When every centimetre counts: smart kitchen design for smaller spaces

When my clients approached me about their compact townhouse kitchen, they were feeling frustrated by the constant battle between functionality and space. Sound familiar? You love your location, you love your home's character, but that kitchen just isn't working as hard as it should be. The good news is that small doesn't have to mean compromised – it just means being smarter about every decision.

This project perfectly illustrates how thoughtful design can transform a cramped, inefficient kitchen into a space that feels both spacious and highly functional, without the expense and disruption of a complete rebuild.

The reality of what we were working with

The cooktop was essentially a one-sided affair, pushed so close to the side wall that you could only use it from one direction. The oven was positioned too low for comfortable use – not ideal for a client who loves to bake.

Then there were the architectural challenges. We had uneven and low ceilings thanks to the under-stair location, bulkheads everywhere, and an unusually angled room shape that made standard kitchen solutions impossible. Walking in the front door gave you an immediate view of any kitchen mess – not exactly the welcoming entrance my clients wanted.

The practical frustrations were just as real. No integrated bins, minimal benchtop space made food prep a juggling act, less than ideal storage for small appliances…and a remarkably shallow pantry that didn’t maximise storage.

Understanding what really matters

Before touching anything, we had honest conversations about how this kitchen actually gets used. My clients needed increased storage and workspace, better access to their appliances, and easier reach to everyday items. They also wanted the space to feel lighter and more connected to their recent renovations elsewhere.

Most importantly, they wanted to keep their existing appliances – a smart financial decision that also meant we could focus the budget on maximizing the space itself.

And removing what doesn’t

Here's something most people don't consider: sometimes the biggest improvements come from removing things, not adding them. We looked at everything with fresh eyes and questioned whether each element was earning its place in this precious real estate.

Out went the double sink – completely unnecessary when the kitchen space is tight and there's a perfectly good laundry tub next door. The permanent dish drainer disappeared too, replaced by a moveable version, providing functionality when needed, and extra bench space when not. And the small breakfast bar that never actually got used for eating? Gone, creating much more useful storage space by increasing the depth of the cabinetry.

Smart moves, big impact

Rather than gutting everything and starting from scratch, we made strategic adjustments that delivered maximum impact. A slight repositioning of the front wall gave us an extra half-meter of overall drawer storage.

We screened off the outside of the niche to provide more privacy and better zoning between kitchen and dining areas, while creating opportunities for both storage in the kitchen area, and a small gallery wall in the living room (because even small kitchens deserve personality and privacy).

All the plumbing stayed exactly where it was, keeping costs reasonable. We did relocate the oven to the wall and shifted the cooktop slightly for a better cooking experience, but these were minor adjustments with major benefits.

One of my favourite solutions was the angled cabinetry along the back wall that allowed us to fit both the oven and microwave on a shallow wall space – something that seemed impossible with standard rectangular cabinets. The pantry includes both drawers and adjustable shelves to enable easy access. We also ensured all cabinets met the ceiling, to capture that dead space above, and designed specific drawers for small appliances so everything has its designated home.

Colour strategy for small spaces

My clients wanted a crisp white kitchen with visual interest, but in a small kitchen, you need to be selective about where you add complexity. We introduced a sophisticated grey-green on the back wall; just enough colour to create depth without overwhelming the space.

Everything else stayed deliberately simple: handles that matched the cabinetry for seamless integration, plain cabinet fronts to keep things calm, and all the focus on one hero element – a stunning benchtop that wraps around to visually extend the kitchen's footprint.

materials selections for the townhouse kitchen renovation

The results that matter

The transformation speaks for itself. The cooktop now has usable workspace on both sides. Utensils are stored exactly where they're needed for prep and cooking. Integrated bins keep things tidy, and additional under-sink storage means every item has a proper home.

We increased bench space, drawer storage, and cupboard capacity significantly, while making the oven and microwave far more accessible. But more importantly, the kitchen now feels more spacious and organized, with everything exactly where it should be.

Smart design for real life

This project proves that small kitchens don't require enormous budgets or months of disruption to become highly functional, beautiful spaces. Sometimes the smartest approach is working with what you have, being strategic about changes, and focusing on solutions that deliver maximum impact.

If your compact kitchen is frustrating you with its limitations, remember that good design isn't about square metreage – it's about making every centimetre work brilliantly for how you actually live.

Ready to discover what's possible in your space? Let's have a conversation about how smart design can transform your kitchen into something that works as beautifully as it looks.

The magic team of Tradies Network and Royale Cabinets helped to bring this kitchen refresh to life.