Joanna Gaines’ Genius Trick for Making Small Kitchens Feel HUGE

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Okay, so my first apartment kitchen was basically a glorified closet. I swear I could touch both walls at once. I’ve always admired how Joanna Gaines makes even the coziest spaces feel so open and airy, especially her kitchen tricks for small kitchens. It’s not about magic, it’s about smart design. I’ve tested a bunch of her ideas in my own tiny cooking zone, and let me tell you, some of them are total game-changers. You don’t need a renovation to make your kitchen feel bigger!

Light & Bright: The Power of Color (No, Really!)

This is Joanna’s go-to, and it’s so simple. She loves a light, neutral palette. Think creamy whites, soft grays, and pale blues. These colors reflect light, making a space feel instantly larger and more open. I used a pale sage green in my last kitchen and it made a huge difference compared to the dark brown I had before. It’s like painting with sunshine. Seriously, ditch the dark, moody tones if you want that expansive feel. It’s a no-brainer for small kitchens.

Paint Your Cabinets White (or Off-White)

This is probably the easiest and most impactful change. White cabinets bounce light around like crazy. I used Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace on my upper cabinets, and it made my 8×10 kitchen feel like a ballroom. Okay, maybe not a ballroom, but definitely not a shoebox anymore.

Declutter Like Your Life Depends On It (Because Your Sanity Does)

Real talk: Joanna Gaines is a master of intentional living, and that totally applies to kitchens. A cluttered kitchen feels smaller and more chaotic. This means getting rid of stuff you don’t use. I finally got rid of that avocado slicer from 2010 that I used once. It felt so freeing! Think about what you *actually* need on your counters. Most of it can go in drawers or cabinets. Less stuff visible = bigger space. It’s that simple.

Clear Those Countertops ASAP

This is the big one. Get your appliances, spice racks, and utensil crocks off the counter. Use drawer organizers and cabinet shelves. I bought some cheap tiered shelves from Amazon for $15, and they doubled my cabinet space. It’s a visual trick, but it works like a charm.

Smart Storage Solutions: Maximize Every Inch

Joanna is all about functional beauty, and that means clever storage. When you have a small kitchen, every single inch counts. Think vertical! Tall cabinets, wall-mounted shelves, and even magnetic knife strips can free up precious counter and drawer space. I installed a pegboard from IKEA ($20) above my sink, and it holds all my pots, pans, and utensils. It looks cute and keeps everything within easy reach, plus it makes my kitchen feel so much more organized and therefore bigger.

Go Vertical with Shelving

Don’t let wall space go to waste. Open shelving can make a kitchen feel more airy than closed cabinets, especially if you keep them styled nicely. I keep my everyday dishes on open shelves, and it makes them feel more accessible and less ‘stuffed away’.

Let There Be Light! (Natural and Artificial)

This is huge. Joanna Gaines knows that good lighting is key to making any space feel larger and more inviting. Natural light is your best friend. Keep window treatments minimal and light. If you don’t have a lot of natural light, you need to amp up your artificial lighting. Think under-cabinet lights, a good overhead fixture, and maybe even some task lighting. I added a set of battery-operated LED under-cabinet lights from Walmart for $30, and it totally transformed the mood of my kitchen. It feels so much more spacious now.

Add Under-Cabinet Lighting

This is a cheap and easy way to brighten up your workspace and make your kitchen feel more open. It adds a layer of light that makes a huge difference, especially in the evenings. Trust me, you’ll wonder how you lived without it.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall (Or Appliance!)

Okay, this one might seem a bit out there, but hear me out. Mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of more space. Joanna has used them subtly in her designs. You don’t need a giant mirror on your backsplash (though you could!). Think about appliances with reflective surfaces, like a stainless steel fridge or a microwave with a mirrored door. Even strategically placed metallic accents can help bounce light around. It’s a subtle trick, but it adds depth.

Reflective Surfaces are Your Friend

Consider a stainless steel backsplash or even a mirrored cabinet insert if you’re feeling bold. Even a shiny toaster can help a little! It’s all about bouncing light.

⭐ Pro Tips

• Use open shelving for your most used dishes – it makes them accessible and visually lighter than solid cabinet doors. I use mine for my everyday white plates from Target.
• Instead of buying expensive organizers, repurpose old shoe boxes or small cardboard boxes to divide drawers. Cut them to size and cover with nice paper from Dollar Tree for a custom look. Costs $0 if you already have boxes!
• Beginners often forget to declutter their spice rack. Expired spices take up valuable real estate! Go through them, toss the old ones, and group the rest by cuisine or frequency of use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! Making your small kitchen feel bigger isn’t about knocking down walls. It’s about smart choices with color, light, and organization. Start with decluttering your counters and adding some brighter lighting. You’ll be amazed at how much more spacious your kitchen feels. Now go make some magic happen!