Expert Tips on How to Maximize Space in Small Kitchen Remodels.

October 15, 2024

Small kitchens can feel cramped, but with thoughtful design and smart planning with your kitchen remodel, you can make the most of every inch. Whether you’re living in a 20+ year-old home or just need more space, a few adjustments can turn your kitchen into a more functional and organized space. Here are some expert tips to help maximize the space in your small kitchen, with a focus on cabinet refacing, custom cabinetry, and other smart design choices.

1. Rethink Your Storage

One of the biggest challenges in a small kitchen is storage. Cluttered countertops and overflowing cabinets can make a space feel even smaller. Start by evaluating your current storage and think about how you can make better use of what you have.

Cabinet refacing is a great way to upgrade the look and functionality of your existing cabinets. By adding new doors and drawer fronts, you can make your cabinets look brand new without the cost of a full replacement. Consider customizing the interior of your cabinets with pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, or vertical dividers to help organize items and make everything easily accessible.

2. Custom Cabinetry for Maximum Efficiency

If your kitchen still feels cluttered after reorganizing, custom cabinetry might be the solution. With custom cabinets, you can create storage solutions tailored to your specific needs and kitchen layout. This is especially useful for 20+ year-old homes that may not have been designed with modern appliances or today’s kitchen workflow in mind.

Custom cabinetry allows you to make use of awkward spaces, such as corners or narrow gaps, where standard cabinets won’t fit. Think about adding tall cabinets that extend to the ceiling, creating additional storage for less frequently used items. You could also install deeper drawers to store pots, pans, and larger kitchen items that often take up a lot of space in small kitchens.

3. Utilize Vertical Space

When floor space is limited, go vertical. Adding shelving or cabinets that reach the ceiling is a great way to maximize storage without crowding your kitchen. Open shelving can be both stylish and functional, allowing you to display everyday dishes or cookware while keeping them within easy reach.

If you’re concerned about your kitchen feeling too “busy,” consider glass cabinet doors. These can help open up the space visually while still providing storage.

4. Lighten Up the Room

Small kitchens can feel closed-in, especially if they’re dark. Brightening up the space can help it feel larger and more inviting. One of the easiest ways to do this is by updating your lighting. Under-cabinet lighting, pendant lights, and bright overhead lighting can all make a big difference.

Light-colored cabinetry and countertops can also help reflect light and make the room feel more open. If you’re remodeling your kitchen, consider light-colored quartz or granite countertops to create an airy feel.

5. Smart Appliance Choices

Smaller kitchens often mean less room for appliances. Think carefully about what appliances you truly need and how they’ll fit into your design. Today’s market offers a wide variety of space-saving appliances, such as compact dishwashers, microwave drawers, or slim refrigerators. These options allow you to enjoy modern conveniences without taking up too much valuable counter or floor space.

6. Consider a Multi-Functional Island

In many small kitchens, space is at a premium, but if you have the room, consider installing a small island. A kitchen island can serve multiple purposes—extra storage, prep space, and even seating. Opt for an island with built-in shelving or drawers to maximize its utility. In a small kitchen, every piece of furniture should offer as much functionality as possible.

7. Open Up the Layout

If you’re planning a more extensive kitchen remodel, consider removing or adjusting a wall to create a more open layout. Many homes built 20+ years ago have kitchens that are separated from the main living area, which can make them feel isolated and smaller than they really are. By opening up the kitchen to the dining or living room, you create a more spacious feel and allow light to flow through the space more easily.

8. Streamline the Design

Finally, streamline the design of your small kitchen to keep it from feeling cluttered. Stick to a cohesive color palette and avoid too many patterns or busy details. Minimalism works well in small spaces because it keeps the room feeling clean and open.

Cabinet refacing can help achieve this look by giving your kitchen a fresh, modern appearance without the need for a full remodel. Pair it with sleek, modern hardware for a cohesive design that enhances both form and function.

Kitchen Mart, Sacramento’s Leader in Smart Space Planning, Custom Cabinetry, Cabinetry Refacing and Everything Kitchen and Bath Remodeling.

Maximizing space in a small kitchen is all about smart planning and design. Whether you choose to update your cabinets with refacing or invest in custom cabinetry, there are plenty of ways to make a small kitchen feel larger and more functional. For homeowners in Sacramento, a kitchen remodeling project is the perfect opportunity to reimagine your space and enjoy a more efficient, beautiful kitchen for years to come.

Kitchen Mart offers you several cabinetry options: custom cabinetry, cabinetry refacing or a combination. We expertly craft our own custom cabinets; face frame, frameless or inset styles built from the finest hardwoods, top quality laminates or paint-grade hardwoods. Whether your needs involve complete re-design of your existing space with down-to-the-studs tear out with custom cabinetry solutions, to more modest cabinet refacing and countertop replacement options, we’re here to help make the process easy and straightforward.

Have a kitchen remodeling project or need some space planning? We’re ready to bring your vision to life. Schedule your Free in-home consultation today or call (916) 362-7080.