This post is all about small kitchen remodel ideas.
Are you planning to remodel your small kitchen on a budget? You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how a compact space can spark a wealth of creative ideas. In this article, we share our top picks for budget-friendly small kitchen solutions that you can implement right away. Discover how clever space utilization, cabinet makeovers, creative ceiling designs, and unexpected patterns can transform your kitchen, making every inch count without breaking the bank.
Before we dive in, you’ll be amazed at how affordable upgrades can give your kitchen a high-end look. The ideas we’re about to reveal will prove just that.
Small kitchen remodel
Here’s what we’ll explore:
- Optimal placement for items in a small kitchen
- Effective organization for pots and pans
- Top strategies for arranging small cabinets
- Solutions for organizing a small kitchen without a pantry
- The benefits of decluttering your kitchen
- Smart methods for organizing kitchen drawers
- How to make the most of the space under the sink
1. Space saving
In a tiny kitchen, using every bit of space effectively is key. A smart layout can make a small kitchen feel surprisingly spacious. Starting with white cabinets is a great move—they not only make the room feel larger but are also usually more affordable than colored ones. In addition, white cabinets looks classic and gives bright look that never goes out of trend.
To make the most of your limited space, think about using your walls. Wall-mounted shelves and cabinets are perfect for storing dishes and glassware. Open shelving is another great option; it keeps your most-used items within reach while making the space feel more open and airy.
2. Compact Kitchen, Grand Style: Budget-Friendly
Transforming a small kitchen into elegant and functional space don’t have to break your bank. Imagine changing your kitchen into a place where every meal feels special, without stretching your budget. Start with a fresh coat of light, airy paint—this simple change can work wonders, brightening up the space and making it feel more open and welcoming.
Consider some affordable storage solutions like wall-mounted shelves and cabinets. Adding sleek, modern fixtures can give your kitchen a perfect look without investing too much.
Open shelving not only keeps your favorite items within easy reach but also creates a sense of openness and charm. By making these thoughtful, affordable updates, you can transform your compact kitchen into a space that’s both practical and full of style, all this while keeping your finances in budget.
3. Repainting
Another budget-friendly option to enhance your small kitchen is to apply a fresh coat of paint. A new paint job can quickly elevate your kitchen from drab to dazzling without costing a fortune.
Choose colors that complement your style and take the time to properly prepare the space before you start painting.
This investment of effort will pay off in a beautifully refreshed look that transforms your kitchen’s atmosphere.
4. Budget-Friendly White Kitchens
Embrace your kitchen elegance with a budget-friendly white kitchen. White cabinets, countertops, and backsplashes offer a versatile and polished look that never goes out of style.
A white color scheme can brighten up your space, make it feel more spacious, and create a welcoming atmosphere.
Discover how this classic palette can transform your kitchen into a room that feels both perfect and inviting.
5. Use Your Oven if Need Be
Feeling like you’re running out of space? Try using your oven for storage! Remember how Carrie from Sex and the City used her oven to stash her sweaters? Well, you can use that idea—just not for sweaters!
In our new apartment, we don’t have a great spot for baking sheets.
Instead of searching for a place, we will be storing them in the oven. It’s a handy spot for baking sheets, muffin tins, and even pans if you are short on space.
Just don’t forget to take them out before you start cooking!
6. Ditch the plastic bags
You know how many pantry items come in plastic bags these days? While they’re handy because they’re resealable, they can be a real hassle to store. To keep your cupboards neat and organized, consider ditching those bags and moving your items into containers.
Start by finding a pantry container system that fits your shelves. Measure your shelves to see what will fit, then take stock of what you need to store.
Finally, think about your space. If you have a lot of items, a lazy Susan might be a good choice, with round jars like mason jars working well.
If you have just a straight shelf, containers like the OXO Good Grips ones could be perfect.
7. Condense What You Can
Is there something in your kitchen that seems to take up way too much space? For me, it was my tea boxes. I’m a big tea lover and had collected quite a variety, but those boxes were cluttering up my kitchen. When Horderly helped us out last time, they brought in some tea canisters, and wow—what a difference! They saved so much space.
