The Tile Configuration You Should Always Use In A Small Kitchen

Small kitchens are common in older houses, particularly Victorian homes — mainly because kitchens were separate from the more social dining spaces and used strictly for cooking when these houses were originally built. They're also typically small in city homes like condos, apartments, and townhomes because there's little space to work with. But in many homes, expanding the kitchen to increase its footprint isn't realistic — and, even if it's possible, it can be quite expensive (though The Journal of Light Construction's 2024 Cost vs Value Report found that even a minor kitchen remodel recoups 96.1% of the job cost in home resale value).

Luckily, with a subtle design choice, you can create the illusion that your kitchen is much larger than it really is. One of the easiest ways to create this illusion is with a unique tile configuration for small kitchens: a horizontal stacked bond configuration. Installing kitchen tiles this way draws the eyes outward, making the room seem wider and therefore larger — no pricey kitchen remodel required. 

The horizontal tile trick works best with small to medium-sized tiles rather than large ones. Using large tiles in a small kitchen can overcrowd the space rather than make it look bigger. It's also best to stick to lighter colored tiles, which can make a room appear brighter and contribute to a larger feel. Stay away from very dark tiles, which can have the opposite effect on your small kitchen. Paler hues are more reflective than darker ones, and pale tiles that reflect light will help your small kitchen appear larger. The best kitchen backsplash colors for a small kitchen are white, ivory, beige, tan, and gray.

Horizontally stacked tiles aren't the only secret to making your small kitchen look bigger. Pair your tile design with some other tricks to create the illusion of a more sizable room. Although white kitchen designs will never go out of style, you can also pair light-colored tiles with a complementary darker wall or cabinet color to create visual interest. Blues, grays, and greens will add a pop of color to a small kitchen without making it seem dark and small. 

Installing floor-to-ceiling cabinets also help create the illusion of a larger kitchen. As an added bonus, you'll get extra storage space — and you won't have to worry about dusting the tops of your kitchen cabinets. Consider open shelving for a cohesive look with the horizontal tile design.

Finally, keep your kitchen as clutter-free as possible. Tidy away small appliances when you're not using them and maximize your storage space to keep essentials tucked neatly in your cabinets. A cluttered countertop can make a small kitchen seem even more cramped, and simply removing that clutter can have a noticeable (and immediate) effect.