Introduction
Expanding a small kitchen can seem like a daunting task, but with some strategic planning and clever design techniques, it is possible to open up and transform even the tiniest of kitchen spaces. A successful kitchen remodel requires analyzing how you currently use your kitchen, defining your wish list for features and aesthetics, setting a realistic budget, and planning the layout carefully to maximize every inch.
The rewards of remodeling a small kitchen are well worth the effort. By knocking down walls, extending outward, repurposing adjacent spaces, and employing space-saving fixtures and finishes, you can gain valuable square footage and storage. The end result is a kitchen that meets your cooking, entertaining, and lifestyle needs.
This article will walk you through the process of remodeling a small kitchen from start to finish. We’ll look at how to assess your needs, explore layout and design ideas to visually expand the space, and review smart storage solutions. You’ll also find plenty of inspiring before and after photos of small kitchen makeovers. With some thoughtful planning and strategic design choices, you can have the kitchen of your dreams, even if you are working with a petite footprint. Let’s get started!
Assessing Your Needs and Setting Goals
Before you draw up any plans or choose materials, take time to think carefully about how you use your existing kitchen and what you would change or improve. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What do I like about my current kitchen layout and what works well that is worth preserving?
- What are the biggest pain points or frustrations I have with my current kitchen?
- How could the space be made more efficient and user-friendly?
- What features or amenities are missing that I’d like to gain in a remodel?
- How do I actually use the kitchen – for large dinner parties, casual meals, baking, etc?
- Does the space accommodate multiple cooks comfortably?
- Is storage lacking, and if so, what kind of storage is needed – for dishes, food, appliances, etc?
- How does the kitchen connect to the rest of the home? Is there an opportunity to improve flow?
- What is my decorating style and ideal aesthetic for the new kitchen?
Once you’ve reflected on how you use your kitchen and what improvements you’d like to make, it’s time to define your goals and priorities for the remodel. Develop a wish list of desired features, both functional and aesthetic. This will be an important reference point as you design the new space.
Some popular goals for small kitchen remodels include:
- Increasing countertop workspace and adding seating
- Improving storage for dishes, food, cooking tools, and appliances
- Enhancing accessibility of cabinets and eliminating wasted space
- Adding islands, peninsulas or bar areas for additional prep space
- Integrating better lighting, both task and ambient
- Knocking down walls to open the kitchen to adjacent spaces
- Expanding outward through bump-outs or extensions
- Incorporating eco-friendly and energy efficient appliances
- Establishing a cohesive style through design elements like flooring, cabinets, and backsplashes
Be realistic about what you can accomplish within your budget. Prioritize the changes that will make the biggest difference in upgrading the usability and enjoyment of your kitchen. Your contractor and designer can help tailor your wish list to your space limitations and budget reality.
Planning and Layout Considerations
For a small kitchen, layout and space planning are particularly critical. You want to make the absolute most out of every inch while improving workflow and accommodating multiple cooks. Some smart design strategies to visually expand a small kitchen include:
Knocking Down Walls
Removing walls between the kitchen and adjacent rooms like the dining room can make a world of difference, allowing you to borrow space from bordering areas. For example, taking down the wall between the kitchen and dining room can open up the space and allow you to integrate a peninsula bar area for extra seating.
Just be sure to consult with your contractor about load-bearing walls that structurally cannot be removed. Also factor in any permitting regulations if taking down walls between rooms.
Adding a Bump-Out Extension
Bumping out exterior walls is one way to gain a few precious feet in your small kitchen’s footprint. By extending floor space outwards, you can accommodate larger appliances, islands, pantries or seating areas. Just be conscious of plumbing and electrical costs associated with moving fixtures to exterior walls.
Repurposing Nearby Spaces
Look at nearby spaces that may be underutilized, like a walk-in pantry, closet or garage. Knock down adjoining walls or install an entryway between rooms to incorporate this bonus space into the kitchen’s footprint. Even a few extra square feet gained can make working in the kitchen much easier.
Using Mirrors to Expand Views
Strategically placed mirrors give the illusion of a larger space. Anchor a focal point mirror on a side wall or backsplash to increase light and give depth to a small kitchen. Mirrored cabinet fronts and doors also make spaces appear roomier.
Incorporating Glass Cabinetry and Open Shelving
Glass-front cabinets, shelves and other transparent surfaces allow light to move freely through the kitchen, making it feel more expansive. They also display pretty dishware while keeping items accessible behind closed doors. Mix in open shelving to prevent the space from feeling too boxed in.
Creating Visual Interest With Color
Monochromatic, all-white kitchens read as flat and one-dimensional. Incorporate accent colors in wall paint, cabinetry, tile backsplash or flooring. Contrasting hues make a compact kitchen feel vibrant and spacious. Steer clear of dark, claustrophobic colors.
