Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
  • Holidays
  • Gardening
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Shop
  • Rooms
  • News
  • Beauty & Style
  • Health & Family
  • Pets
  • Local Services

Profile Menu

My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Insider
  • BH&G Magazine Archive
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 of the Most Common Perennial Garden Mistakes to Avoid

      Are your plants not looking as lush and colorful as you hoped? Make sure you haven't made any of these missteps. Read More Next
    • 6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      A professional organizer offers advice on how to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed. Read More Next
    • 5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      Anti-inflammatory smoothies do exist! Instead of blending in boatloads of sugar and artificial ingredients, try these smoothies for inflammation that are stoked with ingredients that may help lower your risk for chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, depression, and more. Read More Next
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays

    International Women’s Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 109-Year-Old Tradition

    What began as a small movement in 1908 has become a global holiday dedicated to celebrating the strong women in our communities.
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Hanukkah
    • New Year's
    • Halloween
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See All Gardening

    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See All Recipes and Cooking

    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    If you’re a beginner baker who’s just starting out (or a master chef looking to declutter), start with this list of baking tool must-haves. We’ll help you set up a baking kit for beginners with 21 essential tools. For those who already own these tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to toss that never-been-used soufflĆ© dish. Building your essential baking toolbox starts here!
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See All Decorating

    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    Designers weigh in on the most popular decorating styles, colors, and materials you can look forward to in the coming year.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See All Home Improvement Ideas

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    With so many types of house styles, narrowing the list down to your favorite can be overwhelming. We'll show you the top 10 most popular house styles, including Cape Cod, country French, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, cottage, Mediterranean, ranch, and contemporary. Here's how to tell the differences between each architectural style.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See All Cleaning and Organizing

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Shop
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See All Rooms

    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • News
  • Beauty & Style

    Beauty & Style

    See All Beauty & Style

    Here's Exactly How to Find Your Perfect Nude Nail Color

    Truth be told, there's no such thing as a universal nude.
    • Anti-Aging
    • Hair
    • Skin Care
    • Makeup
    • Style
    • Nails
  • Health & Family

    Health & Family

    See All Health & Family

    7 Small But Impactful Ways to Fit Self-Care Into Your Day Right Now

    Staying atop of your wellbeing is a must, especially during uncertain, stressful times. These tips will help you make time for self-care for a mental health boost every day.
    • Family Activities
    • Reunions
    • Conditions
    • Parenting Skills
  • Pets

    Pets

    See All Pets

    50 Perfect Calico Cat Names for Your Beautiful Kitty

    Use your pet's unique coat as inspiration on what to call them.
    • Dogs and Puppies
    • Cats
    • Caring for Your Pet
  • Local Services

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Insider
  • BH&G Magazine Archive
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. BHG.com
  2. Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
  3. Small Kitchens
  4. Small-Kitchen Ideas: Traditional Kitchen Designs

Small-Kitchen Ideas: Traditional Kitchen Designs

February 19, 2016
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
Find small-kitchen design ideas to fit your home's traditional style. These smart, small kitchen layouts maximize space, pack in must-have kitchen amenities, and all without sacrificing good looks.
Start Slideshow

1 of 18

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

U-Shape Floor Plan

In this small kitchen, a peninsula replaces a bulky island, creating better flow in the work zone and a convenient place to eat. Placing the range in the peninsula lets the cook chat with guests, glance out the window, or watch the undercabinet TV. Soft gray-green painted cabinetry and custom Roman shades give this traditional cottage-style kitchen a high-end look.

Kitchen Dimensions: 17' x 12'

  • See some of the most popular and effcient small kitchen floor plans.

1 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 18

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

U-Shape Floor Plan

In a small kitchen remodel, making the most of every inch is a key to success. This awkward corner was transformed into custom storage out of ordinary shelves, large-scale brackets and a small kitchen cabinet. Both the upper and lower storage pieces were painted to match, and the result is a charming beverage center and display space.

