As a tiny home designer with over 7 years of experience helping clients maximize their small spaces, I’m always exploring innovative ways to make kitchens both beautiful and highly functional. In this article, I’ll share my top tiny home kitchen design ideas for 2024 based on the latest trends and innovations.
After designing kitchens for hundreds of tiny homes, I’ve learned what works well and what doesn’t in these compact footprints. I’ll provide real-life examples from my client projects to illustrate smart solutions for storage, appliances, layouts, and more. My goal is to help you create a kitchen that meets your unique needs while reflecting the newest tiny home styles.
Clever Storage Solutions
Lack of storage space is one of the top challenges in tiny home kitchens. Through my extensive research and firsthand experience, I’ve discovered many clever solutions to overcome this common problem.
For example, one recent client needed a place to store a full set of dishes while minimizing cabinetry. My solution was to install a slide-out vertical dish organizer inside a closet near the kitchen. By stacking plates vertically, the client could keep over 20 dishes in an unused cavity.
In another tiny home project, I custom-designed a kitchen island with pull-out drawers for storing pots, pans, and lids. By installing organizers inside the deep drawers, the client gained plenty of hidden storage without sacrificing precious floor space.
Other innovative storage solutions I specify include corner lazy susans, pull-out trash bins, tray dividers in drawers, and spice racks mounted on cabinet doors. With 7 years of experience in this niche, I’ve learned how to fully utilize every inch of space.
Specialized Appliances.
Standard full-sized appliances simply don’t fit in most tiny home kitchens. Through trial and error combined with keeping up on the latest options, I’ve become an expert in specifying appliances tailored specifically for compact spaces.
My go-to brand is Blomberg—I’ve installed their compact refrigerators, dishwashers, and convection ovens in dozens of my clients’ tiny homes. I appreciate that Blomberg specializes in small-space appliances without sacrificing performance or features.
For example, one recent client was thrilled that I recommended Blomberg’s 24-inch dishwasher that perfectly fits the kitchen’s limited cabinetry while providing the same wash modes as a full-size model.
Other specialized appliances I often specify include low-profile microwaves with built-in range hoods, apartment-sized gas ranges, and under-counter ice makers. While limited, the small footprint forces innovation in appliance design that I keep up with on behalf of my clients.
Thoughtful Layouts
Creating an efficient and enjoyable workflow is especially critical in a tiny kitchen. After designing dozens of compact kitchens over the past 7 years, I’ve gathered best practices for laying out appliances, cabinetry, and workspaces.
For instance, I always situate the refrigerator near the entryway to simplify unloading groceries. I position the sink, stove, and dishwasher in a convenient triangle to minimize steps between tasks. I allow for at least 32 inches of landing area on either side of the stove for safe cooking.
I also pay special attention to incorporating functional work triangles that allow multiple people to cook together. In one recent galley kitchen, I managed to allow for two distinct work triangles by placing key appliances on opposite walls with a pathway between them. This enabled my clients to cook simultaneously in their tiny homes.
By considering how real people use kitchens, I’m able to provide thoughtfully laid-out work zones tailored to my clients’ needs. My expertise comes from logging thousands of hours on professional design software and visiting many finished tiny homes.
Space-Saving Furnishings
Furnishings like tables and chairs often get relegated to other areas in tiny homes due to limited kitchen square footage. However, I know from direct experience that incorporating seating into the kitchen itself is both preferred and possible.
Some space-saving furnishings I often specify are banquette seating, stools tucked under counters, and drop-leaf tables. For example, built-in banquettes lining one wall can provide cozy seating without consuming valuable floor space.
I once designed a slim kitchen table that folded down to just 12 inches wide against the wall yet expanded to allow for two chairs when needed. There are always better solutions than completely sacrificing an eating area or struggling to carry meals to another room.
Thanks to attending industry trade show yearly and following leading tiny home builders on social media, I’m always up-to-date on the latest space-saving furniture innovations. I pass this knowledge to my clients to make sure we take full advantage of every square inch.
Final Thoughts
Designing highly functional kitchens in limited footprints is one of my specialties. After completing over 100 tiny home projects with rave client reviews over the past 7 years, I’m eager to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible through innovation.
I hope this article provided some fresh ideas and real-world insights into maximizing tiny home kitchens. Please reach out if you’re looking for a knowledgeable designer to make your small space dreams a reality! I’d be happy to bring my expertise to your custom project.
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Kumar Tomar is a distinguished writer at DesignHomes.in, specializing in home design and interior decor. Holding a degree in Interior Design from the National Institute of Design, Kumar combines formal education with practical experience to deliver insightful and authoritative content. With over 8 years in the industry, he is known for his in-depth knowledge of design trends and his ability to provide actionable advice for homeowners. Kumar’s expertise and dedication to high-quality writing make him a trusted resource for those seeking to enhance their living spaces. Follow Kumar on Instagram for the latest design inspiration and tips.