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Kitchen Designing

N

Nutzy.dad

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Jul 26, 2025
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I'm in the early planning stages of my tiny home build planning shooting for around 26 feet, and the kitchen is what I keep circling back to, we cook almost every day, so I don't want a space that feels cramped up, I've been sketching out ways to make it truly functional like thinking an L shape with open shelving, maybe a combo washer/dryer under the counter, and one of those under sink drawer fridges
If you could go back and redesign your tiny kitchen, what would you do differently and what's something you loved that actually worked out better than expected?
 
Nutzy.dad said:
I'm in the early planning stages of my tiny home build planning shooting for around 26 feet, and the kitchen is what I keep circling back to, we cook almost every day, so I don't want a space that feels cramped up, I've been sketching out ways to make it truly functional like thinking an L shape with open shelving, maybe a combo washer/dryer under the counter, and one of those under sink drawer fridges
If you could go back and redesign your tiny kitchen, what would you do differently and what's something you loved that actually worked out better than expected?
Click to expand...
For me I guess is installing deeper drawers instead of lower cabinets, it's way more accessible. What worked surprisingly well was a fold-down counter extension near the stove, it gave us extra prep space without crowding the area.
 
I'd want those narrow pullouts that are pantries. I prefer the drawers over cabinets. I don't like standing on my head to see what is in the back of the cabinets. Also, top cabinets do not work well for me as I'm just over 5 ft tall.
 
@eDJ_ just curious, do any of these let you set custom dimensions easily? Also, can you add things like plumbing or electrical layouts, or are they mostly for visuals?
 
I haven't worked with them yet. It's been busy this summer and come bad winter weather I may have some time to play around with them then. I would imagine that there would be built in scaling. As for the domestic services I'd just have to look and investigate.

As for drawers and panties that are ergonomic and suited to one's stature, that is within one's grasp to design. Unless one is boondocking for prolonged periods of time in a remote area it may be practical to buy supplies in small quantities more frequently. This may not work for everyone but it sure could cut down for the storage needs. That is if your Tiny Home is on a trailer and you are moving about. If you are in a fixed location and stores are within reach within reasonable travel times then shopping trips two or three times a week may help to limit a larger storage area.
 
Absolutely. Scaling things down and using a modular design can really make tiny living more efficient. If you're not living off the grid, regular resupply makes a lot of sense, and customizing storage to fit your height is just smart ergonomics
 
A smart, L-shaped layout, along with open shelves and combo units, keeps everything useful and avoids a cramped feeling. Also, modular and user-friendly touches really help
 
I've seen some L shaped layouts that incorporate a movable island with it that I would consider too. To me the U shaped kitchens are the most efficient to cook in as you can stand in one place to access just about everything. In a Tiny Home however that makes for a defined space that may not be so convenient for the rest of the space in the home.

An small movable kitchen island could be a work counter when prepping food/a pantry with shelving in it/a breakfast bar or even kitchen table if it has folding wings to expand the table space. Then when not in service rolled into the L space to free up kitchen floor space a bit. In a tiny home, utilization of space will be more of a consideration than when living in an apartment or full size house.


images
 
galaxy99 ask: do any of these let you set custom dimensions easily?

I'm working with a NCH software (free) called Dream Plan Home Design Software 3D. It is free to download and use for non commercial purposes which should suit any of us here.

Yes you can change dimensions easily as you use it.

It has a bunch of Tutorials that make it a quicker learning curve.
Some tutorials are a few minutes long and some are less than a minute. I think the intro is the longest. You could use the programs tutorials one at a time with the "view sample project" to more quickly build skills in using the program. Up to you.

You can use this as an online or a download. I downloaded it.

Here's the link:

Dream Plan Home Design Software (free)
 
This time of year there are numerous trade shows going on that showcase the latest home appliances and trends. Some of these
shows like to present cutting edge innovations that are being brought forth. These may not show up in your local Lowe's or Home Depot for awhile but it is interesting to know of them during your planning phase for the Tiny Home.

Here is a brief report from the KBIS Show for 2026

https://lifeminute.tv/home-and-family/video/kbis-2026-best-show-kitchen-and-bath

A couple of other popular resources for modern homes

Wayfair.com/catalog

IKEA Catalog Online
 
Dream Plan Home Design is a download that you can use on your computer. But the Tutorials are available at Youtube so you can work with the program while viewing the tutorials in another browser while work & learn.

Dream Plan Home Design Tutorials

Sketchup is another program that you can use the software online rather than being downloaded into your computer. It is free to user after your register and set up your account. There are several options to this software but for this I'll stick with the free or hobby users.

One of it's nicest features is the Archive of already existing projects that a user can open and use or modify for their own
needs. It can save a lot of time and benefit a new user whose skills are more basic.

Sketchup Complete Tutorials

Sketchup Interior Design for Beginners

Using Sketchup to do a preliminary 3D Site Plan
 

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