How to Replace a Small Kitchen

Replacing a small kitchen can seem like a daunting task, but with some planning and know-how, it can be a manageable and rewarding project. A small kitchen remodel presents unique challenges, but also opportunities to maximize every square inch and create a highly functional, beautiful space. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to successfully replace a small kitchen.

Determine Your Goals and Create a Budget

Before diving into the details of your kitchen remodel, take time to determine your goals and create a realistic budget. Consider the following:

What do you hope to achieve? Make a list of your goals, like increasing storage, improving workflow, adding new appliances, etc. This will drive your design decisions.

How do you want the new kitchen to feel? Think about the look and feel you want – modern, country, minimalist, etc. This will inform the materials, colors, and styling of your kitchen.

Who uses the kitchen? Factor in how your family utilizes the kitchen space and any needs you may have.

What’s your timeline? Give yourself plenty of time, especially if you’ll be doing some of the work yourself. Most small kitchen remodels take 4-8 weeks.

What’s your budget? Research costs using remodel estimators and create a detailed budget with a 10-20% contingency fund for unexpected expenses. Expect to spend $10,000-30,000.

Create a Design Layout

Since space is limited, you’ll need an efficient layout. Use graph paper or an online planner to experiment with different configurations. Focus on maximizing every inch while keeping a logical and ergonomic workflow. Some tips:

Combine the sink, stove, and refrigerator in a compact work triangle
Use narrower wall cabinets and eliminate any unused spaces
Consider extending upper cabinets to the ceiling for more storage
Add functional islands or peninsulas for extra counters and storage
Use open shelving instead of upper cabinets to visually open the space
Opt for shallower pantry cabinets (12″ depth) and drawer-based storage
Include a microwave nook or find innovative ways to tuck in small appliances

Bring your layout to the showroom when selecting cabinets and get input from home improvement specialists.

Choose Materials Carefully

With a small kitchen, you’ll want to stick with materials that open up and brighten the space. Stay away from dark, heavyweight finishes which can make the room feel smaller.

Cabinets: Shaker-style cabinets in a light or white finish will keep things clean and bright. Consider open shelving and glass cabinet doors as well.
Countertops: Quartz and solid surface materials like Corian are durable options that come in light colorways. Tile is great for a vintage vibe.
Backsplash: Use a similar light, reflective material or add visual interest with an accent tile.
Flooring: Small-scale tile patterns or light wood give the illusion of more space. Vinyl plank flooring is budget-friendly.
Paint: Stick with light, cool hues like soft blues, grays and greens on walls. White trim and ceilings keep things bright.
Hardware: Choose minimal, modern hardware in satin nickel or oil-rubbed bronze finishes.
Lighting: Incorporate task lighting, under-cabinet lights and pendant lamps to add brightness.

Select Efficient Appliances

Appliance selection is especially important in a small kitchen. Look for slim and streamlined models that pack in features without hogging space.

Refrigerator: A counter-depth or narrow style fridge will fit flush with cabinets. Choose a French-door or bottom-freezer for easy access.
Range: Slide-in styles maximize room around the stove. Consider induction cooktops for a flush and seamless look.
Dishwasher: Look for models that are 18″ wide and fully integrated to blend in. Bosch is known for quiet dishwashers.
Microwave: Choose a low-profile microwave that can be installed under cabinets or on a side wall.
Vent hood: Opt for a ductless or downdraft vent that doesn’t require overhead ductwork.
Compact appliances: Multi-cookers like the Instant Pot take pressure off the stovetop. Have a few key appliances, but keep excess small appliances in a pantry or cupboard so they’re out of the way when not in use.

