Small island units are a bit like Sydney apartments during the rental boom — every square centimetre needs to work overtime. Whether you’re in a compact Zetland apartment, a stylish Waterloo loft, or a cosy two-bedder in Rhodes, a small kitchen island can easily become the hero of your renovation if you design it with storage in mind. Here’s a practical, expert-backed guide on how to get the most out of your kitchen island, even when space is limited.

1. Understand What a Small Island Can Realistically Do

Before rushing into fancy Pinterest ideas, the first step is setting the right expectations. A small island isn’t about seating 10 people like a Hunters Hill mansion kitchen — it’s about getting smart, strategic and functional.

Ask yourself:

• Do you need more drawer space?

• Do you want hidden appliance storage?

• Do you need casual dining for two?

• Do you want extra prep area?

Your answers help determine the most efficient storage configuration that aligns with how you actually cook, live and entertain.

2. Choose a Custom-Built Island for Maximum Efficiency

Flat-pack islands rarely make the best use of space — especially when you’re working in tight Sydney layouts where every millimetre matters.

Why Custom Islands Are Better for Storage

• They fit the specific dimensions of your room

• They allow deeper drawers or extra shelves

• They can be designed with special storage features

• They avoid the “wasted gap” problem common in off-the-shelf units

In suburbs with tight, narrow kitchens like Alexandria, Chippendale, and Ultimo, custom-built islands are often the difference between a functional space and a cluttered one.

3. Make Drawers Your Best Friend

If you want to double your storage capacity without expanding your footprint, drawers are your No. 1 weapon.

Why Drawers Work Better Than Cupboards

• Drawers fully extend, giving you access to the back

• You don’t have to bend down and reach blindly

• They hold more weight and volume

• Organisation becomes easier and more intuitive

Deep pot drawers, inner drawers and multi-layered drawer systems are extremely popular in renovations across Parramatta, Gladesville, and Ryde because they maximise storage vertically and horizontally.

4. Use the Back of the Island — Most People Forget This

The back of the island is often the most underused part of the entire kitchen.

Two Ways to Use the Island Back:

(1) Hidden storage

Ideal for:

• Things you don’t use daily

• Bulk pantry items

• Seasonal dinnerware

• Small appliances

(2) Open shelving

Great for:

• Display pieces

• Cookbooks

• Decorative baskets

• Stylish kitchenware

This approach works beautifully in lifestyle-driven suburbs like Coogee, Manly, and Erskineville, where homeowners prefer a mix of aesthetics and practicality.

5. Integrate Appliances into the Island Wisely

If your small kitchen can’t handle too many appliances along the main wall, the island can become a secondary workstation — but only if planned smartly.

Appliances You Can Hide in a Small Island:

• Drawer dishwasher

• Microwave drawer

• Wine fridge (half-width)

• Compact bin drawer

• Narrow beverage fridge

But avoid stuffing the island with too many appliances, especially in small apartments in Mascot, Wolli Creek or North Sydney, where space is valuable and clean lines matter.

6. Add Smart, Space-Saving Features

These are the “secret weapons” loved by professional renovators:

Popular Add-ons for Small Island Storage

• Pull-out spice racks tucked into 150mm gaps

• Integrated bins to declutter benchtops

• Under-bench charging stations for devices

• Lift-up appliance doors to hide small appliances

• Toe-kick drawers (magical hidden storage under the island)

• Internal organisers to prevent chaotic drawers

These upgrades are especially useful in compact kitchens found in suburbs like Ashfield, Burwood, and Hornsby, where the goal is to keep everything accessible yet hidden.

7. Consider Multi-Level or Extended Benchtops

Many homeowners assume they’re stuck with a single benchtop height — but in a small island unit, a little creativity goes a long way.

