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20 Grey couch living room ideas for a neutral, timeless appearance

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A grey sofa is incredibly versatile and this neutral shade can be combined with a variety of different colors to add more depth and visual interest to your living room design. While some will say a grey sofa is boring, I think it can enhance the space, and more importantly grey can be such a timeless choice.

As a designer, I always recommend my clients to pick the bigger furniture pieces in neutral colors and experiment with color for the smaller pieces, because they are less costly to swap out once you get tired of them. In my opinion, you should always opt for a neutral couch color, like grey, beige, white, or black, and work the textiles and accessories to add interest to the color palette.

Whether you want to introduce a grey sofa to your living space or want inspiration on how to style a grey couch, the inspirational living rooms in this list are a great place to start. Below, I have collected my favorite living room ideas with grey couches ranging from light to medium grey and darker greys that almost appear black.

A medium gray sectional in an impressive living room with dark grey walls

The impressive dark gray wall color in this living room creates a strong contrast with the white curtains, white ceilings, and white window and door frames. The gray sofa is paired with an off-white rug, a combination of light gray coffee tables, and a mixture of neutral color throw pillows to lighten up the sofa color just slightly.

The bright blue vase is a nice focal point, as it adds the only pop of color in the living room color scheme.

A medium gray sectional in an impressive living room with dark grey walls

via RC

A dark charcoal sofa stands out against an elegant light greige wall color

The dark charcoal sofa stands out so beautifully in this spacious historic living room with an elegant light greige wall color and white historic details. The creamy white pillows pop out against the backdrop of the dark upholstery and the elegant coffee table with steel legs matches the color of the wall.

A dark charcoal sofa stands out against an elegant light greige wall color

via Alvhem

A medium grey sofa in a beige studio apartment

This grey couch living room with beige walls looks balanced and inviting. The red and brown tones in the accent pillows complement the gray upholstery and the beige wall color and white flooring make the grey couch stand out powerfully.

A medium grey sofa in a beige studio apartment

Styled by Grey Deco, photographed by Janne Olander for Stadshem

A grey couch living room with a black wall color

The black wall color in this majestic living room space is a true focal point. The accent wall color is paired with a modern grey sofa, a light grey rug, and black-and-white art prints on the wall.

The different textures and materials complement each other nicely, while various elements in white stand out against this powerful black backdrop.

A grey couch living room with a black wall color

Styled by Sundling & Kickén, Photography by Kristofer Johnson for the InMyCorner shop

A gray sofa blends in with a gray wall color in a space with white plank floors

The gray sofa in this living room almost blends in with the dark grey living room walls in the background. The black coffee table adds a bit of contrast, while the white floors, white historic fireplace, and white ceiling lighten up the color palette.

The beautiful collection of different throw pillows enhances the decor of this otherwise modestly decorated space.

A gray sofa blends in with a gray wall color in a space with white plank floors

via Alvhem

A dark gray sofa paired with gray walls and wood features

Darker gray sofas will be able to hide stains better than their lighter gray counterparts, so if you have kids or like to eat on your sofa, a darker shade might be the right choice for you. Gray couches tend to work well in rooms with a lot of warm wood elements, to balance out the warm tones and make them less overpowering.

A dark gray sofa paired with gray walls and wood features

via Wrede

A neutral palette living room with a light grey sofa that blends in with the wall color

The light sofa color blends in with the elegant wall color of this spacious living room. The beige curtains, beige area rug, and the mixture of white, grey, and beige throw pillows on the sofa complement the wall color perfectly, making the wood surfaces in the furniture and the black sideboard stand out powerfully.

A neutral palette living room with a light grey sofa that blends in with the wall color

Styled by Grey Deco, photographed by Fredrik J Karlsson for sale via Alvhem

A contrasting color palette in a light grey living room with historic details

A mixture of pink, beige, and grey throw pillows decorate a grey couch in a historic living room with light grey walls and a fresh green plant. The dark oak coffee table and the black metal elements make for a contrasting look that makes the historic white fireplace in the corner of the room stand out.

A contrasting color palette in a light grey living room with historic details

for Alvhem

A warm and inviting grey couch in the living room with beige and brown tones

The grey couch and light grey area rug in this living room are paired with beautiful beige and brown tones in the mixture of throw pillows on the sofa and in the beautiful living room gallery wall above the sofa.

The wood textures and the white fabric pendant light create variations in the material palette, resulting in a beautiful and balanced interior design.

A warm and inviting grey couch in the living room with beige and brown tones

Styled by Emma Fisher, photographed by Jonas Berg for Stadshem

A silver-gray couch balanced out with a warm color palette

Silver-gray sofas tend to add a cool undertone to your color scheme. To balance this out, you can pair it with warm beige and wood tones for an interesting play between warm and cold that stands out exceptionally well against pure white walls just like in the example below.

