Kitchen makeovers in small spaces can seem daunting, but they don’t have to be! With careful planning and clever design choices, it’s possible to completely transform even the tiniest kitchens. We’ll look at five inspiring before-and-after kitchen makeover projects in 225 square feet or more, analyzing the layout changes and design decisions that made each remodel a success. These examples prove that big impact can come in small packages when renovating cramped kitchens.
Key Considerations for Tiny Kitchen Makeovers
When taking on a kitchen remodel in a petite footprint, keep these key tips in mind:
- Maximize natural light – Small spaces need all the brightness they can get. Add more windows or skylights if possible. Paint walls and cabinets white to reflect light.
- Create the illusion of space – Use reflective surfaces, minimal upper cabinets, open shelving, and glass cabinet doors. Visually continue flooring into other rooms.
- Focus on efficiency – Every inch must be utilized efficiently in a compact kitchen. Add pull-out drawers, roll-out shelves, sliding racks, and other smart storage solutions.
- Multi-purpose furniture – Look for smaller-scale furniture like carts and islands that provide prep space, storage, and seating. Vertical space is also key – use tall cabinets.
- Draw the eye up – Monochromatic color schemes, tall cabinets, high ceilings, and vertical tiles help elevate a small kitchen.
- Use modern materials – Glass, metal, and reflective finishes give the impression of more space compared to traditional wood cabinets.
Kitchen Makeover #1: Bright and Airy Single-Galley Layout
This dated, cramped kitchen was stuck in the 1970s. With its single-galley footprint of about 250 square feet, the space desperately needed a lighting and layout revamp to feel open and modern.
BEFORE: The kitchen felt dark and closed in with its dated wood cabinets, inefficient peninsula layout, and lack of natural light. Appliances were also nearing the end of their lifespan.
[insert photo of dark, dated kitchen here]
AFTER: Knocking down walls opened the kitchen to natural light. Crisp white cabinets, updated stainless appliances, marble counters, and a mosaic backsplash made the space feel bright and airy. Removing upper cabinets and the peninsula opened sight lines and freed up room. A new picture window over the functional farmhouse sink added scenic views. The refrigerator was cleverly disguised with cabinetry flanking it on either side. An exposed brick accent wall added texture.
[insert photo of remodeled kitchen here]
Key Changes:
- Expanded doorway opening into dining room
- Removed walls separating kitchen from other rooms
- Demolished peninsula
- Added picture window over sink
- Installed white shaker-style cabinets
- Added marble countertops and mosaic backsplash
- New stainless steel appliances
- Exposed brick accent wall
By opening up the kitchen’s footprint, amplifying natural light, and using reflective finishes, this once-dreary kitchen became an inspiring, functional showcase. The clean white palette makes the space feel airy and expansive, while the brick wall adds character. Removing upper cabinets and the cumbersome peninsula freed up valuable real estate in the single-galley layout. The final result is a kitchen makeover that lives large in a small 225 square feet.
Kitchen Makeover #2: Contemporary Industrial Chic Style
The existing kitchen in this 1925 bungalow was cramped and closed off from the rest of the home. The goal was to knock down walls, reconfigure the layout, and choose finishes to create an open, modern kitchen with an industrial chic vibe.
BEFORE: This dated kitchen had poor natural lighting, inefficient work triangles, and too many barriers. The footprint measured about 240 square feet.
[insert photo of old kitchen here]
AFTER: By removing walls and changing the footprint, the kitchen now seamlessly flows into the dining area. Crisp white cabinetry with black hardware, concrete-style countertops, and exposed ductwork give this kitchen an urban loft aesthetic. Pendant lighting, high-contrast finishes, and an expanded opening into the adjacent living room make the compact kitchen feel light and airy.
