A small kitchen doesn’t have to limiting but it does need consideration and most likely editing. In apartment living, the kitchen is often the “hub” of the home, meaning every centimeter must work twice as hard. Whether you are dealing with a galley, L-shape, or single-wall layout, the secret to a high-end feel isn’t more space—it’s smarter layering.
Small Kitchen Layouts: Galley vs. Single Wall
Most apartment floor plans force you into one of two setups:
- The Galley Kitchen: Two parallel counters. It’s a space-efficient “corridor” layout, but it can feel like a tunnel.
- The Single Wall Kitchen: Common in studio apartments where everything is in one line. This is the hardest to get right because your “triangle” is flat. You need to ensure the sink sits between the fridge and the stove to maintain a functional workflow.
The Apartment Kitchen Triangle
Kitchen design centres on the kitchen triangle, including in an apartment setting. The kitchen triangle is always at the centre of any kitchen design session. Very simply kitchen design and the kitchen triangle considers the position of the fridge, stove and sink. In most apartments I’ve visited the kitchen in parrallel. Also known as a galley kitchen.
The proximity of the fridge, stove and sink to each other is important for two main reasons, energy efficiency and functionality. This is particularly important with the location of the fridge and the stove. It’s not ideal to have a cold appliance running next to a hot one.
The kitchen design triangle also impacts functionality and how a person uses the kitchen. Interior designers take into account the counter space between the fridge, oven and sink. For example, the fridge needs to be next to the sink to allow you to easily wash fruit and vegetables.
When removing something from the oven you need counter space close by so that you can quickly place the hot item down.
Ideally you want the stove close to the sink to easily drain the boiling water from pasta, for example.
I’ve been in kitchens where the sink was too far away making it dangerous trying to carry a hot, heavy pot to the sink. Especially, if the cook has kids or pets at their feet or other guests hovering around trying to ‘help’ or help themselves to snacks, drinks etc.
Common Apartment Design Flaws (and the fixes)
After seeing dozens of these spaces, the same issues pop up every time. Here is how to fix the most common small kitchen design mistakes
Stop using lower cupboards: Base cabinets are “black holes” where you end up on your knees searching for a pot lid. Use deep drawers or pull-out storage instead. They give you full visibility and 100% usable space.
The “No-Man’s Land” Counter: Most apartments lack a dedicated appliance cupboard. If your kettle and toaster are sitting on your main prep area, you’ve already lost the battle for bench space. Plan a specific appliance counter for these so your main workspace stays clear. This could be in a shelf in your pantry.
The Missing Bin: A freestanding bin in a tiny kitchen is a trip hazard. If you’re renovating, an integrated pull-out bin hidden inside your cabinetry is non-negotiable for a clean, modern look.
Reclaiming Counter Space: If the footprint is tiny, you have to get creative. I often suggest over-the-sink cutting boards or slim, mobile kitchen islands from our furniture packages to add that extra 600mm of prep space the builder forgot.
Admittedly it’s not always possible to achieve the pinnacle of kitchen design through the kitchen triangle due to space restrictions but as kitchens are the hub of the house this is always the starting point of our kitchen design projects to ensure the kitchen works well and therefore is a joy to be in.
The Essential Apartment Kitchen Renovation Checklist
Use this guide to ensure your renovation is as functional as it is beautiful.
Layout & Logistics
- [ ] The Work Triangle: Are your sink, fridge, and stove positioned for a natural flow?
- [ ] Body Corporate Approval: Have you cleared your plumbing and electrical changes with the building manager?
- [ ] Appliance Clearance: Did you choose “Counter-Depth” models so they don’t protrude into your narrow walkway?
- [ ] Power Point Placement: Do you have enough outlets for your kettle, toaster, and coffee machine without using extension cords?
Cabinetry & Surfaces
- [ ] Light-Reflective Finishes: Did you opt for lighter tones or gloss finishes to “double” the perceived size of the room?
- [ ] Vertical Storage: Have you maximised your overhead cabinets all the way to the ceiling to avoid “dead space” on top?
- [ ] Internal Hardware: Are you using pull-out organisers or “Lazy Susans” for deep corner cabinets?
- [ ] Seamless Splashback: Did you choose large-format tiles or a slab to minimise grout lines and make cleaning easier?
The “Final 10%” (Functional Styling)
- [ ] Task Seating: Source Backless Bar Stools with non-slip feet that tuck completely under the bench to keep the walkway clear.
- [ ] Benchtop Organisation: Use timber or marble trays to group oils and spices, turning “clutter” into a curated design feature.
- [ ] Under-Cabinet Lighting: Install LED strips to eliminate dark shadows on your prep surfaces.
- [ ] Living Layers: Add one trailing plant or a small windowsill herb garden to soften the hard edges of the stone and cabinetry.
