Working with compact spaces is an opportunity to think outside the box, using design and ingenuity to transform every square inch into something extraordinary.
The key to a successful remodel is reimagining what’s possible. With a little creativity and careful planning, you can craft a kitchen that feels expansive, efficient, and uniquely yours.
1. Remove Extra Walls
Removing unnecessary walls between the kitchen and adjacent rooms can immediately create a sense of openness.
This design strategy allows more natural light to flow through the space and enhances the overall functionality. Open floor plans can create a more spacious and inviting environment, allowing for better movement and visual connectivity.
2. Raise Ceiling Height
Raising the ceiling height in a small kitchen can significantly impact its perception. Higher ceilings give the room a sense of grandeur and openness, making it feel more airy and less cramped.
Adding vertical storage, such as tall cabinetry, and incorporating light fixtures that draw the eye upward can further enhance this effect, providing both aesthetic appeal and extra storage space.
3. Maximize Natural Light
Maximizing natural light is essential for creating a bright and airy atmosphere in a small kitchen. Strategically placing windows or using glass doors can allow more daylight to flood the space, making it feel larger and more inviting.
Natural light also reduces reliance on artificial lighting, which enhances energy efficiency. Consider using strategically placed mirrors to bring in even more light.
4. Use Strategic Lighting
In a small kitchen, layered lighting is key to creating a functional and inviting space. Combine task lighting for cooking areas with ambient lighting to brighten the room. Add accent lighting to highlight design features.
Pendant lights or under-cabinet lighting can provide both practical illumination and visual appeal while making the kitchen feel more spacious.
5. Islands With Bar Seating
Incorporating an island with bar seating into a small kitchen serves dual purposes: it provides extra counter space and doubles as an informal dining area.
Adding storage options, such as cabinets or shelves, beneath the island maximizes available space without sacrificing functionality. Bar seating also eliminates the need for a separate dining table, further maximizing space.
6. Mobile Islands
Mobile islands offer flexibility in small kitchens by providing extra workspace and storage when needed. These islands can be moved around to create more room for cooking or dining, making them perfect for adaptable spaces.
Look for designs with shelves or drawers to maximize storage and enhance the kitchen’s functionality without taking up permanent space.
7. Use Whites and Neutrals
Opting for white or neutral tones can make a small kitchen feel larger and more open. These colors reflect light, which brightens the space and creates a sense of airiness.
Additionally, they provide a timeless, clean backdrop that allows other design elements, like accent pieces or textures, to stand out without overwhelming the room.
8. Add a Dining Nook
Incorporating a dining nook in a small kitchen helps maximize space while providing a cozy, functional area for meals. A built-in bench with storage beneath and a small table saves valuable square footage.
Naperville Home Remodeling recommends this feature as it efficiently utilizes unused areas, like corners, without compromising comfort and eliminates the need for a kitchen table and chairs.
9. Opt for Open Shelving
Open shelving eliminates the bulkiness of traditional cabinets and gives the kitchen a more airy, modern feel. It encourages organization by keeping frequently used items within easy reach.
This option also allows for the display of decorative items or beautiful kitchenware, which adds personality and style without taking up additional space.
10. Glass Cabinets
Glass-front cabinets provide a visually light alternative to solid cabinetry, helping to prevent a small kitchen from feeling heavy or enclosed.
They allow you to showcase attractive dishes or glassware while maintaining an organized, open appearance. This design can also create the illusion of depth, making the space feel larger than it is.
11. Tall Cabinetry
Tall cabinetry extends vertically, making use of otherwise unused wall space to provide additional storage without expanding the kitchen’s footprint.
By reaching up to the ceiling, these cabinets can store items like dishes, pantry goods, or appliances that might otherwise clutter countertops. This design feature draws the eye upward and enhances organization while preserving floor space.
12. Pullout Storage Shelves
Pullout storage shelves optimize space in tight kitchens and make accessing items hidden deep within cabinets easier. These shelves can be installed in base cabinets or pantries, providing extra storage for pots, pans, or dry goods.
13. Narrow Shelving on the Ends of Cabinets & Islands
Narrow shelving on the ends of cabinets or islands utilizes otherwise wasted space for additional storage.
This feature works well for storing spices, cookbooks, or small kitchen tools, keeping them within easy reach. It’s a simple yet effective way to add storage without taking up extra room in the main kitchen area.
14. Small Shelf Racks on the Backs of Cabinet Doors
Installing small shelf racks on the backs of cabinet doors maximizes storage by utilizing unused vertical space. These racks can store spices, utensils, or cleaning supplies, freeing up shelf and counter space.