Design Options That Add Storage:

• Overhang for seating without reducing cabinet space

• Split-level benchtops for serving vs cooking

• Small drop-down panels that tuck away when not in use

• Side shelving extensions for extra surface or storage

These designs are popular in modern developments across Green Square and Wentworth Point, where homeowners want both dining and prep space within a compact footprint.

8. Use Light Colours to “Expand” Storage Visually

Storage isn’t only about cupboards — it’s also about perception. A small island that looks heavy can make your entire kitchen feel smaller.

Use Visual Tricks:

• Light-coloured cabinets (white, sand, soft greys)

• Textured timber that doesn’t feel bulky

• Soft LED lighting under the island kickboard

• Matte finishes that hide fingerprints

• Shadowline joinery for a seamless look

These techniques work especially well in older-style apartments in Lane Cove, Neutral Bay, and Petersham, helping small kitchens feel fresh and open.

9. Embrace Vertical Storage Above the Island

If the ceiling height allows, take advantage of suspended storage or overhead shelving.

Ideas That Don’t Make the Space Feel Cramped:

• Slimline hanging rails for pots

• Pendant-mounted shelves for glasses

• Lightweight steel or timber frames

• Decorative suspended racks

Suburbs like Balmain, Surry Hills and Paddington often have homes where ceiling height is generous, even when floor space isn’t — making vertical island storage a smart solution.

10. Plan Your Island Around Your Cooking Style

The best island storage designs aren’t generic — they’re tailored to your habits.

Ask Yourself:

• Do you cook Asian-style meals requiring lots of prep bowls?

• Do you bake often and need deep drawers for mixers?

• Do you entertain and need serving ware close at hand?

• Do you prefer a clean minimalist look?

In multicultural and family-focused suburbs like Eastwood, Hurstville, and Strathfield, islands are often customised based on lifestyle, not just aesthetics.

11. Keep the Island Clutter-Free for Better Storage Efficiency

Clutter makes a small island feel cramped.

Decluttering Rules for Small Islands:

• Hide appliances when not in use

• Dedicate drawers for everyday items

• Use trays to group items neatly

• Limit decorative objects on the top

• Keep commonly used cooking tools close, not everywhere

This approach improves both storage and workflow, especially in narrow galley-style kitchens in Newtown, Camperdown and Darlinghurst.

12. Get Professional Help for the Best Storage Outcome

Designing storage for a small island unit may look simple, but the most effective solutions often come from professional planning.

Why Professional Designers Are Worth It:

• They measure to the millimetre

• They balance structural, plumbing, and electrical constraints

• They optimise the internal layout (not something you see in photos)

• They foresee future usage needs you may overlook

• They deliver durable, high-performing cabinetry

This is especially important in older Sydney apartments where walls, services and existing cabinetry may limit what you can (or can’t) build.

13. MB9 Australia's Approach to Small Island Unit Storage

MB9 Australia has worked on homes of all sizes — from compact urban apartments to larger suburban properties. We specialise in designing tailored storage solutions that make a small island function like a full-sized one.

Our typical upgrades include:

• Custom deep drawer systems

• Hidden appliance storage

• Seamless integrated cabinetry

• Smart pull-out mechanisms

• Lighting and electrical integration

• Bespoke shelving based on your daily habits

We’ve implemented these solutions across Sydney suburbs including Chatswood, Kogarah, Turramurra, Meadowbank, and the Inner West, always ensuring that the island becomes a functional centrepiece rather than just a decorative block.

Final Thoughts

A small island unit doesn’t limit what your kitchen can become — it simply forces smarter design decisions. With thoughtful planning, custom cabinetry, clever internal hardware, and a focus on how you live day-to-day, your island can offer remarkable amounts of storage while still looking beautiful and modern.

For homeowners across Sydney looking to enhance storage, function, and overall kitchen performance, professional design and craftsmanship make all the difference.

If you’re ready to create a kitchen island that maximises every centimetre, visit www.mb9.com.au to find out more about kitchen renovation and bathroom renovation services from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.