12 Tricks to Make the Most Out of Your Tiny Kitchen

Instead of taking up valuable cabinet space with these clunky items, use Command Hooks to hang them on an unused wall, like this pro organizer did. Start by hanging the biggest items first, then incorporate the medium-sized ones and finish with the smallest items.

What you'll need: Command hooks, $5, amazon.com

Your storage doesn't have to be used in the way it was originally intended. Instead of hanging towels that look cluttered on this rack, pot and pan lids looks streamlined and polished.

If your cabinets are too cramped to fit all of your kitchen gear, stealthily use the cuter items as decor. For instance, chunky vintage cutting boards or bright colanders can double as artwork. And a row of matching mixing bowls stuck above cabinets looks intentional, not messy.

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What you'll need: cutting board, $24, etsy.com

Not only does a breakfast nook bench take up less space than chairs, but this one also has storage hidden underneath the seat cushions for less-frequently-used items, like holiday tablecloths.

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If you yearn for an eat-in kitchen, but a large table just won't fit, consider a foldable option. The leaves flip up so everyone has a spot come dinner time, but tuck out of the way when not in use. Plus, the center of the table can serve as extra prep space all the time.

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Open space, like the edge of a counter, windowsill or kitchen pass-through, magically morphs into extra eating space with a board and a few benches.

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What you'll need: wood countertop, $80, amazon.com

Barbara Westbrook, interior designer and author of Gracious Homes, knows the power of pale hues. She chose Pratt and Lambert's Chalk Grey paint for this kitchen's walls and range hood to brighten the room and impart a sense of openness.

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If you can't part with your kitchen cart (like this editor couldn't), just hang shelves above it to make the piece feel like a permanent fixture in your kitchen. These black shelves offer more than enough space for your full spice collection.

What you'll need: Command picture ledge, $21, amazon.com

While you're cooking, a wheeled cart is as helpful as a big island (which is not an option for most tiny kitchens), but can roll out of the way when you're done.

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Even an awkward, narrow nook can comfortably seat six, if you choose efficient built-in benches instead of chairs.

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Hanging pots and pans from the ceiling frees cabinets of bulky equipment and creates visual interest, too. Designer Jason Grant used a natural timber to create a rustic look — try a vintage ladder for a similar effect.

See more at Mr. Jason Grant »

What you'll need: vintage ladder, $43, amazon.com