San Diego Kitchen Remodel Company

Small Kitchen Remodeling Design Ideas For 2020


Navigating the challenges of a small kitchen can be daunting, but with the right approach and design insights, it’s possible to transform such spaces into open, inviting, and functional areas.

Sergei Kaminskiy, the owner of Kaminskiy Design and Remodeling, offers a few innovative solutions to make the most out of compact kitchens. Here are three pivotal takeaways from his valuable insights:

  • Optimize Storage: Large overhead cabinets can make a small kitchen feel restricted. Switching to open storage, such as shelves, pot racks, and spice racks, provides easy access to kitchen essentials and creates a sense of spaciousness.
  • Choose Simplified Appliances: Avoid bulky appliances that consume unnecessary space. Opt for simpler alternatives like a stovetop with two burners, a compact microwave, and a toaster. These space-saving appliances ensure a clutter-free kitchen while retaining functionality.
  • Enhance Through Visual Tricks: Incorporate glass and mirror elements to create the illusion of a larger space. These elements introduce “negative space,” which can amplify the perception of roominess. Additionally, upgrading the lighting to softer, warmer hues can further accentuate the spacious feel.

Remember, a beautiful, functional, and welcoming kitchen doesn’t necessarily require ample space—it’s all about the design and how you utilize the available area.

Here are a few ideas that can turn even the smallest kitchen into an open, inviting, and beautiful space.


Make Room for More Space

The biggest obstacle when remodeling a small kitchen is the lack of space. There’s usually not much you can do to make a room more prominent, but you can open it up and make it look larger and more inviting. The best way to do this is to eliminate large overhead cabinets and switch to open storage.

Large cabinets can make a small kitchen feel even smaller and claustrophobic, so they should be among the first things to go. Replace the upper cabinets with shelves, pot racks, hooks, magnetic spice holders, and spice racks. Not only will everything you need be immediately accessible, but you can show off some of your fancier cooking utensils when you have guests.


Keep Things Simple

A small kitchen cannot accommodate large appliances such as a gigantic stove or an equally gigantic washing machine, so what you should have should be small and relatively simple. A stovetop with only two burners will work just as well as one with four, and you can do your dishes in your sink if you only have a few of them.

You can also get by with a smaller microwave and a toaster for quick meal preparation. These smaller appliances will free up plenty of counter and floor space, which is far more valuable than a large state-of-the-art oven.


Add Glass and Mirrors

Adding some glass or mirror elements is a great way to open up a small kitchen and create the illusion of space. This includes glass countertops, glass cabinet doors, and even adding mirrors to your kitchen backsplash. Seeing through some of the objects in your kitchen creates what designers call “negative space,” and it can brighten up a room and make it seem bigger than it is.


Upgrade Your Kitchen Lighting

Kitchens typically have fluorescent lighting, which makes things easy to see but casts a bluish light that impacts the room’s color. It’s also incredibly harsh and doesn’t feel natural in any way. If you have fluorescent lights in your kitchen and want to counteract their effects, hang some pendant lights to provide softer lighting and give everything a more pleasant color.

You can also install some incandescent lighting to create the illusion of space. When installed properly above countertops, these yellowish lights increase the shadowing of the area and give the appearance of a larger space.

These are just a few ideas that you can use to remodel your small kitchen. As much as you may believe that you need to increase the size of a room to give it a proper remodel, all you need to do is create the illusion of size. You don’t need ample space for a beautiful, functional, and welcoming kitchen.

Kaminskiy Design and Remodeling was founded in March 2005 by Sergei and Elena Kaminskiy. They are dedicated to offering you the best, top-quality service in San Diego. We desire you to be a satisfied client from the moment you call until your final home remodel walk-through.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is one of the primary challenges when remodeling a small kitchen?

The biggest obstacle when remodeling a small kitchen is the lack of space.

How can one make a small kitchen look larger and more open?

Eliminate large overhead cabinets and switch to open storage like shelves, pot racks, hooks, magnetic spice holders, and spice racks.

What types of appliances are recommended for small kitchens?

Small and relatively simple appliances are recommended, such as a stovetop with two burners, a smaller microwave, and a toaster.

How can adding glass or mirrors benefit a small kitchen?

Glass or mirror elements can create the illusion of space in a small kitchen by introducing “negative space” and making the room appear brighter and larger.

What is a suggested change to improve kitchen lighting for small spaces?

Replace fluorescent lighting with pendant lights for softer lighting, and consider adding incandescent lighting above countertops to increase shadowing and give the appearance of a larger space.



Posted In - Kitchen Remodel on Oct 22, 2020