In a tiny home, the kitchen serves many purposes beyond just cooking, including storage, entertaining, and even workspaces. As such, it's important to design a tiny house kitchen that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The purpose of this article is to provide tips and inspiration for designing one that is practical, beautiful, and meets the unique needs of tiny house living. Whether you are in the process of designing your own tiny house or simply looking for ways to improve your current space, this article will offer valuable insights and ideas for optimizing your kitchen in a small home.

Tiny House Kitchen Ideas To Try

Install a Convertible Kitchen Table

A tried and tested tiny house kitchen idea, incorporating a convertible kitchen table can be a game changer. By utilising this piece of multipurpose furniture, not only will you gain a designated dining space but you can also utilise this innovative table as a functional kitchen counter when needed. For example, builder and tiny house resident, Greg Parham, installed a sleek, teakwood convertible table in his kitchen, allowing for the efficient use of the available space.

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Blend Scandinavian and Mid Century Modern Designs

Design enthusiasts know that Scandinavian and Mid Century Modern styles are a match made in heaven. These styles' shared penchant for functionality, simplicity, and an affinity towards natural elements make them a perfect duo. You can look to tiny house owner Sarah Copeland’s kitchen for inspiration, wherein she skillfully blended clean lined cabinetry, use of light wood colors, and patterned tile flooring for an enviable aesthetic.

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Opt for Full Wall Subway Tiling

While tiny homes might be compact, they don't need to skimp on style. Full wall subway tiling is a go to design choice for many, adding an eye catching element of texture and creating the illusion of a bigger space. An example of this can be found in the tiny house kitchen of the Alpha Tiny Home, where the bright white subway tiles extend up to the ceiling, dramatically enhancing the room's perceived size.

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Combine Shiplap Walls with Large Windows

Embrace a coastal, rustic vibe in your tiny house kitchen by investing in shiplap walls. Complement these with large windows to allow natural light to highlight the unique texture of the shiplap. This is beautifully exemplified by the tiny house kitchen of Jessica and Carson Lange who paired their shiplap walls with a large window overlooking the green scenery outside.

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Equip Your Space with Full Sized Appliances

Despite their reduced dimensions, tiny house kitchens are capable of housing full sized appliances. In her tiny house kitchen, Jenna Spesard of Tiny House Giant Journey managed to fit a four burner stove and a full sized fridge without cramping the space.

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Choose Creative Storage Options

One of the key aspects of an efficient tiny house kitchen layout is clever storage solutions. Making the most of every inch is crucial. For instance, Alek Lisefski of The Tiny Project incorporated a pull out pan rack and spice drawers hidden in the kick plates of their cabinets, making use of space that would otherwise go wasted.

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Decorate with Geometric Lines and Gold Accents

From adding bold, patterned tiles to incorporating golden accents – a bit of glamour can go a long way in a tiny kitchen. Tiny house dwellers Kim and Raul decided to add a backsplash with bold, geometric lines to their kitchen, along with gold fixtures, adding personality to the space.

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Illuminate with a Bright Kitchen Design

A bright kitchen design can significantly enhance the ambiance and apparent size of your tiny house kitchen. Light colors, reflective surfaces, and plenty of artificial and natural light could be your magical trio. The Gladstone Tiny House is a fine example where the kitchen is painted white, including the cabinets and countertops, and complemented with plenty of windows and well placed LED spotlights.

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Introduce Green Cabinets and Wood Accents

Infusing your tiny house kitchen with green cabinets and wooden accents can create an organic and refreshing atmosphere. The paired tones offer a balance of warmth and coolness that enhances the aesthetic value of your space. Opt for reclaimed wood for sustainability and extra character, to ensure your unique kitchen remains eco-friendly.

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Embrace Two-Tone Cabinetry

Two-tone cabinetry provides a chic contrast effect. Utilize darker shades for lower cabinets, and lighter hues for the upper ones to create an illusion of a larger kitchen. This innovative use of color displays personality and style while maximizing your small kitchen's visual depth.

