How to Decorate a Small Kitchen in a Ranch-Style House

Paint your cabinets a light color such as white, cream or oatmeal. Alternatively, install cabinets that are already that color.

Select a secondary color in any shade of pastel you like that complements your base color. For example, colors like mint green, Tiffany blue and light yellow will all work well in such a kitchen. Once you've chosen this color, install backsplash tiles in this shade in either glass, ceramic or metallic.

Install hardwood flooring in any color you like. Vintage ranch homes often had tile or linoleum floors; this can make your ranch style house look dated. Hardwood flooring is sleek and timeless. Blonde woods will contribute to the light and airiness of the effect and dark woods will give you a dramatic effect.

Position a small table in the corner of the kitchen and place two or three stools around it. If you kitchen is too small for this, line up clear, plastic stools along the counter. Transparent stools will still give off the sense of space.

Add a wooden buffet in one of your two colors along the path from your kitchen to your dining or living room. This will allow your kitchen to spill out to another area and give you extra counter space. You can even add stools which slide under the buffet to create extra sitting space.

Install a sleek chrome or glass pendant light over your eating space so that the kitchen still feels cozy during nighttime meals.

Select a window treatment that adds charm and character to the room that matches your second color. For example, cafe curtains, a roman shade, or a balloon shade will add charm to the space as well as highlight the windows and the spaciousness they provide.