Introduction
Kitchen makeovers can completely transform a home, no matter the size. Even small kitchens of 200 square feet or less can be dramatically updated with some strategic design choices. With clever layouts, storage solutions, and material selections, tiny kitchens can be made to feel open, airy, and efficient. Here we’ll look at 6 stunning before-and-after kitchen remodels under 200 square feet, discussing key changes and takeaways for maximizing little spaces. With some creativity and smart problem-solving, you can gain beautiful, functional kitchens in efficient footprints.
Clever Layouts Optimize Workflow
One of the biggest challenges in a small kitchen is creating an efficient workflow. Careful planning of the layout and traffic patterns is essential. Here are some layout tips for optimizing 200 square foot kitchens:
- Create clear zones for food preparation, cooking, cleaning, and storage. Segment areas based on function.
- Use the perimeter walls for fixtures, appliances, and cabinetry. This leaves the middle open for movement.
- Arrange the workspace in a triangular workflow between sink, fridge, and stove. Reduce cross-traffic.
- Open up sightlines with a galley, L-shaped, or U-shaped footprint. Limit walls and barriers.
- Use glass cabinet doors and open shelving judiciously to impart a sense of airiness.
- Include a small prep/clean-up area near the entryway for unloading groceries and supplies.
Storage Solutions Maximize Every Inch
Innovative storage is key in a compact kitchen. You need to think vertically and take advantage of every inch of real estate. Storage ideas include:
- Tall pantry cabinets with pull-out shelves bring items within reach.
- Deep drawers with dividers organize cooking tools and dinnerware.
- Plate racks, spice racks and pot racks free up cabinet space.
- Multi-level cabinets double the storage capacity.
- Suspended metal rails above the peninsula provide extra hanging room.
- Open shelving displays items in free space and keeps necessities in sight.
- A breakfast bar with overhang incorporates seating and hidden storage.
Material Selections Brighten and Expand
Material choices can make a significant visual impact in small spaces. Here are some ideas:
- Light colors like white, off-white and light gray reflect light to open up the space.
- Glossy surfaces like lacquer, glass and polished stone impart depth.
- Backsplashes in reflective materials such as stainless steel or glass tile amplify light.
- Neutral floors aligned throughout kitchen and adjacent rooms visually expand the space.
- Mirrored backsplashes behind the stove and sink double perceived dimensions.
- Glass cabinet doors, windows and open shelves keep sightlines open.
- Contrasting island and perimeter cabinet colors delineate separate zones.
6 Inspiring 200 Square Foot Kitchen Makeovers
Here are 6 beautiful before-and-after kitchen remodels under 200 square feet to provide inspiration:
1. Bright and Airy Bungalow Kitchen
This dated bungalow kitchen was transformed with white Shaker cabinets, glass uppers, a subway tile backsplash, and light wood floors aligned throughout the home. The peninsula delineates workspace, while open shelving introduces airiness.
2. Scandinavian-Style Kitchen
Cool gray cabinets coupled with a white marble waterfall peninsula create a chic, Scandinavian vibe in this previously cramped kitchen. A large window and glass cabinet uppers keep it light and open.
3. Vintage Glam Kitchen
This dark and partitioned kitchen was dramatically updated with glossy cabinets, bold black accents, metallic backsplashes, and pendant lighting. The unusual footprint feels spacious thanks to consistent flooring.
4. Farmhouse Kitchen Addition
This new farmhouse-style kitchen addition features Shaker cabinets, an apron-front sink, butcher block counters, and ceramic tile backsplash. Lots of windows and skylights make it feel open and airy.
5. Contemporary Beach House Kitchen
This closed-off kitchen was redone with white lacquer cabinets, light quartz counters, and a beachy blue backsplash. Glass cabinet doors and open shelving maintain the light, airy vibe.
6. Sophisticated City Kitchen
This outdated kitchen saw a remarkable transformation with bold navy cabinetry, brass hardware, marble counters, and gold geometric tiles. Mirrored backsplashes expand the dimensions.
Achieving Efficient, Beautiful Small Kitchens
With thoughtful layouts, storage solutions, and material selections, kitchens under 200 square feet can be both efficient and gorgeous. Proper zoning, sightline openings, space-maximizing storage, and light, reflective finishes are keys to success. The 6 makeovers here reveal the dramatic transformations possible in tiny kitchens. With strategic remodeling, you can gain a kitchen that looks and functions beautifully, no matter how small the footprint.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a kitchen remodel cost per square foot on average?
A typical kitchen remodel costs $150-$250 per square foot on average, including installation of new cabinetry, countertops, backsplash, lighting, flooring and appliances. High-end remodels can run $300+ per square foot.
What is the most cost-effective way to remodel a kitchen?
Some budget-friendly ways to remodel a kitchen include: refacing existing cabinets rather than replacing them, painting cabinets instead of new ones, installing peel-and-stick backsplash tiles rather than ceramic, and upgrading countertops only rather than doing full cabinetry and counters.
How do you maximize storage in a small kitchen?
Maximize storage in a small kitchen with strategies like tall pantry cabinets, deep drawers with dividers, multi-tiered cabinets, plate racks, suspended pot racks, open shelving for frequently used items, and peninsulas with overhangs for hidden storage.
What color makes a small kitchen look bigger?
Light, reflective colors like white, off-white, light gray and pale yellow make a small kitchen appear larger by bouncing light around the space. Darker colors have the opposite effect and can make a small kitchen feel closed in.
What backsplash is best for small kitchens?
Good backsplash choices for small kitchens include stainless steel, glass tile, marble mosaic tile, and mirrored tile. Their reflective properties impart depth and light. Solid subway tile backsplashes can also work well by matching wall color and receding.
Should floors be the same throughout a small home?
Using the same flooring material throughout a small home, including in the kitchen, creates a continuous visual flow that makes spaces appear larger. Consistent flooring colors/patterns aligned from room to room are recommended for opening up small homes.
Conclusion
Renovating a kitchen under 200 square feet presents unique challenges. But these compact kitchens can be made highly functional and beautiful with smart layouts that optimize workflow, creative storage solutions to maximize every inch, and strategic material selections that visually expand the small spaces. The 6 makeovers here reveal the amazing transformations possible. With proper planning and design, tiny kitchens can gain big style, efficiency and livability.