A silver-gray couch balanced out with a warm color palette

via Alvhem

A gray couch and a contrasting color palette highlight the white historic features in the room

The greige wall color in the living room is paired with black furniture pieces, a dark gray couch, and warm-tone accent pillows. The dark gray upholstery stands out on the neutral gray area rug and this overall dark color scheme makes the beautiful white historic features in this room stand out so beautifully.

A gray couch and a contrasting color palette highlight the white historic features in the room

Styled by Linnéa H. Manaberi, photographed by Frederik Karlsson for Alvhem

A neutral space featuring a combination of white, beige, and grey tones

This is probably the lightest one of the grey couches on this list and the interior designer of this gorgeous space paired it with a light grey wall color with slight blue undertones, a white area rug, and different shades of beiges and warm tones for a modest yet interesting mix of tones and a modern effect in the room.

A neutral space featuring a combination of white, beige, and grey tones

Styled by Bon Interior, photographed by Alen Cordic for Bjurfors

A grey couch living room with black and white accents and a greige wall color

A dark grey couch paired with a glass coffee table, black furniture pieces, and black lighting fixtures adds a wonderful contrast to this modern living room decor in a historic building with greige walls and white crown molding.

A grey couch living room with black and white accents and a greige wall color

Styled by Emma Fisher, photographed by Fredrik J Karlsson for Alvhem

Light grey walls paired with a grey couch and cream-white accent chairs

This spacious living room with many windows is painted in a medium grey wall color, paired with white curtains and a white fluffy area rug. A dark grey sofa adds a beautiful contrast to the setting, enhanced by the black round coffee table in the middle.

The cream-white accent chairs and the fresh green plants in the windows work well with this grey setting and make it more interesting.

A living room with gray walls, a dark gray sofa, white area rug, white lounge chairs and dark wood furniture

via Alvhem

A cool grey sofa paired with a neutral color scheme

The white wall color in this living and sleeping space is enhanced by a cool grey sofa and a mixture of white, beige, and brown shades in the accessories resulting in a perfectly minimal balance in the color palette.

A cool grey sofa paired with a neutral color scheme

via Unika Hem

Warm color palettes work well with warm gray couches

In a warm color palette, warm-gray sofas will blend in well. In this cozy example, the wood tones paired with the warm-tone area rug, the gray couch, and the subtle brown tones in the details stand out against the subtle beige living room walls, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Warm color palettes work well with warm gray couches

Styled by Linnéa H. Manaberi, photographed by Hendrik Linden for Alvhem

A dramatic dark gray living room with a complementing couch color

This is one of the moodiest living room ideas on this list, as the deep gray wall color and the even darker window frames add a dramatic effect to the space. The dark grey sofa complements this dark wall color and the light grey area rug lightens up the warm hardwood flooring.

The deep green throw pillow on the couch paired with the warm wood coffee table and the fresh green Monstera in the window add a beautiful variation in shades to the room design.

A dramatic dark gray living room with a complementing couch color

via Sjöman Frisk

A minimal-style living room with a warm gray sofa

The organically shaped warm gray sofa perfectly fits this living room with greige walls and a minimal design style and aesthetic. The gray couch is paired with a beige travertine coffee table and an off-white velvet area rug.

A minimal-style living room with a warm gray sofa

via Historiska Hem

An eclectic mix of objects around a light gray couch

Some living room ideas will place the sofa front and center, while in other examples, the sofa will blend in with its environment, like in this beautiful example.

This living room design with lots of textures, materials, and details features a warm color scheme that is enhanced by vintage objects and other elements of interest. The light gray sofa complements the other accessories and allows them to take front and center in this cozy gray couch living room with a textured area rug in a warm beige color.

An eclectic mix of objects around a light gray couch

styled by Emma Fisher and Annica Clarmell, photographed by Henrik Linden, for Alvhem

A gray sofa in an industrial setting paired with an impressive collection of plants

The industrial design style in this gorgeous living room is brought in by the impressive black frame window that lets in such an abundance of natural light into the space. To balance the contrast between the black window frame and the white walls, a gray sofa on a white rug paired with a blue-gray color palette with warm tones in the details is placed in the middle of the space.

An impressive collection of green plants flourish in front of the large window and a large TV-gallery wall combined with a clean white sideboard finishes the living room design perfectly.

A gray sofa in an industrial setting paired with an impressive collection of plants

via Alexander White

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White plank floors and a cozy sage green living room

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The dark sage green color on the living room walls in this Swedish apartment (sold via Stadshem) adds a cozy and inviting touch to the space. The muted sage-green tone is contrasted by white wood floors and warm wood accents in the furniture for a unique and characterful combination.