  • Try these custom touches in a small kitchen.

2 of 18

3 of 18

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Small-Space Smarts

When space is at a premium, follow these small kitchen design ideas. As you consider your space, look to small kitchen design images for inspiration, make a list of your must-haves, sketch out ideas, and follow smart kitchen design ideas like these ones, to help you design the kitchen of your dreams.

3 of 18

Advertisement

4 of 18

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Character Counts

Small kitchen design ideas don’t just have to focus on the practical. Here, materials and finishes mix and match for a custom look, brimming with style. Alder cabinets, oak and granite countertops, and reclaimed oak plank flooring create a kitchen that is full of character and function. Even the small kitchen island is a showpiece, with curvy corbels beneath the countertops and a soft sage green finish.

Kitchen Dimensions: 15' x 10'

4 of 18

5 of 18

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Character Counts

Three kinds of tile, including Harlequin tiles, make a statement on the backsplash above the cooktop. Corbels beneath the upper cabinets are crafted from scraps of alder. Granite countertops complement the rustic cabinets. The entire wall ensemble acts as a focal point of the small kitchen layout.

5 of 18

6 of 18

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

All About Traditional Style

Traditional decorating is both stylish and classic. Learn how to bring traditional decor into your home with these tips.

6 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 18

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Create an Open Floor Plan

A tiny kitchen—once only 10-feet wide—borrows space from the dining room to create a larger space that is a focal point in the home. While the space was expanded, quarters still remained tight in the small kitchen layout, which now resembles a galley kitchen, rather than a boxed is square. The kitchen’s core functions (wash, prep, store) are arranged within an efficient triangle, while a narrow island serves as bonus space, complete with a prep sink. Artisanry-inspired inset cabinetry, some with glass-front doors, a walnut-top island, and an apron-front sink give the space old-fashioned charm.

Kitchen Dimensions: 10' x 19'

  • See small kitchen island ideas.

7 of 18

8 of 18

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Create an Open Floor Plan

Maximize storage in cabinets with custom touches like tailored sizes and crown molding. Deep drawers hold even extra-large pots. Glass-front upper cabinets show off a collection of colorful party dishes.

8 of 18

9 of 18

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Work with What You Have

New windows, marble counters and backsplash, oak floors, open shelving, and a lighter paint color on the cabinets make a once-cramped kitchen live larger without adding an inch to the small kitchen layout. Open shelves, instead of upper cabinets, lighten the visual weight of the space. Shiny surfaces, such as the stainless steel island, professional grade range, and backsplash, help reflect light around the room, giving the impression of more space.

Kitchen Dimensions: 12' x 11'

  • Get tips and techniques for planning a kitchen remodel.

9 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 18

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Work with What You Have

Kitchen design for small spaces often relies on meshing necessities with decorative elements.  Here, copper pans hang from unfinished steel hooks for easy access next to the range, and marble shelves show off white dishes. Both elements keep essentials within reach but do so with visual flair. A black walnut table with soapstone countertop to the left of the range was built over a radiator and adds landing space for baked goods. A mantel over the range hood offers an additional display area.

10 of 18

11 of 18

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Floor-to-Ceiling Storage

Vertical storage maximizes space in this long and narrow galley kitchen with cabinets that reach all the way to the ceiling. The additional cabinet space is perfect for keeping occasional use items, like platters and seasonal dishes. Glass-front doors keep the tall cabinets from overwhelming the space.

Kitchen Dimensions: 16' x 10'

  • These small kitchen design ideas will maximize a galley space.

11 of 18

12 of 18

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Floor-to-Ceiling Storage

While white is touted one of the best small kitchen design ideas, it can sometimes look stark. In this kitchen, white covers most of the visual surfaces - the cabinets, countertops, backsplash, and even the paneled appliances. Creamy yellow paint and rich wood floors warm up the space, creating a small kitchen design that’s warm and inviting, but bright and open, even within a small kitchen layout.

