For many of us, the kitchen is the heart of a home. This area of our living space, where typically everyone gathers, needs to be functional yet cozy and inviting at the same time, which is why a modern farmhouse style is such a popular choice for a kitchen remodel.

A modern farmhouse kitchen pairs sleek, minimal, and modern elements with a cozy and rustic aesthetic that makes your space unique and inviting. You can take a farmhouse kitchen classic like a reclaimed wood cutting board, apron front sink, or copper pendant lights and pair them with a few modern touches to give your space a functional and minimal makeover.

In the list below, I have gathered the most inspiring farmhouse kitchen designs that feature a modern design. Whether you are looking to make a few small tweaks to your kitchen decor, or are planning an entire makeover, this list will surely get you excited.

An off-white farmhouse kitchen with subtle glossy subway tiles

This beautiful off-white kitchen with farmhouse details is planned alongside one wall in the space, leaving the area in front of the kitchen available for a small kitchen island that separates the kitchen from the dining room with wood accents.

The off-white kitchen cabinets match the ceiling beams painted in the same tone and are paired with white marble countertops and a glossy subway tile backsplash.

The upper part of the kitchen is filled with an elegant range hood that adds a delicate farmhouse flair and glass upper cabinets ensure a light and airy kitchen layout.

via Cupboard and Goods

A sage-green farmhouse kitchen with shiplap walls and tile floors

The corner kitchen layout of this sage-green kitchen with farmhouse charm is finished off with a shiplap backsplash in the same color that continues up to the ceiling. The beige limestone countertops add a beautiful warm element to the color palette of the kitchen cabinets.

The farmhouse sink, impressive brass kitchen faucet, and the opal glass pendant lights finish the look off perfectly and the black-and-white tile flooring adds a classic element to the room.

Photographed by Lisa Wikstrand – Styled by Helen Sturesson for Kulladal

A light-flooded kitchen with soapstone countertops and a classic dark wood kitchen island

The natural light seems to be coming from all sides in this gorgeous farmhouse kitchen space. The off-white shaker cabinets are paired with beautiful grey soapstone countertops and brass hardware for an elegant look that is finished off with a beautiful kitchen wallpaper above the shiplap backsplash.

The custom island with dark wood accents and counter stools in the same material contrasts nicely with the off-white cabinetry. The island countertop is the same one as the kitchen counter for a cohesive look.

via Nordiska Kök

Rustic materials in an off-white farmhouse kitchen with exposed beams

The authentic farmhouse style in this kitchen mainly comes from the exposed wood beams underneath the A-line roof. The reclaimed wood comes back in the cutting boards and the vintage table with storage drawers that is used as the kitchen island in the space.

via Nordiska Kök

A modern farmhouse kitchen in an L-shaped layout

The clean lines and contrasting color palette make this farmhouse kitchen minimal and modern. The green-grey cabinet color is paired with dark grey countertops and chrome hardware.

The peg rail adds a rustic element on top of the shiplap wall treatment and spreads over the entire back wall. The black wall lamp and pendant light stand out against the kitchen color palette and make the overall appearance of the space more modern.

via Nordiska Kök

A blue kitchen in a U-shaped layout with an impressive tile backsplash

The white tiles with black grout stand out in this kitchen with blue cabinets and wood countertops. From the backdrop of these white tiles, the subtle farmhouse elements stand out powerfully.

The walls next to the impressive tiled hood are a great spot for a glass cabinet and open shelves, while the area underneath is perfect for a hanging rail that displays pots and pans for an instant farmhouse touch.

via Cupboard and Goods

A fresh and modern sage-green kitchen with an elegant farmhouse flair

This impressive sage-green kitchen has a subtle yet modern farmhouse elegance with upper cabinetry that is planned out at different heights. The walls have been painted in the same color as the cabinets and the island, from which a white marble countertop and backsplash stand out.

The chrome hardware and the aluminum Moccamaster coffee maker add a clean and modern elegance to the space.

