15) Make use of the space beneath your shelves
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Hang small fruit baskets underneath your open shelves to make the most of your wall space.
Storing your groceries just got simpler!
16) Adorn your walls with some artwork
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Add a personal touch to your kitchen by hanging up family photos or your favorite artworks.
Since you spend a lot of time here every week, surround yourself with things that bring you joy.
17) Use cutting boards decorative pieces
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The next one among great small kitchen decorating ideas, would be to transform your daily essentials into stunning decor that serves a purpose.
Arrange cutting boards on the countertop or shelf, and fill charming canisters with coffee grounds and tea bags.
18) Leave the walls bare
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While adding art to the kitchen is nice, if you lean towards minimalism, leave the walls bare.
It’ll make your kitchen feel more open and tidy.
19) Here’s a clever cookbook storage trick
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If you love collecting cookbooks, think about showcasing them on top of one of your upper cabinets.
Keep a small ladder or step stool nearby so you can easily browse through recipes whenever you want.
20) Store your tea bags inside cabinet doors
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Here’s a simple way to create extra storage for small items: use the inside of cabinet doors.
Saving space by storing spices and tea bags there is among the brilliant small kitchen decorating ideas—they fit perfectly and stay out of the way inside the door.
21) Install a chandelier
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Give a small kitchen a touch of charm with thoughtful details.
Picture a vintage fireplace, custom-built cabinets neatly against one wall, calming light colored paint, quirky art, a stylish chandelier, and lively plants—all combining to create a cozy and inviting space.
22) Forego the kitchen island
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For small kitchen decorating ideas, skipping the island and opting for a round bistro table with chairs instead would definitely be a smarter choice!
It gives you a spot to dine and an extra surface for prepping meals, all without taking up too much space.
23) Define your kitchen space with pendant lighting
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Hang up a couple of pendant lights—they’re perfect for defining areas in a semi-open kitchen.
They add a stylish touch and create a cozy atmosphere, which makes your space overall feel more defined and inviting.
If you want to get more inspirations for your charming little kitchen island, check out these —> 19 simple kitchen island decor ideas for all seasons, to put together your dream kitchen!
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