Skip to main content
EN LVEnglish
Discover the IKEA App

"Home idea with IKEA": best solutions for a tiny kitchen

This time, the programme “Home idea with IKEA” visits a flat where the kitchen is longing for a makeover. For nearly two years, a “temporary” feel has dominated its layout, and the time has finally come for a fresh start. But how do you fit everything you need into such a tiny space? The owner has plenty of ideas, though it’s not yet clear whether they can all be realised. An IKEA interior designer steps in with practical advice.

Before

This kitchen has served as a “temporary solution” for far too long. Open shelving and various storage boxes create visual clutter, while the worktops are crowded with appliances and everyday items. There is a lack of cohesive planning and closed cabinetry to help maintain order. The fridge and shelving units are positioned close together, leaving little room for easy movement. The space is functional, but unfinished and impractical for long-term use.

After: A bright, fully functional kitchen for everyday living

After the makeover, the kitchen has gained a completely new lease of life. The wall cabinets significantly increase storage space and create a tidy, cohesive look. The former “temporary” solution has been replaced with a fully functional kitchen featuring built-in appliances and a well-considered layout. In such a compact space, a dishwasher, oven and hob have been cleverly integrated, while still leaving room for a dining area with a round table. The space now feels bright, practical and welcoming for everyday cooking and time together.

After: Thoughtful and functional kitchen solutions

After the makeover, the kitchen features well-considered and functional solutions. Modular cabinets with adjustable legs allow for adaptation to the room’s specifics, while tall wall cabinets reaching the ceiling maximise vertical space. The built-in oven and appliances create a clean, cohesive look. Smart planning of utilities ensures sockets are positioned both above the worktop and inside cabinets. Functionality is the priority here – more storage, quality appliances and a visually harmonious result.

White modern kitchen with lower and upper cabinets reaching the ceiling, a built-in sink and a wall rail with hanging kitchen utensils.
Kitchen corner with tall cabinets and a built-in oven, light cabinet fronts and a marble-effect worktop.

After: Smart and organised storage

After the makeover, storage in the kitchen has become clear and logically organised. The upper cabinets with internal shelving allow dishes and food items to be neatly arranged, while drawers provide easy access to everyday essentials. Everything has its place – from kitchen utensils to small appliances. Closed storage solutions maintain a clean visual look, and the well-planned interior layout ensures that even a compact kitchen makes the most of its available space.

Kitchen storage & organisation

After: A cosy and functional dining area

After the makeover, the dining area has become a natural extension of the kitchen. The compact wooden table with dark green chairs creates a warm and inviting atmosphere without taking up too much space. Positioned close to the window, the table makes the most of natural light, making mealtimes even more enjoyable. A thoughtfully styled table setting and decorative accents add elegance while maintaining everyday practicality. This space is perfect for quick breakfasts as well as relaxed family dinners.

Dining room
Bright kitchen with a wooden dining table and four dark green chairs; the table is set with tableware and positioned near a window with white curtains.
Close-up of a wooden table set with white plates, glassware and a white orchid arranged on a decorative tray.
Dining room

If space allows, dreams can be realised to their full potential, especially when the kitchen is combined with the living room. Here, functionality was the priority – well-planned waste sorting with drawers beneath the sink and additional organisers inside the cupboards. Small and studio-style kitchens are becoming increasingly popular, so it is important to create a sense of lightness with pale colours, soft rounded forms and integrated furniture features. Consistent materials and aesthetic simplicity help achieve a feeling of spaciousness even in a compact room.

IKEA designer in a yellow uniform T shirt stands in a kitchen and smiles.

What was done before?

In previous seasons, our interior designers transformed a wide range of home and business spaces, offering practical tips on how to adapt interiors to personal needs and keep everything well-organised. We renovated kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms, created a children’s room in an attic, refreshed office spaces, redesigned a compact one-room apartment and so much more.

Previous makeovers
Modern bedroom with a dark blue upholstered headboard, light bedding and decorative cushions; an abstract painting hangs above the bed, and in the corner there is a blue accent wall with a round mirror and a small table.
Previous makeovers

Would use some help?

If you'd like to renovate your home without a big investment or major repairs, you can always ask our interior designers for help. With your input and home furnishing style preferences, whether it be traditional or modern, our professionals will help you navigate our wide range of products and create a complete furnishing solution for one or multiple rooms, or for your entire home.

Interior design service
A person holding printed interior photos while reviewing them at a table with colour samples and plans; a pen and another person are visible in the background.
Interior design service