Got a small kitchen? Learn how to maximize your work and storage space without spending a mint.
Shutterstock / united photo studio
A common casualty of many adorable kitchens-in vintage houses, craftsman bungalows, cottages and even urban apartments-is a lack of space. From teensy countertops to cramped cabinets, it can be frustrating to work in a too-cozy kitchen.
Mount a rack either above or near your stove, and hang frying pans, saucepans and colanders from it. You’ll free up precious cabinet space and feel more organized. (Bonus: less scurrying around the kitchen.) Many utensils, such as pasta stirrers or serving spoons, are equipped with holes or hooks; loop those through the pot rack, too.
2. Stick knives on the wall
A magnetic strip hung horizontally above the countertop or stove keeps knives in reach but out of the way. (Knife blocks can have a sneakily large footprint that you’d probably rather use for your coffee maker.) Make sure the magnet is strong enough to hold your heaviest knife, and take care to dust frequently to keep knives clean.
3. Stow utensils in crocks or jars
Bundling serving utensils, such as spatulas and wooden spoons, upright in a ceramic crock or a large glass jar frees up drawer space. Expect a stylish boost if you can score, say, a bright orange crock or a vintage blue mason jar. (We’ve got 15 hacks for your old glass jars.)
4. Amp up the light
OK…technically this won’t make your kitchen more spacious. But bright light gives the illusion of openness and airiness that many kitchens lack. Install a fresh, strong overhead light, add LEDs under the cabinets or even plug in a task lamp. Don’t have the budget for new lights? Brighten the walls with white or light-hued paint, or slap a fresh coat onto the cabinets.
5. Pare down on convenience appliances
Which appliances do you really need sitting out? If your coffee maker steams up every morning, it’s earned its place on the counter. If your blender only comes out for an occasional smoothie, stash it in an out-of-the-way cabinet. (Or, if space is really short, store in the basement or another room.)
6. Mount the microwave
It can be tempting to drop your microwave on a countertop, but look at how much space that hogs. Hanging it below a cabinet or above the stove frees up space without sacrificing utility.
7. Bring in some furniture
Many small kitchens have floor space to spare. If yours does, consider investing in two key furnishings: an island and a metal storage shelf. An island provides instant counter space; most also have shelves below for storage. Many stores sell small square islands that can slip into the dead space beside the stove or fridge. If you’ve got a wider free space, consider a metal storage shelf. Beloved by restaurants everywhere, these workhorses aren’t the prettiest, but they can hold anything from stand mixers and small appliances to cookbooks, crocks, pantry items and more. Many also come with hooks that can hold small tools, pots and pans.
8. Use stackable storage
Go up, not out, when considering storage on your countertops. Whenever possible, hang things from ceilings or walls or incorporate multi-level storage units. Fruit baskets hanging from ceilings allow air to circulate around the fruit, keeping it fresher longer. A spice rack can stash several tiers of spices. Hooks under cabinets can hold mugs. Arrange cookbooks on top of the fridge. Look around, and get creative. You’ve got more space than you’d think!
9. Remember lazy Susans?
During the ’70s, lazy Susans were popular at dinner parties, in part because they enabled dishes to be passed around the table easily. Set a lazy Susan by the stove to stash everyday spices and oils. It’ll take up less space, and with the flick of the wrist, your ingredients spin over to you. Here are 10 more genius ideas for using lazy Susans.
10. Annex extra workspace
If countertops are seriously small, it might be time to consider taking over some real estate. Set a large, sturdy cutting board over your stovetop and use it for slicing and dicing; move it away when it’s time to cook. Over-the-sink cutting boards make it easy to clean, chop, and discard scraps.
11. Keep a compost or garbage bowl on the counter
Keep debris to a minimum while you’re working. Place a small bowl by your cutting board and put food scraps and crumbs into it as you go. This makes even small cutting boards feel bigger because it helps banish the waste. (Makes it easy to haul stuff out to the compost, too.)
