Small New York City Kitchen Ideas

Cramped kitchens are sadly a norm in NYC, but just because you are small on space doesn’t mean you shouldn't be big on style. You should aim to make the very most out of every square inch you’ve got and not let it inhibit the design potential of your kitchen. You would be surprised by the multitude of ways available out there to make even the smallest of cooking spaces feel and look beautiful and grand. There are plenty of tricks and tips that can transform your small space with suitable solutions, stylish and small NYC kitchen ideas to help you live large in even the tiniest of kitchens. So, let's get crafty and make your kitchen feel spacious, look stylish, and perfectly functional.

Best Paint Colors for Small Kitchens NYC

The best thing you can do when starting the NYC small kitchen design is to be very deliberate with the choice of paint colors. It can make or break your kitchen aesthetic. Since the space is limited it’s best to use no more than three colors. A great small New York kitchen idea is to use the color block strategy and use your bar stools, backsplash, and pendant light to tie the look together. If you are a renter who doesn’t want to risk losing your security deposit, you can just paint an accent wall, adding a focal point without going overboard.   

If all else fails combine a fun wallpaper for a pop of color with your wall paint to create a cohesive, sophisticated look. Don’t forget to paint or wallpaper your ceiling as well, it will add a lot of character and interest to the room. 

Small White Kitchen Ideas 

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room- the all-white kitchen. We’ve all heard it- whiter=brighter. There is no denying your small kitchen will look airy and bright if you opt for a neutral and natural color scheme, this crisp palette will bounce the light around and make your kitchen seem more spacious than it really is.  

Keep everything white, then add pops of color throughout, from your tableware displayed on floating shelves to a cool pendant light that doesn't take up a lot of space. If you are worried about your all-white kitchen being boring you can refresh the look with splashes of terracotta and gold details, an earthy plant stand, and a warm-toned rug. If your light and space allow it-add plants! 

Small Kitchen Backsplash Ideas 

While a full backsplash can be overwhelming in a petite kitchen space you can use a stripe of tiles to draw the eye in and give the walls some interest, while leaving plenty of white space to keep the area bright. Little can go a long way. 

Mirrored tiles backsplash can be another fantastic option that will reflect light while adding depth which would make up for minimal natural light and small square footage. 

When in doubt, stick to a monochromatic, neutral palette for a classic touch. Using subway tile laid horizontally to cover every inch from the backsplash to the ventilation hood, will help the space feel wider. 

While checking out backsplash ideas the cabinet color is yet another pain point to take into account. We recommend reading our blog about backsplash ideas for white cabinets.

Small Kitchen Layout Ideas

Small galley kitchens can often feel dark, claustrophobic, and cramped so taking away the heft of the wall of cabinets by switching to open shelving can make your tiny space feel more spacious and airier. Maximize natural light as much as possible by leaving your windows without curtains and opening them up as much as possible. 

Even the smallest of kitchens can seem larger with an open concept design, just add defined areas for seating, dining cooking, and light and decorate them slightly differently for a united look. 

If you have to fit a lot of units into a very small space, consider a U-shape solution since it can be your best option for using every inch to your advantage.  

Breakfast bars are hugely practical and another small apartment kitchen idea you may want to utilize. It will be less obstructive than a standard peninsula and make a perfect spot for casual meals, a quick coffee break, or chatting to friends while you cook. 

Small Kitchen Cabinet Ideas 

Bright show-stopping lacquered cabinets can make the space look larger-like the classic mirror trick, but with a pop of color. If you want to add more charm, have fun adding cabinet extras like a scalloped detail or a fancy ledge. 

Use different shades of one color to create visual flow, it will make a world of difference. Contrary to popular belief dark colors can make a small space feel bigger, creating a soothing and intimate atmosphere.  

Utilize every inch of space by opting for a double row of cabinets or floor-to-ceiling cabinet design. Glass cabinet doors will make the space look more open and give it more depth, while any open or floating shelves can be used to display your stunning tableware. 

