Introduction
Kitchen updates and renovations can completely transform the look, feel, and functionality of one of the most important rooms in your home. An outdated or poorly designed kitchen can make cooking, cleaning, and spending time in the space an absolute chore. But simple changes like opening up the space, improving lighting and storage, or just adding a fresh coat of paint can give your kitchen an airy, modern makeover.
In this blog post, we’ll look at some inspiring before and after kitchen remodels. We’ll go over key design elements that contribute to an open, airy aesthetic. And we’ll provide tips to help make your own kitchen feel lighter, brighter, and more breathable on a budget. Read on for before and after photos, ideas, and insights on breathing new life into your kitchen.
Key Elements for an Airy, Open Kitchen Design
Here are some of the most important considerations for creating an airy, spacious kitchen aesthetic:
Lighting
Proper lighting is crucial for making any space feel open and inviting. For kitchens, it’s important to have layers of light.
- Natural light – Allow natural light to flood the space by having large windows, skylights, or glass doors. If needed, consider removing walls or installing more windows.
- Task lighting – Incorporate task lighting over key work areas like islands, counters, and the stove. Look for bright, adjustable fixtures.
- Ambient lighting – Include “general” lighting as well such as ceiling lights, pendant lights, and under cabinet lighting. Opt for soft white bulbs (3000K) to avoid a harsh look.
- Dimmers – Install dimmable fixtures so you can control the mood and ambiance.
Layout and Storage
An open, uncluttered layout will inherently enhance the feeling of airiness.
- Remove walls/barriers – Knocking down walls is the best way to open up a kitchen. But removing visual barriers like half-walls or railings can also make a difference.
- Organization – Keep counters uncluttered by having a place for everything. Usage of drawers, cabinets, racks, shelves, and other hidden storage can minimize visual chaos.
- Multipurpose islands – Islands can maximize open space while also providing additional storage and serving multiple functions.
- Hide appliances – Keep appliances like the trash, toaster, and coffee maker behind closed doors when not in use.
Surfaces and Materials
The textures, colors, and reflective qualities of materials impact the look and feel of a kitchen.
- Light colors – Painting cabinets, walls, and surfaces in light neutral, warm, or cool tones enhances brightness. White or light gray are popular options.
- Reflective surfaces – Glass cabinet doors, mirrored backsplashes, and high-gloss finishes reflect light around the kitchen. Stainless steel offers a modern look.
- Windows – Uncover windows and opt for sheer treatments to allow more light through while maintaining privacy.
- Natural materials – Wood, stone, marble, and concrete add organic, cozy textures while still feeling airy.
Bright and Airy: Before and After Kitchen Remodel
This stunning kitchen remodel opened up the space dramatically by eliminating walls, adding a skylight, installing new cabinetry, and choosing light finishes.
Before
The old kitchen felt dark and cramped with its closed layout, dated oak cabinets, and dim lighting. The peninsula cluttered up the room rather than opening it up. Overall, the space felt tired and disconnected.
After
Knocking down walls transformed the kitchen into one large, cohesive space. The skylight and extra windows flood the area with natural light. White shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, and a marble-topped island keep things light and airy. New, energy-efficient recessed lighting was also added. Overall, the remodel resulted in a fresh, open concept kitchen.
Key Takeaways:
- Removing walls opened up the room dramatically
- Skylight and new windows make it brighter
- White cabinets, quartz counters reflect light
- Marble island adds texture
- Recessed lighting layers in ambient brightness
Modern Makeover: 1970s Kitchen Gets Airy Update
This outdated, compartmentalized 1970s kitchen received a modern makeover with an open concept layout, new windows and backsplash, crisp white paint, and modern fixtures.
Before
The original kitchen screamed 1970s with its mustard yellow cabinets, patterned wallpaper, and dingy tiles. The closed off layout and dated textiles made the small kitchen feel even more cramped and dark. Overall, the space was stuck in the past.
After
Busting down walls opened up the entire space. New big windows and glass doors allow natural light to flood in. White paint gives cabinets and walls a fresh, airy look. The patterned backsplash and modern fixtures add style. Despite the small footprint, the remodel makes the kitchen feel open, bright, and larger.
Key Takeaways:
- Open concept layout helps small space feel bigger
- Large windows/glass doors maximize natural light
- White paint makes it feel fresh and bright
- Patterned backsplash adds modern style
- New fixtures improve functionality
U-Shaped Upgrade: Dated Kitchen Gets Airy Treatment
This outdated U-shaped kitchen layout was given an airy makeover by opening up the space, adding an island, installing new cabinetry, and embracing light colors and finishes.