Photographed by Lisa Wikstrand, styled by Helen Sturesson for Kulladal

A galley kitchen with a modern farmhouse style and limewash walls

The limewash walls add a subtle yet perfect rustic vibe to this green farmhouse kitchen in a galley layout. The impressive upper cabinets on the right side paired with the open shelving above the kitchen sink make the layout interesting and unique.

Since you look straight at the sides of the cabinetry when you walk into the room, the sides have a subtle shaker detail as well.

Styled by Anna Van Keppel, photographed by Mia Borgelin, for sale via Historiska Hem

A two-tone farmhouse kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a shiplap backsplash

This beautiful two-tone kitchen has an adjacent dining room, paired with the kitchen against the wall. The beautiful green kitchen cabinets are paired with an off-white backsplash that matches the color of the upper cabinets and stainless steel appliances that are a true focal point in the space.

The open shelving next to the window gives the kitchen layout a lighter impression and it’s the perfect spot to add some ceramics on display.

Photographed by Anders Bergstedt for Alvhem

A rustic butter-yellow kitchen with a wall-to-wall peg rail

This butter yellow kitchen is one of the most original of the farmhouse kitchen ideas on the list mainly because of its original color choice. The white marble backsplash is rounded and heightened by the kitchen sink and the wall-to-wall peg rail against the wall is the perfect spot for hanging pots, pans, and small kitchen objects.

The three classic white light fixtures finish the kitchen design off perfectly and give it a subtle farmhouse touch.

via DeVol Kitchens

A sage-green farmhouse kitchen with a unique combination of tiles

This beautiful Swedish country kitchen with a marble sink and a reclaimed wood dining table has a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The eye-catching green tile backsplash underneath the wide range hood is paired with white tiles in different sizes for a unique effect in the space.

Styled by Johanna Bradford, photographed by Henrik Linden for Alvhem

Subtle off-white cabinetry and a porcelain farmhouse sink

The subtle off-white cabinets in this beautiful farmhouse kitchen space with tall ceilings stand out against the lighter wall color for a subtle and elegant effect from which the white marble countertops and the white porcelain sink stand out.

The area by the window has tall cupboards that reach the ceiling, while the rest of the kitchen layout features lower cabinets only for a light and airy look.

Photographed by Ozolappa, styled by Lingsell for Historiska Hem

A red island paired with elegant sage-green farmhouse cabinetry

In this elegant U-shaped kitchen with a black-and-white tile floor, the center island in a red tone stands out against the subtle sage-green kitchen cabinets on the walls and a window seat for enjoying a cup of coffee.

The contrasting kitchen island countertop is made of the same material as the kitchen counters, tying the two kitchen components together.

via Cupboard and Goods

A luxurious farmhouse kitchen with an impressive cooking space

This is the most luxurious kitchen design among the farmhouse kitchen ideas on the list. This space pairs exquisite surfaces with brass hardware, a farmhouse sink, and an irregular pattern in the beautiful tile backsplash.

The simple cabinetry with a classic style is paired with elaborate hardware in brass and a stove and hood that make a bold statement in the space.

via Himlekök

A classic farmhouse kitchen with two-tone cabinets

The farmhouse aesthetic in this cozy kitchen is less modern than the other inspiring examples on this list. The white shiplap walls, rustic reclaimed beams, and the green kitchen wallpaper paired with the classic shell cabinet pull design provide this kitchen and dining area with a classic appearance, yet the two-tone color palette gives it a slightly modern touch.

The off-white cabinets on the top of the kitchen layout match the color of the shiplap panels, while the open shelves inside the cabinet are great for storing dinnerware.

via Historiska Hem

A farmhouse kitchen sink with beautiful detailing

Farmhouse kitchens typically have a farmhouse or apron front sink from which the front is visible and not hidden away. In this elegant DeVol kitchen with pale blue cabinets, the sink has beautiful fluted detailing on the front, adding a gorgeous texture to the design.

