Reveal 52+ Captivating American Small Kitchen Design Most Outstanding In 2023

(43 reviews)

Are you looking for the best American small kitchen design ideas? Whether you're renovating or remodeling your small kitchen, you'll find a wealth of inspiration here. BuzzFeed has picked the top ten designs to help you make the best use of limited storage, smart equipment, and stylish design. From vintage-inspired to modern takes, each of these designs gives small kitchen spaces the storage, organization, and style features they need. Our list of top favorite design ideas will help you create a space you love. Let's dive in and explore best American small kitchen design.

Small Country Kitchens

If you want a small kitchen with a classic and rustic style, adding a small country-style kitchen is the perfect solution. From distressed white cabinets to brushed nickel hardware, a small country kitchen is sure to add a charming touch to your space. Also consider adding vintage-inspired decorations and antiques for an added touch of character and charm. Keep in mind that small country kitchens should have subtle patterns and earthy colors to create a serene and inviting atmosphere.

The key to a small country kitchen is balance. Using natural elements such as wood, brick, and stone for your cabinets and floors will help to create an inviting atmosphere. For the countertops, look to granite when seeking a classic look, or quartz for a modern touch. Also consider adding a farmhouse sink and a rustic island to further add to the charm of a country-style kitchen.

To further capture the country kitchen style, keep the color palette simple and light. Look to white walls, lightly distressed wood, or natural stone for your kitchen’s main design elements. Incorporate light blues, soft whites, and other subdued hues to keep the room open and inviting. Furnishing and decorating the room with white country-style accents and antiques will further tie in the cottage-style vibe.

Small Country Kitchens

Small Farmhouse Kitchens

For the ultimate trendy design in small kitchen design, a small farmhouse kitchen is the perfect way to go. Think feel of openness, wood details, and light colors to evoke a vintage but cozy feel. Anchor the look with farmhouse furniture pieces such as a large, vintage table and wooden chairs. To add an instant farmhouse touch to your kitchen, use distressed white cabinets and antique kitchenware.

When it comes to the flooring, use a mix of natural materials to add richness and depth. Look to faux wood floors or linoleum, and decorate the cabinet fronts with vintage-inspired and etched designs to complete the look. To bring in a farmhouse touch, add some interesting texture with a stone backsplash and choose sleek fixtures and furniture pieces. Finally, use some greenery such as potted plants and hanging herb baskets for a naturally calming atmosphere.

Be sure to pick colors that evoke a comfortable and vintage feel. For walls, look to traditional whites and creams, and for cabinets avoid slick-looking materials. A classic subway tile backsplash, or a marble countertop, is a great way to add a classic look to your small farmhouse kitchen. To finish off the look, keep accessories such as wall hangings and decorative containers to a minimum to keep the room airy and uncluttered.

Small Farmhouse Kitchens

Small Modern Kitchens

For the modern designer, a small modern kitchen is a must. Sleek and sophisticated with straight lines and minimalistic design, small modern kitchens offer a timeless elegance that can enhance any home. When designing a small modern kitchen, sleek materials and limited colors are essential to creating a feel of sophistication and style. Look to stainless steel for a polished, industrial look, or to wood for a warm, inviting vibe.

Modern kitchen cabinets should be glossy and angular, while sleek appliances and bold colors in blues, whites, and silvers will instantly modernize the design. Also make sure to use plenty of white around the kitchen to open up the space and make the area look larger. Brightly colored stone countertops, backsplashes, and tiles will add a modern touch to the space without taking away from its simple, sleek design.

Accessories such as bar stools and pendant lighting can be added for an effortless and modern appeal. Also consider adding a centerpiece above the sink or range to take the design to the next level. Lastly, hang modern art pieces on the walls and invest in coordinating cookware and kitchenware to add a sense of sophistication and style.

Small Modern Kitchens

Small Mid-Century Kitchens

For a classic and timeless kitchen design, consider a small mid-century style kitchen. Drawing from the past, these kitchens are full of elegance and inviting character. Featuring warm wood tones, neutral colors, and metals such as bronze and brass, a small mid-century kitchen is a great way to create a cozy atmosphere. Also use lots of natural lighting to enhance the look and keep the room feeling open and airy.

To create a chic mid-century look, choose colors that evoke a feeling of sophistication and timelessness, such as blues, greys, and whites. Look to wood for cabinets, as well as laminate countertops for natural texture. Try incorporating curved accents and furniture pieces, such as curved sofas, stools, and armoires, to create an inviting feel. And don’t forget the iconic kitchen appliances such as vintage-style fridges and vintage white ovens come in too.

