Small Kitchen Ideas for a NYC Apartment
As you may already know, we are moving to New York City by the end of the year! We have been looking only at prewar buildings for the charm, and that often means a small galley kitchen.
My husband and I both love to cook and entertain, but even with that in mind, we are not deterred by the size of the kitchens we have seen. Every apartment we’ve seen has needed a new kitchen, and we are both fine with that. In fact, we prefer it, because we want to design it.
I think people make the mistake of thinking they need traditional or full-size appliances when designing a small kitchen. We’ve designed kitchens with a 48″ double oven range in California and a 30″ range in New Canaan that needed to fit into the original cooking stove space in a house built in 1900. Both were exactly what those kitchens needed.
But now, we are downsizing, and our kitchen will probably be the smallest we’ve ever had in our almost 40 years of marriage.
Bertazzoni appliances
We’re choosing appliances from Bertazzoni. They lead in making appliances for compact kitchens with small footprints.
The appliances are sized perfectly for small spaces. The range is 24″ wide, the dishwasher is 18″ wide, and the refrigerator is 24″ wide, counter-depth. I know some of you are thinking, ” These are way too small, but the whole idea of moving into the city is to enjoy the city, so yes, we will be dining out a lot and picking up prepared food at places like Zabar’s, and Citarella.
What do you think, am I crazy for thinking these appliances could work? I mean, I know they will work in the small kitchen, but will I regret not going with larger appliances?
Inspired by these kitchens:
Photo credit: Bertazzoni
Small dining area inspiration
Photo credit: House and Garden UK
The apartment that we hope to get has a small dining area at one end of the kitchen. The radiator has been removed, which means we could have a small built-in banquette. We saw another apartment just above the one we hope to buy, and they did exactly that.
Again, I think the trick to making this space feel comfortable is to use small-scale furniture that fits the space.
I found several options for small bistro-style tables. I’m not sure if round or square will suit the layout better until we actually renovate, but below are the tables I’m considering.
Small bistro tables
Left to right: Pierre Wood Bistro Table // Rae Bistro Dining Table // Cosmo Cast Iron Bistro Table in Round and Square // Marlow Matchstick Pedestal Table
More Sunday Favorites:
Outfit of the week
Cambridge Jacket // Mariner Cotton Tee // Neil Pant // Red Socks // Birkenstocks with Shearling Lining
For my outfit of the week, I am showing one new piece from Mersea, and how it works perfectly with what I already have in my closet. The boiled wool jacket is my new favorite from Alex Mill. The pants are also from Alex Mill, and I own them in three colors.
What I’m reading this week
Most of us read Whistler this summer, and I’m now listening to Ann Patchett’s book: These Precious Days. It’s a collection of personal essays about family, friendship, writing, and the things that shape a life. I had downloaded it a while back after reading Whistler and then Tom Lake, but never got into it until this week. My daughter Madeline was on her way to the opera, and standing on the subway platform, she saw Ann Patchett. They had a lovely conversation, and so on my way home from the city after hearing the story, I started it, and I love it!
For Your Party
Madeline started getting the photos back from the wedding, and I loved seeing all the custom items from For Your Party. We ordered custom matchbooks (the perfect wedding takeaway), cocktail napkins, and guest towels. With entertaining season upon us, I think any of these would make great host gifts or add a nice touch to your own home! You can see them in this post, and I’ll be sharing more on my Instagram.
That’s it for me this week as I head into a week-long photo shoot for my book!
We have been prepping all week for our photo shoot that starts tomorrow! My book, Made with Love – Handcrafted Edible Gifts for Every Occasion, comes out in August 2027. Let’s see what Cindy and Mary Ann found interesting this week!
I was able to expand my small kitchen by removing an L-shaped counter area next to my oven. This was replaced by a long butcher block topped freestanding worktable that has a drawer and shelves underneath for pots and pans. My inspiration was a culinary school I attended for a week. They had these set around for the students to work. After class I walked down to Pier 1 and found several examples. When home I went to a local Pier 1 and bought a floor sample that was deeply discounted because on of the door hinges was loose only! I have had this for over 20 years now. Previously I used it as a standing writing space and kitchen storage center in a small dining area. Over the years a door has had to be redone but otherwise this has been wonderful. Behind it my contractor tiled with tiles left over from a demolition that he had salvaged and cleaned up..another win! Before the kitchen seemed narrow and not good for 2 and now it is more streamlined without the L. Good luck with your plans and I look forward to seeing what you do.
Do you follow Hattie Kolp on Instagram. She redid a NYC pre war building kitchen. It turned out amazing.
Annie! I’m so excited for you … the move, the renovation, the book. Adapting to a smaller space is a process I’m currently in the middle of … hard decision have to be made, but with the right pre-planning, appliances, furniture, etc. it’s possible to live large. I love your kitchen and dining ideas. Can’t wait to see it unfold. xo