12. Clean dishes as you go
Got a big day of cooking or baking? Your free space can quickly get cluttered with piles of dirty dishes and utensils. The secret of most pro chefs is to clean while you work-keep a pan of sudsy water ready, and load the dishwasher as you go.
A local restaurant serves a similar cheeseburger soup but wouldn't share its recipe with me. So I developed my own, modifying a recipe for potato soup. I was really pleased with the way this all-American treat turned out. —Joanie Shawhan, Madison, Wisconsin
Strawberry Pretzel SaladNeed to bring a dish to pass this weekend? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan
Italian Brunch TorteWe always serve this impressive layered breakfast bake with a salad of mixed greens and tomato wedges. It is one of our most requested dishes and can be served warm or cold. —Danny Diamond, Farmington Hills, Michigan
Creamy ColeslawFor me, this is the best coleslaw recipe because a package of shredded cabbage and carrots really cuts down on prep time. This creamy coleslaw recipe is great for potlucks or to serve to your family on a busy weeknight. —Renee Endress, Galva, Illinois
White Bean Chicken ChiliMy sister shared this white bean chicken chili recipe with me. I usually double it and add one extra can of beans, then serve with cheddar biscuits or warmed tortillas. The jalapeno adds just enough heat to notice but not too much for my children. —Kristine Bowles, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Amish Sugar CookiesThese easy-to-make, old-fashioned Amish sugar cookies simply melt in your mouth! I've passed this recipe around to many friends. After I gave it to my sister, she entered the cookies in a local fair and won best of show. —Sylvia Ford, Kennett, Missouri
Grilled Huli Huli ChickenI got this grilled chicken recipe from a friend while living in Hawaii. It sizzles with the flavors of brown sugar, ginger and soy sauce. Huli means "turn" in Hawaiian. This sweet and savory glaze is fantastic on pork chops, too. —Sharon Boling, San Diego, California
Peanut Butter Chocolate DessertThe desserts of my dreams have both chocolate and peanut butter. So when I came up with this chocolate peanut butter dessert, it quickly became my all-time favorite. It's a cinch to whip together because it doesn't require any baking. My family loves this chocolate peanut butter cup lasagna! —Debbie Price, LaRue, Ohio
Simple Taco SoupWe first sampled this chili-like taco soup recipe at a church dinner. What a warming dish for a cold day. And because it uses packaged seasonings with several cans of vegetables, it's a snap to prepare. —Glenda Taylor, Sand Springs, Oklahoma
Scored PotatoesThese well-seasoned baked potatoes are a fun alternative to plain baked potatoes. It's easy to help yourself to just the amount you want, too, since the potato halves are scored into sections. — Barbara Wheeler, Sparks Glencoe, Maryland
Barbecue Pork and Penne SkilletI'm the proud mother of wonderful and active children. Simple, delicious and quick meals like this BBQ pork skillet are perfect for us to enjoy together after school activities, especially if I have leftover pulled pork. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Pumpkin BreadI keep my freezer stocked for our harvest crew with home-baked goodies like this deliciously spicy, easy pumpkin bread recipe. —Joyce Jackson, Bridgetown, Nova Scotia
Bacon Macaroni SaladThis pleasing pasta salad is like eating a BLT in a bowl. Filled with crispy bacon, chopped tomato, celery and green onion, the sensational salad is coated with a tangy mayonnaise and vinegar dressing. It’s a real crowd-pleaser! —Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana
Bacon Cheeseburger Slider BakeI created this dish to fill two pans because these sliders disappear fast. Cut the recipe in half if you want one batch. —Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Lovely Lemon CheesecakeWait for the oohs and aahs when you present this luxurious lemon cheesecake recipe. The lemon flavor gives it a bright, tangy flavor. —Margaret Allen, Abingdon, Virginia
Egg Roll Noodle BowlWe love Asian egg rolls, but they can be challenging to make. Simplify everything with this deconstructed egg roll made on the stovetop and served in a bowl. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Rustic Italian Tortellini SoupThis is my favorite tortellini soup recipe. It's quick to fix on a busy night and full of healthy, tasty ingredients. It originally called for spicy sausage links, but I've found that turkey sausage, or even ground turkey breast, is just as good. —Tracy Fasnacht, Irwin, Pennsylvania