Include Smart Storage Solutions

You’ll need to employ every storage trick in the book for a small kitchen. Use these strategies to carve out more usable space:

Optimize corners: Use Lazy Susan corner cabinets or vertical drawer stacks to take advantage of dead space.
Maximize cabinets: Get adjustable shelves, rollout trays, and interior cabinet organizers.
Try pull-out cabinets: They give you easy access to items in the back that are normally hard to reach.
Add drawers whenever possible: Drawers are much more space efficient than cabinets. Put them near the stove, fridge and island.
Hide the trash and recycling: Use pull-out bins inside lower cabinets.
Consider open shelving: It eliminates upper cabinet depth and you’ll actually use items you can see. Just keep your most-used items at arm’s level.
Add racks on walls/doors: Use them for utensils, pots and pans. You can find many specialty storage racks.
Hang a pot rack: Clear counter space by hanging pots and pans from the ceiling. Choose a style that suits your kitchen’s aesthetics.
Implement under-cabinet storage: Bins, shelves and even hidden drawers keep items organized but out of sight.

Carefully Demolish and Prepare the Space

Demolishing your old kitchen is an exciting step but requires care, safety precautions, and proper planning.

Turn off electricity, gas and water lines to the kitchen area before demolition.
Remove cabinet doors first, then pull out drawers, shelves and hardware.
Use a pry bar and hammer to remove cabinets from walls. Be gentle around drywall.
Safely turn off breakers and disconnect appliances before removing them.
Use a utility knife to cut old caulk and adhesive from countertops. Remove carefully to keep walls intact.
Pull up flooring, like sheet vinyl or tile, using a floor scraper.
Remove old sinks/faucets. Turn off shut-off valves and disconnect supply lines.
Once stripped, thoroughly clean surfaces and patch/repair walls and subfloor as needed.
Cover doorways with plastic sheeting to contain dust. Consider wearing a respirator mask.

Pro Tip: Take pictures of your kitchen before demolition to remember how everything was laid out in case you need to reference later.

Install Essential Upgrades

A kitchen remodel is the perfect time to upgrade essential systems and features. You’ll have easy access to the inner workings while walls and floors are exposed.

Electrical: Replace outdated wiring, add circuits, improve lighting with added fixtures and under-cabinet lighting.

Plumbing: Replace supply lines. Move pipes if needed for the new layout. Consider adding a garbage disposal.

Ventilation: Upgrade overhead hood ventilation or install a new ductless system.

Insulation: Blown-in insulation in walls and sound dampening under the floor are smart upgrades that make the space quieter.

Flooring: This is the best time to level subfloors, address squeaks, and install new floor decking if needed.

Order Cabinets and Design the Kitchen Work Triangle

The cabinetry forms the skeleton of your new kitchen. Take measurements and place cabinet and appliance orders early.

For accuracy, have professionals take detailed measurements of the full space. Include window, door and ceiling heights.
Finalize cabinetry and arrangement based on the kitchen work triangle, which connects the main work zones of sink, stove and refrigerator. Place these areas within 4-9 feet of each other if possible, without traffic patterns crossing to allow for a smooth workflow.
Chose durable cabinets designed for kitchen use, with features like roll out trays and adjustable shelving. A mix of upper and lower cabinets, drawers, and open shelving keeps things accessible.
Order any specialty storage pieces and organizers to integrate with the new cabinetry.
Most cabinet companies take 4-6 weeks for delivery. Order early so cabinets arrive after new floors are in.

Install Flooring

Once demolition is done, it’s time to lay the new kitchen flooring. Your options include:

Tile: Can be laid right over cement backerboard or existing flooring. Use small tiles and basic patterns. Install backsplashes after.

Vinyl plank flooring: Floats over floors for easy DIY installation. Waterproof and extremely durable.

Hardwood floors: Give a classic look. Use engineered wood for moisture resistance. Let new wood acclimate on-site before installation.

Laminate flooring: Affordable option that floats over existing floors. Look for scratch and water-resistant options.

Linoleum: Made from natural materials like linseed oil. Has a long lifespan and comes in many colors and patterns.

Pro Tip: Install new baseboards and trim after the flooring step.

Install the Cabinets and Countertops

Once the new flooring is in, you’re ready for the cabinets and countertops – the meat of the kitchen remodel.

Cabinets: Install upper cabinets first, secured safely to studs. Use shims as needed to make sure they’re level. Hang lower cabinets leaving just the right space for countertops.

