If you live with a small kitchen, you may not be able to outfit it with a fireplace, special baking center, or computer station, but you can have a highly efficient and attractive space.
What are your minimum kitchen needs? Think about a stove, sink, refrigerator, and food prep/cleanup area. Decide the minimum dimensions within which you can work, and then arrange all the necessities -- including storage -- in that space.
Think of ways to conserve space. Look for appliances that are available in small sizes ideal for a diminutive kitchen. Some built-in dishwashers, for example, come in an 18-inch width. Another option to help with a tight fit is an under-the-sink model that takes advantage of often-wasted space.
Also consider whether you can take advantage of adjoining spaces. Can you combine your kitchen with an adjacent room to make a multipurpose cooking, dining, and family room? Perhaps you can open up a wall, or a half-wall, between your kitchen and the adjoining room to improve flow and increase the sense of space.
Careful design choices can open up a small kitchen visually. White cabinet bodies and glass cabinet doors create the illusion of more space.
