Kitchens are the heart and soul of our homes with studies suggesting individuals like you and I spend over 1000 hours a year in there. And the figure isn’t surprising; after all, from sipping on your morning coffee to enjoying your favorite meal with family and friends, kitchen is where you do it all.
In fact, this is exactly why kitchens are among top focus areas when it comes to interior design and aesthetics.
Unfortunately, nearly 50 percent of all kitchens are either old or lack aesthetic appeal. This is especially true for smaller kitchens that feature the most rudimentary design and call for a custom kitchen remodel.
And if yours is one such space, you’re at the perfect place as I’ve shared the best small kitchen remodel designs for your taste. Be it a complete small kitchen remodeling or a smaller upgrade, I’ve shared my expert tips to help you maximize both space and visual appeal.
So read on and find the best kitchen remodel ideas for small kitchen units.
The best small kitchen remodel design trends in 2024
1. Good old open shelving
In the age of modern closed cabinetry, one would hardly recall the time when open kitchen shelving was both practical and chic. And while I am not suggesting open shelving as an alternative to cabinets since the latter is almost indispensable to contemporary kitchens, they can certainly co-exist.
For those of you who are new to open shelving, this is a design trend where kitchen shelves are left without cabinet doors.
You see, not only do open shelves provide easy access to kitchen essentials but they also let you showcase your designer dishes and decorative pieces.
Not to mention, these shelves also create spacious and airy aesthetics by increasing overall visual space.
Now, the best way you can make the most out of open shelves is by installing them above the sink or dishwasher. At the same time, you can replace the remaining kitchen cabinets with compact custom built cabinets designed specifically for your storage and cooking requirements.
2. Vertical cabinets (perfect to remodel small kitchen for functionality)
For folks who prefer a fully-functional yet low-maintenance kitchen, open shelving might not be the way to go. After all, you like the convenience of closed cabinets and handy utensils over open shelves that need constant cleaning and care.
And to that end, vertical cabinets are apt for small kitchen remodeling since they offer unmatched utility by allowing you to optimize your kitchen storage area.
At its very basic, vertical cabinetry consists of narrow cabinets that start at the bottom (or above the dishwasher) and go up to the ceiling. This is one such design trend that lets you maximize the vertical space that is often unutilized but can be gold for a small condo kitchen, among others.
Herein, you can keep your daily essentials at a handy place while tucking away holiday dishes, bulky kitchen appliances, etc., on the upper shelves. Also, these cabinets create a much cleaner, organized, and roomy aesthetic.
Interesting, isn’t it?
3. Mirror magic for tiny kitchen remodel
Being an interior design enthusiast myself, I’ve a bias for mirrors, more so for kitchen and bathroom remodeling. But I’ll go beyond my personal opinion and stick to what seasoned interior designers say about mirror use for small kitchen reno.
As per designer Ashley Whittaker’s commentary in the New York Times, ‘a mirror is a great way to expand space, add light and enhance the overall visual interest of the room.’
This is especially true for tiny kitchens where the use of a mirror or mirrored surface like backsplash creates an illusion of extra space. In fact, when placed with the right design strategy, mirrors reflect both natural and artificial light, which, in turn, make your kitchen appear brighter and more open.
The psychology here is pretty straightforward: Mirrors reflect nearby elements and create a sense of depth, tricking you into believing that the space is much larger.
4. Kitchen island = MasterChef’s paradise
While visual appeal and additional storage have all takes, lack of adequate cooking and dining spaces are the biggest problems small kitchens have. Thus enters a kitchen island, your go-to small kitchen remodel solution to simply double the functional area.
How, you might wonder?
For starters, a kitchen island provides extra counter and storage space. And for small kitchens, this usually comes in the form of a mobile kitchen island, something you can roll out when needed and later tuck away.
In fact, from providing extra counter space for prepping meals to serving as a casual dining area to being an add-on storage section, kitchen islands do it all. This makes them ideal for remodeling a small kitchen with limited floor space.
5. Skylight to maximize natural light
You’ll agree when I say that there’s nothing better than natural light to make a space look more open and inviting.
Unfortunately, a lot of tiny and small kitchens lack adequate natural lighting since the windows are either too small or non-existent.
The solution: Skylight.
You see, skylights let plenty of natural light in from the above and brighten up your kitchen even if there’s no window at all. Think of them as a window in the ceiling that lets sunlight in through the day and turns into your favorite stargazing spot by the night.
Sounds awesome, doesn’t it?
Apart from saving energy, natural light also has an overall positive effect on your mood and wellbeing, making skylights worthwhile for a tiny kitchen makeover.
6. Light and minimal colors
Gone are the days of darker hues like avocado green and burnt orange as kitchen and living area colors. So, unless you want the area to replicate a vintage motel, take my advice and remodel your small kitchen using a light color scheme and minimal design.
Just like mirrors and natural light, lighter colors make compact spaces like a small condo kitchen look way bigger.
For instance, light shades like plain white or pastel hues will reflect natural light. And this will make your kitchen look brighter and airier, creating that feel of increased space.
Similarly, you can pair light colors with natural wood tones to add depth and make the space look warm and aesthetically pleasing.
7. Concealed appliances
Hiding appliances behind cabinet doors starred as a bathroom design trend where interior designers would carefully conceal appliances like dryers and geysers. Nevertheless, this is fast becoming a kitchen remodeling trend.
Talking about kitchen remodel for small kitchen units, this is even more practical. That’s because a large chunk of space in these kitchens consists of exposed dishwashers, ovens, fridge, etc., which together lower the visual appeal of paint and woodwork.
The idea is simple: You’ll conceal all these appliances behind custom cabinet doors that match your overall kitchen design. As a result, you’ll achieve a consistent aesthetic and reduced visual clutter.
