20 clever long kitchen ideas

When it comes to our kitchens, we’re not all blessed with the gift of size. But don’t worry – a long, narrow space can be beautiful and practical too! Here, we’ll share 20 clever long kitchen ideas that’ll have you falling in love with your kitchen’s dimensions in a whole new way.

Long kitchen design ideas to give the illusion of space

A narrow kitchen can look cramped – but it doesn’t have to! Here are some long kitchen design ideas that’ll help to make your kitchen look bigger than it really is.

1. Use light colours

First things first, light neutrals can help to increase natural light in your kitchen, which is key to making your space feel much bigger. As such, white or cream kitchens are popular choices for a narrower space. This galley kitchen combines cream cabinets with white walls and light grey kitchen worktops, making it feel big, bright and airy.

2. Embrace open shelving

Wall units can make a small kitchen feel even smaller, whereas kitchen storage ideas like shelving can help to open up your space. Here, two long kitchen shelves provide practical storage as well as adding style to this black and white kitchen. We love that the homeowner has used them to store glasses – not only is it a handy use of space, but it also serves to let plenty of light travel through the room.

3. Choose handleless kitchen cabinets

In a narrow space, the last thing you want is to be catching yourself on kitchen door handles. So, why not opt for handleless kitchen cabinets? They’re sleek, modern and can help to give your kitchen a stripped-back look that’s free of clutter.

4. Create a focal point

When you look down the length of your narrow kitchen, what do you see? Try giving it a focal point to add a sense of destination and flow. This homeowner has had beautiful metal patio doors fitted, but if that’s not an option, you could also consider a window, mirror, or striking wall mural.

5. Reduce clutter

A cluttered space can feel busy and crowded, especially if it’s narrow. To help you avoid cluttering your worktops, make sure to incorporate plenty of storage into your kitchen design. This can include cupboard storage as well as other solutions such as shelving, bread bins and cake tins – this homeowner has even used a mat to give the objects that are out on the countertop a look of purpose!

Long narrow kitchen ideas to create a practical space

Now that you know how to make your long narrow kitchen feel bigger, it’s time to look at what you can do to make it a more usable space. Here are some ideas.

1. Explore kitchen layout ideas for long narrow spaces

Of course, carefully considering your kitchen layout is going to be crucial for maximising your space at home. Often, long, narrow kitchens will be best-suited to a galley layout but if you have room, laying it out in a u-shaped configuration like this kitchen could allow you to add in more storage. We also love how this homeowner has invested in extra-tall wall units that reach all the way up to the ceiling – every inch of storage makes a difference!

2. Remove internal doors where possible

Contrary to what you might think, it is possible to make a long, narrow kitchen open plan. Often, this can just be about removing internal doors to connect your cooking space to other areas of the home. Here, the homeowner has removed doors to the boot room and staircase, giving an uninterrupted view out to the back garden and making the space feel bigger than it is.

3. Maximise every nook and cranny

To make the most of your long, narrow kitchen, you’ll want to utilise every nook and cranny. Off-the-shelf kitchen units will only come in standard sizes, so if you have an awkward space to fit your kitchen in, you’ll likely be better off forking out for a bespoke kitchen. This will allow you to fit drawers, cupboards and whatever else you’re after in the most unusual of areas.

4. Find solutions designed for small long kitchen ideas

Nowadays, there are space-saving solutions of all kinds, including for a small, long kitchen! We love how this owner has managed to source a streamlined bin that barely juts out into the room – as well as shallow shelves to hang over it! It might seem like a small detail, but sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest impact to how you use your space.

5. Consider incorporating freestanding furniture

This homeowner was clearly short on chopping space, but they didn’t let their narrow kitchen get in the way. Instead, they added a skinny freestanding sideboard, perfect for chopping fruit and veg – with the added benefit that it can be moved if they ever decide to configure the room differently. When you’re dealing with a narrow space, sometimes, thinking outside the box will provide the perfect solution.