The open shelving with a brass hanging rail that spreads over the entire kitchen counter is a great spot for hanging and displaying kitchen essentials and accessories in natural materials for that stylish, rustic look.

via DeVol Kitchens

A modern kitchen with sage green cabinets and a farmhouse flair

This beautiful kitchen with sage-green cabinets and butcher block countertops pairs a classic cabinet design with a minimal look, which you often see in modern farmhouse kitchens. The upper cabinet by the window has a beautiful farmhouse touch, paired with a delicate beige wall color, modern black wall lamps, and black hardware.

Styled by Living Deco, photographed by Jonas Berg for Stadshem

A green farmhouse kitchen with white marble countertops and brass details

The white marble countertops and white pendant lights stand out against the sage green cabinets and walls in this farmhouse kitchen with a U-shaped layout. This elegant yet contrasting color palette is finished off with brass accents in the hardware, faucets, and the detailing on the stainless steel stove.

Foto: Lisa Wikstrand – Styling: Helen Sturesson for Kulladal

A modern farmhouse kitchen with brass details and a rustic charm

This cozy kitchen with sage green cabinets and white countertops has a subtle farmhouse kitchen decor that adds a cozy warmth and elegance to the room. The natural texture of the limewash paint on the walls pairs well with the stainless steel stove and range hood and the backdrop of the upper cabinet with open shelving is treated with shiplap for extra texture.

The brass hanging rail, faucet, and cabinet hardware add a warm yet modern element to the kitchen design and the elegant accessories finish this farmhouse-style kitchen off perfectly.

Styled by Annica Clarmell and Emma Fischer, photographed by Janne Olander for Stadshem

I you have a small kitchen, you know how challenging it can be to find enough storage space for all of your kitchen essentials. However, with expert advice and a few smart small kitchen storage ideas, you can make the most of your limited space and create a kitchen that is both functional and organized, but most importantly, where you’ll love to cook.

Earlier this week I visited the IKEA “Planungsstudio”, (IKEA Plan and Order Point) here in Munich. This is a new IKEA concept in the middle of the city where you can get inspiration for your latest interior project and get help with the planning and ordering.

During my visit, I got inspired by one smart kitchen storage idea after the other, and after talking to the IKEA planning experts, I decided to write all the tips and tricks out in a little guide for you.

Image source: Inter IKEA Systems B.V.

In the article below, you’ll find a variety of storage ideas to optimize your small kitchen, ranging from planning out the right layout utilizing vertical storage space to maximizing cabinet and drawer storage and using smart solutions to free up valuable counter space.

About the IKEA Planungsstudio

I visited the IKEA Planungsstudio in Pasing Arcaden here in Munich, as it’s only a 10-minute metro ride from my home, yet you have multiple studios available in both Berlin and Munich.

The 300m2 location features a selection of kitchen and wardrobe inspirations that include smart solutions that are especially helpful for small-space living, a topic so relevant for anyone living in a bigger city. Samples of all cabinet fronts, hardware, and countertop materials can be tested out together so you can achieve the dream look for your new kitchen or wardrobe in person.

You can book an appointment with one of the IKEA professional planners or plan your smart interior solutions yourself on the spot. You can arrange a delivery to your home, to one of the new pick-up locations throughout Munich, or to an IKEA store of your choice.

First things first: declutter before you organize

Before we get into the tips and storage solutions, it’s crucial to mention the power of decluttering. Go through your pantry and kitchen items one by one and decide whether you want to keep, donate, or toss each item.

This can include expired food, duplicate utensils, or even appliances you rarely use. Each item you eliminate makes life easier and the task of organizing and planning a small kitchen less daunting.

Maximize your kitchen layout

When planning a small kitchen layout, it’s important to spend extra time and attention to the planning, as every placement of kitchen cabinets, drawers, and countertop space can have a big impact on the storage space available.

When you don’t have a lot of floor space to work with, you should focus on ways to optimize vertical storage. Keep in mind which functionality and storage opportunities your kitchen should include before planning out your kitchen, whether you do it together with an IKEA planning expert, or by yourself.