Choose lighting that is both stylish and functional. Try exposed bulb lighting for a touch of modernism, or look to classic lighting designs with metal accents. Add in some vintage-style barstools or chrome-rimmed chairs to invite people to gather around the kitchen island. And lastly, don’t forget to bring in some Ramones-inspired patterns or throw pillows with bold colors to bring the mid-century look alive.

Small Mid-Century Kitchens

Small Rustic Kitchens

Rustic design elements work well in small kitchens, and can help to create an inviting and homey feel in the space. Incorporating natural materials such as wood, jute, stone, or metal, into the décor is key to creating the ultimate rustic-style kitchen. Textures of wood grains such as walnut, oak, and maple are a great way to add to the look, as are distressed-look wood cabinets and aged countertops.

Choose warm earthy colors such as browns and reds to bring out the rustic elements, and use open shelving to add texture and dimension. Incorporate some antiques and heirloom kitchenware pieces to give the kitchen a vintage vibe, and look to distressed or antique lighting to help create the perfect atmosphere. Hanging pot racks and shelves, or adding decorative containers, come in handy to store all the kitchen essentials while lending a rustic feel to the kitchen.

Considering adding some greenery, such as a fern or herb garden, to your kitchen to bring a more natural feel to the space. For an eye-catching backsplash, opt for stone or tile with rich earthy colors. Finally, hang simple and rustic-style curtains or window treatments to complete the look.

Small Rustic Kitchens

Small Craftsman Kitchens

For a style that is modern yet timeless, opt for a small craftsman-style kitchen. Rustic wood cabinets and stone countertops bring charm and character to the room, and adding wood floors or natural stone flooring can further enhance the look. Try to keep the décor light and airy to help create a classic yet cozy feel. Incorporate craftsman furniture such as polished wood pieces and Victorian-style accents to tie the style together.

When it comes to finishes, pick trim and windows that are traditionally styled, such as quarter sawn shaker, and avoid any slick or modern materials. Choose mellow colors and finishes such as creamy whites, or warm earth tones, and remember to accessorize with classic craftsman details such as glass doorknobs and old fashioned cup pulls. Finally, diamond-pane windows can complete the look and add just the right amount of light in the room.

To add charm and warmth to the kitchen, use subway tiles for the backsplash. To finish off the look, install wooden beams for the ceiling and choose colored glass for the cabinets or counters. Decorate the walls with vintage-style artwork and opt for oil-rubbed bronze and brass fixtures to create the ultimate classic villa feel.

Small Craftsman Kitchens

Small Traditional Kitchens

A traditional kitchen is a timeless choice that never goes out of style. To help visually open up a small traditional kitchen, look to pastel colors and soft tones for furniture and accents. Incorporate warm wood tones such as oak or mahogany, and consider adding some vintage style to your design with a cast-iron range and classic pendant lighting. Lastly, stick to simple, polished designs to create an elegant but inviting atmosphere.

When it comes to cabinets, look to classic wood designs in hues such as cherry or mahogany to compliment the other design elements. Choose finishes such as stucco, terrazzo, or white marble for your countertops to further bring out the traditional look. Incorporate gold, brass, and bronze fixtures and accents to create an old-world feel, and don’t forget to hang some vintage-style wall art to add to the look.

Choose classic window treatments such as Roman shades or café curtains to complete the traditional look, and add in some wrought iron accents to enhance the atmosphere. Pulling from the past, small traditional style kitchens are sure to evoke a timeless sense of charm and luxury to any home.

Small Traditional Kitchens

Small American Kitchens

When it comes to small kitchen designs, the classic American style is an ideal choice. Rich in tradition and full of charm, an American style kitchen is sure to evoke a nostalgic feeling with its mix of traditional and modern elements. Incorporate some distinctive touches, such as brushed metal hardware or classic plaids and ginghams, to bring out the classic American style. For extra flair, use pieces with vintage-style designs or add some convincing details such as faux brick walls or vintage farmhouse sinks.

The key to an American-style kitchen is wood. Look to light wood or painted finishes such as bright whites and blues for your cabinets, and decorate with materials such as copper, iron, and stone accents. Traditional American style kitchens often feature neutral colors such as whites, beiges, and grays, but consider bolder colors such as red, yellow, and blue for a more modern look. Look to classic overhangs, which feature exposed upper shelves and unique angles, for an American-style twist.

