Get Creative in Your Compact Kitchen with These Remodeling Tips
Are you feeling the squeeze of a tight kitchen space?
Do you need ideas to maximize your space and make your kitchen more functional?
If so, we have some great ideas to ignite your creativity.
Our latest small kitchen remodel guide shows you how to open up your space and get the most out of every inch of your small room.
We look at common challenges when remodeling a small kitchen and how to overcome them with space-saving solutions.
You’ll learn how to revitalize your kitchen without cramping your space.
So, let’s get started with your kitchen remodel in Bangor, ME.
The 5 BIG Hurdles to a Small Kitchen Remodel
1. Not Enough Room for the Toaster
Fitting standard-sized appliances and spacious cabinetry into a small kitchen requires a Tetris-like approach.
You have to shuffle everything around so that they fit together and you can move around.
Balancing functionality with spatial constraints requires meticulous planning.
- Example: Your 120-square-foot kitchen has limited wall space for upper cabinets. You have to choose between a full-sized refrigerator or additional storage.
- Opting for a counter-depth fridge with stainless steel appliances could provide a compromise, enhancing both the aesthetics and functionality of your kitchen. These appliances can contribute to a more open and spacious feel, especially when paired with other reflective surfaces and design elements.
- Creative solutions like a rolling island might be necessary so that you can move around freely.
2. Can’t Get the Work Triangle Right
The kitchen work triangle is the arrangement of the sink, stove, and refrigerator to create an efficient, smooth workflow during meal preparation.
A small kitchen can prevent you from creating optimal distances between the sink, stove, and refrigerator.
Overlapping work zones leads to congestion during meal preparation.
- Example: The refrigerator blocks access to the stove in your galley kitchen.
- You could reposition the appliances to improve your workflow.
- Consider installing a smaller sink or cooktop to free up space.
- Sliding cabinet doors provide better access in tight spaces.
3. The Kitchen Is Dark and Stuffy
Small kitchens suffer from poor natural lighting and ventilation issues.
Small windows restrict daylight and allow little fresh air.
As a result, you rely on artificial lighting solutions and learn to live with poor ventilation when cooking.
- Example: Your kitchen has one small window above the sink. It’s always dark in there, even with overhead lighting. The kitchen constantly smells bad and feels stuffy.
- You might install a skylight to introduce more natural light.
- A downdraft ventilation system could save overhead space.
- Reflective surfaces and strategic lighting placement can brighten the area.
4. Everything Ends Up on the Counter Due to Lack of Storage Space
One of the biggest challenges in a small kitchen remodel is finding more storage solutions inside a limited space already filled up.
You’re trying to utilize every available nook and cranny efficiently but end up putting items on the floors or counters and throwing your hands in the air.
- Example: Your kitchen has limited lower cabinet space due to the plumbing. You can’t extend the cabinets or add storage horizontally because appliances or door openings occupy the wall space.
- You might incorporate pullout storage solutions, such as pull-out pantry units, to narrow the gaps between appliances. These can help manage the abundance of cookware, bakeware, and small appliances, maximizing kitchen space and organization.
- Consider installing hanging pot racks or a pegboard wall for hanging utensils and pans.
- Magnetic knife strips and under-cabinet hooks could free up drawer space.
5. The Kitchen’s Pretty But Doesn’t Work
Creating a visually appealing small kitchen remodel while maintaining functionality presents unique challenges.
You need to select finishes that don’t overwhelm the space.
Incorporating kitchen remodeling trends without cluttering requires a minimalist approach.
Achieving a cohesive look in limited square footage requires thoughtful planning to balance aesthetics and function.
- Example: You want a backsplash that makes a statement. However, adding a vibrant design can overwhelm the entire kitchen.
- You might opt for a subtle pattern to avoid visual overwhelm.
- Choosing light colors for cabinetry could help create an illusion of space and enhance visual interest by utilizing contrast and color schemes. For instance, pairing a dark tiled floor with light cabinetry can create striking statements within the space.
- Hidden storage can highlight other design elements instead of overshadowing them.
