Let’s be honest—when you’re working with a small kitchen, it can feel like you’re playing an endless game of Tetris every time you try to cook dinner. Between the limited counter space, the overflowing cabinets, and that awkward corner you can never quite reach, it’s easy to feel like your kitchen is working against you rather than with you.
After years of transforming compact kitchens, Hive Kitchen Remodeling has learned size isn’t everything. Some of the most beautiful, functional kitchens they’ve created have been in spaces that initially seemed impossibly small. The secret? It’s all about working smarter, not bigger.
Whether you’re remodeling your new home in Austin, TX or just got preapproved for your mortgage on a new house, with thoughtful planning and a few clever design strategies, your compact kitchen can become a space you absolutely love spending time in. In this guide, we’ve teamed up with Hive Kitchen Remodeling to share their favorite small kitchen remodel ideas that we’ve seen work wonders for homeowners.
In this article:
1. Go vertical: open shelving for airy appeal
2. Use reflective materials to expand light
3. Choose light, monochromatic color schemes
4. Select smart, space-saving storage solutions
5. Mix function and style with glass cabinet doors
6. Opt for compact, high-efficiency appliances
7. Add visual interest with statement finishes
8. Maximize layout flexibility with multi-functional furniture
9. Illuminate in layers
10. Embrace minimalism
1. Go vertical: open shelving for airy appeal
One of the fastest ways to make a small kitchen feel bigger? Look up. Replacing some or all of your upper cabinets with open shelving instantly creates a more spacious, breathable feel. This design technique visually removes those heavy barriers, allowing your eye to travel freely around the space instead of hitting a wall of closed cabinets.
Now, we know what you might be thinking: “Won’t open shelves just look messy?” Not if you organize the cabinets intentionally. The key is to be selective about what you display.
Design tip: Choose matching dishware or display simple ceramic pieces in coordinating colors to keep open shelves feeling curated rather than cluttered. Think of it as editing a collection—less is often more. A few beautiful bowls can make more impact than a jumble of mismatched items.
Keep in mind: Open shelving isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. If the thought of dusting dishes makes you cringe, consider using open shelving for just one wall or section, and keeping traditional cabinets elsewhere for everyday items.
2. Use reflective materials to expand light
In small spaces, light truly is your best friend—and we mean that literally. The more light you can bounce around your kitchen, the more open and airy it will feel. This is where reflective materials become your secret weapon.
Think about incorporating high-gloss cabinet finishes, glass tile backsplashes, and metallic hardware. These surfaces catch and reflect both natural and artificial light, essentially multiplying the brightness in your space. It’s like adding windows without actually breaking through walls.
Professional insight: A stainless steel backsplash can create incredible depth while adding modern elegance and—bonus—it’s incredibly easy to clean. Just wipe it down and you’re done. We’ve also seen homeowners fall in love with mirrored backsplashes, though these require a bit more maintenance.
Another option: If a full metal backsplash feels too industrial for your taste, consider glossy subway tiles or glass mosaics. They offer that same light-reflecting quality with a softer aesthetic.
3. Choose light, monochromatic color schemes
Color has an enormous impact on how spacious a room feels, and nowhere is this more true than in a small kitchen. Neutral colors—think creamy whites, pale grays, soft blues, or even warm beiges—make a space feel fresh, open, and welcoming. They reflect light (there’s that theme again) and create an impression of airiness.
A cohesive, monochromatic color palette also creates a streamlined visual experience. When everything flows together without jarring color contrasts, your eye isn’t constantly stopping and starting. The result? The space feels larger and more peaceful.
Bonus tip: Try using a slightly darker shade on your lower cabinets to ground the space while keeping upper cabinets or walls lighter. This creates visual interest without overwhelming the room, and it can actually make your ceiling feel higher.
But what if you love color? You don’t have to give up personality for space. Save your bold colors for accent pieces—a vibrant rug, colorful bar stools, or a statement piece of art. You get the visual interest without closing in the space.
4. Select smart, space-saving storage solutions
Let’s talk about storage, because in a small kitchen, every single square inch matters. This is where custom solutions can truly transform how your kitchen functions day-to-day.
Pull-out vertical pantries that slide into narrow spaces, toe-kick drawers that utilize the area beneath your cabinets, corner carousel units that make those awkward spaces accessible—these aren’t just clever ideas, they’re game-changers. Built-in organizers for spices, utensils, and cookware mean everything has a home, and you’re not wasting time (or losing your mind) searching for that one pot lid.
Insider hack: Have you ever considered a drawer under your oven? Many modern ranges accommodate this, and it’s perfect for storing baking sheets and roasting pans. Or how about a hidden vertical spice rack that pulls out from what looks like a standard cabinet? These little touches add up to significant storage capacity without adding any bulk to your kitchen’s footprint.
The real win: When everything has a designated spot, your countertops stay clearer, which makes your kitchen feel—you guessed it—more spacious.
5. Mix function and style with glass cabinet doors
Here’s a design trick that works beautifully in small kitchens: glass-front cabinet doors. They create an illusion of depth, making walls feel like they recede rather than close in. When you can see through to the back of a cabinet, it tricks your brain into perceiving more space.