“At the IKEA Planungsstudios, we assist people with the planning and ordering of various solutions for their home like kitchens. Especially with the planning of a smaller kitchen, where every smartly placed cabinet or drawer module can mean instantly more storage space, it can be beneficial to sit together with one of our planning experts, who collectively can support you in no less than 13 languages.” – Michael Vortkamp, IKEA Market Manager Metropolregion München.

Layer drawers to unlock space and accessibility

Kitchen drawers are a great way to optimize space as they provide easy access by bringing the contents to you. With a simple pull, you can easily grab items. One of the key benefits of drawers is their ability to provide a clear view of their contents, ensuring that nothing gets lost or forgotten in the depths of a dark cabinet.

Drawers can be adapted to various needs and paired with thoughtful storage solutions to make even the coziest of kitchens work.

Image source: Inter IKEA Systems B.V.

Add a drawer inside a drawer to utilize all available space

By planning out a drawer inside a drawer, you can utilize the top area you would otherwise lose and include items with less height like cutlery, spices, kitchen utensils, or even smaller appliances.

Image source: Inter IKEA Systems B.V.

Smartly divide your drawers and create a spot for everything

Dividers and inserts are an ingenious way to create a dedicated space for utensils, cutlery, and kitchen tools. This level of organization not only maximizes space but also streamlines your workflow, making meal preparation a seamless experience.

You can include an insert for knife storage to keep your knives safely next to each other or include a special insert for herbs and spices so they face you when you open the drawer.

Image source: Inter IKEA Systems B.V.

Maximize your cabinet space

When planning a tiny kitchen, you should ensure making use of the available height in your space and add upper cabinets to create more storage opportunities. If you have extra high ceilings in your own kitchen space, you might even want to include cabinets reaching the ceiling. They will be harder to reach, however, they are perfect for storing less-used kitchen items.

Cabinets are essential for storage in any kitchen, but they become even more important in a small room. Use cabinet organizers such as adjustable dividers or pull-out drawers to maximize your space.

Utilize your cabinet doors

Cabinet doors are often less considered when planning a small kitchen, however, you shouldn’t overlook them as they can be used to add hooks or hanging racks to free up valuable cabinet space and to keep items easily accessible and within reach.

A smart IKEA UTRUSTA pull-out pantry will transform your cabinet with 6 main shelves inside the cabinet and 6 smaller shelves attached to the door. The shelving fits into each other when the door is closed and will move towards you when you open the door.

Image source: Inter IKEA Systems B.V.

You can also add hooks to make your cabinet doors do double duty, as in the creative example below.

Image source: Inter IKEA Systems B.V.

Use tiered storage to make the most of your cabinets

Make use of vertical space by stacking items neatly. Tiered shelving or adjustable shelves within cabinets allow you to customize the layout and create more space to accommodate various-sized items, from plates and bowls to kitchen appliances.

Add cabinet inserts to create extra levels for glasses, storage containers, or other items with different heights, or work with a hanging basket on the bottom of the shelf to create easy access for items with less height.

In the example below, you can see the PÅLYCKE multifunctional cabinet insert used to hang wine glasses inside the kitchen cabinet.

Image source: Inter IKEA Systems B.V.

Install pull-out storage in the smallest gaps

Even the smallest gaps in between kitchen modules can be optimized by including a narrow pull-out drawer which is perfect for a small pantry, for storing cutting boards, or for storage containers like in the example below.

Free up your countertop space

When it comes to small kitchen storage ideas, vertical space is your best friend. By utilizing wall space and open shelving, you can free up precious counter space and create a more organized and visually appealing kitchen design.

Make your open shelving work for you

Open shelving offers additional storage, easy access to your most used items, and at the same time provides you with a stylish way to display your kitchen essentials.

Keep your open shelves neat and tidy by arranging items by color or category. This not only looks visually appealing but makes it easier to find what you need.

