Small homes and studios

Kitchen Countertop Zones for Small homes and studios

Reserve practical work surfaces for preparation, appliances and serving instead of treating every counter length as interchangeable.

Explore the ideas
L-shaped kitchen with pale green lower cabinets, white upper cabinets and a tiled backsplash
Kitchen inspiration: a light palette and continuous counter run.

Plan in this order

  1. Mark the main preparation point near the sink and frequently used ingredients.
  2. Group small appliances where outlets and cleaning access are practical.
  3. Keep serving and cooling space clear of the primary chopping route.
Worked example

A toaster and coffee maker consume the only clear surface beside the sink.

Group appliances at one end near suitable outlets and reserve a separate uninterrupted chopping and serving area.

How to test it

Set out the largest regularly used appliance and a cutting board on the proposed plan.

Apply it to this space
Layout
Group cooking and cleanup together and reserve a clear landing surface beside the refrigerator.
Detail
Use compact, full-extension drawers and continuous under-cabinet task light.
Trade-off
Open shelves make a small kitchen feel lighter but expose visual clutter.
  • Measure appliance doors when open
  • Check counter landing space and task light
Straight kitchen with sage base cabinets, white wall units and under-cabinet lighting
Kitchen inspiration: a single-wall arrangement with task lighting.

The Elixir portfolio

Details worth a closer look

Photographs for design inspiration
White L-shaped kitchen with gold-tone handles, under-cabinet lighting and a chimney
Kitchen inspiration: an L-shaped work surface and integrated lighting.
Parallel kitchen with teal cabinets, a pale backsplash and profile lighting
Kitchen inspiration: two opposing work runs in a compact plan.

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