Small Kitchen Big Ideas

Tight on kitchen space? Learn how to make every inch count. 

The kitchen has long been known as the heart of the home, but when you’re cooking in a cosy 3-room HDB or 2-bedder condo, it can feel more like a sardine tin than a culinary haven. The good news? Size doesn’t have to stand in the way of functionality. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or someone who re-heats more than they cook, these tips will help you create a kitchen that inspires more homecooked meals and fewer takeouts.

1 Vertical space

When you’re working with a tiny kitchen, every inch matters—from ceiling to floor. Start by upgrading your upper and lower cabinets with pull-down and pull-out mechanisms. No more precariously balancing on a chair to reach the back of the top shelf (or discovering expired snacks you forgot existed).

If you’ve embraced the open kitchen trend, a ceilingmounted rack above the sink can make up for the storage you lost when you ditched that wall. And don’t ignore the backsplash—hooks, pegboards, and magnetic strips can turn it into prime real estate for utensils and spice jars.

On the countertop, stackable storage racks let you neatly arrange two appliances, while a coffee machine base with built-in compartments keeps your capsules and sachets in check. When space is tight, thinking vertically is the way up—literally.

2 Countertop space

Now that you’ve made the most of your vertical space, it’s time to turn your attention to the countertop. Once you factor in the sink, hob, and dish rack, it might feel like there’s barely any room left for prep work. The solution? Think outside the box.

Extendable counters are a game-changer. Pullout, drop-leaf, or gateleg mechanisms can instantly expand your prep space, though it’s worth planning ahead to avoid blocking walkways when they’re deployed.

For added flexibility, consider a mini mobile island that can be tucked beneath the counter when not in use. It’s not just extra workspace— it’s also sneaky storage for things like laundry hampers. Come hotpot night, it moonlights as a serving trolley, rolling from kitchen to dining table like a pro.

Alternatively, why not merge a kitchen island with a dining table? It might sound counterintuitive when space is tight, but the dual function makes it a smart, space-saving solution.

3 Multifunctional appliances

When space is limited, every appliance needs to earn its keep. The MVP? Multifunctional appliances that do more with less space.

Take the humble 2-in-1 washer and dryer. Go for a front-load model to free up space above for storage—or, better yet, swap it for a tabletop dishwasher and retire from dish duty entirely.

Then there’s the microwave toaster oven—a single unit that reheats, bakes, and crisps. Need something even more versatile? A multicooker does it all: grill, steam, bake, roast, pressure cook, air fry, slow cook, and fry. It’s basically a sous chef in disguise.

And if you’re already considering an electric kettle, why not upgrade to a compact water dispenser? Hooked directly to your water supply, it delivers hot, cold, or room-temperature water on demand—no boiling, no waiting, no fuss.

4 Appliance garages

Appliance garages are the way to go for designconscious folks. These storage compartments hide small appliances when they’re not in use—perfect if your kettle, toaster, and blender look like they belong in three different homes.

But aren’t they just glorified storage units? Not quite—if you design them right. The magic lies in the closure mechanisms: pocket doors, roll-up panels, and lift-up flaps all do the trick, but rollout shelves are superior.

With rollout shelves, you can use appliances—yes, even steam-venting ones—without hauling them onto the worktop. Just slide them out when needed and tuck them away once you’re done. Install power sockets inside the garage, and you’ll never have to juggle plugs or risk a countertop traffic jam again.

 

5 Visual weight

When every corner is packed with storage and gadgets, your kitchen can start to look like a Tetris game gone wrong. This visual clutter is especially noticeable in small apartments, where the kitchen often greets you at the door.

The fix? Thoughtful design choices that lighten the visual load. Start with your cabinets: tinted or reeded glass doors keep things bright and airy while hiding any chaos within. Hardware can also add to the clutter, so swap chunky handles for recessed or tic-tac options. The fewer protrusions, the sleeker your space will look.

As for colour, keep it simple. Neutral or monochromatic palettes work best—two or three complementary shades will do the trick. Remember, kitchen activity naturally introduces some clutter, so a cohesive colour scheme keeps the space feeling calm, not chaotic.

 

Pro Tip

Keep your kitchen looking calm and clutter-free by sticking to a simple colour scheme. Neutral or monochromatic palettes work best—just two or three complementary shades will do the trick.