Joanna Gaines Small Kitchen: 9 Ideas to Feel Bigger 2026

Is your small kitchen feeling more cramped than cozy, yearning for that distinctive charm seen on Fixer Upper? Many homeowners face the challenge of transforming limited culinary space into a functional and aesthetically pleasing hub. You’re not alone if you’re looking for clever ways to make a small kitchen feel bigger.

To make a small kitchen feel bigger, incorporate light colors, multi-functional furniture, strategic lighting, and smart storage solutions. These design principles, championed by Joanna Gaines, create visual spaciousness and enhance practicality in compact culinary spaces. Drawing from comprehensive analysis of current data and proven methodologies, this guide will unlock the secrets to a larger-feeling kitchen. You’ll discover how to infuse your compact area with Joanna Gaines small kitchen ideas that promise both beauty and efficiency. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a bright, inviting space.

Unlock a Bigger Feel: 9 Joanna Gaines Small Kitchen Ideas for 2026

Transforming a small kitchen into a functional, aesthetically pleasing hub, reminiscent of Joanna Gaines’ iconic designs, requires a blend of clever spatial planning and signature style elements. The goal is to make the kitchen feel expansive and inviting, not just to add decor. By strategically applying Joanna Gaines’ design principles—which seamlessly integrate rustic charm with timeless elegance—even the most compact culinary spaces can achieve a remarkable sense of openness and purpose. Each idea below offers a distinct solution, moving from broad concepts to specific, actionable steps to enhance both the visual appeal and practicality of your small kitchen.

1. Maximize Natural Light & Brighten Your Space

Pin this genius hack to your “Dream Kitchen” board!

Maximizing natural light and embracing a bright color palette are fundamental to making any small kitchen feel bigger and more inviting. Joanna Gaines consistently uses light, neutral tones to reflect light, creating an illusion of expanded space. This approach reduces visual clutter and enhances the perceived size of the room, turning a confined area into an airy, open environment. The interplay of natural light and light surfaces makes the kitchen feel fresh and clean, aligning perfectly with the modern farmhouse aesthetic.

What You Need

• White or light gray paint: Specifically, a flat or eggshell finish in a bright, reflective shade like “Shiplap White” or “Repose Gray” for walls and ceiling.
• Sheer or minimal window treatments: Lightweight, semi-transparent curtains or simple Roman blinds that don’t block light.
• Strategically placed mirrors: Large round or rectangular mirrors with simple frames to reflect light and views.
• Recessed or flush-mount lighting: Energy-efficient LED fixtures that provide ample overhead light without visual clutter.

What To Do

1. Paint walls and ceiling in a unified light color: Use a consistent light shade to create a seamless boundary, making the room feel more expansive.
2. Choose minimal window coverings: Opt for bare windows or sheer, light-filtering curtains that allow maximum natural light penetration.
3. Place mirrors opposite windows or light sources: Position mirrors to reflect light and the outdoor view, visually doubling the perceived space.
4. Install layered lighting: Combine bright overhead recessed lighting with under-cabinet task lighting to eliminate shadows and enhance overall brightness.

Pro-Tip: Beyond paint, consider replacing solid interior doors with glass-paneled ones to allow light to flow between rooms, subtly borrowing light from adjacent spaces and contributing to an open floor plan feel.

2. Embrace Open Shelving for Visual Airiness

Save this open shelving idea for your kitchen refresh!

Open shelving is a hallmark of Joanna Gaines’ kitchen designs, particularly effective for creating an airy feel in small spaces. By removing bulky upper cabinets, open shelves reduce visual weight, making walls appear less cluttered and the room more expansive. This strategy allows for both functional storage and the opportunity to display curated kitchenware and decorative items, infusing personality without overwhelming the compact kitchen. It’s a designer-approved trick to transform small areas.

What You Need

• Floating wood shelves: Reclaimed wood or sleek white shelves, 24-36 inches in length, 8-10 inches deep.
• Decorative yet functional items: White or neutral ceramic dishes, glass jars for dry goods, small potted plants, and minimalist cookbooks.
• Invisible mounting hardware: For a truly “floating” look that maximizes openness.