Before
The original closed off U-shaped kitchen had old laminate cabinets and limited counter space. Low lighting, dated appliances, and a cramped breakfast nook contributed to the dark, tired vibe. Overall, the kitchen felt disconnected from the rest of the home.
After
Knocking down the wall separating the kitchen and dining area opened up the space. The new U-shaped layout features a spacious island that adds function and keeps the open feel. White shaker cabinets, marble counters, and glass tile backsplash boost the brightness. Pendant lights and recessed lighting add layered ambient and task lighting. Overall, the remodel created a fresh, highly functional kitchen.
Key Takeaways:
- Open concept improves flow and natural light
- Spacious island adds function and airiness
- White cabinets/marble counters make it brighter
- Glass subway tile backsplash reflects light
- New lighting layers improve ambiance
Small Budget Makeover: Brightening Up a Dark, Dated Kitchen
This homeowner transformed her closed off 1960s kitchen into a lighter, more open space on a small budget by removing a wall, painting cabinets, and embracing second-hand finds.
Before
The outdated kitchen felt cramped and disjointed from the rest of the home due to its closed layout. Its dark wood cabinets, heavy vinyl flooring, yellowed walls, and poor lighting gave the space a gloomy, lifeless vibe in need of major TLC.
After
On a $700 budget, the homeowner revitalized the space into an airy, cottage style kitchen. Knocking down the wall between the kitchen and dining area made a huge difference. Distressed white paint updated the cabinets for a fraction of the price of new ones. A second-hand farmhouse sink, lighting fixtures from Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and budget-friendly vinyl plank flooring completed the mini-makeover. Despite the small budget, the simple updates gave the kitchen new life.
Key Takeaways:
- Removing a wall opened up the space
- Distressed white paint refreshed cabinets
- Second-hand/budget finds kept it affordable
- Rustic touches gave it cottage style
- Lighter colors make it feel more cheerful
FAQs
What are some characteristics of an airy kitchen design?
Some key characteristics of an airy kitchen design include:
- Open, uncluttered layout
- Plenty of natural light from windows, skylights, glass doors
- Light wall colors like white or light gray
- Reflective surfaces like glass, tile, quartz, stainless steel
- Light wood or painted cabinets for a fresh look
- Layered lighting like recessed, pendant and task
- Minimal upper cabinets so walls feel more open
How much does it cost to remodel a kitchen for an airy look?
The cost to remodel a kitchen for an airy look can vary greatly based on the size, how much you update, and material choices. Basic updates like painting cabinets, adding new lighting, and opening up walls could cost $2,000-$5,000. A full gut remodel with new cabinetry, countertops and high-end finishes could cost $20,000-$50,000 or more. The best way to add airiness on a budget is through paint, lighting and opening up the layout.
What paint color makes a kitchen look bigger and more airy?
Light, soft neutral colors like white, light gray, or pale yellow make kitchens look brighter and more spacious. Cool tones like blues and greens can also feel airy and open. Darker or bolder paint colors tend to make kitchens feel smaller and more closed in. So opt for soft whites or pale cool tones to enhance the feeling of openness and light.
Should you choose light or dark cabinetry for an airy look?
For an airy look, light colored cabinetry is best. White, light gray, or light wood cabinets help reflect light around the kitchen and feel more fresh and spacious. Dark cabinets can make a kitchen feel cramped or closed off. If your current cabinets are dark, consider refinishing or painting them a lighter color.
What backsplash styles work well in airy kitchens?
For an airy kitchen, it’s best to opt for backsplashes with light colors, subtle patterns, or reflective materials. Great choices include:
- White subway tile
- Light marble or quartz slabs
- Glass tile
- Metallic or stone mosaic tiles
- Minimal pattern ceramic tile
Avoid dark, heavily patterned backsplashes as they can make a kitchen feel cluttered. Go for lighter looks that enhance brightness.
Conclusion
Updating a kitchen with an airy, open design dramatically enhances the enjoyment, functionality, and visual appeal of the space. As seen in the before and after examples, even modest changes like opening up walls, adding windows or skylights, installing updated cabinetry and fixtures, and embracing light colors and materials can make a kitchen feel fresh, expansive, and infused with natural light.
If your kitchen remodel budget is tight, focus on quick updates like paint, new lighting, and opening sightlines between rooms whenever possible. Over time, save up for additional updates like countertops, backsplashes, cabinetry, and energy efficient appliances. With some creativity and strategic changes, you can transform your kitchen into a beautiful, airy oasis for cooking, conversation, and memories.