Finding ideas for remodeling a small kitchen on a budget can seem like an impossible task. Luckily, there are plenty of small kitchen remodeling ideas that make the effort more than worth it.
Many homeowners dream of a small kitchen remodel that makes their space more functional, more comfortable and a better match for their personality. A small footprint is no reason to put that off: with good planning, a compact kitchen can work as well as a large one.
This guide collects practical remodeling ideas for small kitchens, from cabinets and lighting to color, appliances and flooring, to help you plan your own project.
Start by Looking at Real Kitchens
Many people start the remodeling process by looking at pictures of other kitchen remodels. This can be helpful, but pictures are no replacement for seeing kitchens in person.
If you really want to know how your small kitchen remodel is going to turn out, look for chances to see finished kitchens for yourself. Home tours and showroom displays let you stand in a space and get a sense of how it actually feels.
You can also ask friends or relatives who have done a small kitchen remodel whether you can see the results. People are normally more than happy to show off their kitchen and tell you how the process went for them.
Kitchen Cabinets: Storage and Beauty
The kitchen cabinets are one of the biggest keys to a small kitchen remodeling project. They make sure you can fit everything you need into your small kitchen without it feeling crowded.
It is best to work with a professional cabinet designer to get the right cabinets for your small kitchen. A good designer knows the tricks that maximize your space and still give the kitchen the look you want.
Every detail of your kitchen cabinets should be thought out and designed to match your taste. There are many styles of cabinets to choose from, and you can also consider the colors and types of hardware that could make your kitchen special.
Light Up Your Small Kitchen Remodel Plans
Getting the lighting right in your small kitchen remodel can make a big difference. You will see much better with the right lights, and that makes the kitchen easier to work in.
Good lighting design also helps your kitchen feel bigger than it really is. When every corner is well lit, the room feels more comfortable and the lack of space is less noticeable.
There are three basic types of lighting to pay attention to when designing your small kitchen remodel:
- Ambient lighting: the main lighting, often from an overhead light fixture.
- Task lighting: lighting that helps with specific kitchen tasks, such as a light over the countertop where you chop vegetables.
- Accent lighting: lighting that shows off certain elements of the space and adds depth to a small kitchen.
Choose Your Small Kitchen Colors Wisely
The color scheme you choose for your small kitchen remodel can make or break the project. A white kitchen is the tried-and-true way to help a small kitchen look bigger, but you could take a bolder step and go with other colors.
It is usually best to stay with light colors in a small kitchen, because they reflect more light and make the room brighter. You can get some interesting looks by adding darker accent colors, but use just enough to add a subtle layer of contrast.
Too much dark color in a small kitchen can make it feel like a cave, so be careful. You want a cheerful little kitchen, not a gloomy one.
Think About Smaller Appliances
Some people make the mistake of putting oversized appliances in a small kitchen. The result is a room that feels like it has no space for cooking, let alone for enjoying an open and airy feel.
Go with smaller appliances and you will be much happier in the end. Compact, European-style appliances come in small, functional sizes that also give a kitchen a stylish look.
If space is very tight, you might even consider a slimline dishwasher or skipping the dishwasher altogether. It takes up a lot of room, and in a small household handwashing can free that space for cabinets and other important kitchen items.
Add Natural Light If Your Small Kitchen Allows
Sunlight makes a room feel more cheerful, and that is exactly what you want in a small kitchen. Consider adding windows, enlarging existing windows or adding skylights.
Any amount of natural light you can bring into a small kitchen is a bonus. Windows also add visual depth, which makes a small kitchen feel bigger than it really is.
There are few better ways to start the day than cooking breakfast in natural light, and you can do that in a small kitchen. Adding windows adds time and expense to a project, so weigh it against your budget, but many homeowners find it well worth the effort.
Think About What Goes Under Your Feet
The flooring in a small kitchen is often an afterthought, and that’s a missed opportunity. Because the area is small, a higher-end floor is easier to fit into the budget, and it can really bring a small kitchen to life.
Light-colored tiles give a kitchen a certain elegance and a more spacious feel, which really helps in a small room.
Most people go with a light color, but a grey floor or even a patterned floor can work. The most important thing is that the floor complements the rest of the kitchen.