What To Do

1. Remove upper cabinets on one or more walls: This immediately opens up the visual space and reduces bulk.
2. Install sturdy floating shelves at eye level: Position them where they are easily accessible and aesthetically balanced.
3. Curate displayed items carefully: Show only your most attractive and frequently used dishes, glassware, and decor.
4. Maintain a cohesive color palette: Stick to whites, creams, or natural wood tones to prevent visual clutter and maintain Joanna Gaines’ signature minimalist look.

Pro-Tip: To keep open shelves looking intentional and not messy, aim for 60% functional items and 40% decorative elements. Regularly declutter to ensure each item serves a purpose or adds beauty.

3. Incorporate a Farmhouse Sink as a Focal Point

Pin this farmhouse sink inspiration for your renovation dreams!

A farmhouse sink acts as a powerful focal point in any kitchen, instantly adding authentic farmhouse charm, even in a small space. Joanna Gaines frequently incorporates these apron-front sinks not just for their aesthetic appeal, but also for their deep basins that offer practical functionality for washing large pots and pans. This signature element draws the eye, establishing character and a sense of timeless design within a compact layout. It’s a key attribute of her “designer approved” look.

What You Need

• Apron-front farmhouse sink: A single-bowl, fireclay or cast iron model, typically 24-30 inches wide, deep enough for large pots.
• Coordinating faucet: A high-arch, gooseneck faucet in a finish like polished chrome, bronze, or brushed nickel.
• Solid surface countertop: Butcher block, quartz, or marble to properly support the sink.

What To Do

1. Select a proportional sink size: Opt for a single-bowl farmhouse sink that fits within your existing cabinet base or one that requires minimal modification.
2. Ensure proper countertop support: Install the sink with robust support framing, as it’s typically heavier than standard sinks.
3. Choose a complementary faucet: A tall, elegant faucet enhances the vintage appeal and offers practical clearance for deep basins.
4. Keep surrounding decor simple: Let the farmhouse sink be the star; avoid cluttering the adjacent countertop space.

Pro-Tip: While farmhouse sinks are known for their spaciousness, a well-chosen single-bowl version can actually free up counter space by accommodating large pots and pans within the basin, reducing countertop drying needs.

4. Utilize Multi-Functional Kitchen Islands or Carts

Pin this clever small kitchen island solution to your renovation ideas!

Multi-functional kitchen islands or mobile carts are invaluable solutions for small kitchens with limited counter space. Joanna Gaines’ designs often feature these adaptable pieces to provide extra prep areas, dining spots, and essential storage without the commitment of a permanent, bulky island. The key is to select units that fit proportionally, offer integrated storage, and ideally, boast mobility, allowing you to reconfigure your space as needed. This flexibility is a core insight from her design notebook.

What You Need

• Compact kitchen island with storage: Opt for models with open shelving, drawers, or a cabinet base, roughly 30-48 inches long and 18-24 inches deep.
• Mobile kitchen cart with wheels: For flexibility, choose one with locking casters and a durable top (butcher block or stainless steel).
• Bar stools (if applicable): Slim, backless stools that can tuck neatly underneath the island.

What To Do

1. Measure your available space carefully: Ensure at least 36 inches of clearance around all sides of the island for comfortable movement.
2. Prioritize integrated storage: Choose islands with built-in shelves, drawers, or hooks to maximize utility for small kitchen organization.
3. Consider mobility: A wheeled cart allows you to move it out of the way when extra floor space is needed or to an adjacent dining area.
4. Select a durable, aesthetic top: Butcher block or stone tops provide a functional prep surface that aligns with the modern farmhouse aesthetic.

Pro-Tip: If a standard island is too large, consider a narrow console table or a vintage desk with an added butcher block top. This unexpected piece can serve as extra prep space or a temporary dining area.

5. Utilize Vertical Space with Tall Storage & Wall-Mounted Solutions

Pin these vertical storage hacks to optimize your small kitchen!

Leveraging vertical space is one of the most effective solutions for addressing limited storage in a small kitchen, a tactic frequently employed in Joanna Gaines’ designs. By extending storage upwards, from floor-to-ceiling cabinets to wall-mounted racks, you prevent clutter from accumulating on precious counter space and maintain a clean, organized aesthetic. This approach maximizes every inch of the kitchen, demonstrating proven results in creating highly functional and visually expansive compact areas.

What You Need

• Full-height pantry cabinets: Slim, tall units that extend from floor to ceiling, maximizing storage capacity.
• Wall-mounted spice racks or shelves: Narrow shelves specifically designed for spices, cookbooks, or decorative items.
• Magnetic knife strips: A space-saving alternative to knife blocks.
• Pot and pan racks: Ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted options to free up cabinet space.