[insert photo of remodeled kitchen here]
Key Changes:
- Knocked down wall separating kitchen and dining
- Removed wall dividing kitchen and living room
- Installed suspended metal shelves instead of upper cabinets
- Concrete-look quartz counters and white stacked cabinetry
- Exposed HVAC ductwork for industrial flair
- Added pendant lights over the island
- New butcher block accent wall
This kitchen design embraces contemporary industrial elements like exposed ductwork, concrete, and metal while keeping the palette clean and bright. Custom touches like the statement light fixtures and butcher block wall make it unique. The absence of upper cabinets makes the kitchen feel spacious. Despite its modest 240 square foot footprint, the interior is light-filled, modern, and oozing chic style.
Kitchen Makeover #3: Craftsman-Style Galley Layout
The existing kitchen was disconnected from the rest of this 1920s craftsman bungalow. Closed off and lacking personality, the 225 square feet cried out for a makeover embracing the home’s arts and crafts style roots.
BEFORE: Dated finishes like natural maple cabinets, black appliances, and blue laminate countertops made this galley kitchen feel tired. Poor lighting left the space dark and gloomy.
[insert photo of old kitchen]
AFTER: Rich woodgrain cabinets, geometric tile backsplash, antique brass hardware, and textural accents honor the craftsman aesthetic. Opening sightlines makes the petite galley feel more expansive. The peninsula was widened to create more prep space. Oversized subway tiles draw the eye up. New recessed and pendant lighting make the kitchen much brighter.
[insert photo of remodeled kitchen]
Key Changes:
- Refinished natural wood cabinets
- New countertops and handmade ceramic tile backsplash
- Added glass cabinet doors for open shelving
- Antique brass hardware and lighting
- Enlarged opening into dining room
- Extended peninsula to expand workspace
- Installed oversized white subway tiles vertically
- Added recessed and pendant lighting
This remodeled kitchen beautifully blends craftsman charm with airy, modern elements. Despite the modest 225 square foot footprint, careful layout choices like opening sightlines, enlarging the peninsula, and using lighting to draw the eye up make this efficient galley kitchen feel inviting and expansive. The mix of woodgrain cabinets, geometric tiles, brass hardware, glass cabinet fronts, and textural accents honor the home’s arts and crafts design roots.
Kitchen Makeover #4: Scandinavian-Inspired Layout
This 250 square foot closed-off kitchen lacked personality and a seamless connection to the rest of the home. The goal was to create an airy, minimalist kitchen embracing Scandinavian style.
BEFORE: The dated maple cabinets, inefficient footprint, and closed-off layout felt cramped and dark.
[insert photo of old kitchen]
AFTER: Light gray cabinets, blonde wood accents, and a minimalist style open up the small space. Removing walls allowed a smooth visual transition between rooms. The peninsula was shifted off-center to improve traffic flow. Open shelving fits the minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic while eliminating upper cabinets. The finishes include wood plank tile flooring, marble counters, and a tile backsplash.
[insert photo of remodeled kitchen]
Key Changes:
- Removed walls separating kitchen from other rooms
- Installed light gray cabinets with natural wood accents
- Marble counters and geometric tile backsplash
- Replaced peninsula with off-center island
- Added open shelving instead of upper cabinets
- New wood-look plank tile flooring
- Added recessed and pendant lighting
With its minimalist finishes, seamless sightlines, and abundance of natural light, this kitchen now embodies Scandinavian design. The light, bright palette makes the petite 250 square feet feel more expansive. Timeless marble and blonde wood accents add warmth, while the gray cabinets keep the look modern. This airy, open kitchen proves stunning style can come in small packages.
Kitchen Makeover #5: Modern Farmhouse Layout in L-Shaped Footprint
This interior 1980s kitchen was disjointed from the rest of the floorplan. The goal was to create a modern farmhouse kitchen that opened seamlessly into the dining and living areas.
BEFORE: The narrow galley setup with soffit and dated oak cabinets made the 225 square foot kitchen feel dark and closed-off.
[insert photo of old kitchen]
AFTER: Knocking down walls opened up the footprint into an L-shape. Crisp shaker cabinets, marble-look quartz counters, and a subway tile backsplash give this kitchen refreshed modern farmhouse flair. Vintage-style lighting and accents like the apron-front sink reflect the home’s traditional architecture while keeping the look light and contemporary.