8. Breakfast nooks top small kitchen remodel designs
There’s nothing new with breakfast nooks. In fact, they’ve been around for years now.
But what makes them top list after list of small kitchen upgrade ideas is the unmatched functionality they offer.
You see, breakfast nooks can be designed to offer versatility like kitchen islands.
How?
Picture a small and cozy dining spot for quick and on-the-go mooring coffee and light bites. But unlike your dining area, this breakfast nook can be tucked away under the shelves and even be used for additional storage.
Now, that’s fascinating for sure, isn’t it?
9. Patterned tile accent wall
Does something visually appealing yet practical cross your mind when thinking about renovating a small kitchen?
If yes, an accent wall made using patterned tile is your go-to design trend to remodel small kitchen.
Accent walls are known for enhancing depth and visual appeal in spaces like kitchens and dining areas. And when done using patterned tile, you can also add an element of practicality.
For instance, not only do patterned tiles increase aesthetic value but they also protect from spills and splash damages.
10. Glass-front cabinets (the best of open shelves and solid cabinetry)
So, open shelving is too impractical for you, but you also find solid wood cabinets boring?
Well, you’re not alone, I’ve been there too.
For me, glass-front cabinets turned out to be an absolute savior, offering the best of both worlds.
These transparent glass panels create an open and airy ambiance by allowing light to pass through. Also, they offer a glimpse into your cabinet’s interior elements like designer kitchenware.
As such, you can break the monotony of solid wood cabinetry and have a sophisticated touch all while avoiding the impracticality of open shelves.
11. Extended flooring
As the name suggests, extended flooring is all about extending the same flooring from a nearby room into your kitchen. And this is based on a smart interior design hack that helps you create a seamless transition between different areas of your home.
For instance, let’s say the room closest to your kitchen has hardwood flooring. In this case, your kitchen flooring will use the same design and material, instead of having a different flooring style.
This small kitchen remodel design is all about less is more where an uninterrupted flow of flooring helps unify the space and reduce visual space as much as possible.
12. Sliding doors are space savers and aesthetic
I often get small kitchen remodeling clients who are adventurous and in for a bit of risk-taking. And among all things kitchen redesign, I also suggest they go for sliding doors featuring an exquisite design.
Here’s why sliding doors make a difference:
Picture a barn door in your kitchen that slides rather than swings. Now, this door is a great way to save up space while also creating a unique aesthetic appeal.
After all, traditional doors are quite cumbersome to operate in tight spaces. Plus, they also don’t fit with tiny kitchen remodel designs.
13. Ceiling-mounted pot rack
Kitchen wall rack for hanging pots, pans, aprons, and other utensils for efficient organization, storage and decor
Stuffed cabinets and lack of space to store essential kitchen utensils is a constant struggle for small kitchens. And that’s exactly why ceiling-mounted pot racks re-emerging in the small kitchen reno trend.
You see, among all small kitchen makeover ideas, a ceiling-mounted pot rack offers an efficient yet elegant way to free up your cabinet space. Herein, you hang pots and pans overhead instead of in the cabinets, which easily makes room for other essentials.
Space apart, pot racks also add a rustic old school charm to your kitchen, turning it into a visually appealing spot.
Small kitchen remodel: Frequently asked questions
How to remodel a small kitchen for efficiency and functionality?
I am often asked, ‘how do I remodel my small kitchen for increased usability?’
And my answer is always this: When it comes to remodeling and optimizing your small kitchen for increased functionality and efficiency, less is more should be your rule of thumb.
For instance, if you’re looking for increased functionality in a rather cramped space, I suggest you go with installing a mobile kitchen island. That’s because when it comes to renovating a small kitchen, these foldable shelves offer much needed additional room for cooking, light meals, and even storage.
Similarly, vertical cabinets and pot racks, among others, offer unmatched efficiency for both day-to-day use as well as storage.
How much does it cost to remodel small kitchen?
The cost of remodeling a small kitchen is something that’ll be on top of your mind. But let me tell you that there’s no fixed price range or average kitchen remodeling cost.
As such, the exact cost will depend on your own kitchen remodel ideas for small kitchen plus the total size of the area.
However, as per my latest Long Island market insights, I can put the estimate of small kitchen remodel anywhere between $5,000 and $30,000.
Herein, the smaller upgrades such as open shelving or pot racks will cost you on the lower end. But major renovations like installing a skylight or changing kitchen flooring can easily take the price tag to the higher end.
For instance, this New York Times article breaks down the cost of kitchen remodel essentials like cabinets, panels, etc. You can refer to this to know a broad range of what remodeling materials cost.
Which small kitchen remodel designs can make your kitchen look bigger?
That cramped and claustrophobic feel is commonplace in small kitchens. Nevertheless, with the right strategy and smart small kitchen makeover ideas, you can make the space look way bigger than it actually is.
For instance, you can install mirrors around the area, which will reflect light and create a sense of extended space.
Similarly, you can make your kitchen color neutral and let plenty of natural light through large windows and skylights. This will make your kitchen appear more roomy and airy.
What is the best tiny kitchen remodel layout?
If you’re considering the best layout for a new tiny kitchen or an existing kitchen remodel, I’d strongly suggest you choose between Galley and L-shaped layouts.
You see, these layouts are known for maximizing space. Plus, you can also ensure all the kitchen essentials are within your reach.
To sum up
As you can see, a small kitchen remodel is all about making the most out of existing space to maximize both functionality and visual appeal. And to that end, these thirteen design trends offer you the best of both worlds.
In fact, I’ve carefully shortlisted these designs from the top 100 latest kitchen design trends. I did so with one thing in mind: Even the smallest kitchens should look elegant and be efficient spaces for enjoying your meal with your loved ones.
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In short, we’ve got all your kitchen remodel requirements, among others, covered.