Some changes requirestructural changes and renovation, while others leverage light updates that you’re free to DIY.

You wantto maximize storage, but don’t do so at the expense of creating a stifled space.

Want more design inspiration?

Small kitchen with breakfast room

Jo Lyle & Co.

“This little section is small but mighty.”

Floor transitions demarcate rooms, according toTal Schori, partner at GRT Architects.

This kitchen feels spacious since it’s partially open to the rest of the space.

Neutral cabinets in a kitchen

Design byThe Collective/ Photo byEmery Davis Photography

“I love a mirrored backsplashit almost makes the wall disappear and magnifies the light in the space.”

“You’ll never have a more organized kitchen.”

With the right design choices, even the coziest kitchen becomes a vibrant, welcoming retreat."

Green small kitchen

Design byAnne Pulliam Interiors/ Photo byStacy Zarin Goldberg Photography

This is also an easier visual trick to use when the cabinets go to the ceiling.

This keeps your eye moving outward across the room and makes the entire space seem larger.

Color-drenching the kitchen helps make a space feel larger, says Pratt.

Navy kitchen with glossy backsplash

Thyme and Place Design

Go Dark

Cantley & Co. “I say make the most of your small space and make it dramatic!”

This green pops in a small apartment and works with the blue living area.

Large format tile will also make the space look bigger.

Different floor in kitchen

Design byGRT Architects/ Photo byNicole Franzen

Horizontal tile, likesubway tile, will make a room seem larger because the eye travels across the wall.

Opt for a glossy tile to reflect light and make the room look even more expansive.

Small moody kitchen

Jo Lyle and Co

Small kitchen with mirror panel

Erin Forrey Design

Blue small kitchen

House Friends

Sleek hardware in a tiny kitchen

Design byKristina Phillips/ Photo byJane Beiles Photography

Small white kitchen

Emily June Designs

Small NYC kitchen

Design byGRT Architects/ Photo byNicole Franzen

White kitchen with cabinets up to ceiling

Design bySamantha Ashley Designs/ Photo byLinda McManus Images

Small white kitchen

Gruver Cooley Interiors

Clean-lined wood cabinets in kitchen

Susan Serra

Layered lighting

Jo Lyle & Co.

Checkerboard tile in kitchen

Heather Bien

Small modern kitchen

Design bySamantha Ashley Designs/ Photo byLinda McManus Images

Light cabinets and floors in kitchen

Susan Serra

Kitchen with clear path down middle

Susan Serra

Dark kitchen with wallpaper ceiling

Cantley & Co.

High contrast kitchen

Thyme and Place Design

Green city kitchen in Brooklyn

Aha Interiors