What To Do

1. Install floor-to-ceiling cabinetry or pantry units: Utilize every inch of vertical space, even above refrigerators or doorways, for seasonal items or less frequently used tools.
2. Mount essential items on walls: Use magnetic strips for knives, hooks for utensils, and slim shelves for spices to keep countertops clear.
3. Add a pot rack over a dedicated zone: Position it above the range or a prep area for easy access to cookware.
4. Incorporate pull-out drawers or lazy Susans: Optimize the interior of tall cabinets for easy access to items stored deeper inside.

Pro-Tip: When planning vertical storage, consider the visual weight. Use open shelving sparingly, and for enclosed cabinets, opt for glass fronts to maintain a lighter, more open feel while still providing significant storage.

6. Select Timeless Shaker-Style Cabinetry

Pin this timeless Shaker cabinet idea for your kitchen upgrade!

Shaker-style cabinetry is a cornerstone of Joanna Gaines’ aesthetic, renowned for its clean lines and timeless appeal, making it an ideal choice for a small kitchen. Their simple, framed doors create a sense of order and minimalism, which is crucial for preventing a compact space from feeling cluttered. The versatile design allows them to blend seamlessly with various decor styles, while a light color palette enhances their ability to reflect light and contribute to an open, airy atmosphere, a hallmark of her professional makeovers.

What You Need

• White or light-colored Shaker cabinets: Full-height or wall-mounted options, preferably in a matte finish.
• Simple hardware: Brushed nickel, matte black, or antique brass pulls and knobs that complement the clean lines.
• Coordinating paint: A light, neutral shade for any exposed wall areas.

What To Do

1. Choose a light, neutral color for cabinets: White, off-white, or light gray Shaker cabinets reflect light and create a visually seamless appearance.
2. Opt for simple, understated hardware: Avoid ornate pulls that add visual clutter; clean lines complement the Shaker style.
3. Extend upper cabinets to the ceiling (if possible): This draws the eye upward, making the kitchen feel taller, and provides extra storage.
4. Maintain a clean, clutter-free look: The simplicity of Shaker cabinets thrives when countertops are clear and decor is minimal.

Pro-Tip: When choosing white Shaker cabinets, pay attention to the undertones. A true white with a hint of gray or beige will typically look cleaner and more sophisticated than a stark, cool white under typical kitchen lighting.

7. Choose Timeless Materials: Butcher Block & White Marble

Pin this stunning countertop combo for your kitchen renovation!

The strategic use of timeless materials like butcher block and white marble is central to creating Joanna Gaines’ signature look, even in small kitchens. These materials offer a beautiful balance: butcher block provides warmth, durability, and a classic farmhouse feel, while white marble adds a touch of luxurious elegance and light reflection. By carefully integrating these surfaces, you can achieve a high-end, functional, and aesthetically cohesive design that elevates the entire space, demonstrating a “tested methods” approach to design.

What You Need

• White marble slab or tile: For a luxurious, light-reflective surface on key areas.
• Butcher block countertop: For warmth, durability, and a classic farmhouse feel.
• Appropriate sealants: To protect both marble and wood from stains and damage.

What To Do

1. Integrate marble on a focal point: Use white marble on an island, a baking station, or around the sink for a touch of elegance.
2. Apply butcher block to secondary prep areas: Use butcher block for the main perimeter countertops or on a mobile island for its resilience and warmth.
3. Properly seal and maintain both materials: Follow specific instructions for sealing and cleaning marble to prevent etching, and condition butcher block regularly to prevent drying and cracking.
4. Balance the textures and tones: Ensure the natural variations in both materials complement each other for a cohesive, rich look.

Pro-Tip: To get the look of expensive marble on a budget, consider using marble-look quartz or a large-format marble-effect porcelain tile for your backsplash, which provides visual impact without the high cost and maintenance of a full slab countertop.

8. Add Industrial or Vintage-Inspired Lighting

Pin this stunning lighting idea to illuminate your small kitchen!

Thoughtfully chosen lighting, particularly industrial or vintage-inspired fixtures, plays a crucial role in defining the aesthetic and mood of a small kitchen. While providing essential illumination, these pieces also serve as captivating focal points, adding character without overwhelming the limited space. Joanna Gaines often uses such lighting to bridge the gap between rustic charm and modern design, understanding the importance of “lighting temperature” in creating an inviting ambiance. This detail is often considered in professional kitchen makeovers.

