A large share of the homes we work on throughout Bucks County were built well before open concept kitchens were the norm, which means the kitchen is often one of the smaller rooms in the house. Making a small kitchen work well is a different design problem than scaling down a large kitchen — it is less about fitting everything in and more about deciding what actually earns a place in a limited footprint.
This guide covers the layout, storage and material decisions that consistently make a small kitchen feel functional and considered, drawn from projects across Doylestown, Newtown, Yardley, Langhorne and the surrounding towns.
Galley and one wall layouts, done well
Many older Bucks County kitchens are galley layouts — two runs of cabinetry facing each other — or a single wall layout, one continuous run. Both work well when the aisle width is right, at least 42 inches between counters, and when the busiest zone, typically between the range and the sink, is not interrupted by a door swing or a walkway.
Where the budget and structure allow, removing a section of wall between the kitchen and an adjacent room — even a pass-through rather than a full opening — can make a small galley kitchen feel significantly less closed in without the cost of a full structural reconfiguration.
Talk through your small kitchen with us
We work with homeowners across Bucks County and Montgomery County on kitchens of every size. A consultation starts with how you actually use the space.
Storage: the real small kitchen problem
In a small kitchen, storage is almost always the constraint that shapes every other decision. Full height cabinetry to the ceiling — rather than stopping short with a gap above — adds meaningful storage without adding footprint. Deep drawers instead of shelved lower cabinets make better use of the full depth of a cabinet. A single well planned pantry cabinet, even 12 to 18 inches wide, often does more for daily function than a decorative element would in the same space.
Appliance sizing that actually fits
A full size range and refrigerator are not always the right call in a genuinely small kitchen. A 30-inch range instead of a 36-inch range, or a counter-depth refrigerator instead of a standard-depth model, can free up several inches of working clearance that make the whole room function better. We walk clients through appliance sizing early, since it affects the cabinetry layout more than almost any other decision.
Opening a wall versus keeping it closed
Opening a small kitchen to an adjacent room is not always the right answer, even though it is the most requested change we hear. A wall provides cabinetry and counter length that disappears once it is removed, and in some older homes the wall is load bearing, which adds real structural cost. We evaluate this on a case-by-case basis rather than defaulting to open concept, since a well organized closed kitchen often outperforms a poorly planned open one.
Ready to plan your kitchen?
We take on a limited number of projects at a time. Getting in touch early gives you the most flexibility on timing and cabinetry lead times.
Materials and light that make a small room feel bigger
Larger format tile or flooring material — rather than a busy small pattern — reduces visual breaks and helps a small floor plan read as more continuous. Light, reflective countertop and backsplash choices bounce more light around a room with limited windows. Under cabinet lighting matters more in a small kitchen than a large one, since it is often the difference between a workable counter and a dim one.
Small kitchen layout comparison
| Layout | Works best when | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Galley (two walls) | Long, narrow room | Aisle width under 42 inches |
| Single wall | Very tight footprint, open to another room | Limited counter and storage length |
| L-shape | Corner available, moderate size | Dead corner storage if not planned well |
| Pass-through opening | Adjacent room can absorb some function | Load bearing wall adds structural cost |
Frequently asked questions
What is the ideal aisle width in a small kitchen?
We aim for at least 42 inches between counters where possible, and closer to 48 inches if the kitchen sees more than one cook at a time.
Is it worth removing a wall in a small kitchen?
Sometimes, but not always. It depends on whether the wall is load bearing, what it is currently doing for storage and counter length, and whether the adjoining room can absorb some of the kitchen's function. We assess this during the design phase rather than assuming it is the right move.
Should I go with a smaller refrigerator in a small kitchen?
A counter-depth model is often a better fit than a full-depth model, since it recovers several inches of walkway without a major sacrifice in storage capacity.
What is the most cost effective way to add storage to a small kitchen?
Extending cabinetry to the ceiling and using deep drawers instead of shelved lower cabinets typically adds the most usable storage for the cost — more than a structural change would.
How much does a small kitchen remodel typically cost?
Costs vary based on scope and finish level. Our kitchen remodel cost guide and our 10x10 kitchen remodel cost guide both cover typical ranges relevant to a smaller footprint.
Can a small kitchen still include an island?
Sometimes, if there is at least 42 inches of clearance on all sides once the island is in place. If that clearance is not available, a peninsula or a mobile cart often gives similar function without crowding the room.
Start with a conversation about your kitchen
We serve homeowners across Bucks County, Montgomery County and the surrounding Philadelphia suburbs. Every project begins with a site visit and a clear scope before any commitment is made.