The grey corner layout kitchen fits the space perfectly and is paired with a white tile backsplash and tick white countertops to complement the white flooring.

The elegant light beige bedroom is decorated scarcely for a minimal effect and the hallway has a beige wall color with green undertones that make the beautiful white door frames stand out elegantly.

A living room with white plank floors, sage-green walls and warm wood tones in the funirture pieces

A sage-green living room with white floors and warm wood tones

The sage-green wall color in this living room with windows on both sides is both muted and dark at the same time, allowing for a powerful contrast with the white plank floors and the white ceiling in the apartment. The sheer beige linen curtains in front of the windows warm up the daylight coming in, while also adding a lovely texture to the space.

A living room with white plank floors, sage-green walls and warm wood tones in the funirture pieces

The area in front of the window is a great place for a large wood dining table with black legs. The vintage Rey dining chairs are a perfect choice for this setting and they add a beautiful focal point to the living and dining room.

A living room with white plank floors, sage-green walls and warm wood tones in the funirture pieces

The vintage cabinet against the wall adds a beautiful warm wood tone to the color palette which ties the living room look together nicely.

A living room with white plank floors, sage-green walls and warm wood tones in the funirture pieces

The other side of the living room includes a small fabric sofa paired with a mixture of black, grey, and beige textiles and a yellow velvet pouf.

A living room with white plank floors, sage-green walls and warm wood tones in the funirture pieces

A living room with white plank floors, sage-green walls and warm wood tones in the funirture pieces

A living room with white plank floors, sage-green walls and warm wood tones in the funirture pieces

The subtle wall shelving with black brackets is a great spot for adding books and a few delicate decor items.

A living room with white plank floors, sage-green walls and warm wood tones in the funirture pieces

A corner kitchen layout with grey cabinets and white countertops

The kitchen is planned out in a corner layout in front of the kitchen window making optimal use of the space available. The kitchen module is built in front of the window without extending the window sill, which is a budget-friendly way to solve this layout challenge.

A grey kitchen in a corner layout with chrome hardware, a tick white countertop and a white subway tile backsplash

The grey IKEA Bodbyn kitchen cabinets are paired with tick white countertops and a white subway tile backsplash behind the kitchen sink.

A grey kitchen in a corner layout with chrome hardware, a tick white countertop and a white subway tile backsplash

The kitchen cabinets are paired with chrome hardware, which also comes back in the aluminum Moccamaster coffee maker on the kitchen counter.

A grey kitchen in a corner layout with chrome hardware, a tick white countertop and a white subway tile backsplash

Another corner layout is constructed on the wall opposite the window, where open shelving fills the upper part of the layout above the corner section.

A grey kitchen in a corner layout with chrome hardware, a tick white countertop and a white subway tile backsplash

A minimal bedroom with light beige walls

The light beige bedroom walls are paired with white, beige, and grey bedding and minimal bedroom decor. The cute wall shelf above the bed is perfect for an art print and a small reading light.

A bedroom with beige walls and a minimal decor

An open wardrobe is placed next to a walk-in bedroom closet to provide this rather small bedroom with lots of storage opportunities. A small cupboard against the wall is great for storing smaller items like accessories.

A bedroom with beige walls and a minimal decor, open wardrobe and walk-in closet

Beige entryway walls with a green undertone

The beautiful beige wall color in the entryway has green undertones for a fresh yet minimal effect. The gorgeous wall color makes the white doors and the white ceiling stand out beautifully.

 An entryway with beige walls with a green undertone

The entryway mirror is great for checking one’s outfit before heading out of the door, yet it also allows daylight from the adjacent room to be reflected into this low-lit space.

 An entryway with beige walls with a green undertone

 An entryway with beige walls with a green undertone and a walk-in closet

via Stadshem

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A one-bedroom apartment with a bed nook and a white kitchen

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This small yet stylish apartment with white walls for sale in Sweden (Styled by Grey Deco, photographed by Henrik Linden for Alvhem) has a beautiful color palette powered by the different wood furniture pieces and earthy tones in the accessories and textiles.

The living space features a nook for the bed that is visually separated from the rest of the living area, which also includes a cozy sofa area next to the fireplace and a practical home office spot in front of the window.

The white kitchen features contrasting black countertops and a white tile backsplash. The floor plan of the kitchen allows for a small and cozy dining section decorated with dark wood tones.

A living room with white walls decorated with different wood tints and earthy tones, bed nook in a niche in the floor plan

A living and sleeping space with earthy tones and a cozy bed nook

The living space consists of three different functional areas: a bed nook built inside of a niche space in the floor plan, a cozy sofa area next to the fireplace, and a home office section in front of the window.

The decor of the living space features an off-white fabric sofa and white area rug, paired with different wood tones in the furniture pieces and textiles in earthy tones.

