4 Kitchen Remodel Ideas that Will Take You from Cramped to Efficient

 Besides the bathroom, the kitchen is arguably one of the most used and most important rooms in your home. Functionality is a factor that can’t be overlooked when it comes to being able to get the most out of your kitchen. However, many kitchens are small and cramped, making for a less than desirable cooking and eating experience. Does yours make you feel like you’re cooking in a closet? Then it may be time to start thinking about a kitchen remodel. If you can’t afford to add more square footage in the form of an addition, not to worry. There are plenty of remodels that can be done to take your kitchen from cramped to efficient without adding extra space. Below we’ve listed 4 ideas to get you started.

1. Create a feeling of openness

If there’s an adjoining wall separating your kitchen and dining room, consider having it removed to open up the space. If you don’t want to part with the whole wall, you can also remove a section of it, and use that space to install a breakfast counter that can double as more dining space and an additional place for food prep. Backless stools that can be tucked underneath the counter also provide another seating option without taking up more space.

If parting with a wall isn’t the best design choice for the layout of your home, there are other ways to make your kitchen feel more open. Cupboards can make an already small kitchen feel more boxed in. Instead, have your top cupboards replaced with open shelving to create a more spacious feel while still having a place to store all your dishes and glassware. If your kitchen has a darker color scheme, repainting with lighter colors can also help it feel less closed in.

2. Consider a different layout

If you’re looking around your kitchen with no idea where to start, you may want to think about changing up your layout completely. This is a more in depth renovation, but it’s worth it if it will make your kitchen functional. Consider going with a galley style layout to make the space you have as efficient as possible, with cabinetry and storage on one side, and appliances on the other.

Creating a sense of unity between rooms can also make your kitchen feel larger without adding any square footage. This can be achieved by matching the flooring of your kitchen to that of the adjoining room. The same effect is also achieved with sharing the same design and color schemes between rooms.

3. Look at your lighting 

Lighting is crucial in every room of your home, and your kitchen is no exception. A dimly lit kitchen with little space can be a nightmare to cook in. Recessed lighting is one option to save space, but it isn’t your only option. Consider under cabinet lighting as well to brighten up any counter space you have.

If you have a low ceiling that isn’t suited for pendant lighting, flush mount lighting can provide you with overhead light without making your space feel more claustrophobic. This type of overhead light attaches to the ceiling with little to no space between the light fixture and the ceiling itself.

4. Utilize every inch of space 

This applies to the vertical space in your kitchen, as well as revamping your cabinets and cupboards to have as much space as possible. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to maximize this space. Have pull out shelves installed in cabinets for easy access to pots and pans, or utilize wire racks to double the space in your cupboards. Make the most of your vertical space with stacked cabinets, and have small cubbies or a shelf installed in usually overlooked spaces, like above your sink.

If you’re lacking cabinet space, have a hanging pot rack installed for the larger pots and pans you use often. You can also use the walls for hanging cooking utensils or knives to free up more counter space. With planning and a little innovation, the options even in a small kitchen can be endless. By using every inch of space, and having a designated place for everything you need, your kitchen will be far more enjoyable to use, and will go from uncomfortably cramped to cozy, yet efficient.

Looking for more remodeling ideas to make your home more enjoyable? Feel free to contact us! Our team of design-build contractors will work with you to find the best design solutions to suit your needs.