This apartment kitchen remodel in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood is proof that even the smallest kitchen can be transformed with smart IKEA design. Measuring only 6′6″×7′, it’s certainly one of the smallest kitchens I’ve worked on — most people have closets bigger than that! The goal was to open things up and make the most of every inch.

Before: Smaller Than a Closet

Apartment kitchen remodel in Capitol Hill Seattle using IKEA cabinets
Apartment kitchen remodel in Capitol Hill, Seattle
Original kitchen is smaller than most closets (before)
Original kitchen is smaller than most closets (before)

As you can see from the photo above, the original kitchen was really cramped. With just a few cabinets and very little counter space, this is not a kitchen for someone who really likes to cook and bake like our homeowner.

Cabinets wrap around wall for extended kitchen workspace
Cabinets wrap around wall for extended kitchen workspace

Smart IKEA Design for a Tiny Kitchen

So the first order of business was to open up the wall. With a larger opening into the kitchen, we were able to spill the cabinets out into the dining room, creating more storage and more workspace. When dealing with a space this small, you’ve gotta think outside the box. IKEA’s corner wall cabinet here was a smart touch, and the glass fronted wall cabinets can act as a buffet or an extra work space. The shallow depth means they don’t steal too much space from the dining area.

Gas meter above a gas range? Seems kinda sketchy, huh!?
Gas meter above a gas range? Seems kinda sketchy, huh!?

One of the oddest things about the kitchen, is that the gas meter is installed inside! How weird is that?! They tried to get the gas company to move it so they’d have more room for cabinets, but it would have been too costly. Their solution: Hang a pot rack in front of it! Hey, it works.

Stacked cabinets take advantage of high ceilings
Stacked cabinets take advantage of high ceilings.

Stacking Cabinets for High Ceilings

One of the really good things this small space has going for it is its tall ceilings. To take advantage of that, we stacked the wall cabinets using IKEA’s 39″ wall cabinets on the bottom, and 15″ high cabinets on top.

Undersized appliances like the 18″ dishwasher ensure they get every inch of storage they can
Undersized appliances like the 18″ dishwasher ensure they get every inch of storage they can.

The owners did a beautiful job designing this kitchen to fit into their 1920’s apartment building. Using IKEA’s “Adel off white” cabinets and “Domsjo” farmhouse sink with brass cup style handles and a gorgeous black marble countertop, it all works so well together.

Small apartment IKEA kitchen installation in Seattle
Small apartment IKEA kitchen installation in Seattle

Do you have a small kitchen? I’d love to hear about it. Share your comments below!

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