A living room with white walls decorated with different wood tints and earthy tones

Just like the decor in the rest of the living room, the textiles on the bed in the nook feature a mixture of beige and earthy tones, paired with a dark wood bedside table and beige tones in the art prints on the wall.

A bed nook decorated with textiles in earthy tones inside of a niche space in the floor plan

A bed nook decorated with textiles in earthy tones inside of a niche space in the floor plan

A home office spot in front of a living room window with a natural wood desk and a dark wood desk chair

The windows are framed with sheer beige linen curtains that warm up the daylight coming in through the large windows. The wood desk paired with the leather desk chair, the guitar in the corner, and the warm wood bookshelf create a warm color palette in front of the window.

A home office spot in front of a living room window with a natural wood desk and a dark wood desk chair, bookshelf

A home office spot in front of a living room window with a natural wood desk and a dark wood desk chair

A white kitchen with black countertops and a cozy dining area

The bright white kitchen cabinets are paired with a contrasting black countertop and a white tile backsplash. The entire kitchen design is planned on one wall, allowing space for a small dining table on the other side of the floor plan.

A white kitchen with black countertops and a white tile backplash

A white kitchen with black countertops and a white tile backplash

The small dining table is paired with dark wood chairs for a warm and contrasting look in this cozy section of the kitchen. The white wall shelves blend into the white walls and offer a perfect spot to add some kitchen objects on display.

A kitchen dining area with white wall shelving and dark wood tones

A kitchen dining area with white wall shelving and dark wood tones

A kitchen dining area with white wall shelving and dark wood tones

A kitchen dining area with white wall shelving and dark wood tones

Styled by Grey Deco, photographed by Henrik Linden for Alvhem

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A cozy light palette room with a custom bookshelf around the living room door

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This beautiful turn-of-the-century home for sale in Sweden (Styled by Clindholm design, photographed by Jocke Ono, for Historiska Hem) has a delicate greige living room wall color that is paired with a light living room decor and a vintage cabinet next to the window.

The living room door is enhanced with a custom-built bookshelf that goes around it for an integrated effect in the space. Since this bookshelf is located next to the fireplace, it’s also a convenient spot for storing firewood.

The kitchen features beige cabinets and a butcher block countertop which is paired with a small vintage dining area. The bedroom has beige walls paired with white and beige textiles and two different vintage bedside tables.

A living space with greige walls and a custom bookshelf built over the door

Greige living room walls paired with a light and natural decor

The greige living room walls make the white trim underneath the ceiling, and the green bedroom door stand out and add a subtle yet warm effect to the space. The white fabric sofa lightens the living room palette and is paired with subtle beige tones in the throw pillows and the living room gallery wall that extends above the doorway.

A living space with greige walls and a light and natural color palette

By the living room window, you can find a cozy dining table with Wishbone chairs and a vintage cabinet that adds a beautiful warm wood tone to the color palette.

A living space with greige walls and a light and natural color palette

The dining area rests on top of a natural area rug that separates the functional areas in this living room visually from each other.

A living space with greige walls and a light and natural color palette

A mixture of beige, black, and white tones on the gallery wall at the dining table adds a delicate touch to the setting.

A living space with greige walls and a light and natural color palette

Against the wall next to the fireplace, you can find a beautiful custom-built bookshelf that extends over the doorway. The shelves of the bookshelf are filled with a beautiful selection of objects and one of the compartments is great for storing firewood next to the fireplace.

A living space with greige walls and a custom bookshelf built over the door

A living space with greige walls and a custom bookshelf built over the door

A living space with greige walls and a custom bookshelf built over the door

A living space with greige walls and a light and natural color palette

A beige kitchen with butcher block countertops

The kitchen features beige kitchen cabinets in combination with a white tile backsplash, chrome hardware, and butcher block countertops.

A kitchen with beige cabinets, chrome hardware, white tile backsplash and butcher block countertops

The white tile backsplash with black grout continues up to the ceiling for an impressive effect in the space.

A kitchen with beige cabinets, chrome hardware, white tile backsplash and butcher block countertops

A small vintage table combined with two bentwood dining chairs and a vintage glass cabinet hanging on the wall creates a cozy dining area opposite the kitchen.

A kitchen dining area with a vintage table and black bentwood chairs

The arched kitchen doorway is a beautiful architectural element in the space

A kitchen dining area with a vintage table and black bentwood chairs

A bedroom with grey floors and beige walls

The grey-painted hardwood flooring in the bedroom is paired with a light beige bedroom wall color and a mixture of beige and white textiles that warm the color palette of the space.