9 Small Kitchen Remodel Ideas Perfect for Your Limited Space
When learning how to remodel a kitchen, the goal is to improve your space and function, not take away from it.
You should also prepare by learning how to survive a kitchen remodel so you don’t get stressed.
Below are nine small kitchen remodel ideas to help you get the most out of your small space and avoid common kitchen remodel mistakes.
1. Pull-Out Pantry Shelves
What Is It?
Pull-out pantry shelves are sliding storage units that fit inside existing cabinets or narrow spaces.
They consist of multiple shelves or baskets attached to extendable rails or rollers.
You can customize the shelves to fit various cabinet sizes and accommodate different items.
How Does it Help My Small Kitchen?
Pull-out pantry shelves give you more vertical storage space.
You use every inch of your cabinet more efficiently.
They improve accessibility by bringing items at the back of deep cabinets within easy reach.
Organization systems reduce clutter and make it easier to find your kitchen supplies.
Tips for Implementation
- Measure your cabinet dimensions carefully before installing pull-out shelves for a perfect fit.
- Determine weight capacity when choosing materials and hardware.
- Install adjustable shelves to accommodate items of different heights.
2. Replace Lower Cabinets With Deep Shelves and Open Shelving
What Are Deep Shelves?
Deep shelves are storage units that extend further out from the wall than standard shelves.
They typically measure more than 12 inches deep, often reaching 16 to 24 inches deep.
They’re built from wood, metal, or sturdy plastics to support heavier items.
They may also roll out.
How Does it Help My Small Kitchen?
Deep shelves maximize vertical storage space, allowing you to store more items in a compact area.
They provide easy access to pots, pans, and appliances without digging through cabinets.
Deep shelves eliminate wasted space often found in traditional lower cabinets.
They improve your kitchen organization.
Tips for Implementation
- Measure your space carefully to ensure deep shelves fit without obstructing walkways or appliances.
- Choose adjustable shelf systems to accommodate items of various sizes and adapt to changing storage needs.
- Install pull-out mechanisms on deep shelves to improve accessibility and maximize the extra depth.
3. Movable Kitchen Island
What Is It?
A movable kitchen island is a freestanding unit on wheels that provides additional counter and storage space.
It typically includes a flat surface for food preparation and shelves or drawers underneath.
Movable islands are available in various sizes, styles, and materials to suit different kitchen needs.
Some feature standard butcher block tops, while others utilize luxurious marble countertops.
How Does it Help My Small Kitchen?
A movable island adds a flexible workspace you can position wherever needed in your small kitchen.
It provides extra storage for cookware, utensils, or small appliances.
You can easily roll the island out of the way when you need more floor space.
Tips for Implementation
- Choose a size that fits your kitchen’s dimensions and gives you room to move.
- Look for islands with locking wheels to ensure stability when in use.
- Consider models with features like drop-leaf extensions or built-in electrical outlets.
4. Magnetic Knife Strip or Pegboard
What Is It?
A magnetic knife strip is a wall-mounted bar with strong magnets that hold knives securely in place.
Strips are made of wood, stainless steel, or plastic in different lengths.
Some magnetic strips also feature a textured surface to prevent knives from sliding.
How Does it Help My Small Kitchen?
Magnetic knife strips free up valuable drawer and counter space in a small kitchen.
They keep knives easily accessible while creating a visually appealing display on your wall.
They’re a great solution that protects knife blades from damage caused by jostling in drawers.
Tips for Implementation
- Choose a strip length that fits your wall space and accommodates your knife collection.
- Install the strip at a comfortable height for easy knife retrieval and replacement.
- Consider placing the strip near your primary food preparation area for easy access.
5. Lazy Susans
What Is It?
A Lazy Susan is a rotating platform that fits inside a cabinet, typically in corner spaces.
It consists of one or more circular shelves that spin around a central axis.
Manufacturers produce Lazy Susans in various sizes, materials, and designs to fit different cabinet configurations.
How Does it Help My Small Kitchen?
Lazy Susans maximize storage in hard-to-reach corner cabinets, using otherwise wasted space.
They provide easy access to items stored at the back of deep cabinets with a simple spin.
