10 Renovated Kitchen Ideas You’ll Want to Steal: Small-space friendly tips from my 10+ years in interior design

Last year, a client asked me if we could "make the kitchen look like a French café, but still fit a full drum set." Believe it or not, that bizarre request taught me that small kitchens can actually handle big ideas — it’s just about smart planning. Today, I’m sharing 10 renovated kitchen ideas that I’ve personally used in real projects to help you create a space that’s both functional and full of personality. Small spaces truly push us to be more creative, and trust me, that’s where the magic happens. I even used a room planner to convince that same client their drum set had to, sadly, live in the living room instead.

1. Open Shelving with Character

Instead of rows of upper cabinets, open shelving gives your kitchen an airy feel and a chance to display your favorite cookware or plants. It’s budget-friendly but does mean you’ll need to keep things tidy to avoid visual clutter.

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2. Two-Tone Cabinets

Pairing light upper cabinets with darker lowers can trick the eye into thinking your kitchen is taller. I love using matte navy on the bottom and crisp white on top — it's timeless yet fresh.

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3. Built-In Banquette Dining

If your kitchen shares space with dining, a built-in banquette works wonders for tight corners. The added storage under the bench is a lifesaver for rarely used appliances.

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4. Hidden Appliance Garage

No one loves countertop clutter. A slide-up cabinet or “appliance garage” keeps your toaster, blender, and coffee machine out of sight but within easy reach.

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5. Mirror Backsplash

On one small galley kitchen job, we used an antique mirror backsplash to bounce light and make the space feel double its size. It’s stunning but does need regular cleaning.

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6. Multi-Functional Island

A narrow island can double as prep space, dining table, and storage hub. During one remodel, we designed a rolling version that could be tucked away when needed. For layout visualization, a free floor plan creator was a game changer in communicating the concept to the client.

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7. Vertical Storage Solutions

Use every inch up to the ceiling by installing tall pantry cabinets or hanging pot racks. In compact kitchens, height is your best friend.

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8. Under-Cabinet Lighting

Adding LED strips beneath cabinets not only improves task lighting but also makes your kitchen glow at night. It’s a subtle upgrade with big impact.

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9. Statement Range Hood

Your range hood can be more than a necessity — make it a design feature. I once worked with a client who chose a handcrafted copper hood; it became the kitchen’s focal point. If you’re rethinking your cooking zone, a kitchen layout planner can help nail the proportions.

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10. Compact Fold-Down Table

Perfect for micro-kitchens, a fold-down table mounted to the wall gives you bonus workspace when you need it and folds away when you don’t. I’ve installed these in both urban apartments and tiny vacation cottages.

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FAQ

1. What’s the cheapest way to renovate a kitchen?

Repainting cabinets, swapping hardware, and adding new lighting are low-cost updates that can make a big difference.

2. How do I make my small kitchen feel bigger?

Light colors, reflective surfaces, and open shelving can all create an illusion of space.

3. Are two-tone cabinets still in style?

Yes — they’ve become a modern classic and work well for adding depth to a kitchen design.

4. Should I replace or reface my cabinets?

If the cabinet structure is still solid, refacing or repainting is more budget-friendly than replacing everything.

5. How important is a kitchen layout?

Very. A poor layout can waste space and make cooking frustrating. The “kitchen work triangle” is a proven guideline.

6. Can I install open shelving myself?

Yes — with basic tools. Just make sure to anchor shelves properly to studs for safety.

7. What’s a good countertop for heavy use?

Quartz is durable, low-maintenance, and ideal for busy kitchens according to Consumer Reports.

8. How do I add storage without making my kitchen feel cramped?

Think vertically, use corners, and opt for multi-purpose furniture like island carts or foldable tables.