Basic Homemade BreadIf you'd like to learn how to bake bread, here's a wonderful place to start. This easy white bread bakes up deliciously golden brown. There's nothing like the homemade aroma wafting through my kitchen as it bakes. —Sandra Anderson, New York, New York
Easy Fresh Strawberry PieFor my mother's birthday, I made this strawberry pie recipe instead of a cake. Since it was mid-May in Oklahoma, the berries were absolutely perfect. It was a memorable occasion for the whole family. —Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama
Crustless Spinach QuicheI served this crustless quiche at a church lunch, and I had to laugh when one guy told me how much he disliked vegetables. Many people were surprised by how much they loved this veggie-filled quiche recipe—and he was one of them! —Melinda Calverley, Janesville, Wisconsin
Chicken Enchiladas with Cream of Chicken SoupA must for any Mexican meal at my house, try these enchiladas as a main dish or include them as part of a buffet. —Cheryl Pomrenke, Coffeyville, Kansas
Mamaw Emily's Strawberry CakeMy husband loved his mamaw's strawberry cake recipe. He thought no one could duplicate it. I made it, and it’s just as scrumptious as he remembers. —Jennifer Bruce, Manitou, Kentucky
Artichoke & Lemon PastaWhile sailing in the Mediterranean, we tasted a lemony artichoke pasta. I developed my own version of it that our guests love. Try it with shrimp and kalamata olives. —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Slow-Cooker Pot RoastBecause I work full time, this slow cooker pot roast is my go-to when I want a hearty, home cooked meal. It’s a comfort to walk in and smell this roast simmering. —Gina Jackson, Ogdensburg, New York
Lemon Blueberry BreadOf all the quick breads we had growing up, this beautiful lemon blueberry bread is the best! The citrus glaze adds a lustrous finish and locks in moisture. —Julianne Johnson, Grove City, Minnesota
Mom's Meat LoafMom made the best meatloaf, and now I do, too. When I first met my husband, he didn't care for homemade meatloaf, but this won him over. —Michelle Beran, Claflin, Kansas
Homemade Potato SaladThis homemade potato salad recipe doesn't have many ingredients, so it isn't as colorful as many that you find nowadays. But Mama made it the way her mother did, and that's the way I still make it today. Try it and see if it isn't one of the best-tasting potato salads you have ever eaten! —Sandra Anderson, New York, New York
CokeCola CakeWe live in Coca-Cola country, where everyone loves a chocolaty, moist sheet cake made with the iconic soft drink. Our rich version does the tradition proud. —Heidi Jobe, Carrollton, Georgia
Fiesta PinwheelsWhenever I serve this make-ahead, easy pinwheel recipe, they disappear fast. When a friend at the office shared them with me, I knew in one bite I'd be taking her Mexican pinwheels home for the holidays. —Diane Martin, Brown Deer, Wisconsin
Favorite Skillet LasagnaWhole wheat noodles and zucchini pump up nutrition in this delicious, family-friendly dinner. Topped with dollops of ricotta cheese, it has an extra touch of decadence. No one will believe this one’s lighter. —Lorie Miner, Kamas, Utah
Broadway Brownie BarsI named these dessert bars for Broadway because they're a hit every time I serve them. I especially like to make them as a gift for anyone with a sweet tooth! —Anne Frederick, New Hartford, New York
Never-Fail Scalloped PotatoesTake the chill off any blustery day and make something special to accompany meaty entrees. This is the best scalloped potatoes recipe ever, and my family loves when I serve it. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Chicken QuesadillasLeftover chicken gets Mexican flair from cumin in this fun main dish. The chicken quesadilla recipe has an impressive look and taste yet requires little preparation. —Linda Wetzel, Woodland Park, Colorado
Coconut-Pecan German Chocolate PieThis German chocolate pecan pie combines the ingredients everyone loves in its classic cake cousin. It's so silky and smooth, you won't be able to put your fork down. —Anna Jones, Coppell, Texas
Amish Breakfast CasseroleWe've enjoyed a few hearty breakfast casseroles while visiting an Amish inn. When I asked for a recipe, one of the ladies told me the ingredients right off the top of her head. I modified it to create this quick and easy breakfast casserole my family loves. —Beth Notaro, Kokomo, Indiana
Skillet Mac & CheeseThis creamy mac and cheese is so simple it’s almost too easy! Kids always go for the rich cheese flavor, but I’ve never met an adult who didn’t love it just as much.
—Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas
Giant Cinnamon RollThis must-try cinnamon roll is all about the pillowy texture, the sweet spices and the homemade caramel drizzle. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Corn PuddingCornbread mix and canned corn make this southern corn pudding casserole a snap to prepare. Now, this is real comfort food! —P. Lauren Fay-Neri, Syracuse, New York
Buffalo Chicken LasagnaThis recipe was inspired by my daughter's favorite food—Buffalo wings! It tastes as if it came from a restaurant. —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina
Sandy's Chocolate CakeYears ago, I drove 4-1/2 hours to a cake contest, holding my entry on my lap the whole way. But it paid off. One bite and you'll see why this velvety beauty was named the best chocolate cake recipe and won first prize. —Sandra Johnson, Tioga, Pennsylvania
Lemon-Parsley Baked CodAfter trying a few baked cod recipes, this was the first fish recipe that got two thumbs up from my picky meat-only eaters. The tangy lemon gives the cod fish some oomph. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Buffalo Chicken DipThis is the best buffalo chicken dip recipe! Whenever I bring buffalo dip to a tailgate or potluck, everyone asks for the recipe. —Peggy Foster, Florence, Kentucky
Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab PieSlab pie is a pastry baked in a jelly-roll pan and cut into slabs like a bar cookie—or a pie bar, if you will. My grandfather was a professional baker and served pieces of slab pie to his customers back in the day. Here is my spin, featuring rhubarb and gorgeous red raspberries. —Jeanne Ambrose, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Cauliflower SoupThis cheesy recipe is way tastier than any other cauliflower soup I've tried! We like it with hot pepper sauce for a little extra kick. —Debbie Ohlhausen, Chilliwack, British Columbia
Taco LasagnaIf you like foods with southwestern flair, this just might become a new favorite. Loaded with cheese, meat and beans, the layered casserole comes together in a snap. There are never any leftovers when I take this dish to potlucks. —Terri Keena, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Banana PuddingI didn’t see my son, Lance Corporal Eric Harris, for more than two years after he enlisted in the Marines after high school. And when I saw him arrive at the airport, I just grabbed hold of him and burst out crying. When we got home, the first thing he ate was two bowls of my easy banana pudding recipe. He’s a true southern boy! It’s a dessert, but you can have it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. —Stephanie Harris, Montpelier, Virginia
Creamy Dill Sauce for SalmonThere's nothing like fresh salmon, and my mom bakes it just right so it nearly melts in your mouth. Plus, the sour cream dill sauce is subtly seasoned with horseradish so that it doesn't overpower the delicate salmon flavor. —Susan Emery, Everett, Washington
Easy Crab CakesReady-to-go crabmeat makes these delicate patties easier than other crab cake recipes. You can also form the crab mixture into four thick patties instead of eight crab cakes. —Charlene Spelock, Apollo, Pennsylvania
Farmer's CasseroleBetween family and friends, we have nearly 375 visitors a year! This casserole is handy—you can put it together the night before, let the flavors blend, then bake it in the morning. —Nancy Schmidt, Center, Colorado
Crispy Fried ChickenIf you've wanted to learn how to make crispy fried chicken, this is the recipe for you. Always a picnic favorite, this deep-fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana
Moist Chocolate CakeThis moist chocolate cake recipe with coffee reminds me of my grandmother because it was one of her specialties. I bake it often for family parties, and it always brings back fond memories. The cake is light and airy with a delicious chocolate taste. This recipe is a keeper! —Patricia Kreitz, Richland, Pennsylvania