This organization system reduces clutter and improves efficiency when retrieving kitchen items during meal preparation.
Tips for Implementation
- Measure your cabinet to choose the right size Lazy Susan for optimal fit and function.
- Consider multi-tiered Lazy Susans to increase vertical storage capacity.
- Install a Lazy Susan with a lip or raised edge to prevent items from falling off.
6. Workstation Sink
What Is It?
A workstation sink incorporates various food preparation accessories into its design.
It features a large basin with integrated ledges that support sliding cutting boards, colanders, and drying racks.
Choose from stainless steel or granite composite sinks.
How Does it Help My Small Kitchen?
Workstation sinks combine kitchen tasks into one compact area, saving valuable counter space.
They eliminate the need for separate cutting boards and colanders, reducing clutter in your small kitchen.
The sink streamlines food preparation and cleanup.
Tips for Implementation
- Measure your available space to ensure the workstation doesn’t overwhelm the kitchen.
- Choose a model with accessories that match your cooking habits and kitchen needs.
- Make sure the sink and connected plumbing meets Bangor building codes.
7. Slim, Under-Cabinet Appliances
What Is It?
Slim, under-cabinet appliances are designed to fit beneath your upper cabinets.
Small stainless steel appliances include microwaves, wine coolers, coffee makers, and small dishwashers or refrigerators.
They have reduced depth and height.
How Does it Help My Small Kitchen?
Under-cabinet appliances free up valuable counter space and can also save you money on your small kitchen remodel cost.
They utilize unused space beneath your upper cabinets, making your small kitchen more efficient.
Small stainless steel appliances help you achieve the same tasks while reducing clutter, contributing to a more open and organized kitchen appearance.
Tips for Implementation
- Measure the space beneath your cabinets to ensure proper fit and ventilation.
- Consider the electrical requirements and plan for appropriate outlet placement.
- Choose appliances with front-facing controls and easy-to-read displays.
8. Fold-Down Table or Counter
What Is It?
A fold-down table or counter is a hinged surface that attaches to a wall and can be lowered.
It has a flat top and supporting brackets that lock into place when extended.
It comes in various sizes and materials, including wood, laminate, or stainless steel.
How Does it Help My Small Kitchen?
Fold-down tables provide extra workspace without permanently occupying the floor area in your small kitchen.
You can lower the surface for meal prep or dining, then fold it away to free up space.
You can adapt your kitchen layout to different daily tasks.
Tips for Implementation
- Choose a location that doesn’t interfere with cabinet doors or appliances.
- Install sturdy wall brackets supporting the table’s weight and any items placed on it.
- Consider adding a storage solution nearby to house folding chairs or dining items.
9. Pot Filler Faucet
What Is It?
A pot filler faucet is a specialized water tap installed directly above or near the stove.
It features a long, articulated arm that extends out to reach large pots on the cooktop.
Look for pot fillers with high flow rates and include dual shut-off valves for safety.
How Does it Help My Small Kitchen?
Pot fillers eliminate the need to carry heavy water-filled pots from the sink to the stove.
They save time and effort during meal preparation, especially when cooking pasta or making large batches of soup.
You can use your counter and sink space more efficiently in a small kitchen.
Tips for Implementation
- Install the pot filler at a height that allows it to clear your tallest stockpot when extended.
- Set proper water pressure and install valves for the wall connection and faucet head.
- Hire a professional plumber or Bangor home remodeler to handle the installation.
Bottom Line: The Goal Is to Create a Spacious and Functional Kitchen
When planning a small kitchen remodel, think about ways to give yourself more room to move around.
Add components that create more space and make your area less cluttered.
Instead of filling up the space with more items, try trimming back and incorporating sub-items into the components you already have.
You’ll thank yourself for it later.
Remodel Your Kitchen in Bangor with Springwood Builders
Now that you have a game plan for launching your kitchen remodel, it’s time to choose a partner who can carry you through the process with style and ease.
Springwood Builders has the expertise to handle all kitchen remodeling needs, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.
Fill out our contact form today, or call for an estimate on professional kitchen remodeling in Bangor.
