19 Design Ideas for Small Kitchen Remodeling

Don’t write off your kitchen’s potential just because it’s a small room. There’s still a lot you can do to make the most out of your space. Sometimes all it takes to transform your kitchen is a small adjustment.

Looking for inspiration?

Here’s a question to ask yourself: What is the point of remodeling the kitchen? Is it to create additional space? Or is it to revamp the look?

Well, with more than a few kitchen remodels under our belt, we’re primed and ready to help you amplify your small kitchen remodel potential. Here are our 19 best design ideas for your project!

Here’s a Kitchen Remodel Checklist to get you started.

1. Take a Minimalist Approach

When working with limited space, you really need to be selective. Move away from the impulse to accumulate clutter and lean into intentionally cultivating your collection. Slim down your dinnerware, flatware, and appliance collection to the bare necessities. When you have a carefully selected, cohesive set of kitchenware, you’re one step closer to making the most out of your small kitchen.

If you really want to dive headfirst into minimalism, consider going for an exposed cabinet look. This will create an expansive flow and add dimension. This redesign idea also gives you an excuse to show off your intentionally selected kitchenware too!   

2. Don’t Underrate Ceiling Space 

Every square foot of your kitchen can be used to amplify the space – that includes the area above you. Look up, that’s prime real estate that you might not be taking full advantage of. Your ceiling can serve as a space for extra storage. Hanging pot racks are a prime example of a stylish, practical storage solution. You could also install a hanging fruit basket. These ideas also add a playful design element to your kitchen.

Just don’t go crazy with it; too much of a good thing can create a bad situation. You could end up creating a hazard or ruin your minimalistic kitchen appearance.

3. Customize Your Hardware

Feeling bogged down by the lack of space to express your unique design taste? One easy way to give your kitchen a new feel is to change your cabinet hardware. There is no shortage of options to choose from when picking out knobs and handles. You could choose a distressed metal for more of a cottage-inspired look or you could go for elegant, geometric hardware to capture a modern ambiance. 

4. Waste No Space 

If you don’t plan on going the minimalistic route, then every nook and cranny has potential when you’re planning a small kitchen redesign. Maybe there’s a gap between your wall and the refrigerator. Or perhaps you have some extra room above your cabinets. Use it! You need all the storage space you can muster. Add in new cabinetry or simply use these gaps for storage as is. 

5. Roll In an Island 

One common issue that plagues those working in a small kitchen is the lack of counter space. One clever solution is to get a rolling island. The thought of installing an obstruction smack dab in the middle of your already tight kitchen likely isn’t something you’re interested in. But rolling islands help to provide more prep space without being a permanent obstacle. Simply move it when you need to open up the area. 

6. Add a Rug 

Create a feeling of warmth and comfort in your kitchen with an area rug. It’s an easy way to add pattern and color for a more robust design. This can be especially helpful in a one-wall kitchen. A rug can make it appear more like its own separate room. 

7. Lean Towards Lighter Colors 

Let the light in! Light colors help to open a space up. Play with pastels, pale tones, and whites. They will help to reflect light and create the illusion of a larger kitchen space. You can even paint the walls a lighter color to really take advantage of the power of these hues. 

8. When In Doubt, Mount 

Much like ceiling space, wall space often doesn’t get to live up to its fullest potential. But if you’re struggling to find storage solutions, the walls can be a great place to look. What can you hang up and get out of the way? Maybe you can invest in a knife mount or a pegboard to hang up mugs. You’re only limited by your tools and imagination.

9. Opt For Mini Appliances 

When you hear “mini appliances” your mind might automatically jump to “cheap”. But that’s not necessarily the case these days. There are plenty of scaled-down ovens, dishwashers, refrigerators, and more that run just as well as traditional options, just in a smaller package. Installing smaller appliances can buy you a lot of extra space and fit your lifestyle a little better. 

10. Streamline Your Cabinets

Smaller kitchens don’t have a lot to offer as far as cabinet space goes. But one option you have is to optimize the space you already have. Organize your cabinets by using risers, spice racks, cubbies, or whatever else will help free up more space. 

11. Go For a Lacquered Look 

Just like light colors, a reflective gleam can also work to make your space look bigger than it actually is. Lacquered cabinets are a chic, stylized feature you can use to create the illusion of a larger room. They can boost your style game while also serving as an expansive element. 

12. Lean on Patterns

Another trick to make a space look bigger is to work with patterns. Fun, bold patterns customize your kitchen and help to make it feel more expansive. Install patterned floor tiles, wallpaper, or even cabinets if you really want to add a bit of a funky vibe. 

13. Consider Knocking Down a Wall 

If you’re planning on a large-scale redesign, consider knocking down a wall. You’ll need to assure that there aren’t any structural holds in the wall you have in mind first. If you’re in the clear, get in touch with an accredited renovation company to help you with the project. 

14. Put Up a Mirrored Backsplash  

Create a more expansive look in your kitchen by using mirrors. You can easily put up actual mirrors on the wall but that doesn’t always look natural. Installing mirrored backsplash is a style-forward method to use reflection to create the illusion of a bigger kitchen.  

15. Add a Mobile Bar 

Still searching for a way to gain more counter space? A mobile bar might be the solution for you! Much like a rolling island, a mobile bar can easily be moved around. Some bars can fit right in your doorway and serve as a sort of door for when you move to and from the kitchen.

16. Let Your Sink Double as Prep Space 

Speaking of more prep space, let’s talk about how much precious space your sink takes up. When you’re preparing an involved dinner, you need a lot of room to chop, prepare, and assemble. If you’re constantly juggling bowls and cutting boards, try finding a topper for your sink. You can cover it up when you’re not using it and gain a new place to prep your meals. 

17. Create a Natural Flow 

Does your one-wall kitchen flow into your dining or living area? Well, lean into it. Instead of trying to make them into two separate spaces, find ways to tie them together. Cultivate a flow from the kitchen, to the dining room, to the living room. It will make each of these spaces feel less closed off. 

18. Add a Touch of Green  

Nothing livens up a space like house plants. Incorporate easy plants like pothos, burros tail, or zz plants. It will breathe refreshing energy into the room and help you fall in love with your kitchen. One great look is to put a large plant on top of your refrigerator; this instantly creates a happy, beautiful design element. 

19. Optimize Your Space With a Floating Table 

One last way to gain more countertop space is to install a floating table. Many floating tables can fold down when not in use. This is a wonderful addition to a small kitchen as it will not take up too much space but it can also be a lifesaver when you’re whipping up a big meal.