A Tiny Corner Became the Cutest Kitchen With 4 Smart Strategies

A pint-size kitchen — just 72 square feet! — prompted Austin designer Kim Lewis to break out her best space-stretching tips, starting with in-plain-sight storage.

1. Color

"A gardeny palette helped enlarge this sliver of a kitchen, so it seems as wide open as the outdoors," Lewis says. Along with the sky-blue cabinets and island and cloud-white walls, there's also a Silestone counter in Olivia. "It's a deep forest green that performs like a neutral — it can go with anything."

2. Sink

Even though square footage was at a premium, Lewis installed a cast-iron Kohler farmhouse sink. "There's no dishwasher, and the sink can handle lots of big pots and pans. The ridges also echo the wall paneling's planks," Lewis says. A sleek matte-black Kohler faucet with pullout sprayer adds a fresh, modern note.

3. Hardware

Modeled on a potting bench, the copper-pipe shelving has hooks for hanging mugs and cookware, which keeps the counter free of clutter. Lewis chose copper-finished brass hardware from Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co. to match the pipes.

4. Shelves

With zero wall space for upper cabinets, window-spanning shelves offer storage without blocking the view. "The sunlight reflecting off the glassware is gorgeous," Lewis says.