10 DIY Kitchen Ideas to Transform Small Spaces: Smart and Creative Ways to Upgrade Your Kitchen on Your Own

One of my funniest kitchen design moments was when a client insisted on having a swing suspended in the middle of her tiny kitchen. My first thought was, “This is either genius or a disaster waiting to happen.” Spoiler: we ditched the swing, but it inspired me to get more creative with how to maximize space. Small kitchens don’t mean small dreams – in fact, they’ve pushed me over the years to come up with some of my smartest solutions. Today, I’m sharing 10 of my favorite DIY kitchen ideas you can try yourself.

1. Floating Shelves Over Windows

I used this trick in a compact city apartment, and it instantly gave more storage without blocking light. You’ll need to measure carefully, but the airy openness is worth it. If you want to test your spatial plan first, try using a room planner to avoid guesswork.

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2. Open Spice Racks

Replacing closed cabinets with open spice shelves gave my client not just easy access, but a dash of café-style charm. The downside? You’ll need to keep things organized unless you’re okay with a ‘lived-in’ look.

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3. Magnetic Knife Strips

Install one above your counter – it frees up drawer space and adds a sleek, professional chef vibe. Just make sure it’s anchored well; a falling knife is no joke.

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4. Rolling Kitchen Island

I once custom-built a narrow rolling island for a couple; it doubled as prep space and a wine cart. The wheels make it ideal for small spaces, and you can tuck it away when guests arrive.

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5. Pegboard Tool Wall

Pegboards aren’t just for garages. You can hang pans, utensils, even baskets of onions. Mid-project, I realized they’re also perfect for swapping items seasonally.

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6. Glass Cabinet Doors

Swapping solid cabinet fronts for glass instantly made a galley kitchen feel bigger. Just note – your chipped mugs will be on full display. Planning changes like these with a free floor plan creator can save you from expensive missteps.

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7. Under-Shelf Lighting

LED strips under shelves add functional light and a cozy ambiance. I love using warm tones – they make even last night’s leftovers look Instagram-worthy.

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8. Vertical Pot Storage

Instead of stacking pots and causing a clatter every time you cook, I once mounted vertical racks inside a pantry door. Works great for cutting boards too.

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9. Pull-Out Pantry Drawers

These are game-changers for deep cabinets. No more expired cans hiding in the back. Just be ready to DIY some precise measurements.

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10. Breakfast Bar Conversion

I turned an unused wall into a slim breakfast bar with stools tucked underneath. If you’re unsure how it will flow with the rest of the space, mock it up in a kitchen layout planner first.

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FAQ

1. What’s the easiest DIY kitchen upgrade? Replacing cabinet handles and adding open shelves are quick wins that require minimal tools.

2. How can I make a small kitchen look bigger? Use light colors, add glass cabinet doors, and consider open shelving to create visual space.

3. Is it worth installing under-cabinet lighting? Absolutely – it improves both functionality and ambiance, and LED strips are affordable.

4. Can I DIY my own kitchen island? Yes, especially if you opt for a rolling style. Just measure for clear walkways around it.

5. What’s a budget-friendly backsplash idea? Peel-and-stick tiles are inexpensive, easy to install, and widely available.

6. Are pegboards safe in a kitchen? Yes, as long as they’re installed securely and you avoid hanging overly heavy items.

7. How do I choose cabinet colors? Light and neutral shades make spaces feel larger, while darker tones add coziness but can shrink a small space.

8. Where can I find layout planning tools? Many online resources exist, including Coohom, where you can explore detailed kitchen design options.