Small kitchen (typically under 150 sq ft) remodels with the right design choices can feel larger, function better, and provide significantly more storage than you might expect. Whether you’re updating a galley kitchen or an older home with limited space, these tips can help you make the most of your kitchen.
Should You Remove a Wall to Make a Small Kitchen Bigger?
Not every small kitchen needs an addition to feel larger. In many homes, there’s a reason the kitchen is smaller. So before deciding to remove a non-load-bearing wall or open the kitchen to an adjacent dining or living area, think about why the kitchen was that size to begin with before making structural changes.
How Much Counter Space Do You Really Need?
Counter space is one of the most valuable features in any kitchen. And if you currently have limited counter space, you may not realize that. So during the design process, think about where you prepare meals, use small appliances, and serve food, and consider whether it would be easier to do those things with more space. More often than not, you’ll find that extending a countertop, adding a peninsula, or redesigning the layout creates a bigger impact than you’d expect.
Are Open Shelves a Good Idea in a Small Kitchen?
If you like the idea of displaying decorative items and frequently used dishes in plain sight (and doing the upkeep that look requires), then go for it! But traditional cabinets typically provide more enclosed storage and help reduce visual clutter. Don’t be afraid to have a mix of floating shelves and cabinets. One popular look is to have floating cabinets towards the middle of the walls, and at the corners have large countertop-to-ceiling pantry cabinets.
What Wall Cabinets Should I Use in a Small Kitchen?
Skip the standard-height wall cabinets, even if they’re cost-effective. Having wall cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling will not only give you more storage space but actually make the room feel taller. If full-height cabinetry isn’t in the budget, decorative panels or crown molding can achieve a similar visual effect when added with standard-height cabinets.
Is It Worth Remodeling a Small Kitchen?
Absolutely. No matter the home, the kitchen is its most important room. Taking the time and investment to remodel your kitchen is always a good idea, especially if you aren’t in love with how it currently looks or functions.
How Can You Add More Storage to a Small Kitchen?
There are so many unique and practical ways to add storage to your small kitchen. But it will take a lot of planning to make sure all of the options make sense together. Some of our favorite options are heavy-duty pull-out pantry shelves, custom/stacked drawer organizers, appliance garages, and vertical dividers. These options are more expensive than your typical shelved cabinets, but will guarantee you maximize the storage space in your kitchen.
What Appliances Work Best in a Small Kitchen?
Counter-depth refrigerators, microwave drawers, workstation sinks, and ranges (stove and oven combined) can improve functionality without overwhelming the room.
Should You Add an Island to a Small Kitchen?
Unfortunately, it depends on the available space. While islands are incredibly popular, they aren’t the right solution for every kitchen. In some layouts, a peninsula or expanded perimeter cabinetry provides more storage and workspace while maintaining comfortable walkways. If you can’t have at least 36″ between the island and anything else (cabinets, walls, doorways, etc.), then you probably cannot add an island without regretting it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Kitchen Renovations
It’s always best to speak with a professional to get the best estimate for your kitchen remodel. But a good starting range for a simple kitchen remodel done by professionals and accounts for everything (design, selections, construction, etc.) is about $95,000.
From design to completion, a small kitchen remodel takes about 2-3 months. That time may be spread out over a few more months to account for design time and material sourcing.
Yes. Keeping the utilities in their existing locations can help reduce costs. Many successful small kitchen remodels focus on improving storage, cabinetry, and finishes while maintaining the existing mechanical layout.
Yes. Custom cabinets can be a worthwhile investment because they’re designed specifically for your space. Go with custom if your budget allows.
Some of the most common mistakes include choosing oversized appliances, neglecting storage, overcrowding the room with an island, selecting poor lighting, and focusing on appearance before functionality. A well-planned design helps avoid these issues.
