Pastry chef, Mark Wynsma, lives in a city apartment with just 10 inches of kitchen counter space. He stashes his cooking tools in his freezer, under the bed, in clothes closets and in a living room trunk. "The kitchen island is the real savior in making my space functional, " says Wynsma. "The key to making a big piece work in a small space is having the bottom of the island open and the marble top white." Photography by Liana Walker

See-Through Chairs

Lucite barstools provide seating without blocking the view.

More Prep, Please

Limited counter space is always an issue in small kitchens. By using butcher block on the countertops, you can max out your prep area. Photography by Charlotte Jenks Lewis

Cook's Island

This Amsterdam apartment's kitchen — oven, prep and stove — is completely contained in the island.

Chalkboard Fridge

Chalkboards on the refrigerator provide a place for busy families to track messages, grocery lists and appointments.