While having a large kitchen may be the dream for many homeowners, it isn't always possible. Fortunately, stylish small kitchen ideas can make any space feel spacious and inviting.

Some tried-and-true tips for making a room feel larger include using a warm neutral paint palette and incorporating light-reflecting tile. But other unique and DIY choices can have a major impact, too.

Light Colors & Patterns

The color scheme you choose has a huge impact on how your small kitchen interior design feels. Cool hues like blues and greens can make a room feel bigger by maximizing light, while warm colors like yellows can create a cozy atmosphere.

A mix of textures is another great way to bring visual interest to small kitchen ideas. Here, a wood island and metal backsplash tiles add contrast to the soft neutral kitchen paint.

Another small space trick is to trade upper cabinets for open shelving to create an airy look. This allows you to store more and display pretty dishware, wood cutting boards, or framed art. For an added pop of color, try adding a patterned backsplash to your cabinetry, or painting an accent wall with a bold textured wallpaper. Here, designer Betsy Wentz used a chevron pattern in this small kitchen to add personality and dimension.

Gallery Walls

Gallery walls add style and character to a space, and they work beautifully in kitchens. Whether it’s a symmetrical grouping or a more organic mix of shapes and sizes, this is a design feature that can be easily customized to suit your taste and complement any room décor.

Adding wall art to your kitchen can instantly elevate the overall look. Black and white framed prints or canvases are a great choice for minimalist or contemporary spaces while pieces featuring shades of blue can make an impact in coastal or beach-style kitchens.

Trading upper cabinets for open shelving is another way to make a big impact in your small kitchen. This is the ideal spot to showcase pretty dishware, wood cutting boards and other decorative elements for a fresh, clean aesthetic. Mix in a few framed pieces or children’s artwork for a heartfelt touch. This design idea is especially effective in open-plan homes where the kitchen spills into a dining or living area.

Bold Statement Pieces

Incorporating bold statements into furniture design is an effective way to enhance the look of any space. However, it’s important to remember that bold pieces should also be functional and practical. By incorporating both understated and striking elements into your home decor, you’ll be able to create a beautiful and timeless design that will suit any lifestyle.

Adding bright pops of color to your kitchen is a stylish way to add personality and visual interest. Incorporate colorful backsplash tile, a bold patterned floor tile, or a vibrant tablecloth to instantly elevate the look of your kitchen.

Taking advantage of natural light is one of the most important small kitchen ideas. Opt for recessed lighting in key areas and install LED strip lights under cabinets for task lighting. In addition, removing internal walls allows your kitchen to seamlessly flow into the living space and maximizes light exposure. This is ideal for open-plan homes where the kitchen often serves as a dining and entertaining area.

Incorporate Art

If you're ready to add some visual interest to your small kitchen, consider adding a few decorative accents to accentuate color, texture or pattern. Whether it's a patterned rug or dish towels, these elements can help build movement into your room while avoiding a messy and chaotic look.

Light colors also work for defining kitchens, especially in spaces with high ceilings. This top floor Paris apartment by Space Factory has skylights that flood the kitchen with natural light, helping the room feel larger than it actually is. In the lower cabinetry, soothing sage green paint carries over to the adjacent mudroom area for continuity and consistency.

Dark accents, like the dark backsplash in this moody kitchen by Charles Cohen, can also make a room feel bigger. Use them sparingly and in the right places, such as where shadows naturally form, to create a sense of depth and dimension. If you don't want to go dark in your cabinets, consider a darker tile or even a dark wall art piece instead.