This 5-Minute Style Hack Is a Game-Changer for Small Kitchens

More often than not, the simplest solutions for small homes are staring us right in the face — and that’s true of this 700-sq-ft London apartment that Apartment Therapy toured back in 2022. Interior designer and textile expert Francesca Kletz, founder of London Loom, and her partner, Robert Strange, a visual artist and director, created one such solution in a tight kitchen that also doubles as a dining space.

The pair have made a number of unconventional design choices — but each have paid of handsomely, including floral tiles on the walls, pink paint in every room, and plenty of maximalist-friendly clashing patterns that pull the whole home together. Given that both work in creative fields, it’s no wonder their home reflects out-of-the-box decorating ideas, especially in the kitchen.

To create more space in their kitchen and bathroom (and simultaneously let in extra light), the couple decided to remodel. “We started in March 2020, so there’s no need to explain why it was extra difficult to get it finished,” Kletz said. “I think it’s also so difficult when you make big decisions about interiors because it’s expensive to change anything, so there’s a lot of pressure to get it right. In the end, I really sat down with the layout of the kitchen and tried to envision making some of my favorite dishes — how would I navigate the space?”

The cooking and eating area turned out exactly as Kletz envisioned, with several key unique and unexpected features that are also super functional.

My personal favorite feature of the kitchen? The genius no-handle pulls on the powder blue, wood, and pink cabinetry. On both the standard kitchen cabinets above and below the counter, as well as on the nearby pantry, circular holes were cut out of the plain slab-style doors (and drawers) for opening and closing them.

When asked about any advice they’d give to readers, the couple suggested this very tweak about clearances, specifically: “Have cut-out or flat handles in the kitchen! Handles take up so much space!”

Read More: 14 Masterful Small Kitchen Layout Ideas to Guide Your Renovation

Traditional cabinet handles and knobs jut out, or project, into a kitchen’s usable working and walking areas, also known as the clearance. But cutting circles directly into cabinetry c— and ditching pulls and other hardware altogether — can create a sleek and, ultimately, slightly space-saving look.

Sure, it’s only a bit of extra clearance, but when you have a bunch of cabinets, this effect can be cumulative; every inch truly matters. Visually, no-handle handles are also quieter, and that counts for something, too.

I could see this idea being a smart strategy in a tight apartment galley, for example, if you’re striving for a minimal, modern vibe. You could also try this idea for a tiny powder room vanity, where square footage may be at even more of a premium than in a small kitchen.

Whether you see this design detail as truly space-saving or not, there’s no arguing its aesthetic prowess. When combined with the glossy chartreuse floors, grid-like white tile, and pink-washed walls, the new handless kitchen is exceptionally playful but remains functional and truly fit for a family of three.