Small Kitchen Remodeling Ideas: 15 Ways to Maximize Your Space

A small kitchen doesn't mean compromising on style or function. After remodeling hundreds of kitchens across Monmouth and Ocean Counties—including many compact spaces in shore homes, condos, and historic properties—we've mastered the art of making small kitchens feel spacious and work beautifully.

These 15 small kitchen remodeling ideas will help you maximize every square inch of your New Jersey kitchen remodel.

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Space-Maximizing Layout Ideas

1. Embrace the Galley Layout

For narrow kitchens, the galley (corridor) layout is the most efficient use of space:

Why it works:

• Everything within arm's reach


• Natural work triangle built-in


• Maximum storage along two walls


• No wasted corner space

Making it feel open:

• Light colors on both sides


• Consistent finishes throughout


• Task lighting under all upper cabinets


• Consider removing upper cabinets on one side

Pro tip: If possible, open one end to an adjacent room for borrowed light and visual expansion.

2. Consider Removing a Wall

Sometimes the best small kitchen solution is making it bigger:

When to consider:

• Adjacent dining room rarely used formally


• Wall isn't load-bearing (or budget allows structural work)


• Open concept matches your lifestyle

Benefits:

• Borrowed light from adjacent spaces


• Visual expansion even with same square footage


• Better flow for entertaining


• Island or peninsula becomes possible

Jersey Shore consideration: Many shore homes have small, closed-off kitchens. Opening to living areas creates the casual, entertaining-friendly spaces coastal living demands.

3. Replace Upper Cabinets with Open Shelving

Strategic open shelving makes small kitchens feel larger:

Where it works:

• Above sink (floating shelves)


• One wall of galley kitchen


• Around windows

What to display:

• Daily dishes in matching sets


• Glassware


• Cookbooks


• Plants

What to hide:

• Less attractive items go in remaining closed cabinets


• Use attractive containers for staples

Caution: Only works if you're committed to keeping shelves organized and attractive.

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Storage Maximization Ideas

4. Go Vertical to the Ceiling

Don't waste the space between upper cabinets and ceiling:

Options:

• Taller cabinets: 42" instead of 30" standard


• Stacked cabinets: Two rows with smaller uppers on top


• Open display: Baskets or decorative items above standard cabinets


• Crown molding with hidden space: Closes the gap elegantly

Best uses for high storage:

• Seasonal items (holiday dishes, serving platters)


• Rarely used appliances


• Bulk pantry storage

Access solution: Keep a sturdy step stool nearby or install a rolling library ladder for style.

5. Maximize Corner Cabinet Efficiency

Corners are where square footage goes to die—unless you plan properly:

Better than standard corner cabinets:

• Lazy Susans: Full-circle or kidney-shaped rotating shelves


• Pull-out corner drawers: Butterfly-style systems that bring contents forward


• Corner drawers: Angled drawer fronts that access the full corner


• Open corner: Floating shelves that wrap the corner

ROI tip: Corner solutions cost more but prevent the frustration of unusable space.

6. Deep Drawers Instead of Base Cabinets

Replace lower cabinets with deep drawers wherever possible:

Why drawers are better:

• See everything at once (no digging in back)


• Full-extension slides access entire depth


• Organized with dividers


• Easier on knees and back

Best drawer uses:

• Pots and pans (with peg dividers)


• Dishes (with plate organizers)


• Food storage containers


• Utensils and tools

Small kitchen bonus: Drawers feel more efficient, making the kitchen feel better organized.

7. Use Cabinet Door Interiors

The backs of cabinet doors offer free storage:

Ideas:

• Lid organizers on pot cabinet doors


• Spice racks on upper cabinet doors


• Cleaning supply holders under sink


• Cutting board racks


• Foil/wrap dispensers

Keep it functional: Only add what you'll actually use—clutter defeats the purpose.

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Visual Expansion Ideas

8. Light, Reflective Surfaces Everywhere

Light bounces around small spaces, making them feel larger:

Cabinet choices:

• White or light wood tones


• High-gloss or semi-gloss finishes


• Glass-front uppers

Countertop options:

• Light quartz with subtle veining


• White or cream marble-look


• Light gray with reflective flecks

Backsplash ideas:

• Glass subway tiles


• Mirrored tiles (use sparingly)


• Light stone with polished finish


• Continuous countertop material (no visual break)

9. Strategic Lighting Design

Proper lighting makes small kitchens feel twice as large:

Essential layers:

Under-cabinet lighting:

• Eliminates shadows on work surfaces


• Makes counters appear to float


• LED strips are affordable and effective

Recessed ceiling lights:

• Even ambient light


• No fixtures taking up visual space


• Consider more, smaller lights

Natural light:

• Keep windows unobstructed


• Light filtering shades instead of heavy curtains


• Consider a solar tube if interior kitchen

Avoid: Large pendant lights or chandeliers that dominate small spaces.