Long kitchen diner ideas

Desperate for a kitchen diner? You might be at your wits’ end if you have a long, narrow kitchen – but don’t panic. Here are a few long kitchen diner ideas that might help.

1. Remove the wall between your kitchen and dining room

If your dining room is located next to your kitchen, the easiest solution may well be to remove the wall or door between the two. Although the rooms may still technically be separate spaces, this will allow you greater connectivity between them and give you that sociable aspect you’re likely craving. Take inspiration from this kitchen design and connect the two with an interior arch to create the most stylish focal point.

2. Incorporate a narrow breakfast bar

If you have the room, a narrow breakfast bar can be a great way of adding a dining space to your kitchen, as it can double up as a food preparation area when you’re not eating. If you don’t have room for a separate breakfast bar, you could simply keep the area beneath a section of your kitchen worktop free of any units or appliances. Just tuck a couple of stools underneath it instead to create a mini breakfast station!

3. Consider your priorities

No matter what sized kitchen you have, you can never have everything – and that’s especially true when it comes to a small or narrow kitchen. Ask yourself what your priorities are when you’re hashing out your kitchen design and work towards them. For instance, this homeowner could have opted for a double-galley kitchen, but clearly incorporating a dining table was a bigger priority than including more kitchen cabinets.

4. Build in a breakfast nook

Built-in furniture can be a great way to save space. This open plan kitchen boasts a built-in window seat, which has been used to create a breakfast nook. Without the built-in seating, the table would have had to be much more central in the space, which could have made this long kitchen much too crowded.

5. Opt for flexible furniture

The secret to creating a versatile space is flexible or multifunctional furniture – which is why we love this long kitchen idea featuring an extendable dining table. Set it up as a two-seater for everyday use, so you have plenty of room to move around the space. Then, on the odd occasion where you’re entertaining, simply fold it out into a four-seater and grab a couple of folding chairs from the loft. Easy!

Long kitchen island ideas

Every modern homeowner dreams of a kitchen island. If you’re lucky enough to have room for one in your long kitchen, these long kitchen island ideas are sure to be up your street.

1. Double your island up with a breakfast bar

Sometimes, prioritising an island in a narrow kitchen means you won’t have room for a dining table. As a compromise, why not use the far side of your island as a breakfast bar? We love how this homeowner has incorporated a sink in their island-cum-breakfast bar – there’s nothing quite so sociable as doing the washing up while chatting to your friends and family!

2. Extend your island into a dining table

If your kitchen is very long, you may well have room for both a kitchen island and a dining table – but it can look a bit odd to have them laid out end to end, stretching down the length of your space. That’s why we love this homeowner’s solution. They’ve invested in a beautiful island that morphs seamlessly into a dining table, making a real feature of the length of the room.

3. Make use of the space you have available

This clever homeowner has managed to position their island perfectly between two doors, facilitating excellent flow through the kitchen. We also love how efficient they’ve been with the space available – the island provides all the worktop space necessary, which means the rest of the kitchen can be floor-to-ceiling storage. It’s compact but oh-so-practical!

4. Favour a peninsula

In the great kitchen island vs peninsula debate, islands often seem to come out on top. But in a long, narrow kitchen, a peninsula may well be a better use of your space. This kitchen features a peninsula that’s attached to a wall – it gives all the benefits of a galley kitchen but is also a sociable way of connecting with family or guests in the dining area beside it.

5. Make it into a chef’s table

Last but not least, this homeowner has created the perfect entertaining space by making their kitchen island into a kind of chef’s table. One end of the island is set up for cooking with an oven and hob in place, while the other is set up as a bar table for eight. Not only does it mean that the host can cook while chatting to guests, but it also means they’re all at the same height whether they’re sitting or standing – ideal!

Long kitchen ideas key takeaways

• Choose light colours to make your long, narrow kitchen feel bigger and brighter.
• Remove doors to give your long kitchen an open-plan feel and improve flow.
• Consider your priorities when designing your kitchen, to ensure you meet your goals.

Ready to make your long kitchen ideas into a reality? Simply find a kitchen fitter to kick off your kitchen renovation project.