When working with a small space, it’s important to think practically. But that doesn’t mean style has to go by the wayside. A few key design elements can help a tiny cookspace feel cozy and sophisticated.

Add a pop of color with a fun backsplash. It’s a great place to showcase personality and create dimension, as seen in this kitchen by Rodeheaver Spectrum Design Group. The blue-and-white checkerboard pattern is also a nod to the room’s vintage roots, while the butcher block counter ties the kitchen back to the dining area.

Incorporate open storage to keep the room feeling airy. This clever solution — a countertop that doubles as a shelf — is a smart way to keep utensils, pots and pans handy yet out of sight. Plus, it allows for an unbroken wall of windows, which makes the room feel larger.

Boost light in a small space by installing overhead cabinets or adding skylights. The light-colored paint used here by Libby Palmieri of House of L Designs is lighter than the cabinets below, so it makes the ceiling appear taller and the room more expansive.

Decorative lighting is a must for any kitchen, but it’s even more important in a small room. Choose a fixture that’s both striking and functional, such as the museum-worthy pendant light in this BHDM Design kitchen, which serves as a focal point while providing a warm glow. Also consider switching to ‘daylight’-style bulbs, which mimic natural sunlight and make rooms feel brighter and larger. small kitchen design Shaughnessy