A small kitchen means you might not have room for that dining booth or kitchen island, but with clever planning and organisation, it's possible to create a perfectly formed layout that is functional, stylish and will do everything you need it to. Try these space-saving hacks to make the most out of every inch of your tiny kitchen... 

If you don't have room for a built-in kitchen pantry create your own with stylish open shelf storage. Chosen wisely the DIY larder could work in other parts of the home too if space is tight. For instance, these industrial style shelves displaying dry foods in glass jars would not look out of place in a dining room or the living zone of an open-plan kitchen. 

Just as with fashion stripes widen and lengthen the appearance of space so why not stretch your tiny kitchen with a horizontal paint effect? This spicy toned duo warms up a neutral kitchen when running parallel to worktops. Enhance the effect by framing the painted stripes with floating shelves. 

With careful planning, a dark colour scheme in a small kitchen can take on a sleek and atmospheric tone. Don't be fooled though; precise methods have gone into making this compact apartment kitchen look smart and contemporary rather than dark, cluttered and dingy. Black walls are balanced with a bright white ceiling and border. Rich walnut cabinetry adds natural colour and depth. Lastly, black wrap around worktops and fixtures make a fluid and coherent finish. 

If yours is a narrow kitchen look into a galley shape design that runs two strips of cabinetry along opposite walls. There is a reason it's the preferred kitchen layout the choice on ships with cramped kitchens; it's super practical, cost-effective and seamless. This light-filled version has a clever breakfast bar incorporated into the design too. 

If you have room for a dining table in your small kitchen go for a round version to fit as many people on. Make a feature of the addition by hanging pendant lights above. Not only will it create an attractive dining zone but the lighting feature will draw the eye upwards to increase the sense of space. 

Breakfast bars are a small kitchen's best friend – they create an extra nook to eat or a social spot to perch and chat. This small kitchen has cleverly added a bar under a window so diners can enjoy a view. Bars stools can be stored underneath when not in use and the surface can double as work-top space for food preparation.  

Utilising a wall with chalkboard paint to create a permanent memo-board will give a small kitchen quirky character without compromising any space. It's more of a decorative feature rather than space enhancing but for chalking shopping lists, menus and reminders we think it's creative and fun. 

Elongate the feel of a small kitchen by installing a pretty and colourful window treatment. This bright ochre blind acts as a zingy focal point that visually expands the length of the slim kitchen. 

Adding wallpaper to your kitchen is a quick and quirky way of adding colour and interest to a small kitchen. And, the fact that you only need a small amount means it's an affordable option or you can splash out on that an extra special designer roll. This pretty tangerine print wallpaper makes a super fresh feature in this tiny kitchen.   

The versatile BEKVAM spice rack is used for so many handy storage solutions, from books to jewellery. But let's not forget how practical they are used for their original purpose in a small kitchen. The smooth wood finish brings a natural touch to empty walls too. 

Compact apartment living can mean a small kitchen is part of an open-plan living room. Zone the cooking area and add interest to the allocated space with a striking statement floor. These pretty Victorian-style tiles match the colour tone of the soft green cabinets beautifully. 

Removing upper cabinetry above worktops is a space enhancing trick that makes a small kitchen feel bigger and brighter. Replace the bulky cupboards with floating shelves and choose a minimalist vent hood to continue the feeling of openness. 

If you don't have space to put everything in cupboards, store stuff stylishly out on show. Collect pots and pans in similar colours and hang them on rails at different levels or display them on the hob at all times. It's also an interesting and eclectic way to give an otherwise bland kitchen depth and retro-style character.

The simple shaker peg rail looks just as striking in modern kitchens as country schemes and are handy hooks to have around a small kitchen. Used to frame a colourful splashback with a lengthening line, a run of these humble wooden pegs adds warmth, texture and are easy-access holders for many kitchen utensils.

If you can't afford to lose upper cabinets entirely, create the open effect by opting for a two-tone kitchen at the planning stage. Here, White cabinets above a contrasting base form almost the same open and airy look as open shelving. White chevron wall tiles add a touch of pattern and give the small kitchen a wider stance. 

Not only are glass-fronted cabinets timeless and classic but the reflective glazed surfaces will help bounce light around the room and enhance the sense of space. The transparent doors will take the eye beyond the front of the cupboards and white cabinetry will double the impact.

Just when you thought there was nowhere else to add storage in a small kitchen try looking up! Perhaps the space above the door is big enough to slot in a few extra cupboards. Use the space to store less used items such as dinner party tableware. Make sure the wall is strong enough to withstand the extra weight and cupboards are mounted securely. 

If you haven’t got space for an island or large dining table, look out for a bistro-style table for two or expanding versions. Better still, install a fold-down table or desk that can be used when you want to eat or prepare food, but won’t take up any room otherwise. If you want extra space to hide those spices, salt and pepper mills and more, opt for one with storage.