What You Need

• Statement pendant light: A single industrial or vintage-style pendant with metal accents (aged bronze, matte black) and an Edison bulb.
• Complementary wall sconces (optional): To add ambient light and visual interest if space allows.
• Dimmable switches: For controlling the “lighting temperature” and mood.

What To Do

1. Choose one impactful fixture: In a small kitchen, one well-chosen pendant over a sink or small island can be a powerful design statement.
2. Opt for industrial or vintage styles: Look for fixtures with exposed bulbs, metal cages, or simple glass shades to align with Joanna Gaines’ aesthetic.
3. Hang at the correct height: Ensure pendants are hung so they illuminate the task area effectively without obstructing views.
4. Install dimmers: This allows you to adjust the light intensity and create different ambiances, from bright task lighting to cozy, warm glows.

Pro-Tip: Consider combining a statement pendant with recessed lighting. The recessed lights provide general, functional illumination, allowing your decorative pendant to shine as a visual anchor without being the sole light source.

9. Create a Curated Kitchen Nook

Pin this cozy kitchen nook idea for your small space!

Transforming awkward or underutilized corners into a curated kitchen nook is a brilliant strategy to maximize functionality and charm in a small kitchen. Joanna Gaines’ “thoughtful design” approach ensures that no space is wasted, creating cozy and inviting zones for dining, coffee, or display. These nooks add both character and practicality, often incorporating hidden storage to maintain a clean aesthetic and contributing to the overall sense of a well-designed, functional home, much like a professional makeover.

What You Need

• Built-in or freestanding bench with storage: Custom-built or off-the-shelf benches that fit snugly into a corner or against a wall.
• Compact table: A small round or square bistro table to maximize seating and flow.
• Decorative accessories: Cushions, throws, a small coffee maker, mugs, and a piece of art for personal touch.
• Wall-mounted shelves or hooks: For additional display or mug storage.

What To Do

1. Identify an underutilized corner or wall: Look for areas that are currently dead space or simply hold a single, bulky item.
2. Install a built-in bench or place a narrow banquette: This maximizes seating while often providing hidden storage underneath.
3. Pair with a small, round table: A round table is generally more flexible in small spaces and encourages conversation.
4. Accessorize for warmth and function: Add comfortable cushions, personal touches, and organize items like coffee supplies or cookbooks on a wall shelf.

Pro-Tip: If a permanent built-in isn’t feasible or desired, a simple narrow console table with two small stools can create a functional “grab-and-go” breakfast bar or extra prep surface that can be easily moved.

FAQs About Joanna Gaines Small Kitchen Ideas

How to make a small kitchen look like Joanna Gaines?

To make a small kitchen look like Joanna Gaines, focus on a light, neutral color palette, incorporate natural wood elements, and choose timeless finishes like Shaker cabinets and simple hardware. Maximize natural light, utilize open shelving, and integrate a farmhouse sink as a central feature. Emphasize functional, curated decor rather than clutter to maintain her signature clean, inviting aesthetic.

What white paint does Joanna Gaines use for kitchens?

While Joanna Gaines uses various specific shades depending on the project, she frequently opts for warm, off-white or light greige tones that have subtle depth. Colors like “Shiplap” or “Gatherings” from her Magnolia Home Paint collection are popular choices, designed to create a cozy yet expansive feel by reflecting light beautifully without appearing stark. These shades complement natural wood and various textures.

Can you put an island in a small kitchen?

Yes, you can put an island in a small kitchen, but careful selection is key to avoid overcrowding. Opt for a compact, narrow island with integrated storage or a mobile kitchen cart. Ensure there’s at least 36 inches of clearance around all sides for comfortable movement. A multi-functional island can significantly boost prep space and storage without sacrificing flow.

How does Joanna Gaines organize small kitchens?

Joanna Gaines organizes small kitchens by prioritizing functionality and visual simplicity, often leveraging vertical space. This includes floor-to-ceiling cabinets, strategically placed open shelving for curated items, and smart drawer organizers. Her approach emphasizes decluttering and creating a “home” for every item to maintain a clean, uncluttered aesthetic that makes the space feel larger.

What is Joanna Gaines known for in kitchen design?

