Small Apartment Design - Episode 2, The kitchen

The Kitchen Layout

The galley kitchen layout isn’t ideal: it makes the room feel narrower and prevents two people from moving around comfortably at the same time. An L-shaped kitchen arrangement would definitely be more functional, more welcoming, and more visually appealing.

This is the second episode in our French-style interior design journey for our small apartment. This time, we’re tackling a tiny kitchen design! The layout options are quite limited, and the decoration has to remain simple and minimalistic…

Here’s the starting point...

Which colors ?

For the colors, we’ve chosen off-white cabinets to keep the look light and avoid overwhelming the small space. The marble countertop (or marble-effect) adds a touch of elegance, and a cornice detail brings a more refined finish.

Open the kitchen !

A kitchen counter extends the layout into the living room, opening up the space and creating a smoother flow between the different areas of the home.

We decided to keep some American-style appliances – even though they are larger than what you would usually find in France – while taking advantage of the latest innovations to save space: a cooktop with built-in range hood, and a counter-depth refrigerator.

And what’s in the surroundings?

Since the entryway is directly connected to the kitchen, we also redesigned this part of the apartment to achieve a consistent style throughout.

To define the entry space, we played with wall colors: a deep green works perfectly here. Warm wood accents and a large mirror add character – practical for a last look before heading out, and useful for reflecting light in this compact area.

And that’s it! You now have a practical, elegant kitchen where you can proudly prepare your signature French dish – maybe even a traditional Boeuf Bourguignon!

Stay tuned for the final episode of this apartment makeover series: the bedroom!

A L-Shape kitchen fits better here

The countertop and the backsplash in marble

A open-kitchen gives space

Have a seat to put your shoes on !

Our kitchen !

A view from the sofa