A small kitchen remodel typically costs between $10,000 and $25,000, with the average homeowner spending around $15,000 to completely transform their compact cooking space. The good news? Small kitchens are actually easier to remodel than large ones—and every smart upgrade you make has a bigger visual impact.
Whether you’re working with a galley kitchen, an L-shaped layout, or just a cozy corner, these 14 small kitchen remodel ideas will help you maximize every inch. You’ll discover clever storage tricks, budget-friendly upgrades, and design secrets that make small kitchens feel spacious and stylish. Let’s turn your tiny kitchen into the heart of your home!
Why Small Kitchens Are Actually Great for Remodeling
Before you feel limited by your square footage, here’s a secret: small kitchens have some big advantages when it comes to remodeling.
Less Space Means Lower Costs
With fewer square feet to cover, you’ll spend less on flooring, countertops, and paint. Your budget stretches further, which means you can afford nicer materials without breaking the bank. A stunning marble-look quartz countertop that would cost a fortune in a big kitchen becomes surprisingly affordable in a small one.
Every Change Makes a Big Impact
In an oversized kitchen with 100 square feet of backsplash, a unique tile color or pattern can easily look overwhelming. But in a small kitchen, bold is often better. That pop of color or interesting texture becomes a focal point rather than an eyesore.
Faster Project Timeline
Small kitchen remodels take around six to nine weeks to complete—much faster than larger projects. Less demolition, less installation, and less waiting means you’ll be cooking in your new kitchen before you know it.
1. Go Vertical With Floor-to-Ceiling Cabinets
Floor-to-ceiling cabinets are becoming a favorite choice for homeowners looking to maximize kitchen storage. They eliminate “dead space” that typically sits above standard cabinetry and transform it into usable storage.
Why Tall Cabinets Work
Installing upper cabinets all the way to the ceiling helps create extra storage while giving your kitchen a sleek, cohesive look. Store rarely used items—like holiday cookware or special occasion dishes on the highest shelves. Keep everyday items at eye level.
Add Pull-Down Mechanisms
For added convenience, include pull-down shelving mechanisms. These allow you to access high cabinets without the need for a step stool, making even the tallest storage spaces practical and safe.
If you’re looking for more storage inspiration, check out our guide on pantry organization ideas to keep your newly organized kitchen running smoothly.
2. Install a Mobile Kitchen Island
Don’t let size limitations hold you back! Opt for a compact island on wheels for flexibility, or consider a peninsula that extends from a wall.
The Benefits of Rolling Islands
A mobile kitchen island can serve multiple purposes—extra prep space, storage, or even a dining area. This flexibility allows you to adapt your kitchen layout as needed while maximizing utility without committing to a permanent fixture.
When you need more counter space for a big cooking project, roll it out. When you’re hosting guests, push it against the wall to open up the floor. It’s like having two kitchen layouts in one.
Choose the Right Size
For small kitchens, look for islands that are 36 to 48 inches long. Anything bigger will make your kitchen feel cramped. Make sure you have at least 36 inches of clearance on all sides for comfortable movement.
3. Replace Upper Cabinets With Open Shelving
Open shelves make small kitchens feel airy and inviting. They’re perfect for displaying stylish dishware, glass jars, or plants, adding character while keeping essentials within reach.
The Pros and Cons
Some designers avoid open shelves due to dust, but in small kitchens they can keep your most-used items handy while visually expanding the space. The key is mixing them with closed storage for balance.
Open shelving creates the illusion of more depth. Your eye travels past the shelf to the wall behind, making the room feel larger. Just keep them organized—messy shelves will have the opposite effect!
Styling Tips for Open Shelves
Use matching containers for a cohesive look. Stick to a color palette of two or three colors. Leave some breathing room between items—don’t cram the shelves full. Add one or two decorative pieces like a small plant or cookbook.
4. Choose Light Colors That Reflect Light
To make a small kitchen look and feel bigger, use light colors on walls and cabinets, incorporate open shelving, and maximize natural light with large windows or skylights.
Best Colors for Small Kitchens
Light neutrals like white, pale gray, and soft beige reflect more light, creating an airy feel. But you don’t have to stick with boring white. Consider soft sage green, pale blue, or warm cream for a kitchen that feels open but still has personality.
The Dark Cabinet Option
Here’s a surprise: darker shades can also work in small kitchens. Deep hues create a sophisticated and cozy atmosphere. Pair dark cabinets with light countertops to balance the look. The contrast adds depth and makes the space feel intentional, not cramped.
Want more color inspiration? Our guide to kitchen color ideas has plenty of bold options to explore.
5. Add Reflective Surfaces and Mirrors
In 2025, reflective materials like stainless steel are commonly used in contemporary kitchens. Mirrors can also be utilized to create a reflective surface that optimizes light utilization and enhances the perception of space.