Take a look at your kitchen and see if there’s anything you can simplify or condense. Here are a few things I’ve done:
- Remove bags of crackers from their boxes. This frees up a lot of space.
- Combine spice bottles: It cuts down on clutter and keeps everything organized.
- Put matcha supplies in a single small container. This keeps everything together and makes it easy to find.
If you have something in your kitchen that’s bothering you, let me know in the comments! Either I or someone from the Horderly team will be happy to share some tips.
8. Make a plan for what will go back where
It’s often the case that things look worse before they get better! Now is the perfect time to start reorganizing. Begin by giving your drawers and cabinets a thorough cleaning before you start refilling them.
Before you start putting items back, make a strategic plan. You’ve already sorted your items into categories, but the best approach to organizing your kitchen cabinets is to consider the frequency of use. Think about which items are used most often and which ones you might want to keep visible. Save the most frequently used and aesthetically pleasing items for last, as these should be easily accessible and prominently displayed.
Consider the layout of your kitchen as well. “Take into account how your kitchen is set up,” advises Siân Pelleschi, president of APDO and founder of Sorted!. “Is it convenient to make a cup of tea, cook dinner, or have breakfast? Think about where your utensils need to be for optimal convenience and what additional storage solutions you might need—like hooks on walls or inside cabinets or freestanding internal shelves to better utilize cabinet space.”
Draw inspiration from beautifully designed spaces and incorporate stylish storage solutions that not only enhance the look of your kitchen but also make frequently used items more accessible. For example, a rail above your stovetop can free up valuable cabinet space and keep essential tools within easy reach.
9. Make the most of your drawer organization.
Drawers can be a valuable asset in an apartment kitchen when properly utilized and organized. Often, they end up as a catch-all for infrequently used or forgotten items.
The secret to maintaining a well-organized kitchen drawer? Dividers. According to Caroline Caron Dhaouadi, founder of Homefulness, “Kitchen drawers come in various widths and depths and can easily become cluttered if items are allowed to shift around freely.
A quick and effective solution to keep your kitchen drawers tidy is to use expandable drawer dividers. These versatile tools let you create custom-sized compartments within a drawer and can be adjusted whenever you reorganize.”
10. Make shelving work harder
Organizing kitchen shelves is often one of the most enjoyable parts of kitchen organization because it offers a clear view of your progress. While neat kitchen drawers are satisfying, they don’t receive the same level of attention. Shelves, on the other hand, provide immediate gratification and a visible reward for your efforts.
Striking a balance between style and functionality is key to effective kitchen shelving. As Sarah Hall, Emma Read’s sister, explains, “The original brick wall in Emma’s 1920s bungalow was a feature she wanted to keep exposed. So, instead of covering it up, we installed open shelving. This choice not only enhances accessibility and display but also offers ample storage for ceramics and attractive kitchenware that you don’t want to hide. Deep drawers for pots and pans were also prioritized over traditional cupboards.”
Jen and Mar, founders of Interior Fox, emphasize the importance of combining aesthetics with practicality when arranging kitchen items. “Glassware and glass pieces always look clean and sparkling on shelves, while colorful ceramics add texture and visual interest. We aim for a cohesive look on styled shelves—so if you display a teapot, consider adding a jar of loose tea and some mugs alongside it for a more coordinated arrangement.”
Conclusion
A small kitchen remodel can breathe new life into one of the most important spaces in your home. By carefully selecting materials, optimizing layout, and incorporating smart storage solutions, you can maximize functionality and style in your small kitchen. Whether you choose to update your cabinetry, install new countertops, or enhance lighting, every element contributes to the overall impact of your small kitchen remodel. Ultimately, a well-planned small kitchen remodel not only enhances your cooking experience but also increases the value of your home, making it a worthwhile investment. Embrace the possibilities of a small kitchen remodel to create a space that truly reflects your culinary needs and personal style.
I hope you find this article on small kitchen remodel useful!