Small Kitchen Remodel

Considerations when remodeling a small kitchen

Before getting serious about your kitchen remodel, it’s important to take stock of a few elements:

Budget

As you begin to define the scope of your project, establish and observe a budget from the outset to mitigate stress down the road. When you choose to work with Refresh, your local Remodeling Consultant will advise you on how to best allocate your budget for your small kitchen remodel.

Kitchen layout

What does your current kitchen floor plan look like? An intentional layout can make a world of difference in a small kitchen by creating ease and efficiency. If changes need to be made, your Remodeling Consultant will help you map out the best solutions for your home.

Goals for your kitchen

When you envision your finished kitchen, do you see a space where you’ll be preparing large meals, heating up takeout, or even something in between? This consideration is key when it comes to designing and remodeling your small kitchen to have ample workspace and storage for your lifestyle needs.

Why choose Refresh?

We are here to guide you through your small kitchen remodel from start to finish. During your initial consultation, you’ll meet a local Remodeling Consultant who will walk you through our curated 5-step renovation process and discuss your small kitchen ideas. 

After going through working drawings with you, confirming both design and budget, and obtaining any permits needed for your remodel, your Remodeling Consultant will begin to assemble materials and contractors for the construction phase. 

Our Refresh team has access to a network of trusted suppliers and tradespeople to work on your kitchen. Your Renovation Consultant will serve as your single point of contact for the duration of your project, and act as a liaison between you and the team of contractors working on your home. In addition, you can stay informed on every step of the remodeling process through an intuitive online customer portal. 

Once construction is complete, your Renovation Consultant will make sure that all documentation has been filed so that your new kitchen is code-compliant. And finally, it will be time to relax and enjoy your transformed small kitchen!

Tips for small kitchen makeovers

Maximize space with a small kitchen redesign by focusing on a few key features:

Optimize your space

An efficient kitchen requires the right kind of floor plan. A few layout styles that suit smaller kitchens include:

• Galley kitchen: This parallel layout features two countertops and a narrow corridor. This style can make food prep, cooking, and cleaning so much easier. 
• L-shape kitchen: Ideal for small condos or apartments, this layout maximizes storage, countertop space, and barstool seating. 
• U-shape kitchen: Add an extra countertop to an L-shaped kitchen and you get a U-shape. And these floor plans don’t require a lot of extra space, either! This open, free-flowing floor plan also includes countertop dining.

Small kitchen storage solutions

Ample storage is key for a small kitchen so that your countertops remain free of clutter. Vertical shelving with pull-out shelves and drawers creates more space for your dishes, spices, and small appliances. Likewise, an appliance garage is a convenient way to keep your coffee maker, toaster, and other small appliances plugged in on the counter, but concealed when not in use.

Open shelving options

This feature is as much about storage as it is style. Open shelves can showcase your collection of cookware, dishes, and other types of decor. Add some depth to your small kitchen shelving with LED light strips for a cool modern look.

Find you light

Lighting has a massive impact on a small space. Create depth and interest with layered light sources. Windows, glass doors, and skylights bathe your kitchen in highly-coveted natural light. Hanging pendant lights create an eye-catching focal point, while LED strips under cabinets and shelving add another dimension to your kitchen lighting.

Neutral color palette

Whites and light neutral colors for walls, cabinets, countertops, and floors can reflect light around your kitchen for an open and airy feel. Darker colors, which tend to absorb the light, can make a small room feel cramped. 

Process of a small kitchen remodel

Learn the steps of how to remodel a small kitchen. Your local Renovation Consultant will guide you through the following stages:

Design

This is where you choose the layout to best suit your needs and current space.

Flooring

Care to upgrade your flooring? Your Renovation Consultant will help you find the best options, whether that’s timber, tile, laminate, or stone.

Painting

Small kitchens benefit from a light color palette to reflect light around the room. 

Appliances

A kitchen remodel is a great opportunity to upgrade your large appliances with slimmer models that take up less space. For smaller kitchen appliances, consider alternative storage solutions like an appliance garage or deep drawers.

Features

If your focus is to create an expansive, light-filled kitchen, you might want to consider installing larger windows or a skylight feature. Sculptural pendant lights over your island can have a stunning impact on the look and feel of your kitchen. 

Benches

Benchtops also draw the eye in a kitchen, so consider the materials you choose and how they add to the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. 

Storage

Design your small kitchen with storage in mind. Think ample cabinetry, drawers, and shelves. 

Lighting

Consider your current sources of light and how best to use lighting to create a sense of spaciousness in your kitchen.

How much does a small kitchen remodel cost?

Several factors influence the cost of remodeling a small kitchen. The scope of your project plays a major role, as do the kinds of materials you choose. Your Renovation Consultant will provide you with a cost assessment and work with you to stay within your budget.

Small kitchen remodeling ideas and inspiration

Take a look at these remodeled small kitchens that Refresh worked on in the Northwest:

Small kitchen remodel in Portland

• Floating wood shelving
• Rack to hang pots and pans
• Bright white Shaker cabinetry

Small kitchen remodel in Oregon

• White countertops and backsplash
• Central island with gas stovetop and seating
• Statement light features

Small kitchen remodel before and after photos

Before:

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After:

Ready to start designing your small kitchen?

Get in touch with us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and speak with a local Renovation Consultant about your ideas for your small kitchen remodel.