Photography: Sue Ferris
At first glance it may seem that having a small kitchen limits your design options, but that’s just not true. While the best small kitchen ideas will emphasise an efficient layout, storage and functionality, this doesn’t mean you have to skimp on style or beauty.
So, if you’ve got a tiny kitchen when you’d prefer something grand, take heart because there are so many benefits to a small kitchen that nobody really talks about. These include the fact that a small kitchen is often easier to keep clean, is more cost-effective to update and makes you really prioritise the items and small appliances you actually use. Here’s everything you need to know about updating a small kitchen – whether your goal is to make it look beautiful or to maximise storage space – plus 10 examples of compact kitchens that really pack a design punch.
How much does a small kitchen renovation usually cost?
According to HiPages, the average cost of a kitchen renovation in Australia in 2025 is anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000.
Can you renovate a kitchen with less than $5000?
Small kitchens tend to be a good candidate for a cost-effective, cosmetic update. Things like painting kitchen cabinets or retiling the splashback or even simply shopping carefully for affordable dupes of expensive items such as natural stone, can help you save big when renovating a small kitchen.
Budget small kitchen renovations we love:
- Our DIY editor’s budget kitchen reno features a genius wallpaper hack
- The BHG team transform a kitchen using upcycled finds
- How a mum transformed her kitchen for $1500
Planning a small kitchen layout
“When you’re working with a small kitchen floorplan, people want to know how to best maximise the space to ensure it’s functional, looks good and of course works for them,” says Bunnings National Kitchen Buyer, Simon Warmington.
“Getting the layout right is key. Make sure you mould your small kitchen ideas into the space you’re working with, not what you wish you had to work with. Less is more, especially if you have a small kitchen. Incorporating everyday appliances into the space is an important consideration; purpose-built appliance cabinetry is a great way to maximise space in your kitchen, giving you the freedom to stack your appliances in a compact and functional way.”
3 small kitchen ideas we love
A Kitchen Trends Study by Houzz AU found that cabinets are one of the top three features homeowners opted to renovate in their kitchens, and the main motivation for updating kitchen cabinetry was to make better use of the space. This indicates that homeowners with small kitchens are looking to maximise their space and use it better.
1. Durable style
Simon says that minimalist aesthetics, stone and concrete looks are always a popular option. “Durable laminate surfaces offer stone-inspired, wood grain and marble-look options that can provide a budget-friendly and on-trend solution to add visual interest to a small space.”
2. Storage, storage, storage
Smart storage solutions and bold colours are two other trends Simon has seen growing in popularity. “Using cabinetry in smart ways can create a modern look without compromising on space. Internal pantry storage solutions such as pull-out baskets and wire ware also add functionality to a small kitchen,” says Simon.
3. Rich colours
A small kitchen doesn’t limit your design options. In fact, renovating or building a small kitchen is an opportunity to really flex your creative muscles and think outside the box. “Black, rich greens and navy are making their way into people’s kitchens, as DIY renovators opt for more design-led but affordable interior solutions,” says Simon.
Small kictchen design ideas can look dynamic and spacious even when filled with dark colours, bright colours, or bold colours. However, an all-white colour palette with stainless steel appliances and chrome fixtures is something of a classic kitchen look in Australia, one that won’t age quickly and, if you’re renovating for profit, will appeal to a broader audience.
Kitchen design tips from a professional
When it comes to building or renovating a small kitchen it’s important to get some advice from a professional on the things that can make or break a small kitchen idea. Mick Popov of Kitchen Design Victoria has some excellent ideas, suggestions and considerations for you to take under advisement.
Small kitchen design dos
- Work with an expert: For most people the kitchen is the heart of a home. A small kitchen design needs to be functional and work cohesively with the aesthetic of the rest of your home. A kitchen expert can help you conduct an analysis of what you truly need in the space, no matter how small your kitchen is. They’ll be able to advise you on the best layout, design and appliances based on your lifestyle and living situation, and how regularly you cook or bake. The easiest way to get in touch with your local kitchen expert on-demand is via hipages.
- Make it functional: It’s important to design a small kitchen that’s functional and practical. It sounds simple but can be harder to do. Ensure you have the right appliances that fit within your space and your needs.
- Consider the size of your dishwasher: In a small kitchen design, use a single drawer dishwasher or 450mm wide, instead of 600mm wide to save space.
- Get a two-in-one: Save space by purchasing a convection oven rather than a separate microwave and oven.
- Make the most of height: Maximise the height of your home’s kitchen for storage using oversized overhead cabinets.