Image source: Inter IKEA Systems B.V.

Hanging rails for pots, pans, or utensils

Hanging rails can be great for hanging pots and pans so that they don’t need to take up any cabinet or drawer space. Spread the rail over your entire kitchen counter length or work with a smaller rail to store just a few pans and a few utensils.

Image source: Inter IKEA Systems B.V.

Add a wall-mounted spice rack

Save counter and cabinet space by storing spices on wall-mounted spice racks like the ones from the NEREBY series shown below. You can keep your most used spices close to where you need them and freshen up the look of your kitchen with a fresh green herb pot.

Image source: Inter IKEA Systems B.V.

Create extra countertop and storage space with a rolling cart

A rolling cart with shelves creates both extra storage and an extra countertop space and can be moved around to wherever you need it. It can serve as a small kitchen island in the middle of your kitchen, or a shelf when you place it against the wall.

Below you can see the KUNGSFORS rolling cart in stainless steel adding extra storage space, and the BEKVÄM design made out of Birch elongating the kitchen counter.

Image source: Inter IKEA Systems B.V.

Accessories to optimize: it’s all in the details

While the biggest impact can be made with planning and organizing your tiny kitchen, during my visit to the IKEA Planungsstudio, I noticed how much attention the planning experts had dedicated to the details.

Every inspiring example kitchen on display included a plethora of kitchen accessories that are small kitchen storage ideas in and of themselves and great solutions for those who want to add clever storage solutions to an existing kitchen design.

Utilize Storage Containers as a focal point

Storage containers are an excellent way to keep your cabinets organized and make the most out of limited space. Consider using stackable containers to store food, dry goods, or snacks. Clear containers can help you see what’s inside at a glance, and labels can prevent confusion and make the organization even more accessible.

If you are storing your containers on an open shelving unit, they can even make a beautiful focal point in your kitchen.

Image source: Inter IKEA Systems B.V.

Compact and stackable kitchen essentials

There are some smart solutions for kitchen essentials that take up much less space than the original. A set of GARNITYREN nested bowls and containers will take up much less space in your cabinet or drawer and stackable cookware can free up a lot of space as well.

Multifunctional kitchen essentials

A foldable KLOCKREN strainer can be used both as a steamer and a strainer and it collapses so it takes up way less space in your cabinet or drawer.

A LILLHAVET over-the-sink cutting board will provide you with extra counter space while your sink is not in use.

Organize your waste and improve your recycling game

Recycling your waist is so important while cooking, however, it can take up so much space to do it well. The HÅLLBAR system makes it easier for you to recycle and it even looks organized in your kitchen.

The closed lid will reduce smells and the containers fit perfectly in different configurations inside of a cabinet, in a drawer underneath the sink, or stacked on top of each other.

Image source: Inter IKEA Systems B.V.

Conclusion

Whether you pick out one small kitchen storage idea from this list or plan your entire kitchen from scratch, the tips and ideas to save space can work in kitchens small or big.

Before you start with the planning of your kitchen, it’s always good to de-clutter and make a mental list of all the storage functionalities you might need in your kitchen.

When you are planning the layout of a small or even tiny kitchen, make sure to work with the height available in the room and include cabinets or open shelving on top of the counters as well. Include a second layer of drawers inside your drawers to store more kitchen supplies and organize them with inserts and dividers to keep an overview.

Make use of tiered storage inside of your cabinets and use the cabinet door for a Lazy Susan pantry or for hooks to hang oven mitts or other pantry items.

Free up countertop space by hanging open shelving or rails on the walls which can be used for hanging your pots and pans, or for storing mason jars. You can even go for a rolling cart to create more counter and storage space that can be moved around in your kitchen.

Lastly, consider smart accessories that can be folded to store away or pick kitchen items that fulfill multiple functionalities.

This article was written in collaboration with IKEA Germany. The small kitchen storage ideas you read about in this article can be tried out in an IKEA location near you, or in one of the Planungsstudios.