A bedroom with beige walls, grey flooring, a mixture of beige and white textiles and two different vintage bedside tables

A set of two different warm wood vintage side tables adds a warm wood tone to the setting for a unique effect. The white historic fireplace is paired with a classic white wardrobe for storing clothes.

A bedroom with beige walls, grey flooring, a mixture of beige and white textiles and two different vintage bedside tables

A bedroom with beige walls, grey flooring, a mixture of beige and white textiles and two different vintage bedside tables

Styled by Clindholm design, photographed by Jocke Ono, for Historiska Hem

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19 Modern farmhouse kitchen ideas for a rustic charm

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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.

An off-white farmhouse kitchen with subtle glossy subway tiles

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.

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

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.

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

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.

A modern farmhouse kitchen in an L-shaped layout

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.

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

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.

A kitchen with fresh sage green cabinets, white marble countertops, a kitchen island, green wallpaper and chrome hardware

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.

A galley kitchen with a modern farmhouse style and limewash walls

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.

A green kitchen finished off with an off-white shiplap backsplash and stainless steel appliances

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.

A classic English kitchen in a subdued yellow with a brown kitchen island from deVOL kitchens

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.

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

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.

Antique white cabinets and a farmhouse sink for a traditional 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.

A red island paired with elegant sage-green farmhouse cabinetry

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.

A luxurious farmhouse kitchen with an impressive cooking 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.

A sage green farmhouse kitchen with an off-white shiplap backsplash and green wallpaper

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.

A blue shaker kitchen with a white and gold shaker shelf, from deVOL kitchens

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.

Sage green kitchen cabinets combined with warm elements and black accent pieces

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.

A green farmhouse kitchen with white marble countertops and brass details

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.

A modern farmhouse kitchen with brass details and a rustic charm

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

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16 closet desk ideas that pair desk and storage space

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While a designated room to call your office is a possibility for some, not everyone is blessed with a spare room to turn into a home office. This doesn’t mean you have to resort to your sofa, kitchen, or dining room table with your laptop, because if you have spare closet space, this means you can create an office inside a closet, also called a ‘cloffice’.

While a walk-in closet can easily be transformed into an office, a niche space in your floor plan or next to a bigger furniture piece can be a great spot for an office nook.

A closet office with a door is great for work-life balance, as you can physically close the space after you finish your workday. If you’re tight on space, you can install a sliding barn door, yet even a curtain can do the job just fine and hide your desk away when it’s not in use.

In the list below, I have gathered the most interesting closet desk ideas to get inspired to create a dedicated workspace out of a small space.

A double desk space built inside of a custom bedroom wardrobe for a seamless effect

Let’s start with my personal favorite of the closet office ideas on this list. The entire wall space in this bedroom is used for built-in cabinets providing the interior with a lot of storage space.

The middle of the custom-built wardrobe is turned into a two-person desk with open shelving on the top which is great for storing paperwork, a green plant, or even small framed photos if you are looking to make it more personal.

Two desk lamps underneath the shelves provide the work space with task lighting and two classic black chairs contrast nicely against the white cabinets.

A double desk built into a custom wardrobe solution in white

via Entrance Makleri

A shelf system next to a wardrobe module makes use of vertical space available

In a niche space in between a large wardrobe module and a window, a floating desk paired with wall shelves creates a functional workspace that looks light and airy. The wall shelves can be used for deco objects, but they are also great for paperwork and other office supplies.

While it’s important to ensure proper lighting in your office nook, having natural light from a nearby window is even better.

a home office spot in a niche space next to a bedroom wardrobe

via Alvhem

A custom oak home office section inside a kitchen module

In this example, a kitchen module is extended to a wall of closet modules, with an integrated closet office in oak wood inside. Having a dedicated space is a great alternative to working at the kitchen table and the shelves above the desk can be used to store all your office essentials.

A custom storage module with a built-in desk in oak wood

Home Story shot in Kristina Line’s home for Ferm Living

Walk-in closet office ideas that make use of an existing space

This simple office closet with white walls and white floating shelves makes use of what used to be a closet room. A floating desk top attached to the wall paired with wall shelves and a simple chair creates a designated space for working from home.

A floating desk inside a walk-in-closet

via Historiska Hem

A work top on trestle legs serves as the perfect home office spot in what used to be a closet space in the example below. The white walls of the hallway and closet office stand out against the beige walls of the adjacent living room and the black accents in the furniture and accessories add a beautiful contrast to this home office.

Styled by Annica Clarmell for Stadshem

A large built-in closet office that includes a bedroom window

This is one of the more elaborate closet office ideas on the list, as the solution requires building an entire space inside the room. The assymetric floor plan of this large bedroom is fitted with a wardrobe with sliding doors next to the bed and a small room by the window which includes a beautiful window sill desk with storage underneath it.