Small kitchen design don’ts
- Use cabinets: In small kitchens it’s best not to use cabinets with large empty spaces. Instead utilise drawers with specific places for all your kitchen items.
- Keep things too close: It’s important to not have your cooktop and sink too close together as it’s a safety risk. You’ll also want to ensure that your cooktop and side panel aren’t too close together either, otherwise saucepan handles won’t be able to fit.
- Have open shelves: Having defined storage spaces in your kitchen, rather than open shelves, will ensure you maximise your most valuable commodity – wall space. The more you fill wall spaces the more storage capacity you’ll have in your home.
- Disrupt any doors: When it comes to appliance placement, always check that your dishwasher and oven can both be fully opened without hitting one another.
Details worth investing in
Matthew Bateman, co-founder of the Property Mentors, says that a well-designed kitchen is not only beneficial to you, but it is more appealing to future home owners or prospective tenants. This sentiment is true regardless of the size of your kitchen.
“Open-plan living, stone benchtops, quality splashbacks, modern tapware or brand name appliances are just some of features that most buyers (and tenants) are both looking for and are often willing to pay a premium for,” says Matt.
10 of the best small kitchen design ideas
A cafe-style kitchen makeover
With a servery window
Can you believe this is a flat-pack kitchen? Here, a u-shaped kitchen was given a sleek, modern makeover with dark cabinetry offset by a warm, bamboo benchtop. Bi-fold windows create a stunning servery that makes this space feel even bigger than it really is.
Small, bright and blue
Showcasing the power of paint
Colour can make even the tiniest kitchen feel vibrant and inviting. While colour certainly steals the spotlight in this kitchen makeover, the layout was slightly altered during the renovation, too. The fridge, for example, was moved closer to the sink and the stove to improve functionality. Cafe curtains are another budget-friendly way to add softness to the kitchen and maximise natural sunlight.
Small kitchen with splashback window
And a mix of storage
A splashback window makes this compact kitchen feel bright and grand, rather than dark and cramped. You’d (almost) never get sick of washing up with that view to enjoy! Another element that makes this kitchen design exceptional is the mix of underbench drawers and open upper shelving. Keep non-aesthetic everyday objects hidden from view, while showcasing the things you love (and taking advantage of the room’s vertical storage potential) while you’re at it!
The most affordable kitchen renovation
Featuring upcycled finds
A kitchen on a budget? Can it be done? Adam and Juliet proved that yes, it really is, with this amazing kitchen makeover. They set out to create a kitchen using op-shop and free finds. The result is mind-blowing!
Scandi-style small kitchen idea
Packed with functionality
Pior to renovation this kitchen was severely lacking personality and functionality. The kitchen island was clad in lining boards that look like V-groove panels and the benchtop was replaced with a clean, white surface. Next, a bespoke hanging shelf was added as a focal point above the kitchen island bench.
Fresh and contemporary
For under $1500
From dated and daggy (this kitchen originally had green, yes green benchtops!) to bright and beautiful. This kitchen was transformed for under $1500 using satin benchtop paint and cabinetry paint. The transformation is mind-blowing! After a fresh lick of white paint, this tiny kitchen was styled with fresh flowers and ceramic vases to complete the cosy, inviting look.
Retro revival
Do the best you can with what you’ve got
If your small kitchen feels dated but you’re not quite ready for a full-scale renovation, opting for cost-effective updates is absolutely worth the effort. In this kitchen, the original splashback tiles were made a feature by keeping everything else in the space fresh and pared back.
Butcher’s block
Increase bench space
This small, L-shaped kitchen desperately needed some additional preparation space. The solution? A DIY butcher’s block bench made from recycled timber furniture. It was built on castors, so it can be moved to different areas of the kitchen as needed. This is a great solution for small kitchens that kind of need a kitchen island, but just don’t have the space for a permanent fixture.
Savvy storage
Everything in its place
Small kitchens really can be lovely, but one thing that often brings them down is a lack of storage. Use hanging baskets, clear containers and stackable storage crates to squeeze out every inch of pantry storage space available. Here, Juliet adds hanging pantry shelves to increase the storage capacity of a pantry.
Don’t forget small appliances
Out of sight, out of mind
Aren’t small kitchen appliances absolute lifesavers? The only thing that isn’t so great is how quickly the essentials like an air-fryer, toaster, coffee-maker, kettle can take up so much valuable bench-space. When re-designing a small kitchen, it’s crucial to think about where you’ll store your favourite appliances. We love this solution, a dedicated hutch for a coffee and breakfast nook that can also house other appliances you love but don’t exactly want to showcase on a daily basis.
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