In most kitchens, we’re trained to look down for storage like drawers and floor cabinets. The space above the hob, meanwhile, usually ends up as a “no man’s land.” It’s either dominated by a bulky, loud extractor or left awkwardly empty, as if we’ve all agreed not to talk about it. But when every centimetre counts, we need an extra. If you’re hunting for storage ideas for small kitchens, looking up might be the smartest move. It’s not about filling the kitchen with more items; it’s about making it feel intentional, balanced, and not like a cluttered puzzle.
Phase I: Gaining room (or faking it till you make it)
In small kitchens, adding storage often means adding visual weight: more cabinets, more doors, and more lines. This is where smart integration makes a real difference. To gain space and visual calm simultaneously, consider these storage ideas for small kitchens:
- Go integrated: Choose appliances that sit flush with your cabinets to stop the “visual stutter” of different finishes.
- Tone it down: Use light or mid-tone colours around the hob so the area doesn’t feel like a heavy, dark hole.
- The “Upward Move”: Keep your worktops clear by moving your daily essentials upwards instead of outwards.
Instead of thinking about “having less,” just focus on “placing better.”
Phase II: the power of compact appliances
The same philosophy applies to other kitchen elements. Choosing compact appliances is among the most effective storage ideas for small kitchens. When appliances are designed to fit seamlessly into cabinetry, the kitchen reads as one continuous surface rather than a collection of individual objects. This cohesion makes the space feel larger, calmer, and easier to navigate. And yes, it also makes cleaning much easier!
There are plenty of appliances designed specifically for small kitchens, from dishwashers and hobs to ovens and microwaves. Audit the appliances on your work surface: do you use them often enough to keep them there, or are they just creating visual noise?
Consider multi-functional appliances, such as ovens with air fryer systems or microwaves with grilling functions, to save space and cleaning time. Don’t forget to explore integrated “hood-in-hob” (downdraft) options as well.
Phase III: where extraction meets storage
Traditionally, extractor hoods were designed to do one thing: extract. Often, they did so loudly. In the worst-case scenario, a lack of extraction leaves your whole house with a sort of smell like teen spirit and fried food. Historically, storage had to live around hoods, not with them.
If your kitchen is small or you simply need more room, an integrated hood is one of those clever storage ideas for small kitchens that gives space back to you.
- Slim designs: Look for models with a low profile that fit better within standard cabinetry.
- Hidden integration: Hide the hood inside a cabinet so you can add shelves around the ducting. Oils, spices, and small jars suddenly find a natural home right where you need them.
- Built-in storage: Some hood designs come with storage already integrated into the frame. When storage is part of the extractor itself, like in the Integra series by Teka models, the result feels intentional rather than improvised.
Frequently Asked Questions or things you might be wondering
Rethinking your kitchen layout can be overwhelming. We’ve collected some common questions to give you that extra push to start your project:
Are these ideas only for tiny kitchens?
Not at all. While especially useful in compact spaces, integrated solutions enhance larger kitchens by improving visual balance and workflow.
Is vertical storage better than just adding more cabinets?
Vertical storage makes better use of wall height without overwhelming the room. Tall, well-proportioned storage often feels lighter than multiple horizontal cabinets stacked together.
Are compact ovens smaller on the inside?
Most compact ovens are the same width as a standard oven (60 cm), but they are not as tall (45 cm). This means you can still use your normal baking trays. You lose some height, but you gain extra drawer space underneath for your pans.
Do “hood-in-hob” (downdraft) systems take up cupboard space?
These systems remove the need for a big hood above your head, which is one of the best storage ideas for small kitchens. However, the motor is usually inside the cabinet below the hob. Modern designs are very thin, so you only lose a few centimetres at the back of your drawers.
Is it hard to replace a compact appliance in the future?
No, it is quite easy. Most compact appliances use “standard” sizes. If you decide to buy a new oven or microwave later, it should fit into the same space without any problems.
Does an integrated extractor hood work as well as a traditional one?
Yes. When properly designed, integrated extractor hoods meet the same performance standards as conventional models while offering much-needed additional functionality.
The space above your hob doesn’t have to be wasted or purely functional. With thoughtful integration, it can become one of the most intelligent areas in your home, quietly useful, visually calm, and perfectly organised.