By painting the walls of this larger space yellow, a unique and personal style element is added and bulletin boards just like the one used on this desk are great for keeping personal notes.

via Entrance Makleri

A bedroom wardrobe with an integrated desk and a spot for the TV

The back wall in the middle of a custom bedroom wardrobe is used for mounting a TV that can be watched from the bed. The area below the TV holds a table top that goes from one closet to the other and provides the space with a spacious home office spot which is great when you need a large space to work from.

A custom wardrobe with a built-in desk with a TV on the wall

photographed by Henrik Linden, sold at Alvhem

A wardrobe with an integrated home office spot

When you don’t have so much space available, it’s a great idea to build your wardrobe around an office table just like in the example below. This way you don’t have to sacrifice storage opportunities below the ceiling and there is enough space for a desk in between the wall and the main wardrobe module.

The whole room features beautiful wallpaper and elegant wainscoting, which matches the style of the custom wardrobe. The desk itself is made from green marble and is paired with a beautiful desk lamp and a leather chair that finishes the look off perfectly.

A custom wardrobe with a built-in desk underneath with a green marble table top

Styled by Grey Deco, photographed by Jonas Berg via Stadshem

Closet offices separated from the rest of the space with a curtain

Half of the entryway closet is turned into an office space paired with an eye-catching light blue chair to add a playful effect. The white curtains replace a closet door on the office side of the cabinet and the extra room on top of the desk can be used for storage as well.

A hallway closet with a built-in closet desk and a light blue chair as a focal point, curtain to close

Styled by Apartment Studio for Stadshem

A tiny office in an entryway niche spot separated by a curtain

When you don’t have an unused closet that you can turn into an office spot, a niche area in your room can be a great spot for turning into a workspace as well. The end of the entryway in the example below is fitted with shelves and a floating desk, which provides just enough room to work from home.

It’s important to add light fixtures so you can ensure good lighting in your home office space and adding a curtain is a great way to be able to close your workplace from the outside world when you’re ready to end your workday.

A home office behind a curtain in an an entryway niche space

photographed by Krister Engström, styled by Livindeco, sold via Kvarteret Mäkleri

A walk-in closet office with a second level for storage space

Since you can access this closet office from both the hallway and the bedroom, it doesn’t feel claustrophobic or cramped at all. This larger storage closet fits a desk, chair, and wall shelving comfortably and a lowered ceiling divides the closet into two levels.

The upper level is great for storing luggage pieces or winter clothes storage in summer and vice versa.

A closet desk with a lowered ceiling for two-level storage oportunity

A closet desk with a lowered ceiling for two-level storage oportunity

via Historiska Hem

A luxurious custom wardrobe module with an integrated desk in oak wood

I absolutely love this gorgeous custom wardrobe and office module in this bedroom with greige walls. This is probably the most elegant of the closet office ideas on this list as the compact desk and storage module in the middle is made out of a beautiful oak wood that is lit up with LED lighting on the sides, making this element a true focal point in the bedroom.

The vertical space underneath the ceiling is used for storage and the two closet doors on either side of the desk add symmetry to the entire room.

A custom-built bedroom wardrobe with an integrated desk

Styled by @vasakvadrat, sold via Sjöman Frisk

A small home office section inside of a hallway closet space

In this entryway, where there could easily be a full wall of closets, the bottom part of the closet is left out and replaced by a tabletop, providing the space with an impromptu home office spot. Notice that there is a plug built into the wall of the closet office, which is a crucial element for a workspace.

A built-in home office spot in a hallway

via Alvhem

Use a Narrow Desk and Closet in a Smaller Room

In this narrow and long kid’s room, the owners didn’t have much space for a desk or storage. To work with the available floor space, they paired a narrow wardrobe with a gap in the middle and placed a narrow, compact desk with a floating design between the two side closets.

A narrow, compact desk in between a wardrobe in a narrow and long kid's room

via Tradition Makleri

Leave out One Closet Compartment and Turn it into a Desk

What used to be a closet with double doors, has now been turned into part closet office, by removing the door and inserting shelving at the right height. By painting the inside of the closet in the same color as the doors, you get a cohesive look in the space.

A closet office where double doors are turned into a home office by inserting shelves at the right height

Styled by Thomas Lingsell, photographed by Frederic Boukari for Historiska Hem

Cozy Closet Desk Nook with Soft Neutrals

This small, built-in closet desk nook blends seamlessly into the surrounding wardrobe, making the most of a compact space. The soft, muted tones of the cabinetry create a calming backdrop, while the sheepskin on the chair adds a cozy, textured element.

Simple, open shelves above the desk provide storage for books and decor, while a framed piece of art adds a personal touch. The warm, layered textiles on the nearby bed complement the overall inviting and serene atmosphere, making this a perfect spot for quiet work or reading.

