7 Small Kitchen Decor Ideas With Wall Art

When space is tight, every design choice makes a difference. A small kitchen doesn’t have to be boring. The right decor can make it feel stylish, personal, and full of character.

Wall art is one of the simplest ways to bring it all together. A well-placed print adds warmth, color, and personality without using up any counter space.

In this post, I’ll walk you through 7 different small kitchen decor ideas. Each one features a different style and includes one of my wildlife prints as a natural finishing touch.

Scroll on.

Small Modern Kitchen With Sage Green Cabinets and Wood Worktops

A small modern kichen design with a framed donkey drawing. Light oak frame complimenting the worktop and table. Sage green, charcoal and natural wood

This is a clean, modern kitchen with a soft and natural colour scheme.

The charcoal base units are bold but not too dark, while the sage green uppers keep it calm and balanced. Pale walls and sheer curtains let in plenty of light, making the room feel airy and open.

Warm wood tones tie it all together. The butcher block worktop, wooden cutting boards, and simple ceramic jars give the space a gentle, lived-in feel.

The donkey print adds the perfect finishing touch.

The pencil drawing is quiet and understated, just like the room itself. Framed in natural wood, it blends in beautifully without competing for attention.

It brings in a touch of charm and personality, and helps the space feel complete..

'About Turn' A Pencil Drawing of a donkey foal by Kevin Hayler
‘About Turn’ A Pencil Drawing by Kevin Hayler

Small Boho Kitchen With Patterned Tiles and Open Shelving

Small Boho Kitchen With Patterned Tiles and Open Shelving. Black and white artwork on the shelf

This small kitchen is full of personality and charm.

The tiled backsplash is the standout feature. The mix of turquoise, ochre, and off-white patterns adds colour and energy without overwhelming the space.

Dark lower cabinets and warm wood accents help ground the design. The white farmhouse sink and granite worktops keep it practical and balanced.

Instead of upper cabinets, there’s a simple wooden shelf. It opens up the space and gives room for styling a few carefully chosen pieces.

The zebra artwork is casually propped on the shelf, leaning back against the wall.

It doesn’t feel forced or over-designed. The black frame echoes the shelf brackets and the cooker hood, so it looks like it belongs.

The monochrome drawing breaks up the busy pattern. It gives your eye a place to rest and adds a touch of calm to the lively backdrop.

'Rearview' A Pencil Drawing by Kevin Hayler
“Cool Waters” A Pencil Drawing by Kevin Hayler

Vintage Cottage Kitchen With Sage Walls and Mismatched Units

Vintage Cottage Kitchen With Sage Walls and Mismatched Units

This small kitchen has a gentle, old-fashioned charm.

The sage green walls feel soft and calming. The lower cabinets are a warm terracotta with scuffed paint and simple wooden knobs.

Nothing matches perfectly. The white glass-fronted cupboard is slightly worn. The open shelves, stacked ceramics, and enamel kettle all add to the lived-in feel.

A small bunch of wildflowers in a glass jar brings the space to life.

The framed stag print sits quietly above it all.

Its neutral tones and simple style match the muted colours around it. The dark frame gives it just enough weight to stand out without feeling heavy.

It fits naturally into the space and picks up on the earthy, relaxed mood of the kitchen.

'Imperial Stag'. A framed pencil drawing of a red deer stag by Kevin Hayler
‘Imperial Stag’. A Pencil Drawing by Kevin Hayler

Navy Blue Modern Kitchen With White Subway Tiles

Navy Blue Modern Kitchen With White Subway Tiles

This kitchen has a simple, timeless look.

The navy lower cabinets add depth and contrast to the light beige walls. White subway tiles keep the backsplash clean and classic, while the light wood countertop softens the whole palette.

A few small touches, like the wooden chopping board and ceramic plant pot, make the space feel warm and personal. The chrome toaster and fittings bring in a hint of shine.

The penguin print hangs on the empty wall space above the counter.

Its black frame ties in with the dark cabinet colour and overhead light. The playful subject adds a bit of personality and stops the kitchen from feeling too plain or serious.

It’s a small detail, but it gives the wall purpose and makes the whole space feel more inviting.

'Push and Shove' A Pencil Drawing of African Penguins by Kevin Hayler
‘Push and Shove’ A Pencil Drawing by Kevin Hayler

Warm Country Kitchen With Olive Green Cabinets

Warm Country Kitchen With Olive Green Cabinets

This kitchen feels calm and welcoming.

The olive green cabinets add soft colour, while the pale subway tiles and cream walls keep things light. The warm wood countertops tie everything together and bring a natural warmth to the space.

Simple accessories, like the vintage-style canisters and chrome toaster, add to the traditional country look. The farmhouse sink by the window keeps it practical and bright.

The tiger print is framed in light wood and hangs neatly above the counter.

Its dark tones add contrast to the pale wall and glossy tiles. The natural subject matter suits the earthy colour scheme and makes the kitchen feel a little more personal.

It adds interest to an otherwise plain section of wall and finishes the space without making it feel cluttered.

‘Leaps and Bounds’ A Pencil Drawing by Kevin Hayler
‘Leaps and Bounds’ A Pencil Drawing by Kevin Hayler

Small Green Kitchen With White Brick Walls

Small Green Kitchen With White Brick Walls and a lion print

This kitchen feels warm and inviting.

The deep green cabinets add richness and pair beautifully with the wooden worktops. White-painted brick walls keep things bright and make the space feel casual and welcoming.

The kitchen island doubles as a small dining spot, with wooden stools tucked neatly underneath. Simple touches like jars, wine bottles, and fresh flowers keep it looking homely without feeling staged.

The lion portrait adds a strong focal point to the room.

Its dark tones stand out against the white wall and draw the eye. The red frame adds a subtle pop of colour that ties in with the warmth of the wood and makes the space feel complete.

The artwork brings just enough drama to balance the calm, natural look of the kitchen.

'Head of the Family' A Pencil Drawing of a Lion by Kevin Hayler
‘Head of the Family’ A Pencil Drawing by Kevin Hayler

This bedroom feels fresh and calm. The mix of soft blues and crisp whites gives it a coastal touch without being themed or overdone.

The natural wood headboard and bedside table keep things grounded. Fresh flowers on the nightstand add a pop of color and stop the space from feeling too flat.

Above the bed, the framed drawings add depth. The lion and elephant pieces bring strength and intimacy, balancing beautifully with the soft fabrics and light streaming through the sheer curtains.

It shows how wildlife drawings can add character to a bedroom while still keeping the look airy and relaxed.

7 Small Kitchen Designs: Final Thoughts

Small kitchens can be full of personality when you choose the right details. Color, texture, and layout all matter, but the finishing touch is often what’s on the walls.

A single well-placed print can change the whole feel of a room. It ties everything together and makes the space feel more lived-in.

If you can picture one of these kitchens in your own home, imagine how one of my wildlife prints could work in your space too.

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7 Small kitchen decor ideas
The artist and Author Kevin Hayler


Hi, I’m Kevin Hayler
I’ve been selling my wildlife art and traveling the world for over 20 years, and if that sounds too good to be true, I’ve done it all without social media, art school, or galleries!
I can show you how to do it. You’ll find a wealth of info on my site, about selling art, drawing tips, lifestyle, reviews, travel, my portfolio, and more. Enjoy