Compact furniture can make a kitchen more spacious and multi-functional, an interior designer has said.Anjali Goel told Mydigitalfc.com that in homes with limited space, owners could buy small and easily moveable pieces to make better use of rooms. In the kitchen this could include cabinets with fewer open shelves, the designer added.The news provider also spoke to design commentator Amitabh Bendre who suggested that straight-line furniture was an effective way of optimising space. In addition, the report found that wall-mounted or freestanding shelving could be used to store kitchen utensils and appliances.Other space-saving suggestions from the website included installing countertops in and around the kitchen sink area that have storage facilities underneath.Designer Laurie Butler recently showed StarTribune.com how she was able to make a kitchen more open and spacious by incorporating a central kitchen island. To add a contemporary feel to the room, Ms Butler then added a range of stylish surfaces include a mosaic tile backsplash behind the kitchen sink.