Pair glass doors with interior cabinet lighting, and you’ve just added a touch of luxury to your small kitchen. The glow creates ambiance while showcasing your prettiest dishes or glassware.
For a sleek look: Not ready to display everything? Frosted, seeded, or ribbed glass offers that same sense of openness with a softer aesthetic, keeping contents subtly obscured. You get the visual benefit without the pressure of keeping everything picture-perfect.
6. Opt for compact, high-efficiency appliances
Gone are the days when smaller appliances meant sacrificing performance. Today’s manufacturers are creating powerful, space-saving options that can do everything their full-size counterparts can—just in a more compact footprint.
An 18-inch dishwasher can handle a surprising number of dishes. A slimmer refrigerator or a counter-depth model maintains clean lines and doesn’t jut out into your walkway. Combination convection microwave ovens give you multiple cooking methods in a single unit. These smart choices free up valuable space without compromising on the functionality you need.
Upgrade consideration: If your appliances need replaced, look into appliances that are designed to blend seamlessly with cabinetry. Panel-ready dishwashers and refrigerators can disappear into your design, creating that streamlined look that makes small spaces feel more cohesive and, therefore, more spacious.
Pro tip: Measure twice, order once. Before falling in love with an appliance, make absolutely sure it fits your space—including the depth, width, and clearance needed for doors to open fully.
7. Add visual interest with statement finishes
Here’s where small kitchens actually have an advantage: they’re the perfect place to go bold with finishes. Since you’re working with less square footage, you can invest more per square foot in high-quality, eye-catching selections without breaking the budget.
A graphic backsplash tile with an intricate pattern, unique brass or copper fixtures, or textured cabinet fronts with interesting grain or detailing—these statement finishes add personality and sophistication to your space. In a larger kitchen, these choices might feel overwhelming or too expensive. In a small kitchen, they create a jewel-box effect that feels intentional and luxurious.
Trend to watch: Handcrafted or artisan tiles are having a moment, and for good reason. They add character and a human touch that mass-produced tiles just can’t match. Matte brass and mixed metal finishes are also beautifully warm and sophisticated, elevating even the simplest kitchen design.
Balance is key: If you go bold with your backsplash, keep cabinets more neutral. If your cabinets are the star, opt for a simpler backsplash. You want interest, not chaos.
8. Maximize layout flexibility with multi-functional furniture
In a small kitchen, flexibility is your friend. Furniture pieces that adapt to your needs can make your space work harder for you throughout the day.
A rolling island can function as prep space while you’re cooking, additional storage for pots and pans, and even a casual dining spot when you pull up a couple of stools. A fold-down dining table attached to a wall can disappear when not in use, freeing up floor space. A slim bar cart can hold your coffee station in the morning and wheel over to become a bar for entertaining in the evening.
Pro move: Look for pieces on wheels or with folding mechanisms. Being able to reconfigure your kitchen based on what you’re doing makes even the smallest space feel more livable and less restrictive.
9. Illuminate in layers
We can’t stress this enough: proper lighting can make or break a small kitchen. A single overhead light just won’t cut it. You need layers of light that serve different purposes and create depth in your space.
Start with task lighting—under-cabinet LED strips are essential for seeing what you’re chopping, stirring, or measuring. Add ambient lighting through recessed fixtures or track lighting to provide overall illumination. Then bring in accent lighting—a beautiful pendant over your island or sink, or wall sconces that add warmth and personality.
Lighting rule: Never rely on only one light source. Layering your lighting not only makes your kitchen more functional, but it also adds dimension and makes the space feel more expansive. Plus, being able to adjust lighting for different times of day or different activities makes your kitchen feel more versatile.
Dimmer switches: These are worth the small investment. Being able to adjust your lighting creates ambiance and makes your kitchen feel more like a living space, not just a utilitarian room.
10. Embrace minimalism
This one might be the hardest for some people, but it’s also one of the most impactful: practice minimalism by keeping your countertops clear. In a small kitchen, clutter is the enemy of spaciousness. When every surface is covered with small appliances, utensil holders, fruit bowls, and random items, even the most beautifully designed kitchen will feel cramped and chaotic.
Guiding principle: If you don’t use it daily, tuck it away. That bread machine you use twice a year? Store it. The fancy mixer you only pull out for special occasions? Find it a home in a cabinet or pantry. Keep out only what you truly use every single day—your coffee maker, maybe a knife block, perhaps a fruit bowl if you actually use it.
The payoff: Clear counters make your kitchen feel calm, organized, and yes—more spacious. It’s amazing what a difference this simple habit can make.
Creating your dream space with small kitchen remodel ideas
Small kitchens pack enormous potential. We’ve seen it time and time again—with the right layout, thoughtful kitchen lighting, beautiful finishes, and smart appliance choices, you can create a space that is as stunning as it is functional. Whether you’re planning a full kitchen remodel or just updating the look and feel of your space, these small kitchen remodel ideas can turn even the most compact kitchen into a space that makes you smile every time you walk into it.
The post 10 Small Kitchen Remodel Ideas: Design Tricks to Make a Compact Space Feel Spacious appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More.
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