Countertops: Take precise measurements and create a template before ordering stone slabs. Choose an experienced fabricator for a tight custom fit. They’ll transport slabs to your home for installation.

Island: Secure to the floor so it doesn’t shift. Overhangs shouldn’t exceed 10″ on each side. Leave at least 42″ around all sides for traffic flow.

Backsplash: Measure the areas needing a backsplash and order tile or panels to fit. Install after countertops are in. Use caulk in a matching grout color between the backsplash and countertops.

Sink: Undermount for a seamless look or install into the countertop. Position near the dishwasher within the work triangle.

Faucet: Look for high-efficiency models and select a finish that matches other hardware and light fixtures.

Add Finishing Touches

You’re in the home stretch! Those finishing touches will pull your whole design together:

Install lighting & plumbing fixtures: Hire an electrician if adding or moving any electrical. Update lighting fixtures and install new faucets.

Paint: Paint the walls, trim, ceiling and any cabinets getting a color change. Caulk and fill nail holes for a seamless look.

Install hardware: Add cabinet pulls, handles, knobs and any specialty hardware like soft-closing hinges and drawer glides.

Seal flooring: Use sealants to protect wood, grout, and natural stone from moisture and staining.

Reconnect appliances: Install the refrigerator, range, dishwasher, etc. in their new homes. Make sure appliances are level and even.

Add organizers: Pull out cabinet inserts, lazy susans, and other organizational tools create a highly functional space.

Thoroughly clean the space: Remove any leftover construction debris, dust, and dirt before putting anything back into cabinets.

Style finishes: Add kitchen decor like plants, decorative bowls, and any personalized accents. Enjoy your functional, gorgeous new kitchen!

FAQs About Replacing a Small Kitchen

Still have some questions? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about remodeling a small kitchen space:

How much does it cost to remodel a small kitchen?

You can expect to spend $10,000-$30,000 depending on materials and the scope of the remodel. The national average for a minor 5×7 foot kitchen remodel is around $22,500. Budget more if you’re moving plumbing fixtures or the layout.

Should I remodel or buy new cabinets?

In a small space, old cabinets with bulky fronts and frames can eat up valuable space. New shaker-style cabinets maximize every inch. But if your current cabinet boxes are solid wood and the layout works well, you may be able to refresh them with new hardware and paint for less.

How can I make a small, dark kitchen brighter?

Paint walls and cabinets a light, reflective color, use white or light countertops, add mirrors or reflective surfaces, use glass cabinet doors when possible, and incorporate adequate task and ambient lighting. Even one dark or heavy material can make a small space feel dark and closed-off.

Should I keep upper cabinets in a small kitchen?

It depends on your storage needs. Eliminating some upper cabinets can make the kitchen feel more open. Replace them with open shelves or tall pantries instead. Keep uppers near the cooktop for storage but use smaller depths. Make sure you’ll still have enough space for everything before removing all upper cabinets.

Can I add an island to a small kitchen?

Islands are possible even in tight spaces. Aim for a narrow, streamlined island no larger than 36-42 inches wide. It should allow for at least 18 inches of clearance around the edges so multiple people can move through the kitchen. Adding some stools doubles it as a eat-in dining space.

How much disruption is involved in a kitchen remodel?

Even small kitchen overhauls require taking the entire space down to the studs or subfloor. Cabinetry, flooring, appliances and lighting fixtures will need to be removed and replaced, which creates dust and debris. Count on 4-8 weeks of demolition, installation, and finishing work. Setting up a temporary kitchen area helps minimize day-to-day disruptions.

Conclusion

Replacing a small, outdated kitchen with a fresh new look you’ll love doesn’t have to be an insurmountable task, even though it requires careful planning and decision-making to maximize the compact space. Focus on bright colors and materials, space-efficient layouts and cabinets, and smart storage solutions tailored to fit your cooking and lifestyle needs. With some vision and commitment to the process, you can create a welcoming, high-functioning kitchen that perfectly fits your small footprint.