Built-in appliances suit small kitchens more than their stand-alone equivalents because being housed into the kitchen cabinetry makes the room streamlined and maximises space. Avoid these common kitchen design mistakes and try to stick to the 'kitchen triangle rule' to keep the tiny space as practical as possible. 

Don't overlook the spaces on top of your cabinetry when it comes to storage. Even though items may be more out of reach, it’s still usable space. You could keep spare kitchen roll, cookbooks and boxes of soft drinks or emergency chocolate supplies up there – and it’s worth investing in wicker baskets or pretty boxes to keep your stores looking tidy on their high shelf.

Keep pans from piling up and clattering out of the cupboard with a simple pan stacker. The additional metal or plastic frame sits inside your cupboard, allowing you to stack pots and saucepans neatly when not in use. It can also prolong the life of your cookware and protect non-stick surfaces from scratching.

Utilise the inside of cupboard doors by using sticky pegs to hold packets that can be hard to store. Tear-and-share food packets that are still to be consumed will stay fresh, dry and won't spill. Plus, these clever versions have wipeable labels to write the names of owners.

If you don't have a great amount of cupboard space, why not keep dinnerware sets out on your worktop or open shelving? Neatly pile it together, either using the same colour and pattern or mixing and matching for a stylish storage solution that looks too good to hideaway. 

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An over-sink drying-up rack is an instant space-saver and is practical, too, as the water from dishes drains off into the sink rather than onto worktops. Choose a stainless-steel version that won't rust and one with plenty of compartments for dishes, bowls, knives, chopping boards and the all-important detergent as well. 

Over-the-door storage is especially useful in kitchens at rental properties, where hooks cannot be mounted to walls without damaging them. These candy-coloured plastic tea towel holders are bright and cheerful, and can be used for oven gloves, fabric placemats and pot lids, as well as the obvious dishcloths.

When cupboard space is really limited, a trolley can come into its own. You can fit just as much on them as a normal shelf, whether it's plates, glasses or jugs, but they’re much more versatile. Move it to different parts of the kitchen when needed, plus it can double up as a drinks trolley when you're entertaining. 

For about the price of a cup of coffee, you can buy a rail that can be easily mounted on the wall of your kitchen. From this, you can hang absolutely anything for an interesting look (as well as an exercise in space-saving): hanging plants, utensils, pots, pans or tea towels. 

Deep kitchen windowsills make practical extra surface space, especially if they are used to house and display anything that feeds off sunlight. A herb garden or spring bulbs will thrive in the well-lit space as long as they are appropriately hydrated. The greenery looks fresh and invigorating in this pared-back small kitchen with its reflective splashback. 

If you don’t have space for a proper pantry, no problem: use a pull-out one instead. All you need is a bit of horizontal room and you’ll have a space maximised to its full potential, with plenty of storage and nothing left languishing at the back.

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Make the most of your cupboard doors by adding some extra storage racks. That way you can keep saucepan lids, chopping boards or other items neatly stored and out of sight without sacrificing shelf space.

A bulky radiator isn't what you want in a kitchen when space is tight, so why not consider a towel rail? They're not just for the bathroom and the slim style and horizontal rail design makes them a perfect heating and drying solution in the kitchen, too. 

Don’t forget your ceilings when maximising your vertical kitchen space. A ceiling-mounted rack can be used for hanging pots, pans and colanders, freeing up your cupboards and adding an interesting design feature. Another option is to grow a herb garden from the ceiling, with these clever ceramic sky planters.

Every time you open a cupboard that doesn’t use every inch of space, that’s a wasted opportunity. Install narrow shelving units on the inner doors of your cupboards to store small items like spices, salt and pepper, and sauces, for a beautifully tidy and effective solution.

Utilise all the kitchen storage space you have by including organisers and partitions where needed in your drawers. If you don't have a built-in version, pop in regular cutlery trays to keep knick-knacks tidy and organised. Make a plan to declutter drawers once a month so they don't get filled with unnecessary items that spiral out of control. 

Even when it seems as if you've used every square inch, there is almost always a wall or nook with storage potential. Install narrow shelves or small cubby holes, on which you can stash coffee cups, spices, egg cups, bottles and cookbooks. Accessorised correctly, it will be an attractive feature as well as a functional one.

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For a fun, rustic look that also frees up space in your cabinets, hand-label clear food storage containers and leave them out on your countertop. You could store everything from pasta and rice to spices and biscuits, stacking them on top or next to each other for a colourful display.

Don’t let the focus of your kitchen just be the worktops: add hooks on the walls for baskets and tea towels, along with a handy organiser to which you can add plants and utensils. This one can be hung vertically or horizontally, meaning you can fit it in where you need it most. 

