8 compact kitchenettes bursting with style and function

A kitchenette, which is simply a small kitchen, can provide all the cooking necessities for a smaller living space. It also can provide a welcome layer of convenience in a bigger house. Whether you’re downsizing, moving into a microunit or wanting the convenience of a mini kitchen in the basement, guest suite or garage, these designs have ideas for you.

Photo by Martina Williams - More kitchen photos

This brilliant kitchenette inside an oversize armoire includes a sink, a microwave, a mini fridge and induction heat. This setup is perfect for a loft, a guesthouse or office space.

Photo by Eminent Interior Design - Discover dining room design inspiration

This clever kitchenette definitely falls in the convenience camp. A beautiful second kitchen, it’s adjacent to the dining room and features a refrigerator and freezer drawer; coffee and other drinks can be served easily from it. The sink and bar area could have been fully concealed behind beautiful walnut doors too. Related: Compact Bar Cabinets That Fit Any Space

Photo by Bill Fry Construction - Wm. H. Fry Const. Co. - Discover home bar design ideas

Open shelves provides plenty of storage in this finished garage and allow for placement of this kitchenette under a window. This convenient setup allows the garage to be used as an entertaining space that opens to the outdoors.

Photo by Mosaik Design & Remodeling - Look for basement pictures

Many new appliances on the market make designing a kitchenette easier. The microwave drawer added to the kitchenette of this finished basement is perfect for making popcorn or heating beverages.

Photo by Uptic Studios - Search modern basement design ideas

Here is a kitchenette built for convenience; it’s used by extended family in a vacation home. The house includes larger spaces where everyone can gather and smaller suites with kitchenettes and laundry facilities. Related: Paint Your Cabinets Chartreuse For a Bold New Look

Photo by Old World Kitchens & Custom Cabinets - More transitional kitchen photos

Less than 9 feet wide, this kitchenette packs lots of options for cooking and food storage into a very practical footprint. It includes a counter-depth 24-inch refrigerator, a sink, an oven with induction cooktop, a microwave and a mini dishwasher.

Photo by Tervola Designs - Look for tropical kitchen pictures

Kitchenettes are great features for apartments or guesthouses. But be careful: Guests may never leave with convenience like this. This kitchenette features a cost-effective freestanding refrigerator, a sink and a microwave.

Photo by By Brooke Interiors - Browse home theater photos

The void below a staircase offers a nice opportunity for a kitchenette in a duplex or finished basement. This kitchenette has a sink, microwave, dishwasher and wet bar.-By Charmean Neithart,