Being short on square meter should never inhibit your kitchen’s design potential. Whether you’re working with hundreds of square meters or just a dozen or two, getting your cooking space into tip-top shape—both aesthetically and functionally—is just a few creative ideas away from being a reality. Below, see how these gorgeous homes used small kitchen layouts to their advantage, with bold cabinetry, double-duty accents, sleek lighting solutions, and more.

Bigger is not always better, especially when we’re talking kitchens. Small kitchens are usually more efficient workspaces than large ones. Space and good design aren’t exclusive to a large kitchen — all you need are some good small kitchen decorating ideas that keep your small space organized, functional and beautiful.

A Dark Kitchen

Dark rooms feel smaller, so brighten up your walls with a fresh coat of paint in a light shade. If you love your rich, dark cabinets, add different types of lighting. Use under-cabinet lighting to brighten the work area and accent your cabinets. Good lighting makes a kitchen look bigger, regardless of color. Try some of the following lighting ideas:

• Add LED strip lights to shelves and under your cabinets to illuminate your counter space; simply peel, stick and plug in.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with the latest energy-efficient versions.
• Choose pendant lights that can be clipped onto existing track-lighting systems to layer your room’s lighting.
• Replace outdated light fixtures.
• Add a mirror to a kitchen wall or consider adding a mirrored backsplash to reflect light.

Small-kitchen decorating ideas that are easy to implement:

• Pot Racks
• Cooking Tool Wall Storage
• Hideaway Furniture
• More Counter Space
• Additional Shelving