You'd be forgiven for thinking that "small" and "open-plan" don't belong in the same sentence. But large kitchens aren't the only ones that can provide multi-functional benefits in a busy, family home. Here, we have some small open-plan kitchen ideas that will change your mind and inspire you to reconfigure your kitchen design.
There are many ways to make your small open-plan kitchen look and feel unique, and just because you're working with limited space doesn't mean you need to rein in your creativity. From bohemian kitchen-come-living areas to retro diners, these are some of the hottest open-plan kitchen trends to covet.
Urban kitchen with a breakfast bar
Forget a dining table. A breakfast bar is the perfect mealtime solution if you have limited space. Urban kitchens are also a huge trend if you love a modern feel, with woods and metals being a match made in heaven.
Stone, metal or concrete effect wall murals are also a great addition to a small open-plan kitchen area, as they can add depth and dimension without breaking the bank. These murals work just as well on a high ceiling, meaning you can think outside the box if you don't have the wall space.
Finished with wrought iron light fittings and accessories, this small open-plan kitchen is ultra-contemporary and chic. Think of a New York art gallery, a hip coffee shop in Melbourne, or one of Copenhagen's aesthetically pleasing dining spots. Soft woods juxtaposed with the rawness of exposed wall effects (real or faux) = a winning recipe, even if you have a small kitchen.
Bright and eclectic kitchen/living space
On the opposite side of the spectrum to cool, chic and urban is this unapologetic collection of colours, prints, patterns and textures. All thrown into the same arena – for something that is off-the-scale boho.
If you want small open-plan kitchen ideas that are more liveable than instagrammable, this is the ticket. That's not to say it can't be a visual masterpiece, just because it's busy and eclectic. The art of maximalist interior design is the new minimalist in 2025, and as long as you execute it well, there's no reason it can't look as aspirational as bare white walls.
Whimsical décor has recently become a seriously sought-after trend, with granny florals, vintage wallpapers, kitsch furnishings, and storytelling fabrics being front and centre in our homes. So, this is a great time to explore all the nostalgic styles that boost your dopamine levels. Embrace colour and let your creativity flow!
Pops of colour on white
If you're worried about a small kitchen diner feeling cramped, light colours can help to open up the room. White or off-white cupboards and worktops can be an effective solution for galley kitchens with minimal sunlight. You might also opt for cool-toned or neutral colours rather than warm-toned hues to achieve a sharper, cleaner appearance.
To bring the space to life, inject pops of colour. Primary colours work well here – bright, retro blues or summery yellows – or anything that stands out against a white canvas. The goal is to create a sense of depth and dimension while also choosing a few areas to act as focal points for the eye.
Try adding a wood panel effect wallpaper to prevent an all-white space from looking flat. It's one of the most straightforward fixes for minimalist design, and it can bring the room to life!
Exposed brick kitchen-diner
There's nothing we love more than exposed brick. It's a style that never dies – probably because it's an age-old material that transcends all interior design trends and fashions, adding character, texture and warmth to any property.
The charming, industrial nature of exposed brick is also ideal for a small open-plan kitchen and diner because what a space lacks in size, it can make up for elegance.
You don't have to break the bank to make this dream kitchen a reality. Our brick-effect murals allow you to transform your home without costly or disruptive renovations.
Charming breakfast coves
We're also really crushing on cute little breakfast coves like this one. If the idea of a breakfast bar isn't cosy enough or isn't suitable for a family with little people, try American-style diner seating instead.
This solution is perfect for tight spaces and is one of the best small open-plan kitchen ideas for narrow terrace-style properties. Oh, and as a top tip, opt for vertical stripes for wallpaper if you need to make your ceilings appear taller. This will help visually lengthen your walls, giving you a less cramped space.
Retro vibes
Small kitchens are perfect for a retro makeover. If your tiny kitchen space needs a little TLC, retro could be the ultimate trend this year. Whether you opt for mid-century mod or go all-out with the vintage inspo, you'll find the colour options endless and the smooth, rounded shapes easy to work with.
While sharp angles can make a room look, curved lines can help you inject a sense of comfort, making your kitchen a friendly, inviting place to be. If you're wanting to colour drench, 2025 is your year. Some of the hottest colour trends to try include golden honey and rich yellows, sun-baked earthy hues, moody blues and purples, and botanical-inspired greens.
The use of warm woods
Lighting can be challenging in small spaces, so we love the combination of white kitchen units and warm wood. Applying wood to work surfaces, dining tables, and furniture adds a timeless finish to your home and instantly brings warmth to a north-facing kitchen.
You can even add wood effect wallpaper to your walls to create a panelled finish without the considerable expense of real wood.
Oak Effect Wooden Slat wall mural
Warm woods bring an element of the outdoors to your indoor space, helping you reconnect with nature. Furthermore, all colour combinations and décor styles tend to work with wooden interiors, meaning you can explore any interior style you want.
Whether you love traditional design, contemporary minimalism, Scandi-style homes, cottagecore, or transitional trends, there's always a place for wood in your concept.
Do you have a small kitchen? What do you think about our open-plan kitchen ideas? Let us know in the comments below…
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