You finally did it. After months\u2014maybe years\u2014of planning, budgeting, decision-making, and second-guessing, your new kitchen is finished. The cabinets are in. The countertops gleam. The appliances hum quietly in their rightful places. Everything feels cohesive, intentional, and beautiful.<\/p>\n
And then you notice it.<\/p>\n
That little space.<\/p>\n
It might be a narrow gap between cabinets. An awkward corner near the fridge. A small stretch of wall that didn\u2019t quite get filled. A shallow nook under a window. Too small for a cabinet, too noticeable to ignore.<\/p>\n
Suddenly, the question becomes unavoidable:<\/p>\n
What should I put in this little space in my new kitchen?<\/p>\n
If this sounds familiar, you\u2019re not alone. In fact, these small, \u201cleftover\u201d spaces are incredibly common in kitchen design\u2014and they\u2019re often the most creatively rewarding to solve. With the right approach, that little space can become one of the most functional, charming, or visually interesting features in your kitchen.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s explore how to evaluate your space, what your options are, and how to turn an awkward gap into something purposeful and beautiful.<\/p>\n
Why Kitchens Always End Up with \u201cThat One Space\u201d
\nNo matter how well a kitchen is planned, small leftover areas are almost inevitable. Kitchens are complex rooms, filled with fixed elements like plumbing, appliances, windows, and doors that don\u2019t always align perfectly.<\/p>\n
Some common reasons these spaces appear include:<\/p>\n
Standard cabinet sizes not fitting the room exactly
\nStructural elements like beams or columns
\nAppliance clearance requirements
\nOlder homes with uneven walls
\nDesign compromises made to prioritize workflow
\nWhile these spaces can feel frustrating at first, they\u2019re also an opportunity. Unlike major kitchen components, small spaces allow you to experiment without committing to a permanent or expensive solution.<\/p>\n
First: Identify What Kind of Space You\u2019re Dealing With
\nBefore deciding what to put there, it\u2019s important to understand the nature of the space. Ask yourself a few key questions.<\/p>\n
How Big Is It?
\nA few inches wide?
\nAbout the width of a cabinet?
\nTall and narrow?
\nShort and shallow?
\nWhere Is It Located?
\nNear the sink?
\nNext to the fridge?
\nAt the end of a run of cabinets?
\nIn a corner?
\nUnder a window?
\nIs It Functional or Decorative?
\nDoes it need to serve a purpose?
\nOr is it purely visual?
\nIs It Accessible?
\nEasy to reach?
\nAwkward to bend into?
\nBlocked by doors or appliances?
\nYour answers will help narrow down the best options.Smart Storage Solutions for Small Kitchen Spaces
\nIn many kitchens, the best use of a little space is extra storage. Kitchens never seem to have enough of it, and even a small addition can make a big difference.<\/p>\n
1. Slim Pull-Out Pantry
\nIf your space is narrow but tall\u2014especially near the fridge or oven\u2014a slim pull-out pantry can be a game-changer.<\/p>\n
Why it works:<\/p>\n
Maximizes vertical space
\nKeeps items organized and visible
\nPerfect for spices, oils, canned goods, or snacks
\nEven a gap as small as 6\u20139 inches can accommodate a pull-out unit.<\/p>\n
2. Open Shelving
\nOpen shelves work beautifully in small spaces, especially when full cabinets would feel bulky.<\/p>\n
Best for:<\/p>\n
Cookbooks
\nDecorative bowls
\nGlassware
\nPlants
\nFrequently used items
\nOpen shelving also helps break up long runs of cabinetry and makes a kitchen feel more open and personalized.<\/p>\n
3. Built-In Wine Storage
\nA small space near the dining area or fridge is ideal for wine storage.<\/p>\n
Options include:<\/p>\n
Vertical wine racks
\nDiamond-shaped cubbies
\nUnder-counter wine shelves
\nWine storage adds character and gives the space a custom, high-end feel.<\/p>\n
4. Appliance Garage or Coffee Station
\nIf the space is near an outlet, consider turning it into a mini appliance zone.<\/p>\n
Ideas include:<\/p>\n
Coffee maker and mugs
\nToaster and bread storage
\nBlender or mixer storage
\nThis keeps countertops clutter-free while still making daily-use appliances accessible.<\/p>\n
Decorative Ideas That Make the Space Feel Intentional
\nSometimes the best solution isn\u2019t storage\u2014it\u2019s style. Decorative elements can make a small space feel purposeful rather than forgotten.<\/p>\n
5. A Statement Plant
\nPlants bring life into a kitchen, and small spaces are perfect for them.<\/p>\n
Good plant options include:<\/p>\n
Herbs (basil, rosemary, mint)
\nPothos
\nSnake plant
\nSmall fiddle-leaf fig (for floor-level spaces)
\nA plant instantly softens hard surfaces and adds warmth.6. Artwork or Framed Prints
\nIf the space is a blank wall or narrow vertical area, artwork can be surprisingly effective.<\/p>\n
Consider:<\/p>\n
Food-themed prints
\nMinimalist line art
\nVintage kitchen posters
\nA framed recipe
\nThis works especially well in kitchens with neutral color palettes.<\/p>\n
7. Decorative Lighting
\nLighting can transform a small, awkward area into a focal point.<\/p>\n
Ideas include:<\/p>\n
A small sconce
\nLED strip lighting
\nUnder-shelf lighting
\nAccent lighting inside open shelving
\nLight draws attention\u2014and when done right, it makes the space feel intentional rather than accidental.<\/p>\n
Functional But Unexpected Uses for Small Kitchen Spaces
\nSome of the best solutions are the ones you didn\u2019t initially consider.<\/p>\n
8. Charging Station
\nA small space near an outlet can become a discreet charging hub.<\/p>\n
Use it for:<\/p>\n
Phones
\nTablets
\nSmart home devices
\nAdd a drawer or shelf to hide cords and keep things tidy.<\/p>\n
9. Cookbook Nook
\nIf you love cooking, a dedicated cookbook space is both practical and charming.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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