French Toast CasseroleTopped with cinnamon and sugar, this overnight French toast casserole is my favorite way to make this breakfast favorite. Since you assemble this baked French toast the previous night, you save time in the morning, and if you have an extra hungry crowd, it's easy to bake up a few batches. —Sharyn Adams, Crawfordsville, Indiana
Contest-Winning New England Clam ChowderThis is the best New England clam chowder recipe, ever! In the Pacific Northwest, we dig our own razor clams and I grind them for the chowder. Since these aren't readily available, the canned clams are perfectly acceptable. —Sandy Larson, Port Angeles, Washington
Sheepherder's BreakfastMy sister-in-law always made this delicious breakfast dish when we were camping and had to come up with good, easy breakfast ideas. Served with toast, juice and milk or coffee, it's a sure hit with the breakfast crowd! One-dish casseroles like this were a big help while I was raising my nine children. Now I've passed this recipe on to them. —Pauletta Bushnell, Albany, Oregon
Apple PieI remember coming home sullen one day because we'd lost a softball game. Grandma, in her wisdom, suggested that maybe a slice of hot apple pie would make me feel better. She was right. —Maggie Greene, Granite Falls, Washington
True Belgian WafflesIt was during a visit to my husband's relatives in Europe that I was given this Belgian waffle recipe. These homemade waffles are fantastic with any kind of topping: blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, fried apples, powdered sugar or whipped topping. —Rose Delemeester, St. Charles, Michigan
Favorite Chicken PotpieThis is the best chicken potpie recipe! Chock-full of chicken, potatoes, peas and corn, this recipe makes two golden pies, so you can serve one at supper and save the other for a busy night. —Karen Johnson, Bakersfield, California
Favorite Banana Cream PieHomemade banana cream pie is my mom’s specialty, and this dreamy dessert has a wonderful banana flavor. It looks so pretty, and it cuts easily too. —Jodi Grable, Springfield, Missouri
Italian Stuffed ShellsA dear friend first brought over this stuffed shells recipe. Now I take it to other friends' homes and to potlucks, because it's always a big hit! —Beverly Austin, Fulton, Missouri
Chocolate Chip Cookie DelightThis is a simple chocolate delight recipe for any type of potluck occasion, and the pan always comes home empty. —Diane Windley, Grace, Idaho
Traditional LasagnaMy family first tasted this rich, homemade lasagna recipe at a friend's home on Christmas Eve. We were so impressed that it became our own holiday tradition as well. I also prepare it other times of the year. This classic lasagna recipe is requested often by my sister's Italian in-laws—I consider that the highest compliment! —Lorri Foockle, Granville, Illinois
Shrimp ScampiThis shrimp scampi recipe looks elegant enough to serve to company, but it’s easy to prepare. The bright flavors of lemon and herbs enhance the shrimp. Serve it over pasta and wait for the compliments. —Lori Packer, Omaha, Nebraska
Rhubarb Custard BarsOnce I tried these rich, gooey bars, I just had to have the recipe so I could make them for my family and friends. The shortbreadlike crust and the rhubarb and custard layers inspire people to find rhubarb that they can use to fix a batch for themselves. —Shari Roach, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Sour Cream CucumbersWe have a tradition at our house to serve this creamy cucumber salad with the other Hungarian specialties my mom learned to make from the women at church. It’s especially good during the summer when the cucumbers are freshly picked from the garden. —Pamela Eaton, Monclova, Ohio
Creamy Grape SaladEveryone raves when I bring this refreshing, creamy grape salad to potlucks. For a special finishing touch, sprinkle it with brown sugar and pecans. —Marge Elling, Jenison, Michigan
A former editor of a regional home and garden magazine, where she edited the entertaining section, Kristine writes for national travel, design and food outlets about culinary trends. Her book on Wisconsin cheese serves as a love letter to her adopted state of Wisconsin and she loves to travel in search of regional cultural foods.
We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices.
Updated: Mar. 15, 2018