Small built-in closet desk nook with soft neutral cabinetry, open shelves for storage, framed artwork, and cozy layered bedding, creating a warm, minimalist workspace within a compact bedroom.

Styled by Studio Rydman, photographed by Therese Jahnson for Historiska Hem

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A cozy Swedish flat with unique vintage furniture pieces

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This inviting Swedish apartment with white walls (sold via Stadshem) has a very cozy interior decoration in the living room, which features a dusty pink area rug and a combination of two beautiful vintage pieces that add a unique character to the room design.

The small white kitchen has a cozy dining area by the window, which features a cute round vintage dining table and a combination of black and white chairs.

The bedroom is decorated modestly with natural materials and textiles in beige and white tones. The white wardrobe adds a lot of storage opportunity to the apartment, yet doesn’t look overpowering and blends in with the wall color.

A living room with a white sofa and a gallery wall in beige and black tones, paired with a pink area rug and a striped lounge chair

A cozy living room with a vintage desk and cabinet

The living room walls are painted with an off-white color with a subtle cool undertone. From the backdrop of this subtle wall color, the vintage desk and cabinet in warm wood tones stand out powerfully.

A living room with off-white walls, a natural decor and vintage furniture pieces

The windows are framed with white fabric curtains that go wall-to-wall, and floor-to-ceiling for an impressive effect.

A living room with off-white walls, a natural decor and vintage furniture pieces

A living room with off-white walls, a natural decor and vintage furniture pieces

The vintage desk forms a perfect home office spot in the living room and its dark wood tones are paired with a white chair and a white table lamp for a contrasting effect. The mirror beside the desk reflects the space and the daylight coming from the window.

A living room with off-white walls, a natural decor and a vintage desk

A living room with off-white walls, a natural decor and a vintage desk

The small white fabric sofa is paired with a dusty pink fluffy area rug that warms up the hardwood flooring even more. The beige and black in the gallery wall above the sofa finish the living room design perfectly.

A living room with a white sofa and a gallery wall in beige and black tones, paired with a pink area rug

A kitchen dining area with a contrasting look

The basic white kitchen is paired with a beautiful dining area in front of the window. The vintage round table is paired with a mixture of black and white chairs for a contrasting effect in the space and a small wall shelf offers a great spot to add kitchen objects on display.

A kitchen dining area with a vintage dining table and black and white chairs

A bedroom with a natural color palette and a big white wardrobe

The bedroom is decorated with beige and white textiles, from which the black and wood bedside tables stand out powerfully. The linen lampshade complements the color palette perfectly and warms up the light when it’s on.

A bedroom with a natural color palette

A bedroom with a natural color palette and a white wardrobe spread across the wall

A large white wardrobe is built across the entire bedroom wall, providing the apartment with a lot of storage space. The white wardrobe fronts blend in with the bedroom decor, making this big storage piece less apparent in the space.

A bedroom with a natural color palette and a white wardrobe spread across the wall

An entryway niche space is used as a wardrobe

A niche space in the entryway is the perfect spot for a small bench paired with wall hooks for hanging jackets and coats.

A entryway niche space with a wardrobe for hanging jackets

via Stadshem

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A light grey kitchen, subtle decor, and a floral bedroom wallpaper

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This beautiful open-plan apartment in Sweden (sold via Stadshem) has a light grey kitchen that connects through an open doorway towards a cozy living room decorated in subtle colors.

The kitchen pairs light grey cabinets with white countertops and an impressive white tile backsplash that continues up to the ceiling. Within the kitchen and living room doorway, a small kitchen module is built that serves as a tiny kitchen island and a practical separator between the two functional spaces.

The walls of the small bedroom are covered with beautiful sage-green wallpaper with an elaborate floral pattern that adds a subtle romantic touch to the space.

A living room with a light grey sofa, vintage dining table and pastel colors in the decor

A light grey kitchen with white countertops and a small dining area

The light grey kitchen cabinets add a neutral yet slightly darker element to the apartment with white walls. The white countertops and tiles on the backsplash add a light touch to the kitchen design and the chrome hardware adds a modern touch.

A light grey kitchen with a white countertop, glass upper cabinets and white tile backsplash

Some of the upper cabinets have glass doors, making the kitchen layout a little lighter. The storage cabinets continue up to the ceiling, allowing for lots of storage opportunities in the apartment.

A light grey kitchen with a white countertop, glass upper cabinets and white tile backsplash

A light grey kitchen with a white countertop, glass upper cabinets and white tile backsplash

A small kitchen module built inside the doorway allows for more storage in the drawers, yet it also adds a practical separation between the two rooms. Additionally, this module adds more countertop space, which is always helpful in a smaller kitchen.

