• Tranforming a cramped kitchen starts with letting in light.Dougal Waters/Digital Vision/Getty Images
  
  Narrow kitchens tend to suffer from poor lighting, badly placed accessories and limited counter space. If it is difficult for you to even move around in your kitchen--much less prepare a dinner there--you may have to break down walls and remodel. However, to transform your narrow kitchen into a room that's workable, use creative organization and decoration to open up the space.
  
  

Let in Light

• The smaller the kitchen, the more windows it needs. If your kitchen already has a big window, you can let in more light by removing the existing blinds or curtains and installing mini blinds with narrow slats that let in more light. If you are not blessed with a large window, and you have the ability to make one, make the wall at the end of the kitchen a major light source. Arrange a table and chairs in the space to draw attention to the light.
  
  

Organize Appliances

• Microwaves, toasters and coffee makers take up counter space and make a kitchen appear cluttered. Reordering kitchen appliances opens the counter space and creates a clean look. If you have a microwave, install it at the same level as the cabinetry. Place the dishwasher between the kitchen table and the sink, where it will be most accessible for cleaning and emptying. If possible, cut a few appliances from the kitchen counter altogether. For example, you can store a small six- or eight-cup French coffee press in the cupboard after you make your morning coffee instead of leaving a bulky electric drip coffee maker on the counter top all day.
  
  

Breakfast Nook

• Designing a small area for eating at the end or side of the kitchen opens the space. Instead of placing a table in the center of the kitchen, or an island in the middle, adding a nook near the far window or door creates a friendly spot for gathering, eating, sharing and chatting. Adding banquette seating, an L-shaped cushioned bench around the table, replaces the need for extra chairs. A banquette with storage below also comes in useful for a kitchen with limited cabinetry.
  
  

Color Scheme

• Choosing a color scheme unifies the space. A two-toned color scheme, like blue and white or black and white, will open up the narrow room because there are no distracting colors and objects to shrink the space. Neutral colors harmonize the room without making it drab. Tan, blue, pale green, beige, cream and pastels are suitable choices. Choosing a clear glass tile or similarly colored stove backsplash complements the color scheme and creates the illusion of depth and spaciousness.