“From Dated to Dreamy: A Kitchen Reimagined”

Renovating a small kitchen can feel overwhelming. When faced with cherry cabinets that seem stuck in the past, transforming the space into a fresh and inviting area can be a significant undertaking.  However, achieving a clean, modern look without losing the warmth and character of wood is possible. In this post, we will explore strategies for updating your small kitchen, focusing on space, color palette, hardware, lighting, and the overall desired aesthetic of my client.

Assessing Your Space

Before any renovations begin, take a close look at your kitchen's layout and functionality. Understanding what works and what doesn’t is crucial for a successful redesign.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Is there enough counter space for meal prep?

• Do the cabinets offer adequate storage?

• How do you want to use your space?

  • Daily and for gatherings

• How does the lighting affect the overall feel of the room?

  
  

This kitchen was lacking in preparation space and felt cramped.  Reconfiguring the seating for morning breakfast, snacks, and meals, plus extending the island, made this a better use of space.  It also lacked storage that was easily accessible.  The closet pantry did not use the space wisely and made it very difficult to organize and get to the necessary items when cooking.  By answering these questions,  you will be able to create a clear vision for your renovation goals. 

Choosing a Color Palette

Selecting a color palette is a powerful way to personalize your kitchen. The cherry cabinetry in this house made it feel dated and dark.  My client wanted a white kitchen with a pop of color that showed their love for color, and fell in love with the navy blue.  When choosing a color for a kitchen, you also need to take into account the natural lighting of your room.  Natural lighting or lack of it will help you determine what color palette works best in your space. 

 Cabinet Style Selection

When it comes to designing a kitchen, your cabinets are often the biggest investment. They usually take up the largest part of the budget—and for good reason. Cabinets define the overall look of your kitchen and play a significant role in how well the space functions on a day-to-day basis.

For this kitchen, I decided to go with premade cabinets to give my clients the look they dreamed of—without stretching the budget. When thoughtfully planned, premade cabinetry can still offer that custom, built-in feel, especially when the layout is designed specifically for your space.

This kitchen came with a few challenges:

1.    Not enough prep space

2.    Limited pantry storage

3.    Overall, the kitchen is on the smaller side

To solve these issues, we removed the original closet-style pantry and replaced it with a custom-looking pantry cabinet complete with pull-outs for easy access. This instantly made the kitchen more functional and streamlined while giving it a high-end, cohesive look that fits perfectly with their busy lifestyle.

We also added a large, multifunctional island that includes a built-in spice rack and a hidden trash pull-out. By extending the island with furniture-grade legs, we gave it the look of a beautiful furniture piece that fits right into the room. The longer design now seats two barstools on each side, making it a practical spot for everyday meals, extra prep space, and even a buffet-style setup when entertaining.

Additionally, I extended the cabinets up to the ceiling to draw your eye upward and create the illusion of a much larger space with a small footprint. I also suggested adding glass to the upper cabinets to make the space feel more open and to provide a place for displaying kitchen and décor items, including seasonal decorations.

Enhancing Lighting

Lighting is vital in any kitchen renovation. A well-lit kitchen not only improves functionality.  Canned lighting gives your space work lighting when cooking or doing those school projects with little ones.  Having your lights on a dimmer switch so you can bring down that brightness when you have a party or family gathering makes for a wonderful ambiance in your space.

My favorite part of the lighting is the jewelry in the kitchen (yes, I call it jewelry because it adds sparkle – pendants, sconces, and small lamps on the counter give character to the kitchen).  Selecting lighting can be overwhelming, as there are a multitude of options.  I decided to go with a more transitional pendant, as my clients tend to lean away from a fully traditional style but appreciate blending elements of both. That’s also why we incorporated a more classic sconce over the window—to strike that perfect balance.

Updating Cabinet Hardware

The hardware on your cabinets plays a surprisingly big role in the overall look and feel of your kitchen. It’s like jewelry for your cabinetry as lighting is to the overall kitchen aesthetic—small details that make a big statement. Gone are the days when every piece of hardware had to match perfectly. Mixing metals or styles can add interest and personality to your space.

I often like to combine two or even three styles for a layered, designer look. For example, I used transitional door pulls for a timeless feel, small knobs on the upper cabinets for a lighter touch, and a more traditional elongated cup pull on drawers to bring in a bit of character. This mix adds depth and keeps the kitchen from feeling too uniform or flat.

Selecting Countertops

In this kitchen project, my clients selected a gorgeous quartz with a simple, clean edge around the perimeter of the kitchen and a more detailed edge on the island to make it stand out as a focal point. Because their kitchen was on the smaller side, I recommended extending the quartz up the wall as a backsplash. This seamless look reduces visual breaks, draws the eye upward, and gives the illusion of a larger, more cohesive space. It turned out beautifully, and they love the clean transitional look

 Final Touches

After making the significant changes to your kitchen, focus on the finishing touches.

Add decorative elements that showcase your personal style, such as artwork, plants, or stylish kitchen tools. However, it’s essential to avoid overcrowding. A few well-placed items can enhance your kitchen’s beauty without subtracting from the clean impression you’ve created.

BEFORE & AFTER

I hope you’ve enjoyed this little walk-through of a kitchen design from a designer’s point of view. A big shout-out to CJ Builders for their incredible craftsmanship and attention to detail—this kitchen truly came to life because of their hard work and dedication. Every decision—from cabinet style and hardware to countertops and finishes—plays a part in creating a space that feels both functional and beautiful. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or you're just looking to refresh a few details, remember that thoughtful choices and a cohesive design plan can completely transform how your kitchen feels and functions.

If you’re dreaming about updating your kitchen, start by gathering inspiration and setting a realistic budget. It can get out of control if you do not have one. From there, the fun part begins—bringing your vision to life one detail at a time.

Thanks for following along! I love sharing the process behind each project and the ideas that make every home feel unique.