10 Design Tips for Making Compact Kitchens Live Large

As buyers gravitate toward smaller and more affordable homes, understanding how to design within tight parameters has become more important, especially when it comes to frequently used spaces such as the kitchen. Fortunately, kitchens don’t need to be large to feel spacious. A recent blog post from real estate marketing platform Redfin shows that there are multiple design strategies builders can implement from the start of a project to make a compact kitchen flow and function the same way as any other kitchen.

These tips include drawing the eye up through high ceilings and upper cabinetry; choosing light monochromatic color palettes that add brightness to the space; adding compact and efficient kitchen appliances; using glass door fronts and open shelving when possible; and more.

Here’s a design trick that works beautifully in small kitchens: glass-front cabinet doors. They create an illusion of depth, making walls feel like they recede rather than close in. When you can see through to the back of a cabinet, it tricks your brain into perceiving more space.

Pair glass doors with interior cabinet lighting, and you’ve just added a touch of luxury to your small kitchen. The glow creates ambiance while showcasing your prettiest dishes or glassware.

For a sleek look: Not ready to display everything? Frosted, seeded, or ribbed glass offers that same sense of openness with a softer aesthetic, keeping contents subtly obscured. You get the visual benefit without the pressure of keeping everything picture-perfect.