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Incorporate a Geometric Tile Backsplash

A clever way to make your tiny kitchen stand out is by introducing a geometric tile backsplash. The captivating patterns and shapes of these tiles inject a lively, modern vibe into the space. They not only protect your walls from cooking splashes, but they also serve as an artistic feature in your kitchen.

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Maximize Space with Wall and Ceiling Storage Solutions

In a tiny kitchen, every inch counts. Wall or ceiling storage solutions such as open shelving, hooks, and mounted racks are valuable in saving kitchen space. These functional systems provide quick access to utensils, dishes, and cookware while stretching your kitchen's storage capacity vertically.

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Enhance Your Floors with Patterns

Don't neglect your kitchen floors in your quest for style. Incorporating trendy patterned tiles can spice things up, adding a pop of creativity and personality. Whether geometric, floral, or vintage-inspired, patterned floors can invigorate your kitchen space.

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Feature Wood-Paneled Wall Accents

Wood-paneling is another fantastic way to add character to your tiny kitchen. They bring in a rustic, cozy charm which can make your kitchen look inviting. You could even paint them in contrasting colors for a modern twist on a classic look.

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Enrich Your Kitchen with Greenery

Adding plants in the kitchen not only purifies the air but also introduces beautiful, calming elements of nature. Succulents, herbs, or hanging planters can provide a refreshing pop of green, enhancing the overall appeal of your tiny kitchen.

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Add a Moveable Island for Flexibility

A moveable island can be a game-changer in a small kitchen. It provides extra prep space, additional storage underneath, and can be stowed away when not in use.

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Create a Chic and Cozy Atmosphere

Combine elements like soft lighting, cozy textiles, warm color schemes, and personal touches to create a chic and inviting atmosphere that nurtures creativity and comfort despite the kitchen's size.

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Select Flat-Panel Cabinets for Simplicity

Flat-panel cabinets offer a sleek, modern aesthetic. They harmonize perfectly with a minimalist kitchen design, promoting an uncluttered, sophisticated look.

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Maintain Clean Design Lines

In a tiny kitchen, maintaining clean design lines is key. Choose pieces with sleek lines and smooth edges to give an illusion of more space, thereby ensuring the area stays open and airy.

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Rethink Storage with Non-Traditional Cabinets

Break away from the norm by installing non-traditional cabinets. Think open shelves, hanging racks, or vertical pull-out drawers. These will not only give you extra storage space but also add a unique and personal feel to your tiny kitchen.

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Functional Kitchen Design

When designing a small kitchen, it's important to focus on creating a space that is efficient and practical, without sacrificing style or comfort. One key aspect of functional kitchen design in a tiny home is space-saving design. This means maximizing every inch of space, from utilizing vertical space with hanging storage or shelving to incorporating hidden storage options like pull-out cabinets or under-counter storage.

Compact appliances are another important component of a functional tiny house kitchen. Many appliance manufacturers now offer compact versions of common appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers that are designed specifically for small spaces. Multifunctional furniture can also be a great addition to the space, such as a dining table that doubles as a workspace or storage area.

Considerations for Tiny House Kitchen Layout

Since space is limited, the layout should be optimized for efficiency and functionality. Some important considerations include the placement of appliances, the amount of counter space, and the flow of traffic through the kitchen. It's important to make sure that there is enough space for multiple people to move around and work in the kitchen at the same time. In addition, the kitchen layout should be designed to maximize natural light and ventilation, which can help make the space feel larger and more comfortable.

Different tiny home kitchen layout options

There are several different kitchen layout options that work well in tiny homes.

One popular layout is the galley kitchen, which features two parallel counters with a walkway in between. This layout is great for small spaces because it maximizes counter space and allows for easy movement through the kitchen.