Joanna Gaines is known for her modern farmhouse kitchen designs, characterized by a blend of rustic charm and timeless elegance. Her signature elements include white Shaker cabinetry, large farmhouse sinks, open shelving, butcher block or white marble countertops, and thoughtful integration of vintage-inspired fixtures. She excels at creating spaces that are both beautiful and highly functional.

What color does Joanna Gaines use on kitchen cabinets?

Joanna Gaines predominantly uses white or light-neutral colors, such as light gray or greige, for kitchen cabinets. These choices are crucial for making spaces feel larger, brighter, and more open, which is especially beneficial in small kitchens. She might occasionally use dark green or blue as an accent color for an island, but the main cabinetry usually remains light.

How to add farmhouse style to a small kitchen?

To add farmhouse style to a small kitchen, focus on key elements: Shaker cabinets, a farmhouse sink, natural wood accents, and vintage-inspired lighting. Incorporate a neutral color palette, open shelving to display curated rustic decor, and prioritize functional, timeless pieces. Avoid excessive clutter to ensure the small space feels charming, not overwhelmed.

Should I use open shelving in a small kitchen?

Yes, open shelving can be highly effective in a small kitchen for making the space feel more open and airy. By replacing bulky upper cabinets, open shelves reduce visual weight, drawing the eye upward. However, it requires careful curation to avoid clutter. Display only your most attractive and frequently used items, maintaining a cohesive color scheme.

How to create a visual illusion of space in a kitchen?

To create a visual illusion of space in a kitchen, employ strategies like using a light, monochromatic color palette, maximizing natural light, and incorporating reflective surfaces. Extend cabinets to the ceiling, utilize vertical storage, and choose minimal window treatments. Open shelving and strategically placed mirrors also help visually expand the perceived size of the room.

What are the best Joanna Gaines kitchen storage ideas?

The best Joanna Gaines kitchen storage ideas for small spaces involve a blend of aesthetic and practical solutions. These include floor-to-ceiling pantry cabinets, integrated drawer organizers, wall-mounted racks for spices or pots, and multi-functional islands with built-in storage. Her designs prioritize visible, curated items on open shelves alongside hidden, efficient storage.

Key Takeaways

• Embrace Light & Brightness: Joanna Gaines consistently uses light colors and maximizes natural light to visually expand small kitchen spaces, creating an airy and welcoming atmosphere.
• Strategic Storage is Key: Utilize open shelving and vertical storage solutions to declutter and create an illusion of space, displaying only curated, aesthetically pleasing items.
• Signature Elements Make an Impact: A classic farmhouse sink and timeless Shaker-style cabinetry provide strong visual anchors that align with the modern farmhouse aesthetic, even in compact areas.
• Multi-Functional Furniture is a Must: Incorporate compact, mobile kitchen islands or carts to add flexible prep and dining space without permanently taking up precious floor area.
• Timeless Materials Elevate the Look: Blend the warmth of butcher block with the elegance of white marble for countertops, achieving a high-end, durable finish that feels authentically “Fixer Upper.”
• Lighting Creates Ambiance: Thoughtfully chosen industrial or vintage-inspired lighting fixtures serve as focal points, enhancing the room’s character and providing essential illumination.
• Don’t Waste Awkward Spaces: Transform underutilized corners into charming and functional curated nooks for coffee or small meals, adding both character and utility to your small kitchen.

Transforming a small kitchen into a Joanna Gaines-inspired haven isn’t about expensive renovations; it’s about thoughtful design choices that maximize space, light, and functionality. By embracing her signature blend of timeless aesthetics and practical solutions—from bright color palettes and multi-functional islands to curated open shelving and classic finishes like butcher block and marble—you can create a culinary space that feels significantly larger and more inviting. These 9 ideas offer a roadmap to infuse your compact kitchen with the charm and efficiency characteristic of a “Fixer Upper” design.

The core principle lies in creating visual openness while ensuring every element serves a purpose. Don’t underestimate the power of carefully selected lighting, strategic storage, and a cohesive material palette to completely redefine your small kitchen experience. With these designer-approved strategies, your kitchen won’t just look bigger; it will truly feel more spacious, organized, and beautifully aligned with the modern farmhouse aesthetic. Now that you’re equipped with these insights, which of these Joanna Gaines small kitchen ideas will you tackle first in your own home?

Last update on 2026-01-14 at 12:25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API