This simple addition enhances organization and provides easy access to frequently used items—just make sure that the cabinet hinges are sturdy enough to support the extra weight.
15. Large Pullout Pantry Cabinet
A large pullout pantry cabinet offers efficient storage for canned goods, dry foods, and small kitchen appliances. It takes up minimal floor space while providing easy access to everything stored inside.
The pullout feature allows the pantry to be fully tucked away when not in use, making it a perfect solution for smaller kitchens.
16. Slim Vertical Pullout Storage Beside Large Appliances
Slim vertical pullout storage units placed next to large appliances, like the refrigerator or oven, make use of narrow gaps that would otherwise go unused. These pullouts are perfect for storing baking sheets, cutting boards, condiments, or cleaning supplies.
17. Sliding Barn Door or Pocket Door for Pantry
A sliding barn door or pocket door saves space compared to traditional hinged doors and makes it easier to access pantry items without blocking the flow of the kitchen.
These doors are ideal for tight spaces, offering a stylish and functional way to conceal a pantry while maintaining an open feel.
18. Pot and Pan Ceiling Racks
Pot and pan ceiling racks utilize vertical space to store cookware, keeping it within arm’s reach while freeing up cabinet and drawer space.
By suspending pots and pans from the ceiling, this solution keeps frequently used items organized and easily accessible, making the kitchen more efficient.
19. Choose a Reflective Backsplash
A reflective backsplash, such as one made from glass tiles or stainless steel, can help enhance the natural light in a small kitchen.
These materials bounce light around the space, making the room feel brighter and more expansive. Reflective surfaces also add a sleek, modern touch to the overall kitchen design.
20. Add a Countersplash or Full Backsplash
Adding a countersplash or full backsplash can help protect the walls from splashes while also visually expanding the space.
A backsplash that extends from the countertop to the ceiling creates a seamless look, drawing the eye upward and making the kitchen feel larger. It also provides an opportunity to introduce color or texture to the design.
Things To Consider When Planning a Small Kitchen Remodel
When remodeling a small kitchen, every decision counts. The goal is to create a space that feels spacious, functional, and efficient, even within limited square footage.
Focusing on accessibility, layout, and budget will ensure your remodel maximizes every inch. Here are key considerations to guide your planning:
- Functionality First: Consider how you use the space daily, and plan for work zones (prep, cooking, and cleaning) that flow seamlessly.
- Appliance Placement: Strategically place appliances to avoid crowding or blocking work areas and allow for sufficient counter space. Compact, built-in models can save space without sacrificing function.
- Storage Solutions: Incorporate clever storage features such as pullout shelves, tall cabinets, and pull-down racks. Consider multi-purpose islands with built-in storage for added functionality.
- Accessibility: Ensure your kitchen is easy to navigate. Opt for cabinets with easy-to-reach shelves, pullout drawers, and wide pathways.
- Budget Planning: Establish a clear budget before starting the remodel. Focus on high-impact areas like cabinetry, appliances, and countertops. Be prepared for unexpected costs, and plan for them in advance to avoid overspending.
- Lighting Design: Incorporate a combination of task, ambient, and accent lighting to create a bright and welcoming space. Under-cabinet lighting, pendant lights, and recessed lighting can help illuminate work surfaces while adding a stylish touch.
- Style and Aesthetic: Choose finishes, colors, and materials that complement the rest of your home’s design. Light colors and sleek finishes can make a small kitchen feel larger and more modern, while textured surfaces can add warmth and personality.
A Few Last Thoughts
With the right design choices, you can maximize space, enhance functionality, and infuse your personality into every corner of your new kitchen.
Embrace the possibilities and think beyond conventional layouts to turn your compact space into a kitchen that feels limitless in both style and function. The kitchen of your dreams is just a remodel away!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to update a very small kitchen?
Focus on space-saving solutions like open shelving, pullout storage, and slim cabinetry. Brighten the room with natural or strategic lighting. Use whites and neutrals to create an airy feel, and consider compact appliances to maximize counter and storage space.
How much should it cost to remodel a small kitchen?
Remodeling a small kitchen typically costs between $10,000 and $25,000, depending on materials, labor, and the scope of work. Budget-friendly updates like painting cabinets or swapping hardware can lower costs, while high-end finishes can increase expenses.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?
Cabinetry is often the most expensive component, accounting for 25–30% of the budget. High-quality countertops and appliances are also costly. To save money, consider refacing cabinets, using durable mid-range materials, or selecting energy-efficient appliances.
How long should a kitchen remodel take?
A small kitchen remodel usually takes 4–8 weeks. The timeline depends on the complexity of the project, availability of materials, and contractor schedules. Planning ahead and hiring experienced professionals can help minimize delays.