10. Continuous Flooring

Make your kitchen feel connected to adjacent spaces:

How it works:

• Same flooring flows from kitchen into dining/living areas


• No transition strips breaking the visual plane


• Creates perception of larger overall space

Best flooring for small kitchens:

• Large format tiles (fewer grout lines)


• Wide plank hardwood or LVP


• Light to medium tones


• Consistent direction throughout

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Functional Space-Savers

11. Slim Appliances Made for Small Spaces

Full-size functionality in compact footprints:

Counter-depth refrigerators:

• 24" deep instead of 30"


• Aligns with counters for streamlined look


• Frees floor space

Compact dishwashers:

• 18" wide (vs. standard 24")


• Perfect for 1-2 person households


• Drawer-style options fit unique spaces

Slide-in ranges:

• Built-in look without custom cabinet work


• No gap behind for lost items


• Cleaner visual line

Combo appliances:

• Microwave/convection combos


• Induction cooktops (safer for small spaces)


• Speed ovens (microwave + conventional)

12. Fold-Down and Pull-Out Elements

Create workspace that disappears when not needed:

Ideas:

• Fold-down table: Wall-mounted breakfast bar


• Pull-out cutting board: Extends from cabinet when needed


• Hidden paper towel holder: Inside cabinet door


• Pull-out trash: Concealed in cabinet


• Appliance garage: Hides small appliances behind roll-up door

13. Multi-Purpose Island Alternatives

If a traditional island won't fit, try these alternatives:

Rolling cart:

• Provides extra counter space


• Rolls away when not needed


• Butcher block top for prep

Narrow console:

• 12-18" deep instead of standard 24"


• Open shelving below for baskets


• Works as serving station

Peninsula extension:

• Attached to existing counters


• No circulation space needed on one side


• Can include seating on open side

Fold-down wall table:

• Provides eating space


• Folds flat against wall


• Works in galley kitchens

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Small Kitchen Design Strategies

14. Minimize Visual Clutter

In small kitchens, every item shows:

Declutter strategies:

• Pare down to essential tools and appliances


• Store specialty items elsewhere (basement, garage)


• Use matching containers for pantry items


• Keep counters clear except daily-use items

Design choices that reduce clutter:

• Handle-less cabinets (push-to-open or integrated pulls)


• Integrated appliances (panel-ready fridge, dishwasher)


• Under-mount sinks (no lip to collect crumbs)


• Continuous backsplash (no outlet strips)

15. Create Illusion of Space with Sight Lines

Strategic planning creates perceived space:

Ideas:

• Window at end of galley draws eye outward


• Glass cabinet doors show depth


• Open shelving creates layers


• Light backsplash extending to ceiling adds height


• Consistent materials reduce visual breaks

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Small Kitchen Remodel Budget Tips

Where to Invest

Worth the splurge:

• Quality cabinet organization systems


• Good task lighting


• Functional hardware (soft-close, pull-outs)


• Counter-depth appliances

Where to save:

• Simple slab cabinet doors (less expensive, clean look)


• Laminate counters (modern options look great)


• Stock cabinets (standard sizes save money)


• DIY painting

Typical Small Kitchen Costs in NJ

| Project Scope | Cost Range |
|--------------|------------|
| Refresh (paint, hardware, lighting) | $5,000-$15,000 |
| Mid-range remodel | $25,000-$45,000 |
| High-end renovation | $45,000-$75,000 |
| Luxury with structural changes | $75,000+ |

Note: Cost per square foot is typically higher for small kitchens because fixed costs (appliances, plumbing, electrical) are spread over less area.

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Ready to Maximize Your Small Kitchen?

At Custom Kitchens by Lopez, we specialize in creating efficient, beautiful kitchens of all sizes. Our design team excels at finding creative solutions for challenging spaces.

Schedule your free consultation to discuss how we can transform your small kitchen into your favorite room in the house.

Contact Us Today | View Our Gallery | Call 732.984.1043

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Related Resources

• Kitchen Remodeling Ideas for 2026
• Kitchen Remodeling Checklist
• Kitchen Remodeling Timeline
• Kitchen Remodeling Costs in NJ

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