Look out for good-quality, multi-functional features to replace old-fashioned electricals. A sleek cold water and boiling water tap combo will save space as you can say goodbye to that worktop-hogging kettle. 

Most of us don’t really need the deep drawers and cupboards often found in built-in kitchens: you can only stack plates so high, and it’s not a good use of space to keep pots and pans there. Instead, consider installing internal storage drawers, which are convenient for kitchen necessities, from cutlery to tea and coffee.

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Save room on your countertop by opting for a single rather than double bowl sink. The reduced sink space will encourage washing up straight away and give you more freedom when chopping and preparing meals. If you can’t live without one bowl for washing and one for rinsing, opt for a one-and-a-half size, to maximise space while giving you the luxury of two separate sinks. 

Make use of the vertical space in your small kitchen by stacking the laundry appliances. Be sure to use a stacking kit to make sure the washing machines are properly secured together. Some stacking kits even offer handy extras like slide-out shelves for laundry baskets and detergents. Alternatively, don't automatically assume washing machines belong in the kitchen. If space is tight there are many other places in the home to plumb one in such as the garage, a boot room or a concealed cupboard in the hallway.

Don’t have the space to chop fruits and vegetables on your worktop? Invest in an over-the-sink chopping board. Using your sink frees up the rest of your kitchen, and when you’re done, simply pop your chopping board behind the tap for easy access the next time you need it.

While a good set of knives can always be displayed on a worktop, save some extra room by installing a magnetic knife rack on a spare bit of wall. You’ll save lots of space and your kitchen tools will always be easily accessed when it comes to chopping those vegetables.

A vaulted ceiling with skylight windows will give the impression of extra height in a small kitchen. Combine with glossy white kitchen cabinets to bounce and reflect the light around the room. Such a bright space can get away with a deeper paint shade as an accent colour so feel free to experiment with the on-trend dark kitchen colours for the walls.

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Bright, light and clean; a white colour scheme will maximise the feeling of space in your small kitchen. If a complete whiteout feels too clinical add subtle character with monochrome pendant lights, or break up the walls with a pastel two-toned paint effect and finish with touches of warm wood. 

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Look to smart kitchen technology for innovative ways to save space. A downdraft cooker hood like the Miele DA 6890 Levantar is perfect for small kitchens as it is slim and concealed within the countertop so almost invisible when not in use. 

Corner cupboards have a bad reputation for being awkward spaces but used properly can be effective storage solutions. A pull-out lazy susan installed in the cupboard can be filled with spices, food tins, cooking dishes or pots and pans which will become so easy to access. 

A butcher's block table makes a handy addition to small kitchens. It usually comes on wheels and is a square shape in design so can fit in tight spaces or on the end of islands and breakfast bars. Use it for extra worktop space or perhaps as an allocated toast or coffee making station. 

Lack of larder space? Make the most of your refrigerator instead, with additional drawers that slot in underneath shelves. These pastel sliders create useful extra layers for smaller and delicate food items, such as eggs, small fruits and soft cheeses.

Choose miniature versions of everyday essentials. This slim sink organiser has plenty of compartments for storing washing up liquid bottle and brush; damp dishcloths and sponges and of course racks for drying utensils and crockery. Anything bigger would dominate the space.

Domino hobs get their name from their oblong shape and the fact they house just one or two heat rings. They make a great alternative for when a full-size cooker is not an option. Being only approximately 30cm wide, the single solution makes way for much-needed preparation and worktop space. 

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Shelves don’t always need to be horizontal. If you install a few vertically, you’ll be using space more effectively. Saucepans, chopping boards and cooking dishes can be stored beside each other, without the risk of them all crashing down every time you open the cupboard door.

Who says a small kitchen can't reap the benefits of a kitchen island? If built to scale a small kitchen island can add valuable extra counter space and storage; choose a reflective worktop material to bounce light around the room. This one even incorporates in a mini breakfast bar thanks to the overhanging design. 

Racks aren’t just for inside the dishwasher. Keeping plates neatly stacked, whether inside a cabinet or on an open shelf above the sink, is a handy way of keeping things organised. 

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If counter space is at a premium invest in heat resistant chopping boards to prepare food over the hob (when switched off). A patterned style will not only protect the hob but will also hide the boring black ceramic top with something more stylish and interesting instead.  

Concertina storage below waist level is a fairly common kitchen storage solution but pull down storage from high cupboards is extremely helpful too. This is an especially good idea for the vertically challenged, it makes food and containers easy to access and every inch of the cupboard space can be put to good use. 

Use all square-footage available by continuing kitchen cabinetry up to the ceiling. Then plan your storage wisely by keeping less frequently used items such as large cooking pots or slow-cookers in the harder to reach areas. Keep a fold-up step stool in the lower cupboard for when you fancy that casserole. 

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