Having a little kitchen needn't be a big drama. A smaller space is great for keeping your cooktop, fridge and sink within three steps of each other - the perfect 'work triangle'. But it can be a pain when it comes to bench space and storage.

These tips can make your cooking zone more user-friendly, whether you're redesigning an existing small kitchen, or just making do with the old one.

Max out your bench space

• The microwave can gobble up valuable bench space, so install a wall shelf at shoulder height to accommodate it. Some people even put it on top of the fridge.
  If you're really short on work space, install an extension bench that pulls out like a drawer from under the existing workbench. Or get a portable island bench that can be wheeled into the kitchen when needed - as long as there's a corner where it can live when you're not using it.
  Avoid clutter at all costs - it just emphasises that you're working in a small area. If you can, keep the benches clear of anything that can be stored in cupboards.
  Can you replace your double sink with a single-bowl unit? The extra space can be better put to use as a bench. Alternatively, lay some board over the sink for a quick fix.

Lighten up your room

• If your tiny kitchen also has a tiny window, install a skylight. It will pull in more natural light and, if you choose a style that opens, improve air circulation.
  Small kitchens are often dark kitchens, so get the lighting right. Make sure you install strong halogen downlights, spotted onto main task areas such as sinks, cooktops and preparation areas.
  If you can't make your kitchen physically larger, you can at least create a sense of space by using lighter colours. Remember, if you want the ceiling to appear the same colour as the wall, tint the paint to 50 per cent the strength of the wall paint.

Fall in love with storage

• If you can hang it, do it! Install overhead hanging rails for pots, pans and cooking utensils. You could also fit a strong narrow bar to the underside of cupboards above workbenches, or along the splashback. Then all you need is a set of butcher's hooks to hang all your bits off. Apart from creating extra storage space, your favourite kitchen gadgets will be at your fingertips.
  Fit narrow metal racks and hooks to the insides of cupboards to store smaller bits and pieces. Having sliding drawer racks inside tall, deep cupboards lets you make use of every inch of space - even the bit right at the back.
  Open spaces under workbenches are just begging to be filled with portable trolleys and storage units on castors. Recycling bins can also be hidden away here.
  Any stretch of bare wall, no matter how high or low, is potential storage space. Any nook can be fitted with shelving, storage racks, hanging rails or cupboards. Even the splashback can be fitted with narrow shelves for smaller items.
  Finally, if you're short on storage space, get ruthless and chuck out anything you know you'll only ever use once. You'll be surprised how quickly you'll forget that automatic banana peeler ever existed!

PS

• When designing a small kitchen, try to keep the cooktop away from the fridge, so the heat doesn't affect its efficiency. If you have no choice but to place them side by side, make sure there's an insulating panel separating them.

BACHELOR PAD KITCHEN

If there's only you and occasionally the boys on footy grand final nights, you don't need a huge kitchen space. One-person bachelor pad kitchens can literally be one corner of a room, with benches and utilities lined up against a single stretch of wall. The pull-out pantry, seen at the right, is a real space-saver. Call IKEA on (02) 9418 2744 for details on this kitchen.

GALLEY KITCHEN
This galley or 'strip' kitchen is ideal for couples who value entertaining space over having the gourmet kitchen. Everything is close at hand, so the design is ergonomically efficient. Galley kitchens can also consist of two parallel rows of cabinets separated by a narrow corridor. They take up little room, but provide enough storage space for the growing family. This is an IKEA kitchen, call (02) 9418 2744 for details.