[insert photo of remodel kitchen]
Key Changes:
- Expanded footprint into L-shape by removing walls
- Installed white shaker-style cabinets
- Quartz counters with marble-look pattern
- Stainless farmhouse sink and matte black faucet
- White subway tile backsplash
- Vintage-inspired lighting fixtures
- Open shelving added instead of upper cabinets
- New engineered wood flooring
By opening up the layout and using lighter finishes, this once-closed-off small kitchen now feels spacious, crisp, and infused with charming farmhouse details. The absence of upper cabinets allows for open sightlines that make the most of the 225 available square feet. Timeless white shaker cabinetry paired with earthy wood floors and marble finishes create an inviting modern farmhouse look, perfectly fusing classic and contemporary elements.
Design Takeaways from These Tiny Kitchen Makeovers
These five inspiring before-and-after remodels offer valuable insights for maximizing tiny kitchen layouts:
- Open up the footprint – Remove walls and barriers to expand work zones. Create sightlines between rooms.
- Rethink floorplan layout – Angled peninsulas or islands and L-shaped footprints utilize space better than galleys.
- Direct natural light – Picture windows, skylights, and eliminating walls/soffits allow light to permeate.
- Use reflective surfaces – Marble, metal, glass, and high-gloss cabinetry visually expand a small kitchen.
- Remove upper cabinets – They obstruct light and views, so replace with open shelving.
- Add task lighting – Pendants, recessed, and under cabinet lights prevent shadows.
- Use fool-the-eye elements – Vertical tiles, tall ceilings and cabinets elevate sightlines.
- Incorporate multifunctional furniture – Islands and carts add workspace and storage.
- Embrace easy-clean finishes – Porcelain, quartz counters, and tile backsplashes simplify maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions About 225+ Square Foot Kitchen Makeovers
If you’re considering a kitchen refresh in a petite footprint, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What’s a reasonable budget for revamping a 225 square foot kitchen?
A minor remodel costs $20,000-$40,000 on average, while a major redesign costs $50,000-$75,000. Factors like layout changes, high-end finishes, and appliance upgrades influence overall price. Focus spending on changes with biggest impact.
How can I make a 225 square foot kitchen more functional?
- Add pull-out drawers and roll-out shelves in lower cabinets
- Convert pantry to cabinet with pull-out bins
- Use carts or islands for added prep space
- Install slim storage racks and organizing hardware
- Replace single basin sink with divided bowl version
What layout works best for a tiny kitchen?
L-shaped kitchens or galley footprints with an angled peninsula utilize small spaces most efficiently. Remove walls to expand work triangles. An off-center island can maximize room better than a central one.
Should I demolish walls when remodeling a small kitchen?
If layout permits, removing walls to borrow space from adjacent rooms helps a cramped kitchen feel more open. Even small entryway expansions improve work zones. Just ensure structural elements aren’t compromised.
How many cabinets should a 225 square foot kitchen have?
- 12-15 base cabinets including 3-5 specialized pull-out/roll-out drawer cabinets
- 4-6 upper cabinets if essential for storage
- Consider open shelving instead of top cabinets to expand sightlines
What backsplash tiles work best in petite kitchens?
Minimize visual clutter by limiting backsplash tile to one or two complementary colors. Glossy, rectangular subway tiles make small kitchens feel larger. Oversized tiles running vertically also elevate sightlines.
Should I install an island in a 225 square foot kitchen?
Islands are great for added counter space and storage, but leave at least 42 inches around the perimeter and between other elements so they don’t cramp the room. A rolling cart is an adaptable alternative. Prioritize an island that doubles as a dining table.
Final Thoughts on Tiny Kitchen Makeovers
Amazing kitchen makeovers can happen even in petite footprints of 225 square feet or more. By opening up and reconfiguring layouts, maximizing storage efficiency, and selecting space-expanding finishes, small kitchens can be completely transformed. Use these before-and-after remodels as inspiration to create a light, bright, and beautifully functional kitchen regardless of square footage. Remember, gourmet design comes in small packages!
