Interior designers recommend: How to create your dream kitchen in a small space

We all have a vision of the ideal kitchen — a place where the color palette, the latest appliances, and carefully selected materials blend into one harmonious whole. In reality, however, many owners of new developments or standard apartment blocks in Riga have to deal with limited space.

How can a small number of square meters be turned into a functional and visually spacious room? The experts at DECCO CENTRS and the designers of the kitchen brand Arens Riga share professional tips that will help you create your dream kitchen even in the smallest space.

1. Visual tricks: colors and materials

To create a sense of spaciousness, the first rule is to use a light color palette. White, cream, or light gray shades reflect light, making the interior feel fresh and visually airy. Contrary to popular myths, light-colored worktops are often more practical than dark ones, where every speck of dust or water drop is more visible.

Material choices:

Glossy surfaces: Reflective front materials work like mirrors, adding depth to the room.
Transparent elements: Glass cabinet doors or transparent bar stools do not visually “eat up” the space.
Continuous flooring: If the kitchen flooring matches the flooring in the living room, the boundary between the spaces disappears, creating the illusion of greater openness.

2. Lighting on multiple levels

Proper lighting can fundamentally change how a small kitchen is perceived. It should be even and avoid harsh shadows in the corners. Designers recommend using at least three levels:

• General ceiling lighting

• Functional lighting — built-in LED strips under the upper cabinets to perfectly illuminate the worktop

• Accent lighting — illuminated glass shelves or a bar counter to create coziness in the evening

3. Optimal kitchen layout and planning

In small spaces, the most popular choice is an L-shaped layout. It efficiently uses two adjacent walls and the corner zone, making it easier to follow the “work triangle” principle (refrigerator – sink – stove).

If an L-shaped layout is not possible, a linear kitchen should be chosen, where every centimeter is carefully planned. One of the most effective solutions is to combine spaces into a studio-style area. This does not increase the actual floor area, but it removes visual barriers such as walls, creating room for a separate dining zone.

4. Compact appliances: less is more

Even a small kitchen cannot function without quality appliances. The solution is built-in and combination appliances:

Oven with microwave function: Saves space on the worktop or in cabinets.
Slim dishwasher (45 cm): Frees up space for extra drawers or a pull-out bottle basket.
Under-counter built-in refrigerator: An ideal solution for a single-person household or a small apartment.

5. The “clear worktop” philosophy and smart fittings

A small kitchen looks cluttered when too many items are left on the worktop. To keep horizontal surfaces clear, smart fittings offered by Arens Riga should be used:

Tall cabinets up to the ceiling: Use vertical space and hide rarely used dishes.
Smart drawers: A cabinet under the sink with built-in waste sorting containers.
Wall rail systems: Space for spices and cooking utensils without taking up room on the counter.

A custom solution versus “standard” furniture

Standard kitchen units sold in stores are universal, but they will never fully make use of the specific angles or niches of your space. In the case of a small kitchen, a custom project is not a luxury, but a necessity.

By visiting the Arens Riga showroom at DECCO CENTRS (6 Katlakalna Street, Riga), experienced designers can help transform every awkward corner into functional storage. Professional expertise makes it possible to foresee details such as door opening directions, handle ergonomics, and the optimal height of surfaces.