Small & Compact Kitchens
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Small & Compact Kitchens
Designing a compact kitchen doesn’t mean compromising on function or style. In fact, some of the most creative and efficient kitchen designs are born from working within limited spaces. Our design team has years of experience transforming even the most compact kitchens into practical, elegant environments that feel far bigger than their footprint.
From layout and storage to lighting and colour choices, we understand how to turn a small kitchen into a space that’s both enjoyable and highly functional. Every detail counts—and we know how to make every inch work hard for you.
Light, Colour & Finish: Expanding Your Space Visually
When working with a smaller kitchen, your colour palette plays a huge role in how the room feels. Lighter tones are ideal—they reflect more light, open up the space, and create a feeling of airiness. But light doesn’t have to mean bland. Think soft hues like antique white or cashmere, which offer warmth and subtlety.
Gloss finishes are a popular choice, thanks to their reflective quality that bounces light around the room. But if high-shine isn’t your style, satin lacquer finishes offer a softer alternative without the light-absorbing effect of matt surfaces.
Why Colour and Finish Matter in Small Kitchens
The way surfaces interact with light can dramatically impact the perception of space. Lighter, smoother surfaces reflect more light, helping rooms appear larger and brighter. In contrast, darker colours—especially those with matt finishes—absorb light and can make a space feel more confined.
This is why a sleek, white gloss finish often works so well in small kitchens. It reflects light beautifully, enhancing both brightness and the sense of spaciousness.
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Make the Most of Natural Light
Another trick to visually enlarge a compact kitchen is using mirrored elements. Whether as splashbacks, cabinet panels or decorative features, mirrors help distribute natural and artificial light while creating the illusion of added depth.
We offer a range of elegant mirrored glass finishes—from plain to bronzed and smoked—to suit various styles. And if you’re planning to install mirrored glass near heat sources like a hob, rest assured that only toughened, heat-resistant glass will be used for durability and safety.
Tall Units & Vertical Storage Solutions
One of the smartest ways to optimise a small kitchen is to think vertically. Tall cabinets and extra wall units take advantage of unused upper wall space, ideal for storing items you don’t use daily or want to keep out of reach from children.
Our tallest standard units reach up to 2360mm, and in spaces that allow, these can be extended even further by stacking additional wall units above—reaching a maximum total height of 3270mm. For handleless kitchens, this works best with push-to-open systems, helping to maintain a clean and uncluttered look.
Storage Innovations That Transform Small Kitchens
Smart storage is essential in compact kitchens—and the right solutions can dramatically improve both usability and aesthetics. Research shows that well-planned storage can increase usable space by over 50%.
Here are just a few of the innovative options available:
- Pull-out larders: These glide out smoothly and swivel for full access to deep shelves—ideal for pantry storage in narrow spaces.
- Le Mans corner units: With cleverly shaped trays that swing outward, they make use of otherwise unreachable corner cabinet space.
- Carousels: A classic but effective way to maximise deep cabinet storage.
- Integrated folding tables: Built into base units, these pull out and upward to offer additional workspace when needed—perfect for small appliances or food prep.