A light grey kitchen with a white countertop, glass upper cabinets and white tile backsplash

A small vintage dining table by the window paired with two black Wishbone chairs and a stainless steel pendant light form the perfect spot for coffee and breakfast.

A kitchen dining area with black Wishbone chairs and a vintage dining table

A light grey kitchen with a white countertop, glass upper cabinets and white tile backsplash

A light grey kitchen with a white countertop, glass upper cabinets and white tile backsplash

A kitchen dining area with black Wishbone chairs and a vintage dining table

A kitchen dining area with black Wishbone chairs and a vintage dining table

A living room with white walls and a subtle color palette

The living room features a light grey corner sofa and a vintage round dining table paired with subtle color accents in the decor pieces spread throughout. The built-in shelf next to the kitchen island is great for storing books and a TV. It even features closed cabinets on the bottom to keep things out of sight.

A living room with a light grey sofa, vintage dining table and pastel colors in the decor

A living room with a light grey sofa, vintage dining table and pastel colors in the decor

The dining table is paired with a subtle living room gallery wall and a glass cabinet holds a few carefully selected decor objects.

A living room with a light grey sofa, vintage dining table and pastel colors in the decor

A small bedroom with a sage green floral wallpaper

The small space behind the kitchen features a beautiful bedroom wallpaper with a floral design that enhances the space and makes it special. The light grey bedding and wall shelving match the color palette brought on by the sage-green wallpaper design.

A bedroom with a sage green floral wallpaper

The round mirror above the bedroom cabinet reflects the gallery wall above the small kitchen dining table.

A bedroom with a sage green floral wallpaper

A small entryway with a pastel pink wall color

The small entryway of the apartment features a pastel pink wall color that makes the white doors and white ceiling stand out subtly.

a small entryway with a pastel pink wall color

via Stadshem

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Sage green living room walls and a dark grey bedroom in a stylish apartment

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This cozy apartment for sale in Sweden (Styled by Emma Fisher and Annica Clarmell, photographed by Jens Eliasson for Bjurfors) has a beautiful sage green wall color in the living room, paired with a light palette in the furniture and textiles for a bright yet characterful look paired with natural wood tones.

The light grey kitchen with black countertops and a white tile backsplash features a cozy dining area next to the window, that is perfect for enjoying dinner or your morning coffee.

The bedroom has a dark grey wall color from which the bright white wardrobe and the light bedding stand out in a powerful way.

A living room with sage green walls and white furniture and textiles

Sage green living room walls paired with white and off-white textiles

The sage green living room walls provide the room with a fresh yet muted base palette, which pairs nicely with the warm hardwood flooring. The sheer white curtains in front of the window go wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling, framing the window nicely.

A living room with sage green walls and white furniture and textiles

The white couch in the living room stands out against the backdrop of the sage-green paint color and the white fluffy area rug lightens up the palette even more. The beige wall rug and the mixture of brown and beige tones in the throw pillows on the sofa add a warm element together with the rattan armchair and the oak wood coffee table.

A living room with sage green walls and white furniture and textiles

Opposite the sofa, a simple white wall shelf provides a spot to display books and accessories and the light blue in the art print on the wall stands out amongst all the beige and green tones.

A living room with sage green walls and white furniture and textiles

A small wood desk provides the living room with a cozy home office spot, which is paired with a white chair and a subtle art print on the wall.

A living room home office spot with sage green walls

A light grey kitchen with black countertops and a dining area

The simple design of the corner kitchen layout allows for ample storage space on two of the kitchen walls, leaving out a large area on the other side for a spacious dining area. The upper cabinets in the corner module have been replaced with open shelving so the layout doesn’t appear too crowded.

A light grey kitchen with black countertops in a corner layout and a light wood dining table and chairs

The light grey kitchen cabinets are paired with a black countertop, stainless steel hardware, and a subtle tile backsplash for a modest look. The light wood dining table on top of the natural rug adds a warm element to the space.

A light grey kitchen with black countertops in a corner layout and a light wood dining table and chairs

a light wood dining table and chairs

A dark grey bedroom paired with a spacious white wardrobe

The bedroom can be reached from the kitchen doorway next to the dining table. The dark grey bedroom walls make the white curtains, white ceiling, and beige bedding stand out powerfully.

Dark grey bedroom walls paired with white curtains and beige bedding

Dark grey bedroom walls paired with white curtains and beige bedding

The spacious white wall-to-wall wardrobe has a mirror in the middle which reflects the space and the daylight coming from the bedroom window.

A bedroom with dark grey walls and a white wardrobe with a mirror

Styled by Emma Fisher and Annica Clarmell, photographed by Jens Eliasson for Bjurfors

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Small kitchen storage ideas: top tips from the IKEA Planning Experts

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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.

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