Kitchenette Ideas

Kitchenettes differ from full kitchens. They’re smaller, more compact, and often include miniature versions of the appliances and amenities you’d find in a standard kitchen. A kitchenette is a great addition to any home. They’re cute, practical, and versatile. They’re especially useful in smaller spaces like daylight basements, ADUs, and garage conversions. 

The design possibilities are endless! If you’re planning to build or remodel a kitchenette in your home, we’ve got you covered with our top designer-inspired kitchenette ideas!

Items To Include in a Kitchenette

Cabinets and Shelves

Kitchenettes have less cabinet space than full kitchens. This is your chance to get creative with storage solutions. From lazy Susans to pull-out spice racks and in-drawer organizers, there are many ways to optimize storage in your kitchenette so you have a dedicated space for everything you need.

A Small Stovetop

Most kitchenettes don’t have full ranges. Instead, many offer a two-burner system or make use of countertop ranges or hot plates. This makes them ideal for cooking your favorite one-pot meals or boiling a pot of water for tea.

A Countertop Oven

Like stovetops, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a kitchenette that features a full-sized oven. Consider an alternative, like an air fryer, pressure cooker, microwave, or countertop smart oven.

A Wallpaper Backsplash

Because kitchenettes are compact, you can get really creative with unique patterns, colors, and designs without overwhelming the space. Consider adorning your kitchenette with a decorative wallpaper backsplash. Choosing wallpaper over tile gives you access to a much wider variety of designs, and it’s easier to install.

An Undermount Sink

Whether you’re planning to use your kitchenette to prepare meals or simply as a wine or coffee bar, a small sink is a must. But you want a sink that won’t take up too much valuable counter space, so an undermount sink is a good option.

A Mini Fridge

A fridge is a necessity, but a full-sized fridge/freezer is too big for most compact kitchenettes. A mini fridge is the perfect solution. These days, many mini fridges also come with small freezers.

A Mug Rack

Try adding a row of hooks on the wall behind your counters, where you can hang mugs from their handles. This looks charming and also saves valuable storage space in your cabinets. Just make sure you choose your cutest mugs to display, since they’ll become part of your kitchenette design!

Country Cottage Kitchenette

There are few things as cozy as cottage décor. A compact kitchenette is the perfect opportunity to realize your country-living dreams. Cottage décor is characterized by warm and inviting details, natural wooden textures, and classic patterns.

Here are a few décor ideas to create a cottage style kitchenette:

• Natural, earthy colors
• Potted and hanging plants
• Open, wooden shelving
• Plaid and floral patterns
• Personalized knick-knacks
• Reclaimed wooden countertops
• Cottage-inspired wallpaper like the sanibel floral wallpaper or the botanic stripe wallpaper

 

Industrial Kitchenette

If you’re looking to create a kitchenette that feels cool and unique, then an industrial style might be the perfect concept for your space. While a typical industrial style kitchen is usually seen in large loft-style apartments, you can still achieve this effect in your kitchenette.

Here are some features to make your kitchenette feel industrial:

• Metal details (appliances, hardware, stacked pots and pans, countertops)
• Exposed pendant bulbs
• Raw materials like wood, concrete, and brick
• Open shelving
• Faux brick backsplash with with the warehouse brick wallpaper

Cape Cod Kitchenette

Inspired by the coastal regions of Massechusettes, Cape Cod interior design is both elegant and fresh. A small kitchenette is a great place to explore the Cape Cod style, adding a dash of summer vacation into your space without overwhelming your entire interior.

Here are a few ideas for your Cape Cod kitchenette:

• Nautical-themed décor such as seashells and sailboat sculptures
• A color palette with whites, creams, and light greens and blues
• Striped towels and matts
• Coastal wallpaper like the beach coral sea green wallpaper or the divers blue wallpaper
• Natural woven details like wicker baskets
• Light wooden bar stools

Colorful Kitchenette

In a small space like a kitchenette, you really have the opportunity to go all out with bold design styles. One of the best ways to create an eye-popping kitchenette is to use color to your advantage. 

For example, you might take inspiration from old 1950s kitchens, which were defined by bright colors and bold patterns. Or, you might opt for a more eclectic style, with a purposeful mismatch of contrasting patterns, textures, and materials.

Here are a few features to make your kitchenette colorful and bright:

• Unique appliances, such as a bright red mini fridge or a green microwave
• Bold checkered flooring
• Colorful wallpaper like the wallflower tropical floral wallpaper
• Richly colored cabinets
• Brightly patterned décor
• Purple wallpaper for a bold and regal touch
• A vase of wildflowers

Organic Modern Kitchenette

An organic modern kitchenette is the perfect style for backyard ADUs and small cabins. It offers contemporary convenience while also bringing the feeling of the great outdoors into your home and infusing your morning coffee routine with serenity. 

When designing a nature-themed kitchenette, you’ll want to incorporate neutral colors, raw and recycled materials, and textures you’d find in nature. Here are a few things you might include in an organic modern kitchenette:

• A soothing, neutral color scheme
• Butcher block or stone slab countertops
• Nature-inspired organic wallpaper, like the vineyard camel wallpaper or the stalks golden night floral wallpaper
• Sustainable, energy saving appliances
• Indoor plants or a small windowsill herb garden
• Open wooden shelving
• Earth-toned mugs

Add Charm and Character to Your Kitchenette Design with Mitchell Black Wallpapers

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to designing a kitchenette. With limited space and practical needs, it can be tempting to deprioritize style in favor of function. But you don’t have to choose! With just a few key décor pieces and the right wallpaper backsplash, you can strike the perfect balance between function and form.

At Mitchell Black, we have designs to suit any style. Browse our extensive variety of high-quality wallpapers and wall murals to find the perfect design for your kitchenette. Choose from premium wallpapers, peel and stick, grasscloth, and type II vinyl varieties, and watch your space transform!