12 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 18

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Clean-and-Casual Design

Timeless cabinets painted a modern gray taupe, stainless-steel appliances resting on oak floors, and classic mullion window designs paired with contemporary open shelves yield a kitchen that is the perfect blend of traditional and modern. An open cabinet next to the sink offers space for displaying cookbooks and ceramics and balances the range hood on the opposite side of the window. A shallow shelf over the range keeps frequently-used oils and spices within arm's reach.

Kitchen Dimensions: 18' x 13'

13 of 18

14 of 18

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Clean-and-Casual Design

The narrow silhouette of a built-in custom cabinet adds storage and display space to the small kitchen. The multipurpose unit houses dishes and dry goods and is as beautiful as it is functional. Since it was designed to fit the space, the measurements could be specified to the small kitchen layout.

14 of 18

15 of 18

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Streamlined Design

A new hardworking island includes seating, lots of storage, a microwave, and a second sink in this updated kitchen. The cherrywood island adds warmth amid the white perimeter cabinets and picks up wood accents throughout the house. While narrower, the dimensions of the island suit the small kitchen layout.

Kitchen Dimensions: 18' x 11'

15 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 18

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Streamlined Design

A slide-in range is backed by eye-catching tile and topped with an architectural-style hood. Custom cabinetry incorporates architectural character in the hood and decorative brackets. Gold tones in the tile and wall color bathe the kitchen in a sunny glow, while nickel knobs and pulls on the cabinets add sparkle.

16 of 18

17 of 18

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

High Impact, Low Cost

Give a small kitchen a dramatic facelift with cosmetic changes that don't break the bank. Adding glass fronts to cabinet doors, installing a wine rack above the fridge, and framing a pressed-tin backsplash detail above the range, all pack a punch, but don't cost a fortune. New, shimmery "jewelry"—brushed-nickel cabinet hardware from a home center—is the finishing touch on the redesigned space.

Kitchen Dimensions: 14' x 12'

17 of 18

18 of 18

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

High Impact, Low Cost

Painting cabinets is an easy, inexpensive way to update a dated kitchen. White or another light option may have been the obvious route, but black makes a statement in this space and the eggshell finish lends a sophisticated touch. The small kitchen layout was already compact and cozy, and black on the cabinets, soffit, and peninsula enhance the intimate feel. Granite veneer on top of existing countertops gives the kitchen a high-end look for less.

18 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 18 U-Shape Floor Plan
2 of 18 U-Shape Floor Plan
3 of 18 Small-Space Smarts
4 of 18 Character Counts
5 of 18 Character Counts
6 of 18 All About Traditional Style
7 of 18 Create an Open Floor Plan
8 of 18 Create an Open Floor Plan
9 of 18 Work with What You Have
10 of 18 Work with What You Have
11 of 18 Floor-to-Ceiling Storage
12 of 18 Floor-to-Ceiling Storage
13 of 18 Clean-and-Casual Design
14 of 18 Clean-and-Casual Design
15 of 18 Streamlined Design
16 of 18 Streamlined Design
17 of 18 High Impact, Low Cost
18 of 18 High Impact, Low Cost

Share options

Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Login

Shop | Better Homes & Gardens

  • Refrigerators
  • Dishwashers
  • Stoves
  • Wall Ovens
  • Microwave Ovens
  • Toaster Ovens
  • Rice Cookers
  • Juicers
  • Blenders
  • Specialty Appliances
  • Shop More Next

Better Homes & Gardens may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on this website.

  • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Logo Products at Walmart
  • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Real Estate Real Estate Services
Better Homes & Gardens

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • About Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Books from Better Homes & Gardens
  • Help
  • Media Kit
  • Content Licensing
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en EspaƱol this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
BH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.bhg.com

View image

Small-Kitchen Ideas: Traditional Kitchen Designs
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.