Each of these improvements can singlehandedly transform a confined kitchen. But combined, they can create an unstoppable force that spreads throughout your entire house. We are not responsible for how many rooms you want to renovate after reading the following tips. So, please proceed with caution.
#1. Amp Up the Lighting
Research the best lighting for small kitchens and find some fixtures that coordinate with your décor. Try to choose a variety of designs and finishes to keep your options open. Then, look for kitchen lights that hang on the wall instead of the ceiling. Or use recessed lighting to regain even more square footage.
PRO TIP: Install bright, energy-efficient bulbs for maximum illumination of the nooks and crannies.
#2. Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint
Fresh paint and some new colors can refresh a tired kitchen instantly whether you’re painting the countertops, walls, cabinets, or floors. There’s also a psychological element involved. Certain colors can have an effect on your mental state. That’s why bedroom, bathroom, dining room, and kitchen paint shades are generally bright, clean, and inspiring.
PRO TIP: Have interior designers coordinate your wall color with the flooring, fixtures, and cabinetry.
#3. Install New Cabinets and Countertops
Your existing cabinetry may not make the best use of all the dead space in your kitchen. It may also be lacking modern conveniences like rotating shelves, built-in organizers, and sliding racks. Plus, the doors could reduce precious square footage. Meanwhile, new cabinets and countertops can be streamlined to the layout and use open-concept shelving to save space.
PRO TIP: Install extra storage in the dead spaces to improve functionality and efficiency.
#4. Refresh the Flooring
The right floors can make all the difference in a small space. That’s because flooring meets the eye in a unique way. Then, it combines aesthetics with the cabinetry and fixtures to create a coordinated look. Updated flooring can also help prevent accidents, reveal structural damage, and make a kitchen more comfortable to use.
PRO TIP: Choose a high-quality tile, stone, or wood flooring for maximum appeal and style longevity.
#5. Rethink the Layout
The current location of your sinks, appliances, and cabinets isn’t necessarily set in stone. So, the best thing for your kitchen may be a layout makeover. Reconsider where you put items and how you use the space. Is there a better way for the room to function? Are you limited on the things you can change? Ask an expert designer to help.
PRO TIP: Imagine the space empty and then mentally refill it to build a better concept.
Here’s a recap: make your small kitchen sizzle with impactful improvements. Choose better lighting, apply a fresh coat of paint, or rethink the layout altogether. Then, think about how the updates will affect the flow in the rest of your house.
How to Tell What Your Kitchen Needs to Sizzle
Not sure which method to use? We know they all sound good. So, here’s how to tell where you should begin:
Step 1: Observe the Way You Move to Cook, Clean, and Socialize.
Pay attention to how you and your guests navigate the space. Check for tight spots where cabinets are too close or doors almost touch.
Step 2: Imagine What You’d Have If This Were Your Dream Kitchen.
Consider how your kitchen would look if you had no limitations. Then compare that to how it is now. Make note of the differences to share with your design team later.
Step 3: Determine the Best Layout for Your Small Space.
Mind the “magic triangle” in your kitchen whether the space is big or small. This triangle describes your regular footpath, so should be the focus of your ideal layout.
Step 4: Reach Out to an Expert Design Team for Quotes and Inspiration.
Don’t settle on second best or fall in love with a design until you’ve talked to a pro. There may be restrictions on your space, but there may also be opportunities you didn’t know existed.
The final step is choosing which elements you want to incorporate into your kitchen. Fair warning, this may be the hardest part. So, work with an experienced remodeling company to make the most of your space and stop stressing about the what-ifs.
Get Your Kitchen Today
Cornerstone Remodeling was voted Baltimore’s Best Remodeling Firm in 2020. That means they set the temperature on sizzling kitchens, baths, and home additions. Get in touch today for your comprehensive project quote and make that cramped sparkle again.