The kitchen is the heart of any household: it’s where we cook, put our ‘to-do’ lists, and congregate with friends and family. It can conjure memories of great meals, conversations with loved ones, and late nights and early mornings. Don’t have the square footage available to house all your big memories? Do you not want to reminisce about your outdated kitchen décor? Have no fear, we’ve put together a couple solutions for the perfect small kitchen remodel.
Windows, Windows, Windows
Natural light is one of the best ways to make your kitchen brighter, look more inviting, and create that wonderful illusion of extra space. If you already have sufficient windows in your home, simply painting the frames a contrasting color to the walls makes your windows pop, and draws the eyes to the great natural light they provide.
Centering the focal point of the kitchen on your windows is another great option to maximize the effect of natural light, some examples of which can be seen here.
If your small kitchen has a blank wall just begging for some attention, a great option is window installation. This can be a pricey addition to your kitchen, but will also make the room more appealing and can increase the property value of the home.
Pro-tip: Keeping your windows as simple as possible (re: no curtains, or clutter around windows) will really help open the space.
Update Your Cabinets
Dated, ill-fitting cabinets can make a small kitchen feel even more claustrophobic.
If you’re lucky, simply adding a bright coat of paint and some new hardware is all you need to brighten up your kitchen and immediately make the space feel airier.
Sometimes, however, new cabinets are a necessity. Does your kitchen have oddly placed cabinets? Is there unused wall space that could be reimagined, and give you that valuable storage space every kitchen needs?
If the answer to either of these questions is ‘yes’, it may be a good idea to look into custom cabinets, or speaking to an expert who offers computer design services to help you figure out the best way to make the most of your space.
Pro-tip: painting your cabinets the same color as your walls, or a light color, creates a seamless look and makes the kitchen appear larger.
Add an Island
Small kitchens are notorious for having limited seating, storage, and counter space adding an island is the epitome of killing THREE birds with one stone.
Don’t believe it? Take a look at this island addition that Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration installed in this small kitchen:
Pro tip: Using an island as a transition area between two living spaces is an awesome way to create the feeling of more space. Think of it as a ‘go-between’ from your kitchen to the other living area (be it a dining room, family room, etc.).
Update Your Flooring
The kitchen is a famously high traffic area, and the wear and tear on your floors can make the space feel tired, old, and dirty (three words NO ONE wants associated with their home!). Remedy this with a new floor installation – just don’t let this concept scare you, there are tons of options available to fit into any budget, that will still make a huge difference in the appearance of your kitchen.
Pro-tip: Consider laminate flooring – especially if you’re working within a budget! This material can look just like hardwood or tile (depending on your personal taste), at a fraction of the cost. The best part? Not only does it look fantastic, it can withstand high foot traffic and frequent spills.
If you’ve got a kitchen, we have the right imagination and innovation to make that kitchen work for you! Give us a call today, and we can schedule a tour of our showroom and design studio to provide you with inspiration, or speak with one of our design experts to help you figure out the best layout for your home and budget.
