This compact kitchenette, perched atop a classic Brooklyn brownstone, is featured in our book Remodelista: The Organized Home. Every time I revisit the photograph, I’m reminded that this is exactly the kind of life I aspire to—surrounded by fewer possessions, but ones that are thoughtfully chosen, functional, and beautiful. There’s an elegance in restraint, a quiet satisfaction in knowing that every object serves a purpose, and this little space exemplifies that philosophy perfectly.
But this kitchenette isn’t just a visual delight; it’s a powerhouse of practicality, demonstrating that even the tiniest kitchens can be highly functional and efficient. Here are five clever space-saving strategies that make it work—and that you can borrow for your own compact cooking space:
1. Make use of “dead” space
Often overlooked, the area between countertops and the underside of upper cabinets is a goldmine for additional storage. In this kitchenette, a simple, inexpensive curtain rod transforms that otherwise wasted vertical space into a hanging station for everyday tools. Look closely at the photograph: the thin metal wire crossing the image is the Ikea Diginet Curtain Wire ($16), a minimalist rail that supports household essentials—from coffee filters clipped in place, to scrubbing brushes, to a small basket holding kitchen tools like a can opener and bottle opener. By lifting these items off the counter, the kitchen feels cleaner, calmer, and more organized. (Pro tip: the same system works beautifully in laundry rooms.)
2. Consider under-counter refrigerator drawers
Under-counter refrigerators, a common sight in European kitchens where frequent trips to the market make smaller appliances practical, are an excellent solution for compact kitchens. These drawers maximize storage without sacrificing floor space, making them ideal for anyone navigating limited square footage. For inspiration, see our roundup: 10 Easy Pieces: The Best Under-Counter Refrigerator Drawers.
3. Deploy the all-powerful tray
When countertop storage is unavoidable, a tray can be your best friend. Grouping small items together on a tray creates a tidy, curated look, visually reducing clutter while keeping essentials within reach. In this kitchenette, a simple enamel tray by Japanese brand Noda Horo serves this purpose beautifully, organizing bottles, jars, and other everyday items in a way that feels deliberate and intentional. For more ideas, see In Praise of Trays: 10 Trays in Fiberglass and Enamel.
4. Prioritize stackable and multi-use items
In a small kitchen, every inch of shelf space counts. Choosing dishware, glasses, and containers that can stack or nest is key to keeping things orderly. Multifunctional items—such as petite glasses that work for juice, water, and even wine, or nested ceramic baking dishes that can go straight from oven to table—maximize usability while minimizing visual clutter. This thoughtful approach to selection ensures that even a small kitchen feels spacious and intentional.
5. Embrace small-scale appliances and accessories
When space is limited, size truly matters. Note the compact drying rack in this kitchen: Ikea’s Fintorp Dish Drainer (now discontinued) fit the space perfectly, proving that small, purpose-built solutions outperform full-sized alternatives in a tiny kitchen. Today, plenty of brands offer stylish, scaled-down housewares specifically for small spaces. For example, the Yamazaki Home Tower Wire Dish Rack ($88 at Williams-Sonoma) combines functionality and design without overwhelming the countertop. Pair small-scale items with stackable solutions and smart storage, and your kitchen feels airy, organized, and efficient.
For those seeking further inspiration, this kitchenette reminds us that smart design isn’t about having more—it’s about making the most of what you have. Thoughtful storage, multi-use objects, and clever solutions allow a small space to feel expansive and purposeful.