To complete the American-style kitchen, add classic kitchen details such as pie safes or china cabinets for added charm. Choose classic checks and plaids for your accents, and hang vintage-style American pieces such as signs or old schoolhouse maps. With a mix of classic design elements and modern touches, a small American-style kitchen is sure to be a timeless classic.

Small American Kitchens

Small Shaker Kitchens

Shaker-style kitchen designs bring a look of minimalism and rustic charm to one’s home, and can offer lots of style within even the smallest of spaces. Classic furniture pieces such as Shaker chairs and tables with tapered legs can instantly bring the look into the space. Look for cabinets and countertops that mimic the simplistic lines of furniture to keep the look consistent. To bring out the rustic feel of Shaker kitchen designs, try using reclaimed wood for the cabinets and open shelving.

Stick to neutrals for the cabinetry and look to paints in soft whites, grays, and tans to complete the look. To emphasize the Shaker style even more, opt for recessed-panel doors and a matching hood. Incorporate metal and brass hardware or mixed metals for a unique, vintage twist. For the countertops, look to natural stone and aged wood tones for a timeless cohesive look.

To bring a feeling of warmth and hominess into the kitchen, try decorating the space with vintage-style accessories such as canisters, wire baskets, or jars. Also consider adding some plants for an added touch of nature and texture. As always, keep the design simple and classic for a timeless look that is sure to never go out of style.

Small Shaker Kitchens

Small Transitional Kitchens

For a kitchen that is chic, updated, and nature-inspired, a small transitional style kitchen is the perfect choice. Transitional kitchens blend rustic and modern elements within one room to create a unified design. Natural wood cabinets, stone countertops, and plenty of neutrals are essential to tying together the outdoorsy look. Consider going for furniture and accents in matching wood stains or paint colors to bring the look together seamlessly.

Look to colors such as eggshell, warm white, and taupe to evoke a cozy atmosphere, and use the same colors for furniture pieces such as black dining chairs and white bar stools. Use pendant lighting, frames, and cabinetry with simple yet distinctive details for a timeless classic look. Add in some vintage accessories, such as copper pans, copper tins, and copper cookware, to add a unique touch of character.

To further bring out the rustic elements, choose pots and pans with hammered or distressed finishes, and highlight some natural elements by using stones, leaves, and branches in your décor. Finally, add some green elements such as plants and succulents and choose easy-to-maintain marble for your countertops to complete the look.

Small Transitional Kitchens

Introducing the American Small Kitchen Design

american small kitchen design The American small kitchen design has been gaining immense popularity among homeowners due to its functionality and efficient use of space. It offers a sleek, modern look that fits perfectly into any home, no matter the size. With thoughtful touches like clever storage solutions, efficient layouts, and designer-grade appliances, a well-constructed small kitchen can help you create a big impact on the space.

Maximizing Limited Space to Create an Award-winning Look

american small kitchen design Working within the confines of a small kitchen space can either be a challenge or a great opportunity to get creative and design within the limitations. Every inch of the limited space needs to be used to its maximum potential. This can include items like wall-mounted organizing systems , lockers, lazy Susan, compact and foldable dining tables, or furniture that can double as a work station. With these innovative solutions, even a small kitchen can look like it offers plenty of storage, aesthetic appeal, and functionality.

Using Lighting to Open Up a Room

american small kitchen design Lighting can be used to create the appearance of a larger space by focusing on certain elements of the room and drawing the eye upwards. For instance, track lighting or concentrated pendants can light up dark corners and provide a general atmosphere of openness. Adequate lighting can also be used to enhance unique features like designer-grade cabinets and turn the space into an inviting, warm environment.

Making use of Neutral Colors and Solid manufacturing

american small kitchen design When it comes to design, using neutral colors such as white or light gray is beneficial for small spaces, as they create an airy atmosphere and also help a room to appear much larger than it is. In addition, solid, well-manufactured materials like stainless steel appliances , marble countertops, and hardwood flooring will give the space an iconic, timeless look that can help significantly increase the value of your property.

Utilizing Creative Backsplash Solutions

american small kitchen design An eye-catching backsplash can be the centerpiece of a small kitchen design. Modern tiles with bold patterns can add a good dose of character to the space. It’s also a great way to play with color and texture, creating a unique and memorable look. Alternatively, for a cleaner look, a single color backsplash in a modern tone can help keep the room light and inviting.

10