4 Tricks to Steal from Joanna Gaines if You Have a Small Kitchen

Ah, small kitchens—the bane of every home cook’s existence. Whether you’re trying to whip up a Sunday roast or just brew your morning coffee, tight spaces can feel claustrophobic. But as Fixer Upper star Joanna Gaines—known for her iconic modern farmhouse style—proves, even a tiny kitchen can be a showstopper with the right design tricks. And lucky for you, she’s shared her best tips in a video over on HGTV, where she explains exactly what to do if you’re working with limited space. So below, I’ve broken down her top tips so you can give your small kitchen a fresh, functional upgrade without the fuss.

Jo’s first piece of advice? It’s all about creating an illusion of space. "Anything from the countertop up, keep light in a space that’s this small," she says. By choosing light-colored walls, cabinets and backsplashes, you create the perception of an airy, spacious kitchen—even if it’s just 150 square feet. More specifically: Opt for a light subway tile backsplash and pair it with neutral-toned cabinetry. This not only opens up the room visually but also provides a timeless look that works with any decor. And if you’re looking for an affordable upgrade, under-cabinet lighting (Jo’s personal favorite) can be installed for about $30 or less. 

You know those kitchens with fake ivy, wicker basket, or random knickknacks hanging above the cabinets? The HGTV guru says skip it. "It draws your eye up rather than where the focal point really needs to be," Gaines explains. Instead, focus on maximizing your vertical space—and take your cabinets all the way to the ceiling if possible. Not only does it create more storage (which, let’s be real, is essential in small kitchens), but this trick elongates the room and makes it feel more expansive without changing the square footage.

Joanna is the queen of adding charm to small spaces, and one of her go-to tricks is using a statement piece to draw attention away from the size of the kitchen. In the video, it was a custom distressed wood vent hood. "It’s all about character," she says. "When people walk into this kitchen, they don’t think it’s small—they think it’s packed with interest." Meaning, you don’t need an island to make a statement. Instead, try a custom vent hood or a unique light fixture to serve as the anchor for your kitchen. Not only does it add personality, but it breaks up all the sleekness of the cabinets, bringing warmth and charm into the space.

Her final tip is all about embracing the size of your kitchen. "Work with what you have, and make it count," she advises. The beauty of a small kitchen is that you don’t need to spend big bucks to see a big difference. Focus on smart storage solutions, like built-in shelves or custom drawer organizers, to make every inch count. Small additions like these help declutter countertops and keep your kitchen feeling organized and functional. Plus, they don’t require a major renovation—just a little creativity.