Another option is the L-shaped kitchen, which uses two walls to create an L-shaped layout. This layout is also great for small spaces because it allows for efficient use of corner space and can provide more storage and counter space than a galley kitchen.

A U-shaped kitchen is another option that is well-suited for tiny homes, as it provides plenty of counter space and storage while also allowing for a good flow of traffic through the kitchen.

Materials and Finishes

When choosing materials for a tiny home kitchen, it's important to choose materials that are both durable and practical. The materials used should be able to withstand heavy use, as well as any humidity or temperature changes that may occur in a small space. Materials that are easy to clean and maintain are also important, as they will help keep the kitchen looking its best over time.

There are many materials and finishes that work well in tiny home kitchens. For example, stainless steel appliances and fixtures are a popular choice, as they are durable and easy to clean.

‍Laminated countertops are also a popular choice for their affordability and versatility, and they come in a wide range of colors and patterns. For flooring, many tiny house owners opt for vinyl or laminate flooring, which is durable, easy to clean, and can be made to look like wood or other materials. 

Finishes are an important consideration in a tiny house kitchen, as they can help tie the space together and create a cohesive look. The finishes used should complement the materials used in the kitchen and help create a visual flow throughout the space.

Some popular finishes for tiny home kitchens include brushed nickel or stainless steel for hardware and fixtures, as well as subway tile or mosaic tile for backsplashes. Finishes can also help add personality and character to the space, such as by incorporating brightly colored cabinets or a bold wallpaper or paint color.

Tiny House Kitchen Lighting

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Good lighting can help make a small space feel larger and more open, as well as make it easier to work and move around in the kitchen. When designing a tiny house kitchen, it's important to consider both natural and artificial lighting. Natural lighting can be optimized by placing windows strategically to let in as much light as possible. Artificial lightings, such as overhead lighting or task lighting, can also be used to supplement natural light and provide adequate illumination throughout the kitchen.

There are several types of lighting that work well in a small kitchen.

‍Overhead lighting is a must-have in any kitchen, as it provides general illumination throughout the space. However, in a tiny home kitchen, it's important to choose a fixture that doesn't take up too much space or feel too bulky.

‍Recessed lighting is a popular choice for modern kitchen design, as it provides a sleek and streamlined look without taking up too much space.

‍Task lighting is also important in a tiny house kitchen, as it provides focused illumination for specific tasks like food preparation or cooking. Under-cabinet lighting or pendant lighting over the counter can be great options for task lighting.

Additionally, accent lighting can be used to add visual interest to a tiny home kitchen, such as by highlighting a piece of artwork or a unique feature of a luxury modern kitchen design.

Personalizing Your Tiny Kitchen

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One of the great things about tiny house living is that it allows for a lot of personalization and customization. This is especially true in the kitchen, which is often the heart of a tiny house.

Adding character and personal touches to a tiny house kitchen can make it feel more like a home and can help reflect the unique personality and style of the homeowner. There are many ways to add character to a tiny home kitchen, from adding pops of color with accessories like dish towels or countertop appliances to incorporating unique elements like a vintage stove or a custom-built dining table.

Blinds are a great way to add some extra protection and privacy while also adding a touch of style to your kitchen. They come in many shapes, sizes, colours, and materials so you can easily find something that fits your unique style.

You can even get creative with them and hang curtains over the top or incorporate them into a window display for added texture. You can shop blinds online for a wide variety of options that will fit your budget and style. With just a few simple additions, you can create an inviting and cozy space in your tiny home kitchen.

Discover Your Own Style

Designing a tiny house kitchen can be a fun and rewarding process, and there are many different approaches and styles to choose from. While the tips and examples provided in this article can be helpful for getting started, it's important to remember that there is no one right way to design a tiny home kitchen.

Experimentation and personalization are key to creating a kitchen that truly reflects the unique needs and style of the homeowner. Don't be afraid to try new things and think outside the box!

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