Room Design
Kitchen Design
Kitchen Layouts
By
Farima Ferguson
Farima Ferguson
Farima Ferguson began her career at HGTV where she worked with designers to write about home design. Her work has appeared in HGTV, Insider Reviews, Travel Channel, and more.
Learn more about The Spruce'sEditorial Process
Published on 03/04/24
Trending Videos
Long kitchens or narrow kitchens can come with design and functionality challenges, but with thoughtful design, they can feel spacious and just as functional as any other kitchen. With the right color palette and layout, a narrow kitchen can feel larger, while decorative pieces like mirrors help light bounce around the space.
To add more functionality to a narrow kitchen, consider multipurpose areas and storage solutions. Below, we share our favorite ideas to help make your narrow kitchen more functional and stylish.
01 of 23
Go With Two-Toned Cabinets
When you have a long kitchen, choosing the right design elements can really make a difference. This kitchen combines a soft color palette with warm textures. The sage subway tile backsplash complement the white upper cabinets, while the bottom wood cabinets bring texture and warmth.
Continue to 2 of 23 below
02 of 23
Choose Warm Wood Accents
A long open shelf above the countertop is the perfect place to keep common kitchen items at hand, and it frees up the wall for your favorite decorative items. The warm, wood backsplash in this kitchen is carried through to the kitchen island and countertops for a cohesive look.
Continue to 3 of 23 below
03 of 23
Add Your Favorite Shape
Not only is it important to incorporate your favorite colors into your kitchen's design, but shapes are just as relevant when it comes to style. You'll notice half moon shapes throughout this long kitchen, from the black-and-white backsplash tiles to the drawer pulls and even artwork above the window.
Continue to 4 of 23 below
04 of 23
Add a Combination of Storage Solutions
If you're an avid cook, you'll need more than just open shelving for storage. Add a variety of storage solutions like in this kitchen. The open shelving above the stove is great for storing (and displaying) cooking essentials, why the upper cabinets and drawers and cabinets in the kitchen island store everything else.
See AlsoIdeas for Decorating a Long and Narrow Living RoomHow to Layout Furniture In A Long & Narrow Living Room + 4 Floor Plan Ideas & Examples | The Savvy Heart | Interior Design, Décor, and DIYHow to Arrange Furniture in a Long Narrow Living Room: Solutions for Tricky Spaces15 Small Basem*nt Layout Ideas to Maximize Space in Your Home | Atlas Lane BlogContinue to 5 of 23 below
05 of 23
Use all the Wall Space
If you have a long kitchen, take advantage of the wall space you have. This grand kitchen features cabinets that go from the countertop to the ceiling for storing small appliances, while a plethora of drawers help conceal other everyday kitchen items.
Continue to 6 of 23 below
06 of 23
Add a Kitchen Peninsula
A kitchen peninsula has the same effect as an island, but it saves space when you have a small, narrow kitchen. Even though this kitchen is small, the waterfall quartz countertop adds a high-end look.
Continue to 7 of 23 below
07 of 23
Incorporate Different Zones
A small, narrow kitchen can fit plenty of functionality without taking up too much space. This kitchen has zones with different purposes yet it all comes together with a cohesive design. The coffee station features an open shelf with all the essentials, the kitchen island provides seating for two, and the sitting nook by the window is the perfect spot for enjoying a cup of coffee with a good book.
Continue to 8 of 23 below
08 of 23
Create Multifunctional Areas
This long, narrow kitchen packs a lot of storage in a smaller space. The pantry at the end holds all nonperishables, while cabinets and countertop space provide plenty of space for even the most avid of cooks. The kitchen island features a wood top extension that's multipurpose as a prep space and eat-in kitchen area.
Continue to 9 of 23 below
09 of 23
Add a Fun Accent Wall
The kitchen is a place to make memories, try new recipes, and blast music while you pour yourself a drink. The design of your kitchen should reflect how you use the space. This chalkboard accent wall adds a fun element that will catch the eye and make it a more enjoyable space.
Continue to 10 of 23 below
10 of 23
Switch Up Cabinet Colors
Many long kitchens feature cabinets that are parallel from each other, also known as a galley kitchen. Add an unexpected look to your kitchen by choosing two different cabinets colors in the same style. This adds interest to your narrow kitchen while keeping the design cohesive.
Continue to 11 of 23 below
11 of 23
Add Warmth Underfoot
Small touches, like adding household plants and rugs, can really make a small kitchen feel homey and welcoming. This runner between the wall and kitchen island adds style while making it more comfortable to cook a meal.
Continue to 12 of 23 below
12 of 23
Keep It Simple
White cabinetry doesn't have to be boring. These white cabinets add a sleek, modern design to this home, while brass and bronze hardware brings interest to the kitchen.
Continue to 13 of 23 below
13 of 23
Bring in a Variety of Textures
This kitchen wall packs plenty of texture in a small amount of space. From the glass tile backsplash to the quartz countertops and warm wood shelving, this kitchen is functional and stylish.
Continue to 14 of 23 below
14 of 23
Combine Contrasting Colors
Mixing black and white can make a big impact even in narrow spaces. This modern NYC apartment features a variety of materials and contrasting colors that provides a big visual impact even though the space is compact.
Continue to 15 of 23 below
15 of 23
Pay Attention to Layout
If you have large windows in your kitchen that allow plenty of natural light in, make sure your kitchen layout takes advantage of it. The sink sits right in front of the windows in this kitchen so you have a nice view and plenty of sunlight coming in at the busiest part of the kitchen.
Continue to 16 of 23 below
16 of 23
Install Multiple Shelves
Open shelving is a great way to display your favorite dishes while storing them. The open shelves in this kitchen are spruced up with brass brackets that are carried through to the brass faucet and cabinet pulls. The black-and-white tile flooring helps anchor the glam space.
Continue to 17 of 23 below
17 of 23
Make Your Kitchen Feel Bigger
If your kitchen allows plenty of light in, go with white cabinetry to help the light bounce and help make your kitchen feel larger. To warm things up, pair the cabinets with a warm wood countertop and brass cabinet pulls.
Continue to 18 of 23 below
18 of 23
Add a Little Color
Sage is a great kitchen color choice if you want to add some color without overwhelming a space. This kitchen proves that adding color can still make a room feel open and airy.
Continue to 19 of 23 below
19 of 23
Create a Focal Point
When you have a long, narrow kitchen like a galley kitchen, create a focal point for visual appeal. This kitchen features black slate flooring that contrasts beautifully with the white cabinets and countertops and natural wood door.
Continue to 20 of 23 below
20 of 23
Decorate Your Kitchen
If your kitchen is more for design than for cooking meals, use the wall to decorate with your favorite items. This kitchen displays a few aesthetic decor pieces, including a round rattan mirror that serves as a focal point.
Continue to 21 of 23 below
21 of 23
Go Big on Style
A small, narrow kitchen doesn't mean you have to go small on style. This long kitchen features rustic elements, from the wood ceiling beam to the backsplash tile. The sleek white cabinets and countertops and midcentury modern cabinet pulls help balance the look.
Continue to 22 of 23 below
22 of 23
Make the Kitchen Multifunctional
This long kitchen serves multiple purposes as a place to cook and a place to sit and eat. The neutral kitchen blends seamlessly into the adjacent living area, while a bold neon sign in the hallway livens the place up.
Continue to 23 of 23 below
23 of 23
Use a Table as a Kitchen Island
To help make a long kitchen more functional, add a table as a kitchen island. This provides extra prep space and storage without taking up too much square footage. It's also a great way to add color and texture to the kitchen.
35 Kitchens That Prove Black Appliances Look Great in a Cooking Space