--- title: Tips for Small Kitchen Designs in Chicago description: It's all about how you work with the space you have when it comes to small kitchen designs. Here are tips for working with small spaces to give a bigger feel. image: https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hs-fs/file-33311285-png/images/kitchen-designs-chicago-300x146.png --- [![KBU-brighter-blue](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hubfs/KBU_May2019/logos/KBU-brighter-blue.png "KBU-brighter-blue")](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com) [![CONTACT US](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/265052/7bd3552a-d2ef-4ec1-bf75-cd56b7181b8f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/265052/7bd3552a-d2ef-4ec1-bf75-cd56b7181b8f) ![Portfolio](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Portfolio.png?width=1920&name=Portfolio.png "Portfolio") Blog # Tips for Small Kitchen Designs in Chicago [Ron Nanberg](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/author/ron-nanberg) | Wed, Mar 27, 2013 | [Kitchen Design](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/kitchen-design) [![kitchen designs chicago](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hs-fs/file-33311285-png/images/kitchen-designs-chicago-300x146.png?width=300&height=146&name=kitchen-designs-chicago-300x146.png "kitchen designs chicago")](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hs-fs/file-33311538-png/images/kitchen-designs-chicago.png)Many people in Chicago think that just because they have small kitchen designs, they *can’t* create a large space. *False.* The truth is, we’ve seen *tiny kitchens* that feel more spacious than kitchens twice their size. It’s all about how you work with the space you have. **Standard-Sized Appliances** Our first recommendation for clients with small kitchen designs is to use standard-sized appliances. Oftentimes, counter space is an issue. Limit yourself to standard sized appliances and you’ll be off to a good start! **Multi-Use Appliances** Speaking of appliances, get more bang for your buck and buy multi-use appliances. [Microhoods](http://www.abt.com/category/399/Micro-Hoods.html) are great examples. Instead of buying a microwave *and* installing a hood above your stove, combine the two appliances in a microhood. Another option if you are wanting a second oven is to consider a convection microwave. This way you get the second oven but don’t lose some much needed storage space. **Diversify Your Lighting** Once you have your appliances under control, it’s time to turn your attention to lighting. The more lighting you have, the brighter (and larger) your space will be. It’s unlikely that you’ll get perfect lighting by using *all overheads *or *all track lighting*. Mix it up! Use a combination of track lighting, hanging lights, under cabinet lighting, countertop lamps, and natural light to develop a bright and welcoming kitchen design. **Brighter Paint, Cabinets, & Countertops** Speaking of light, try using brighter colors in your kitchen design. We always have to remind customers in the Chicago and North Shore area that “brighter” doesn’t mean “pastels” or “energetic colors.” There are plenty of wood stains, granite countertops, and natural stone backsplashes that are “brighter” without being bright *yellow* or *red*! **Bring Down Walls** Lastly, if at all possible, consider knocking out a wall and creating a second entryway into your kitchen. Additional space and entryways can make your kitchen seem *much* larger, even if it means sacrificing some storage space. It’s important to consider what’s on the other side of those walls. If knocking down a kitchen wall results in your kitchen being adjacent to a utility room, for example, then you might end up finding that additional cabinet space is just a few steps away! *What tips do you have for getting extra space out of small kitchen designs?* ### Subscribe Here! ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Tag - [Kitchen Remodeling (284)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/kitchen-remodeling) - [Bathroom Remodeling (197)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/bathroom-remodeling) - [Home Remodeling (24)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/home-remodeling) - [Quality Custom Cabinets (24)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/quality-custom-cabinets) - [Kitchen Design (23)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/kitchen-design) - [laundry room remodel (9)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/laundry-room-remodel) - [choosing appliances (6)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/choosing-appliances) - [Kitchen Countertops (5)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/kitchen-countertops) - [Basement Remodeling (4)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/basement-remodeling) - [Kosher Kitchen Design (4)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/kosher-kitchen-design) - [Powder room design ideas (3)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/powder-room-design-ideas) - [Home Office (2)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/home-office) - [Steam Shower (2)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/steam-shower) - [Tubs (2)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/tubs) - [Granite countertop prices (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/granite-countertop-prices) - [Heated Flooring (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/heated-flooring) - [Tile Showrooms (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/tile-showrooms) - [Walk-In Closet (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/walk-in-closet) - [Wine Storage (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/wine-storage) - [choosing the right kitchen faucet and sink (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/choosing-the-right-kitchen-faucet-and-sink) - [formaldehyde in cabinets (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/formaldehyde-in-cabinets) - [juice bar (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/juice-bar) - [kids rooms design ideas (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/kids-rooms-design-ideas) - [metal accents (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/metal-accents) - [morning bar (1)](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/morning-bar) [See all](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/bid/278062/Tips-for-Small-Kitchen-Designs-in-Chicago#) - [** ](https://www.facebook.com/kitchensandbathsunlimited/) - [** ](https://twitter.com/kitchensnbaths) - [** ](http://www.houzz.com/pro/kitchens4/kitchens-baths-unlimited) ![phone-icon](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hubfs/KBU_May2019/icons/phone-icon.png "phone-icon") #### [847-729-1212](tel:8477291212) ![location-icon](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hubfs/KBU_May2019/icons/location-icon.png "location-icon") #### [1232 Waukegan Road Glenview, IL 60025](https://goo.gl/maps/AiZv8cwiKDNMbujH6) [![email-icon](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hubfs/KBU_May2019/icons/email-icon.png "email-icon")](mailto:info@KitchensBathsUnlimited.com) #### [info@KitchensBathsUnlimited.com](mailto:info@KitchensBathsUnlimited.com)   2026 All rights reserved by Kitchens & Baths Unlimited, Inc.