top of page
Search

How I Make My Small Kitchen Work for Me

Updated: 8 hours ago

April 6, 2026

small country kitchen

When my husband and I were looking for our first home, the dreams were big and the optimism very high. Hopes of a generously-proportioned home on at least an acre filled our vision. But we soon realized that to live in one of the fastest growing areas of the southeastern United States and to stay within our budget goals would require some sacrifices. 


The first time that I stepped into our soon-to-be home, my heart tightened when I saw the kitchen. It was tiny. I didn’t know how I could fit all of my wedding gifts, collected dishes, and culinary gadgets in such a small space.


But after almost 12 years of living in our home, I have learned how to make our very small kitchen work. And in fact, I actually appreciate the simplicity that my kitchen has forced me to accept. Even if we upgrade to a larger home someday, I will still carry a love for simplicity with me.


Today I want to share how I make my small kitchen work for me! I have learned that I can make delicious meals for my family and still surround myself with beauty even in a small space. So here’s how I do it.


small country kitchen

Highly Simplify


After the birth of my second child, I took a really hard look at what I was keeping in my kitchen. At that time, my now pantry was full of dishes and décor and our current homeschool dresser was completely full of table linens. My dreams of formal table settings with elaborate décor changed as I realized life needed to be simple and uncomplicated with children.


As I chose what to get rid of and what to keep, I found myself gravitating towards neutral pieces over and over. White dishes now appealed to me instead of the highly colorful plates I once adored. Simple, neutral-colored linens now created a quiet backdrop for whatever tablescapes I felt like creating.


dishes in cabinet

I also seriously reduced the number of dishes that I kept. Before my wedding I had collected a massive number of dishes, so much so that I didn’t even need to register for dishes! Quickly, I realized that I didn’t need 20 place settings of pink willow plates. I still kept dishes from all 4 patterns I had originally collected, but 6 or so place settings was plenty for each style.


Only keep the basics


I don’t have a lot of highly-specialized kitchen appliances and gadgets. I keep basic, hard-working items like crockpots, an instant pot, and basic pots and pans. I found that I can accomplish what I need to with relatively simple dishes and appliances.


small country kitchen

Don’t keep bringing in


I don’t continue to buy things for my kitchen. This is a “duh,” but in order to live in a small kitchen, I have got to “turn off the faucet” of stuff flowing into my space.


If I receive a gift, I either use it for a short time and donate it, or I get rid of something else to permanently bring the new item into my kitchen.


Get Creative with Storage


The lack of storage in my kitchen has certainly forged how I think and operate in my culinary space: I only keep what is truly useful (or what is absolutely too special for me to let go of!). Since space is limited, I have found a few ways to actually add space to my kitchen.


To maximize space in deep cupboards, my husband installed these incredibly handy rolling shelves. This allows me to utilize all the space on these shelves and still have access to my items.


rollout cabinet storage

Another way that I’ve added space to our kitchen is by utilizing unique pieces of furniture. At the risk of looking a little bit like a furniture store, I have lined the edge of our kitchen with old dressers which now serve as pantry space, linen storage, and homeschool storage.


kitchen dressers table chandelier

A childhood armoire from a family member is now my primary pantry space.


kitchen dressers

A dresser from my childhood (and my mom’s childhood) stores desk supplies, linens, and homeschool necessities.


woman looking in dresser drawers

A $25 thrift find provides amazing drawer space for individualized school storage. Each child has a drawer. There are also several craft drawers and a “math” drawer with all of our math manipulatives.


vintage dresser with drawers


While I long for a spacious farmhouse style kitchen someday, I have found that my little kitchen can meet the needs of my family and that I can even live here joyfully. With a little creativity and a mind for simplicity, I can keep my kitchen functional and efficient.


Friend, even if you are not living in the space of your dreams, your kitchen can still be quaint and doable with some ingenuity and careful planning. Happy homemaking!


-Ashley


©2021-2026 by Ashley Qurollo   |   Proudly created with Wix.com   |

Privacy Policy

bottom of page