Small Kitchen Storage Ideas 

Crowded shelves, counters, and cabinets can make a small kitchen feel even tinier. Minimize clutter and visual distractions by clearing off surfaces and storing away little-used appliances, cooking utensils, and gadgets. You can achieve this by using cabinet shelves to double the amount of storage, stackable or undershelf baskets, and use the space above your cabinets as well to neatly store items you seldom use.  

Use hooks to hang extra utensils from cabinet doors and sides, tape magnetic strips on the wall for hanging knives, you can also secure some rods to the ceilings and hang your pots. It will give your kitchen that European, chic vibe while being extremely practical. 

Sneak in extra storage every chance you get-be it a built-in spice rack or an entire wine storage cabinet, you won't regret it. To keep countertops clear, tuck the coffee maker and toaster away in a sleek appliance garage or install spring-loaded shelves to hide away any other big clutter creators. 

Small Kitchen Pantry Ideas 

Pull-out pantry is the perfect solution for more storage without adding clutter, using up awkward areas, or just utilizing space within your cabinets. If you don't have the room for a full-size pantry, a slim pull-out pantry setup will perfectly fit your cooking essentials like spices, oils, and more within reach. You could fit a pantry in those weird nooks of unused space you don't know what to do with- like between the fridge and the wall. Make the front of the pull-out pantry chalk or pegboard for writing down shopping lists and notes for extra practicality.  

Small Kitchen Island Ideas 

When optimizing space in a petit kitchen, an island that's a freestanding unit can be a life-saver, not only allowing you to move it out of the way for convenience but making the space seem ‘lighter’ as it will cover less flooring underneath. Bonus points go to wheel cart islands because of the ease of putting them away. 

If your heart is set on an island or a peninsula and you have the space, consider a slimline design. Having that central workstation will give you the storage you need and a useful worktop for food preparation without much restriction on movement around the kitchen. 

Small Kitchen Decor Ideas 

Bold tiling is the perfect among small NYC kitchen ideas that can take your kitchen from looking boring and ordinary to stunning and elegant. A strong, all-out pattern on the floor draws the eye in and makes the room feel bigger. Small doesn't have to be boring, so mix and match different colors and patterns to combine from floor to ceiling.  

Get creative- add a patterned wallpaper around your island to give it a designer feel. If you don't have a lot of windows to work with-hang a mirror to distract from bulky stoves and appliances, add interest, and open up the space visually. Lay down a rug-it's a sure way to warm up any kitchen and make it feel homey without overwhelming the room. And if you want to get really crafty use vinyl to give your stove and appliances a completely new look! 

Small kitchens can often feel cramped and dark, so good lighting is essential. Create an illusion of more space with lighting, use task and under-cabinet lights to brighten up the space and make your cabinet and wall colors stand out. A statement pendant light can be an awesome way to distract from the size of the kitchen and tie the whole room together. Choose natural tones and materials like rattan to add extra dimension and warmth. 

Find functional ways to add interest by infusing color into an otherwise all-white space. Get stools in the mix of primary colors to make your kitchen look fun and hip. Add a textured rug runner in bold contrasting colors or go for an eye-catching geometric backsplash that will play up the kitchen’s white cabinets and walls. 

Shop Local for the Latest Modern Kitchen Trends of 2022 at Atmosphere Kitchen & Bath, NYC  

If 2022 is the year when you are finally going to redecorate your New York apartment, we hope you found some inspiration among these small NYC kitchen ideas. Would you like to have a built-in pantry or spice rack in your kitchen to maximize space and make your cooking easier and more productive? Or do you love the idea of colorful new cabinets with breathtaking matching countertops? Maybe you are looking to utilize every inch of the space you have and want those gorgeous floor-to-ceiling cabinets with stunning glass doors that would make your kitchen look sophisticated and elevated? Whatever the case may be, we are here for you and would love to assist you in completing your kitchen renovation NYC. 

We are right here in your neighborhood so feel free to contact us if you have any questions. We would be more than happy to help in any way you need, making this process as easy, quick, and enjoyable as possible.  You can also stop by our showroom: Atmosphere Kitchen and Bath 618 Columbus Avenue @90th Street New York City.