Top 5 Common Decorating Blunders in Small Kitchens

While a spacious eat-in kitchen with a cozy breakfast nook and double islands sounds perfect, it’s not the reality for most. While you can’t physically expand a small kitchen (unless you do some construction), the right decor can create a more open feeling. Conversely, poor decoration choices can have the opposite effect. Here are five decorating mistakes you should avoid in a small kitchen.

Leaving Too Many Small Appliances on the Counter

While a spacious kitchen with room for everything from a stand mixer to a multi-function coffee machine sounds great, a small kitchen often doesn’t have space for all those cool gadgets. According to interior designer Audrey Scheck, a common mistake is overcrowding the countertops with too many appliances, utensils, and decorative pieces. "This clutter not only reduces workspace but also creates visual chaos, making the kitchen feel smaller and more disorganized." Therefore, if you're downsizing, it's best to declutter and remove non-essential appliances.

If your budget allows, consider adding an appliance garage to keep your countertops clear. "Anything with a plug should be stored out of sight unless you're using it," advises interior designer Kate Dawson.

Installing Window Treatments

Natural light can make any room feel larger, but it’s often limited in small kitchens. If your kitchen has a window, it’s better to avoid blinds or other window treatments. "Try to keep the window unobstructed to maximize natural light,” suggests Dawson.

If you prefer Roman shades, the designer recommends an outside mount, hanging it about six inches above the window frame to create the illusion of a taller window.

Alternatively, Scheck suggests adding ambient lighting by placing small table lamps in dark corners, if space allows, to brighten up the room.

Choosing a Dark Paint Color

Another mistake in decorating small kitchens is choosing dark colors for walls and cabinets. According to Scheck, "While dark tones can create depth and drama in larger spaces, they tend to absorb light in a small kitchen, making it feel more cramped. Opting for lighter shades helps reflect light, making the area feel brighter and more open."

The same principle applies to wallpaper. If you choose to wallpaper your small kitchen, go for a light color and a cheerful pattern.

Insisting on a Door

Dawson advises that kitchen doors that swing open can make small spaces feel even tighter. "If you have a door leading into your kitchen, consider removing it completely. Take off the hinges if you can. You’ll gain a lot more space without that door."

Alternatively, pocket doors that slide into the wall rather than swinging open offer a practical solution. They create an open space when needed and allow for privacy when desired, without occupying valuable kitchen space.

Using Too Many Different Types of Hardware

While mixing hardware can work in larger kitchens, it’s not the best approach for small ones. Dawson recommends, "For small kitchens, use the same pulls for all cabinets and drawers. Avoid mixing pulls with knobs. Keeping things consistent will create a neater, more cohesive look!"