Small Kitchen Inspiration and Ideas for adding space

Working within a small space is a hard job, especially in a kitchen when you love to cook! There are some really creative ways to work in a small kitchen and one of them is a small island. Sometimes you just need that extra work space and it can make a huge difference, and also look pretty awesome.  I have also found that once I get my small kitchen organized, it can actually be easier to cook in because everything is within an arm's reach!

An island is an obvious solution and for good reason.  They can add surface/work space and storage underneath.  And these days, you have your pick when it comes to island style, size, etc.
via Houzz

I don't think the island has to match your cabinetry, but I do like them to be tied into at least one other element in the space, like this island does the hood.
via Apartment Therapy

via Houzz

via houseoffifty

Keep it clean and sleek looking and it will help keep the small space from looking cluttered. Dress it up with a vase and flowers when you have company over. 

via pinterest

Buy one with wheels so it can roll away if you need it to! Some kitchen's need that extra work space but it's not convenient to have around all the time.  We actually have this exact same island from Ikea and it's going strong 4 years later. 

Impromptu Office Ideas

Most people that work from home have a dedicated office space, but for those of you who don't always work from home and are missing that needed space for the occasional snow day (like here in MD), there are some creative ways to set up an impromptu work space!

via You Say Too

My favorite solution is probably to convert and armoire or cupboard into a hidden office.  Another plus is it helps keep dust off your electronics, and if you don't have time to tidy up, just shut the doors!

Keep a living or library table housed with a lamp and another few office necessities and you can easily use it for an occasional desk.

Traditional Home Office by Rockville Furniture & Accessories Sheffield Furniture & Interiors

Eclectic Home Office by Austin Interior Designers & Decorators Scheer & Co.

A narrow sliver of room can be dedicated if you work from home for maybe only one day a week, but don't have a dedicated office. Consider outfitting one wall with a narrow desk.  Then, run some attractive draperies far enough out from the wall that it will be able to hide the desk when it's not in use.

via houzz

If you have room for a rolling table this could be used for multiple purposes. A great work space, extra cooking space, a rolling bar for parties, or portable storage! Clear it off for a day of work from home that won't affect the rest of your house. Baskets underneath can hold supplies.

via houzz

This hideaway desk is perfect for small spaces. If you are lacking the square footage for an office, purchasing a wall mounted desk could be exactly what you need for those random work from home days. Just pull it down when you need it and store it away when you need your space back!

A Space of My Own: Inspirational Ideas for Home Offices, Craft Rooms, and Studies

I wanted to share with you today a handful of my favorite images from a book I was recently sent to review, "A Space of My Own." The book is by Caroline Clifton-Mogg, and is a great read for anyone who is thinking of setting up a home office, or who needs to overhaul the one they have now.

Here's the book description: "For some of us it's a small desk in the corner of a kitchen or living room, for others it's a self contained home office, but we all need a space we can call our own - where we can catch up on emails, tackle household admin or enjoy some crafting. In A Space of My Own, Caroline Clifton-Mogg shows you how to make the most of your personal work space. Part 1, explores The Elements that make up a successful work area: from choosing the right Furniture and Lighting, to attractive Storage and Decoration to create an environment that truly brings out the creativity in you. Part 2 is about The Spaces as a whole, showing examples of Home Offices, Shared Work Spaces, Sewing & Craft Rooms and Space for Children & Teens. Featuring innovative case studies, it provides ideas and inspiration which can be easily translated into your own home. Because personal work space should be both practical and inspiring, and, quite simply, the more it is designed around your needs and tastes, the more inspired you will be."

The style of home offices featured in this book vary greatly, from vintage country to sleek modern. So, there is eye candy for everyone.

One of my favorite spaces in the book - I love the table in the middle of the room - great for working on large projects that can be accessed from all sides, and I LOVE the large industrial light on the makeshift pulley system.

A cute little space for note-taking, bill paying, and keeping up with correspondences.

The natural light from the french windows makes for a great work environment.

I might get too distracted is I had a view as pretty as this one right in front of me!

If your work requires a lot of keeping archive of materials or files, get all of your storage in the same color and style to keep things visually tidy.

Love the glass cabinets!


If you work from home a lot, or want inspiration for a home office or craft room, definitely check out "A Space of My Own"

Pretty home offices and workspaces

via BHG

These striped curtains add a tailored look to the natural blinds
via Apartment Therapy

This office belongs to Jen Ramos of Made By Girl
via Adore Home

Love the chair and the pendants...
via Casa Diez

via Elle Decor

via Covet Garden

Lovely work spaces whatever your work may be

I do light sewing but plan to really learn more over the next two years. A room devoted to sewing would be divine.
via Fjeldborg
via Decor8 Tumblr

so elegant! via Elle Decor


One of my fav. home offices of all time. This space proves that even a garage can be pretty. The track lighting just makes the beams look industrial chic!
via Ish and Chi




I really like these filing cabinets from Crate and Barrel

via Canadian House and Home

An unused closet can make a small but functional home office.
via BHG


Good organizing accessories also make your space pretty and functional. This nifty laptop organizer, and this adorable teacup supply organizer are from Emmo Home.