Allowing Natural Light to Flow In
Good lighting is essential for opening up a small kitchen. When possible, increase the number or size of windows to invite in more natural light. Skylights and sun tunnels are another option for letting daylight flood in, especially if the kitchen lacks exterior walls or windows.
Building Up With Tall Cabinets
Floor-to-ceiling pantries, hutches and cabinets provide vertical storage space that does not eat up precious floor area. Opt for tall upper cabinets that run right up to the ceiling rather than traditional wall units with soffits above.
Adding Statement Lighting Fixtures
Draw the eye upward with a dramatic light fixture as a focal point. Collections of pendants, sleek linear fixtures or long stemmed chandeliers help elevate low ceilings in galley kitchens. Position statement lighting over islands, sinks or dining areas.
Storage Solutions for Small Kitchens
Lack of storage space is one of the biggest complaints in inefficient, cramped small kitchens. The clever storage ideas below help maximize every inch while keeping items organized and accessible:
- Optimize corner cabinet space – Use rotating or pull-out corner storage systems so nothing gets lost in dark corners or ends up unusable space.
- Hide small appliances – Keep everyday appliances like toasters, coffee makers and mixers neatly corralled but easy to access via pull-out cabinetry.
- Make use of drawer space – Replace lower cabinets with drawers that fully extend to see all contents. Opt for custom divided drawer organizer systems.
- Get high with wall cabinets – Run cabinets all the way up to the ceiling for extra space. Consider staggering upper cabinets.
- Add pull-outs – Install cabinet pull-outs to access items pushed to the back. Try tiered pull-outs for blind cabinet corners.
- Build in a pantry – Even a narrow floor-to-ceiling pantry adds needed storage. Have it custom built to fit awkward spaces.
- Opt for open shelving – See contents at a glance on open shelving. Try glass-fronted cabinets too.
- Utilize vertical space – Install spice racks, floating shelves, and wall-mounted magnetic strips.
- Multitask islands – Opt for an island or peninsula with storage built right in. Add shelves underneath and legs that can accommodate baskets.
- Rethink your sink area – Add height with a wall-mounted faucet. Install shelving above and cabinetry below the sink.
- Maximize drawer organizers – Customize the internal dividers in drawers to neatly arrange utensils, pots and pans.
- Put in a built-in refrigerator – Save floor space by recessing the fridge into surrounding cabinetry.
- Hide trash and recycling bins – Keep unsightly bins tucked away in a pull-out cabinet or sliding drawer.
By carefully assessing your family’s needs, adopting smart layout changes, and incorporating customized storage solutions, you can gain an incredible amount of usable space in your petite kitchen.
Selecting Colors and Finishes
Aside from opening up the footprint, small kitchen remodels also offer the chance to introduce color, texture, materials and personality through design finishes. Some elements to consider:
Cabinets
For small spaces, opt for light colored cabinets like white, pale gray or light blue to keep things airy. Add visual interest through accent colors on island cabinets or open shelving. Glass front cabinet doors also prevent a closed-in feeling.
Countertops
Light countertops like white marble or quartz reflect light and make the space feel more open. Stick to low contrast between cabinets and counters so the palette flows. Dark granite or bold patterns can overwhelm the space.
Backsplashes
Use backsplashes to inject color, texture and charm. Subway tiles, glass mosaics, stone slabs or metallic tiles pack visual punch without overwhelming a compact kitchen. Keep the look light and bright.
Flooring
Stick to light flooring as darker finishes can make a small kitchen feel smaller. Good options include white or pale hardwoods, blond-toned bamboo floors or wood-look porcelain tiles. Draw the eye outward with large tiles.
Lighting and Metallic Finishes
Strategically placed lighting transforms a small kitchen. Incorporate undercabinet puck lights, decorative pendants and recessed downlighting. Metallic finishes like brass hardware, chrome fixtures, or a glimmering mosaic backsplash boost luminosity.
By sticking to a light, monochromatic color scheme and maximizing lighting, you can make a petite kitchen feel airy and expansive. Pops of colors and patterns in backsplashes, textiles or accent cabinetry prevent the space from feeling flat.
Smart Appliance and Fixture Choices
You want full-sized appliances that maximize functionality, but cramming bulky range, refrigerators and dishwashers into a small kitchen means inefficient workflow and congestion. Some savvy appliance ideas for opening up petite kitchens include:
Compact Fridge/Freezers
Opt for an apartment-sized refrigerator rather than a standard 30-36 inch wide model. Slide-in styles fit in narrow gaps with a zero clearance requirement. Compact models offer the full suite of standard features.
Mini Dishwashers
Small dishwashers with rounded fronts fit in tight spaces and narrow gaps beside existing cabinetry. Despite the 18-inch width, mini models hold a surprising amount of dishes. Top controls are space-savers too. Portable dishwashers are another problem-solving option.
