As any owner of a small kitchen will tell you, one of the biggest struggles is finding enough counter space to prepare, cook, and serve meals happily.
While extra storage can usually be snuck into the tiniest of nooks, and appliances have evolved to slide seamlessly into small kitchen ideas, it is that all-important surface space that usually proves most elusive.
“Counter space isn’t just a surface — it’s a rhythm of movement,” states interior designer Rachel Blindauer. “In small kitchens, it becomes sacred territory, and every square inch must pull its weight. Expanding usable counter space in a small kitchen is less about adding surface and more about subtraction, transformation, and restraint.”
If you're struggling with countertop ideas to fit enough space into your kitchen design, heed the advice offered by the experts we spoke to on this all-too-common dilemma.
1. Fit Open Shelving
Clever kitchen shelf ideas that utilize wall space are one of the very best ways to free up counter space — plus, when styled well, they can also add individuality and offer the opportunity for adding a few design flourishes too.
“Open shelves can prevent small kitchens becoming even more compact by including lots of cabinetry and provide the opportunity to add personality and character by storing glassware, trinkets and artwork,” picks up Rachel Davis, senior designer at Harvey Jones. “Consider installing integrated lighting into these to light up the countertop without the need for lamps that will also take up space.”
Opting for floating shelves, as opposed to those with brackets, will help to keep things looking sleek and fuss-free.
Simple, fuss-free, and elegant, this set of two wooden floating shelves is perfect for housing all kinds of kitchen paraphernalia. Fittings are included to make DIY installation easy.
2. Weed Out Unused Small Appliances
If you haven’t had a kitchen declutter in a while, doing so could well free up a great deal of counter space. Be brutal here — this is no time to get sentimental over a dusty old bread maker.
“Be selective — there is nothing more unappealing than a busy kitchen full of stuff, with no space to cook or enjoy the simplicity of something beautiful,” says Helen Parker, Creative Director of deVOL Kitchens. “When I say beautiful, this may be a knife or a pan — it doesn’t have to be something frivolous; on the contrary, it needs to be functional. A kitchen full of gadgets is not the way to keep a calm and simple space, so my advice is be very careful which gadgets you purchase — they are expensive, bulky and rarely get used.”
“Edit appliances — relentlessly,” agrees Rachel Blindauer. “The countertop is not a showroom. I always advise clients to keep only two small appliances visible and ideally place these in an appliance garage.”
3. Use Vertical Space to Your Advantage
In order to keep your horizontal surfaces as clear and open as possible, you need to ensure you maximize vertical storage.
“When square footage is tight, I look up,” reveals Rachel Blindauer. “Shallow shelves and integrated rails with drop-down prep boards can turn a blank backsplash into an active zone, for example.”
Tall, slimline, full-height cabinets also make sense, taking up little floor space yet providing somewhere to store appliances and other items that would otherwise clutter your countertop.
“Full height storage cupboards with electrical sockets allow space for appliances to be tucked away and out of sight,” further explains Rachel Davis. “This integration will keep bulky appliances and untidy wires away from the countertop.”
“This hardworking piece can even incorporate a small internal work surface, which can double up as a breakfast station or extra prep space when needed,” adds Tom Howley’s kitchen designer, Ali Nash.
4. Introduce Clever Space-Saving Solutions
The struggle for extra counter space has not gone unnoticed by kitchen designers, meaning there are now lots of handy solutions designed specifically to overcome the issue.
“One of the most effective ways to maximize work space is to incorporate multi-functional pieces,” explains interior designer Jacqueline Gonçalves, founder of Moksa Studio. “A slim rolling cart can be tucked away when not in use, while fold-down or pull-out countertop extensions are perfect for adding space only when you need it.
“Another simple trick is to make use of fitted cutting boards or custom sink covers, which can instantly turn your sink or cooktop into bonus prep space.”
The Ilse Metal Waitress Cart comes in two different tones and is perfect for multiple uses in different parts of the home. Created from iron, this chic cart will seamlessly fit into any space.
5. Prioritize Tailored Storage Solutions
Seeking out the best kitchen storage ideas for your space is always important for a kitchen to look great and function well, but in schemes with limited counter space, they are more crucial than ever.
"The trick is to create clever storage solutions that allow for items to be moved away from the worktop," advises Rachel Davis. "Small kitchens don’t have the luxury of ample storage space but being clever with cabinetry design can create options. Things like deep set drawers for pots, pans and plates are really useful and makes them easy to get to."
"Chopping boards, knife blocks and spice jars are often left on the worktop, but with thoughtful planning, they can all be stored neatly out of sight, freeing up precious counter space," picks up Ali Nash. "Bespoke drawers are a game-changer in small kitchens. They can be tailored to your exact needs — from integrated knife blocks and clever pull-outs that reveal two drawers in one, to spice racks built into pantry doors or drawers. For added convenience, include a hidden tech drawer to charge phones and tablets, keeping them out of the way while you cook.”
6. Integrate Smaller Appliances
Even once a thorough declutter has been carried out, there are some appliances, used on a daily basis, that require easy access. Looking into ways of integrating these within your small kitchen layout ideas will really will open up your counter space.
"You can maximise counter space by integrating appliances where possible, for example, building your microwave into the cabinetry," suggests Ali Nash. "Opting for a boiling water tap will also eliminate the need for a kettle taking up worktop space."
Built-in coffee machines, blenders and even toasters are all also possibilities these days. ritterwerk, a German company, offers all of these in some seriously stylish designs.
7. Don't Discount the Idea of An Island
Whatever size kitchen you are working with, there will be some kitchen island ideas to suit, and incorporating even a compact design will instantly add extra counter space.
Opt for an island on wheels that you can simply roll out of the way when not in use, and ensure you make it work hard by packing it with storage solutions in the form of baskets, drawers, and hooks for hanging utensils from.
It is useful to note that islands come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, from narrow styles that suit galley kitchens to rounded designs that help create a sense of flow.
Don't discount the idea of a kitchen island just yet. This portable island not only offers additional counter space, but it also takes care of storage and can be rolled out of the way when not needed.
FAQs
What Can I Do If I Have No Counter Space in my Kitchen?
In cases where there is an almost total absence of counter space, there are still solutions that can help — plus they are perfect for anyone aiming to create a minimalist kitchen.
"Pull-out or slide-away work surfaces offer smart, streamlined ways to add extra space when you need it and tuck away easily when you don’t,” says interior designer Lauren Saab of Saab Studios.
"If you’re working with virtually no counter space at all, don’t worry," reassures Jacqueline Goncalves. "A compact rolling island or a wall-mounted fold-down counter can offer a surprisingly effective solution without overwhelming the room."
In your quest for more counter space, don't forget the important role your kitchen backsplash ideas could play here. Fitted with magnetic strips and hooks, they double up as utensil storage, while building a shelf above the backsplash adds to the kitchen's storage capabilities.
You may also be interested in knowing what color countertop works best in a small kitchen.