Stainless Steel Appliances
The sleek, silvery appearance of stainless steel appliances is great for modern kitchen design. In a small kitchen, stainless steel appliances help to reflect more light and make the space feel bigger.
Mirrored Backsplash
A reflective backsplash enhances the light in your small kitchen. Glossy tiles or mirrored surfaces create the illusion of more space while adding a stylish touch. This design element not only brightens the room but also serves as a focal point.
6. Install Under-Cabinet Lighting
A poorly lit kitchen can feel small and uninviting. Brighten up your small kitchen with integrated lighting that serves both function and style.
Types of Under-Cabinet Lights
Installing lights under the cabinets is the most effective way to illuminate your workspace as you prep, cook, and bake. Since they are mounted to the bottom of the upper cabinets, they are positioned perfectly between you and the countertop which eliminates shadows.
There are several types of lights that can be installed under cabinets:
| Light Type | Best For | Installation |
|---|---|---|
| LED Strip Lights | Even, continuous glow | Easy DIY |
| Puck Lights | Spot illumination | Simple mounting |
| Light Bars | Bright task lighting | Moderate effort |
| Rope Lights | Soft ambient glow | Easy DIY |
Image Prompt 7: Close-up of under-cabinet LED strip lighting illuminating a quartz countertop. The warm white light casts a soft glow on a cutting board with vegetables. The backsplash tiles sparkle in the light.
Don’t Forget Dimmer Switches
Pair your under-cabinet lights with dimmers for mood lighting during dinner parties. This little upgrade looks high-end and improves visibility for cooking while giving you control over the atmosphere.
Learn more about creating the perfect lighting in our article on the 3-layer lighting rule.
7. Use Pull-Out Pantry Cabinets
A pull-out pantry cabinet is a game-changer for small kitchens. These cabinets feature vertical shelves that slide out, offering easy access to items stored at the back.
Maximize Every Inch
Narrow pull-out cabinets can even fit in small gaps between appliances or walls, transforming unused spaces into efficient storage areas. That awkward 6-inch space between your fridge and the wall? It can hold all your spices and oils.
What to Store in Pull-Outs
These slim storage solutions are perfect for spices, canned goods, oils and vinegars, baking supplies, and cleaning products. Everything slides out where you can see it—no more digging to the back of dark cabinets.
8. Replace a Swing Door With a Pocket Door
Replacing a swing door with a pocket door instantly frees up floor area. This single change can make a galley kitchen feel totally different.
How Pocket Doors Help
A traditional swing door needs about 10 square feet of clearance to open. In a tiny kitchen, that’s precious real estate. A pocket door slides into the wall, giving you back that space for a small table, extra counter space, or just room to breathe.
Other Door Solutions
If a pocket door isn’t possible, consider a barn door that slides along the wall, removing the door entirely for an open-concept feel, or a folding door that takes up minimal space.
9. Add a Wall-Mounted Drop-Leaf Table
If you love eating in your kitchen but lack space, consider a wall-mounted drop-leaf table. It’s there when you need it, gone when you don’t.
Breakfast Nook in Tiny Spaces
Carving out a small corner or section to create a cozy breakfast nook provides a space for quick and simple meals. Choose an area near windows for pleasant views while dining casually.
A drop-leaf table mounted to the wall folds flat when not in use. Pull it up for morning coffee, fold it down when you need the floor space for cooking. Add two small stools that tuck underneath, and you have a complete dining area that disappears.
10. Install Corner Cabinet Solutions
Corners in small kitchens often become awkward, unused spaces. Transform them into highly functional storage with the right solutions.
Lazy Susan Magic
By installing corner cabinets with built-in lazy Susans, you can transform hard-to-reach spots into highly functional storage. The rotating shelves allow you to easily access items without digging through piles.
Pull-Out Corner Drawers
For even more efficiency, consider pull-out or swing-out corner cabinet shelves. These provide better access and organization than traditional corner cabinets. No more losing things in the dark back corners!
11. Choose Slim-Profile Appliances
When floor space is limited, look for stools that tuck under counters, slim-profile appliances, and movable carts that can shift as needed.
Apartment-Sized Options
Small kitchen upgrades often include narrow, upright fridges, a four-burner range instead of six, and compact dishwashers. These appliances do the same job while taking up less precious floor space.
Common slim appliance upgrades include:
- Counter-depth refrigerators (saves 6+ inches)
- 24-inch dishwashers (instead of standard 30-inch)
- Slide-in ranges (sleeker look, same function)
- Microwave drawers (frees up counter space)
Built-In Microwave Solutions
Consider a built-in microwave drawer or an over-the-range microwave to free up counter space. Our first thought is a small, narrow depth unit in the uppers for symmetry and easy access for leftover reheats.
12. Update Cabinet Hardware for Instant Impact
Revamp the look of your small kitchen with updated cabinet hardware. Opt for modern handles or knobs in contrasting finishes for a fresh look.