Slimline or Drawer Microwaves
Trade a bulky microwave for a streamlined built-in style or efficient drawer model to reclaim precious counter space. Slim microwaves fit in gaps between cabinets. Low profile models mount under cabinets.
Induction Cooktops
Sleek, minimalist induction cooktops are a smart fit for tight spaces. Without a bulky frame, these flat paneled models allow more room for prep work on the counters surrounding them. Many offer flexible configurations.
Wall Ovens and Warming Drawers
Stack wall ovens topped with a warming drawer to move appliances off the counter. This frees up space for landing those trays of fresh-baked cookies! Under-counter wall ovens are available too.
Pot Racks and Magnetic Strips
Skip bulky cabinets and opt for ceiling mounted pot racks or wall-mounted magnetic knife and utensil strips to trim visual clutter and clear counters.
By creatively incorporating space-saving appliances and fixtures without sacrificing style or function, you can transform your petite kitchen into a highly efficient cooking space.
Inspiring Small Kitchen Remodels
Now that we have covered all the elements that go into successfully remodeling a small kitchen, let’s look at some truly inspiring before and after makeovers. The gorgeous kitchens below illustrate just how beautifully a compact space can be transformed into a highly functional and inviting culinary showplace.
Bright and Airy Attic Kitchen Makeover
This once cramped attic kitchen was given a bright and airy remodel with crisp white Shaker cabinets, cheerful sky blue tile backsplash, and aqua range hood adding pops of color. The space flows beautifully now, thanks to a wall being knocked out and skylights installed to usher in natural light. Glass-front upper cabinets prevent a closed-in feeling.
Vintage Glam Small Kitchen Makeover
Dated blue tile and worn oak cabinets gave way to a gorgeous vintage glam kitchen style. The space now features on-trend brass hardware, marble herringbone backsplash tile, pendant lights over the peninsula, and an extra dose of storage thanks to open shelving flanking the range.
Rustic Small Kitchen Makeover
Tired builder’s grade cabinets and laminate counters were replaced with the warm rustic style of reclaimed wood open shelving and rough-hewn dining table. Crisp white shaker cabinets keep the space light. The backsplash cleverly uses reclaimed barn wood.
Contemporary Minimalist Makeover
Sleek modern style shines in this makeover featuring a clean-lined peninsula with quartz waterfall counter, contemporary pendant lights, custom walnut cabinetry and soft-close drawers. Undercabinet and task lighting brightly illuminate surfaces.
Coastal Cottage Kitchen Remodel
This beachy kitchen remodel exudes breezy cottage charm with whitewashed paneled cabinets, lighter oak plank flooring, marble tile backsplash in soothing aqua hues, and an apron front sink. The use of glass cabinet door helps reflect light.
Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Makeover
A dramatic black and white palette defines this modern farmhouse style. The homeowners knocked out walls, added ship lap accent walls and open shelving, and installed bold black windows. Wood open shelves offer casual display space above the stylish marble-topped peninsula.
Galley Kitchen Remodel
This narrow galley was segregated from living spaces but is now open and connected thanks to a wall coming down. White paneled cabinets, marble mosaic backsplash tile and a quartzite-topped peninsula create a light and airy aesthetic. Glass cabinets combat boxed-in feelings.
Small Kitchen Storage Makeover
This small kitchen remodel focused on maximizing every inch of space with smart storage solutions. A built-in pantry provides concealed storage. Drawers replace lower cabinets. Glass-front upper cabinets display dishware without overwhelming the petite footprint.
Key Takeaways
Remodeling a small kitchen to make it both beautiful and highly functional takes strategic planning, creative layout decisions and smart storage solutions. Key tips to remember include:
- Take time to analyze how your family currently uses the kitchen and define your wish list. Set realistic goals and prioritize changes with the biggest impact.
- Knock down walls, extend outward, borrow space from adjoining areas and allow more natural light in to open up a petite kitchen.
- Create visual interest with light colors, glass surfaces, metallic accents and statement lighting fixtures.
- Maximize every inch of storage space with pull-outs, open shelving, lid organizers, drawer systems and other customized solutions.
- Select space-saving compact appliances that don’t sacrifice style or performance.
- Stick to a light and bright color palette and minimalist lines to give the illusion of more space. Add pops of color and texture through backsplashes, accent cabinetry or display pieces.
With proper planning and strategic use of every square inch, you can gain a kitchen that is not just bigger but also more beautiful. A small kitchen remodel takes vision, creativity and commitment. The inspiring “after” photos of petite kitchen makeovers show just what’s possible, even if you are starting with a challenging small footprint. Gain the expanded, highly functional kitchen you’ve dreamed of by utilizing the tips and ideas in this article. Happy remodeling!