22 Small Kitchen Ideas on a Budget That Make a Big Impact for Less

Consider Multipurpose Storage Shelves

Floating shelves will always come in handy in the kitchen, but why not opt for some that truly go above and beyond? Make the most of your small space with a shelf like this bottom one, which features built-in wine glass storage.

Free up some of that precious cabinet space while keeping your glassware within reach at all times.

Add a Cute Backsplash

If your small kitchen is devoid of personality but a reno or major makeover isn't in the cards, use peel-and-stick backsplash tile to add some character and color to the space. This blue and white pattern is eye-catching and full of life.

Use Paint to Create Zones

If you live in a studio apartment or your kitchen doesn't have a distinct stopping point, create zones within your space with the help of some paint. Here, a brown arch indicates where the kitchen area itself ends and the dining nook begins.

Optimize the Space Above the Sink

Rather than letting the wall space above your sink go to waste, install some extra shelving there to meet your storage needs. The style and color of shelves you select is entirely up to you—opt for a natural wood or choose a more vibrant option.

Make Use of a Bookshelf

Bookshelves aren't just for the living room or home office. Bring one into the kitchen and use it to hold small appliances, various bins and baskets, your paper towel stand, and more.

Try Light Colors

Light hues will make a small kitchen appear larger and wider. White and off-white are of course your best bet here. Consider using one of the following shades to replicate this look:

• Farrow & Ball All White (No. 2005)
• Backdrop Supermoon
• Benjamin Moore White Opulence (OC-69)

Section Off the Space With Curtains

If you're looking for a way to shut your small kitchen off from your main living space, consider adding curtains. When you have dirty dishes piling up in the sink or just don't want to look at your prep space, simply pull the curtains shut, and you're golden.

Upgrade Your Accessories

Elevate your small kitchen by opting for aesthetically pleasing soap bottles, storage bins, and more. These items will be much nicer to look at daily than your typical plastic bottles and don't cost much upfront.

Bring in Backup Storage

A rolling island can be used to prep and serve food as well as hold all kinds of kitchen gadgets and goods. Choose a style that best complements your existing color scheme and aesthetic.

Add a Hybrid Wine Rack and Island

Maybe you're a wine lover and need a storage system to account for all of those bottles you have on hand. In comes an island like this one—it doubles as a sizable wine rack as well as a surface space to prep drinks.

Utilize the Space Under Your Shelves

Hang small fruit baskets under your open shelves so to not let any amount of wall space go to waste. Putting away your groceries has never been easier.

Repurpose a Storage Basket

Take a storage basket from another room of the home and bring it into the kitchen in lieu of a traditional plastic bin. Your space will look much more charming and intentional.

Don't Forget About Hooks

Hooks of all kinds are key in the kitchen, whether you're hanging up dish towels, cutting boards, aprons, and much more.

Install One Long Shelf

A long shelf like this one that spans the entire length of the countertop is full of possibilities. Use it to hold canisters, spices and bottles, plates, and so much more. To create a rustic look, consider staining it or painting it so it brightly pops against your walls.

Hang Some Art

Bring some personal flair into the kitchen by hanging up some family photos or other favorite art pieces. You spend so much time in this space throughout the week; you should be surrounded by things that make you smile.

Have Fun With Flooring

Jazz up your kitchen flooring with renter-friendly peel-and-stick floor tile. This black and white pattern is super cute and has the added benefit of easily being able to camouflage stains thanks to its busy design.

Display Cutting Boards as Decor

Turn your functional pieces into decorative items so that everything in your kitchen serves a purpose. Layer cutting boards on the countertop or on a shelf and fill pretty canisters with coffee grounds and tea bags.

Hang Some Sconces

If your small kitchen lacks ample light, sconces can help. Hang a few in the style of your choosing to make late nights and early mornings feel more pleasant.

Keep the Walls Bare

Adding art to the kitchen is great, but if you're more of a minimalist, keep the walls bare. This will help your kitchen look more spacious and clutter-free.

Try Shelving Underneath the Cabinets

If your cabinets do not extend all the way down to the counters, make use of some of the extra space available and add your own spice rack, as seen here. You'll be able to grab everything you need as you stand at the stove.

Try This Cookbook Storage Hack

If you're an avid cookbook collector, consider displaying all of them on top of one of your upper cabinets. You'll want to keep a small ladder or step stool within reach so that you can easily flip through recipes as needed.

Go for Hooks

Why not let your island work even harder for you? Add extra function with the help of hooks, as seen here to hang decor or any light pots and pans.