Budget-Friendly Transformation
Swapping out hardware is one of the easiest and cheapest upgrades you can make. New pulls and knobs cost between $3 and $15 each, and you can install them yourself in an afternoon. The visual impact is huge.
Mixing Metals
Kitchen hardware trends of 2025 are seeing a combination of different metal finishes, such as brass, bronze, and nickel. To incorporate mixed metals tastefully, choose one dominant metal finish and complement it with smaller accents in other metals.
For more guidance on this trend, read our article on the golden rule for mixing metals.
13. Create a Pass-Through Window
Small kitchens feel extra stuffy when walls block off the perimeter. You can install a pass-through wall opening into an adjoining dining room to open things up without a full renovation.
Opening Up Without Removing Walls
If you can’t afford to knock down an entire wall, a pass-through is the perfect compromise. It connects your kitchen to the living or dining area, lets in more light, and makes the space feel larger—all without major structural work.
Add a Breakfast Bar
Make your pass-through work harder by adding a counter overhang on the dining room side. Now you have a breakfast bar for quick meals and a serving station for parties.
14. Invest in Custom Storage Solutions
One of the best ways to make your remodeled kitchen truly your own is to customize the storage with unique solutions.
Hidden Storage Heroes
Toe-kick drawers, fold-out pantry racks, and bench seating with hidden compartments can hold more than you expect. The biggest win? Out of sight, out of mind. Your kitchen looks clean while secretly storing everything you need.
Vertical Dividers for Trays and Boards
Tray dividers keep baking sheets and boards organized without eating up valuable drawer space. It’s simple, but incredibly effective. Once you use this kind of setup, you wonder how you ever dealt with stacked, clattering pans before.
Small Kitchen Remodel Cost Breakdown
Planning your budget is crucial. Here’s where your money typically goes in a small kitchen remodel:
| Item | Percentage of Budget | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinets | 28-30% | $2,500 – $15,000 |
| Countertops | 10-15% | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Appliances | 15-20% | $2,000 – $8,000 |
| Flooring | 7-10% | $500 – $2,500 |
| Lighting | 5-10% | $300 – $1,500 |
| Labor | 18-35% | $1,900 – $5,000 |
| Permits | 2-5% | $500 – $1,500 |
Ways to Save Money
Since cabinets take up half of the project’s cost, choose stock cabinets over custom cabinets. Avoid purchasing high-tech appliances with big price tags. Select cost-friendly materials for your countertops and floors like laminate and luxury vinyl. DIY simple projects like painting existing cabinets and installing a backsplash.
Return on Investment for Small Kitchen Remodels
A kitchen remodel can increase home value significantly. According to industry data, homeowners can expect to recoup between 70% to 80% of their kitchen remodel costs when selling their home. Smaller remodels can have a higher ROI, since less cost is invested while still offering valuable enhancements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does a Small Kitchen Remodel Cost?
A small kitchen remodel typically costs between $10,000 and $25,000. Budget remodels start around $5,000-$8,000 with stock cabinets and laminate counters. Mid-range projects run $15,000-$25,000 with semi-custom cabinets and quartz countertops. High-end renovations can exceed $40,000 with custom cabinetry and premium materials.
How Long Does a Small Kitchen Remodel Take?
Most small kitchen remodels take six to nine weeks to complete. Simple cosmetic updates (painting, new hardware, lighting) can be done in one to two weeks. Major renovations involving plumbing or electrical work take longer.
Do Open Shelves Make a Small Kitchen Look Bigger?
Yes, they create a more open and airy feel—just be mindful of clutter. Keep items organized and use matching containers for a cohesive look.
What’s the Best Layout for a Small Kitchen?
The galley layout and L-shaped design work best for small kitchens. Both maximize counter space and keep everything within the classic “work triangle” for easy movement between sink, stove, and refrigerator.
Should I Hire a Designer for a Small Kitchen Remodel?
Hiring a kitchen designer can be a good investment, even for a small kitchen remodel. Designers help optimize space, select the best materials, and avoid costly mistakes. Although this adds to the upfront cost (typically 3% of budget), it can lead to better long-term results.
Final Thoughts
Your small kitchen isn’t a limitation—it’s an opportunity. With smart planning and the right upgrades, you can create a cooking space that’s both beautiful and functional. Start with one or two changes that excite you most. Maybe it’s finally getting those floor-to-ceiling cabinets. Perhaps it’s adding that gorgeous under-cabinet lighting. Or maybe it’s time to swap out that old hardware for something fresh.
Remember, small kitchens push us toward our most clever solutions. Every inch matters, so make every inch count. Whether you’re doing a complete overhaul or making strategic updates, these 14 small kitchen remodel ideas will help you create the kitchen you’ve always wanted—without needing more square footage.
Ready to start your small kitchen transformation? Pick your favorite idea from this list and take the first step today!
For more home improvement inspiration, explore our guide to sustainable kitchen upgrades that boost both style and home value.
