U-Shaped Layout

If you can spare a U-shaped kitchen layout, you’ll have the most countertop space for meal prep and appliance placement without sacrificing foot space. As the name implies, a U-shaped kitchen layout arranges counters and appliances in the shape of a U. The square arrangement of a U-shaped layout allows multiple people to access the space at once but doesn’t sacrifice the square footage of the entire tiny home to focus solely on the kitchen.

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L-Shape

When you cut the U-shaped kitchen layout nearly in half, you arrive at an L-shaped one. This floor plan works well for tiny homes that can’t spare the space of a full U-shaped kitchen but still desire plenty of prep space for cooking and options for foot traffic. The L-shape can provide more open-ended options for a tiny home kitchen. You’ll still be able to host more than one person in a kitchen of this style, as the cabinetry and counter space don’t close you in.

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Galley Kitchen

The galley kitchen focuses on prep space more than traffic space. It is ideal for those who do not mind having only one person in the kitchen at a time or who don’t mind moving to accommodate others. Galley kitchens feature plenty of countertops but won’t take up too much precious floor space from other rooms. Galley kitchens are pretty versatile in their placement or arrangement in a living space, making them ideal for tight squeezes.

Countertop Extensions

You’ll likely crave more countertop space than your tiny home can provide. Thankfully, you can have your cake and eat it, too. You can install custom countertops that extend when needed and fold down when not in use, providing floor and countertop space without compromising. There are also countertop space extensions that can temporarily cover the sink or your cooktop when needed. If there is any room for pantry or island furniture, these pieces can also feature foldable countertops or tabletops. Countertop flexibility is key in a smaller space. 

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Moveable Islands

It may not be feasible for your tiny kitchen to have an island, especially if you opt for a galley kitchen. However, L-shaped or U-shaped kitchens may be able to host a small island if sacrificing some kitchen floor space isn’t an issue. You can purchase a small kitchen cart or prep cart with wheels to serve as a beautiful island with one crucial feature: flexibility. When you’re short on space, the ability to move part of your kitchen can be life-saving; in this case, it’s the island. If you need to move your island or prep space to the side to host a few guests, it’s no problem if it comes with wheels. You can even move your prep cart outside to maximize space or move your dinner party outdoors.

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Vertical Space

If it hasn’t been made clear yet, your floor space will be limited. You probably don’t have a walk-in pantry or rows of cabinetry in your tiny kitchen. Vertical space is your friend here. Use as much of the walls as you can for additional storage space. Install shelves in every corner, even if it’s a tiny bit of shelving that only holds one mug or dish. There is no such thing as useless shelf space! In addition to shelving, you can apply magnet strips or equipment hooks for kitchen utensils, mugs, pans, or other tools. Stack whatever items you can without damage or clutter; stackable bins or baskets are great for this. Wall-mounted furniture can also add to your kitchen space vertically.

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Open Shelving

Cabinets are bulky and take up a lot of space. There is nothing wrong with opting for cabinetry in your tiny kitchen, but consider switching the cabinets out for exposed shelving. Exposed shelving is more flexible and takes up less wall space than cabinets. If you love the look of traditional kitchen cabinets, consider adding some exposed shelving underneath or next to your cabinets to give yourself more space.

Appliance Storage

Most people don’t consider using their appliances to help with their storage needs. Most appliance surfaces are magnetic, especially the refrigerator. There are many magnetic shelves and storage cups for kitchen utensils, cutlery, or other light items. Be careful where you place magnetic storage; items may fall off if you put them in an area with a lot of movement. You’ll likely want to use magnetic cups or flat magnetic strips for the most stability on the refrigerator door. Additionally, you can use appliances like your stove range hood to store small items like spices if the space allows it. If you haven’t selected your appliances yet, you may want to consider options that provide the most opportunity for storing some extra tools or kitchen supplies.

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Small Scale Appliances

Your home and kitchen are tiny, all by your design! Why aren’t your appliances tiny, too? When opting for a small-space kitchen in a tiny home, your appliances should be to scale. Smaller appliances can maximize your kitchen's storage and counter space. Choose a tiny fridge, dishwasher, and oven. Some refrigerators can sit on a counter or become part of the cabinetry. You can do much more with your kitchen space by sacrificing appliance space.

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Combination Appliances

Did you know that some appliances can take on the role of many others? Instead of hosting a separate air fryer, toaster oven, traditional oven, and toaster, you only need one of these items. Most toaster ovens come with convection and conventional oven features to help warm up or cook your food without the additional air fryer or traditional oven. Imagine the extra space you’d have when you only have to worry about hosting a toaster oven and a cooktop. Ditch the unnecessary appliances and get one that can handle most of your culinary needs (hint: it’s likely a toaster oven).

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Sink Counter Space

Your sink can serve as much more than a sink! You can even keep your double sink in your small kitchen with a few tweaks. Take advantage of sink covers for additional counter space. Sink covers that serve as cutting boards or general counter space add to your tiny kitchen’s layout and versatility. Over-sink and behind-sink dish dryers or drainers can save counter space surrounding the sink, too. Don’t forget to take advantage of the area behind and around your sink. 

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Door or Cabinet Hangers

You can utilize over-the-door storage solutions if your kitchen has an entry or back door. These solutions include compartments, storage racks, and hooks to hang items. If you lack a door, you can also use cabinet or pantry doors for over-the-door storage. While over-the-cabinet storage may take up some cabinet space when used on the internal side, you can usually store more items in organized compartments or baskets. Oven mitts and kitchen towels are great options for over-the-cabinet hooks.

Use All Surfaces

You don’t want to leave any surface untouched regarding storage in your tiny home’s kitchen. Use the top of your refrigerator for pantry items or kitchen tools. (Shorter refrigerators can even host smaller appliances like microwaves or toaster ovens.) The top of your cabinets should also be used, especially for larger pots, pans, or appliances. If you only use a stand mixer occasionally, put it in a cabinet or on top of the cabinet to free up your counters for more frequently used items. The top of some range hoods or oven dials can also store a few items. Take advantage of your surfaces!

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Conclusion

While tiny living is fun, innovative, and stylish, floor and storage space are often challenges. The kitchen is one of the rooms in a tiny home that features the most difficulties, as a kitchen usually needs to serve as prep, entertainment, and dining space all in one. Thankfully, many storage solutions can help free up counter space without sacrificing floor space for entertainment. Opt for smaller appliances that fit the space better. Use all surfaces, including the cabinets' tops and your appliances' magnetic surfaces. Choose a kitchen layout that suits the space well, such as a galley or L-shaped kitchen. Take advantage of multi-functional appliances like toaster ovens to eliminate the need for a toaster, air fryer, and huge conventional oven. Your sink can be covered to create additional counter space. Any pantry or island should be easily movable for convenience and flexibility. Enjoy your tiny kitchen!