5 Ways to Bring a Wow-Factor to Your Small Kitchen

With the start of the new year, you may be thinking about ways to spruce up your home. Many homeowners focus on the kitchen first, as it’s one of the most commonly used rooms. According to HomeAdvisor, a remodel can cost anywhere from $4,000 for a small kitchen renovation to over $50,000 for a luxury upgrade. There are many simple changes you can make that don’t have to be expensive but can feel luxurious. Here are five small kitchen upgrade ideas that will bring a wow factor your whole family will love.

 

Establish and Carry Out a New Theme

When considering small kitchen upgrade ideas, the first thing you want to do is establish a theme for the room. Think about how you will use the space. Consider where the appliances will go and how much countertop space you’ll need. With a small kitchen, it’s a good idea to maximize the space with cabinet pull out shelves to store more things out of sight and still have easy access. Choose brighter colors to help make your kitchen appear much larger.

Anyways, if you decide to put accessories or some of your kitchenware on display, make sure to keep them in neutral colors to make your kitchen simple and modern at the same time. An open cabinet is not the place for plastic appliances, mismatched serving dishes, or too many knick-knacks. Elevate the open shelves by picking unique kitchenware such as a vintage wine decanter, modern rustic bowls, or minimalistic double-walled glass cups and teapots matches with a vase of bigger size to create contrast and add style to the kitchen area

To give your kitchen an extra wow factor, create a unique space that is meaningful to your family. If you love to spend time at the lake every summer, you could decorate your kitchen with beach house decor. You could fill the room with pieces from your childhood, such as a hutch like your grandmother used to have. Consider what mood you’d like to create and then select pieces and colors that match. You can get inspiration by researching small kitchen upgrade ideas online to help you figure out a theme that’s right for you.

One of the latest trends in small kitchen upgrade ideas is choosing a whimsical theme for the space. Along with some real-life honey bee control, create a bee theme in your kitchen with bright yellow appliances and utensils with decorative bees painted on them. Hang up some wall art that says “Bee Happy.” Show off your sense of humor with novelty kitchen gadgets and silly quotes. Think about what gives you the most joy and incorporate elements that reflect those passions.

Small improvements can make a big impact on your small kitchen. Start with the focal points in the room. Repaint your kitchen cabinets and upgrade your flooring. Install stylish new countertops and classy hardware pieces. Layer lighting with eye-catching ceiling lights, gorgeous wall sconces, and task lighting.

 

Create a Nook for Your Pet

 

You consider your pets to be members of your family. So, why not include a space for them when incorporating these small kitchen upgrade ideas into your own home? Your pets most likely spend time in the kitchen with you while preparing meals, so give them a space to be comfortable and out of harm’s way. You can carve out a nook in your kitchen to include a comfortable bed with a few of their favorite toys beside their pet bowls. If your pet gets rambunctious during meal times, you may want to consider using a crate to keep them safe while still allowing them to be close by.

Think about where in your kitchen you can give them space to hide while you’re entertaining guests. Sometimes too many guests or small children can cause your pets some anxiety. To help keep them comfortable and close, you could create a cave under stairs close to the kitchen or turn their kennel into a table base. Camouflage their bedding with plush blankets and pillows that match the rest of the decor in your small kitchen. Make sure to choose materials that are easy to clean and can be washed often.

When creating a nook, there are a few pet wellness tips you should keep in mind. Make sure this area is away from trash cans or cleaning supplies. For a small kitchen, you can add an open-access shelf at the end of your kitchen cabinets or island for their food bowls. This will keep pet bowls off the floor which can cause accidental trips and falls. For cats, you can build carpeted shelves along the walls that they can climb to still be close without getting under your feet.

To give your small kitchen an extra wow factor, include a few technological upgrades to help keep your pet entertained and occupied. You can use a digital access device to track your pet or to watch them through a camera when you are away from home. Some of these devices will even play fetch or reward them with treats after figuring out a puzzle. You can also keep track of the amount of food and exercise your pet gets daily to help them stay healthy. Many of these devices can be controlled through an app on your phone.

Turn Your Kitchen Into a Bar

 

Another one of the best small kitchen upgrade ideas is to turn the space into a bar. With a few simple changes, you can bring the nightlife into the comfort of your own home without expensive remodeling. If you have a dining room separate from the kitchen, create a bar storage area in between so you don’t have to go far while entertaining. Add some sleek dark bar stools along your kitchen island or countertop for guests to sit at while you’re mixing their favorite drinks.

For tight kitchen spaces, you can transform a rolling cart into a place to store all your favorite spirits. Make the atmosphere of your small kitchen authentic to the bar scene by putting up a few restaurant signs. Add some vibrant wall art and mirrored backsplashes. Use floating shelves along the walls to store your favorite barware and liquors. To create an extra wow factor, repurpose furniture pieces like an armoire or TV cabinet for storing alcohol to deliver a surprise experience for guests. You can even create a secret bar by transforming a kitchen pantry.

Think about the overall design when integrating your small kitchen upgrade ideas. Think about where your guests can congregate. If you will be making and serving food while you’re entertaining, you may want the bar area on the opposite side of the kitchen to give you some room. Invest in a few key gadgets that are sure to wow your guests.

For example, you can buy a keg machine online that will give you the ability to serve a large number of people without having to spend a ton of cash. You can also get a cocktail maker kit that will help you learn a few new recipes to impress your guests.

Create an Outdoor Kitchen Area

 

One of the small kitchen upgrade ideas that can create a tremendous wow factor is an outdoor kitchen. There are a few reasons why an outdoor kitchen is a fantastic idea. You can save money on your energy bills and make clean-up easier by spraying everything down with a garden hose. An outdoor kitchen can also add to your property resale value depending on what region you live in. It also gives your guests more space to move around and not feel cramped or uncomfortable.

If your indoor kitchen area is tiny, this can give you a beautiful and spacious place to entertain guests. The first step is to identify the best spot for your outdoor kitchen to be. It will need to be close to an electrical source and properly ventilated to keep smoke from a grill from blowing indoors.

If you have an adjacent deck close to the exterior of your kitchen, you can install a sliding glass patio door to show guests the way to their seats in nature. You can also expand on the idea of a swim-up bar and build an outdoor kitchen next to the pool in your backyard.

There are modular outdoor kitchen kits that you can buy that are fully customizable for any type of decor. The cost for these kits will depend on the materials and options you choose. These kits can be shaped in any layout of your choosing and include a number of features. They can come equipped with a grill, sink, counters, mini-fridge, dishwasher, and storage space. Built-in setups can be attached to a fireplace, pool, or wet bar.

While you’re building an outdoor kitchen, you can include an outdoor television, a mini fridge for kegerator with beer taps, and a pizza oven. Add some flair with a stylish outdoor rug and comfortable patio furniture. Shield guests from the elements by utilizing patio furniture. Add privacy screens or plantar walls to keep out nosy neighbors. Your outdoor space will definitely achieve the wow factor with your guests.

Add a Window Seat or Nook for Additional Seating and Comfort

 

One of the best small kitchen upgrade ideas that can delight your family and guests is a cozy nook or window seating. If your pets can get a nook of their own, then the humans definitely can as well! Window nooks can come in all shapes and designs to match any decor. Simply place a sturdy bench with some plush pillows and you’re all set with some extra seating. You and your pets can even share the space for some extra snuggle time when the weather forces you both to stay indoors.

Not only will it give everyone a beautiful view, but it can also help you maximize space with storage under the seats. You can also sneak in more storage space with recessed shelving. A window nook offers a place of rest and relaxation where you can grab a bite to eat or read a book surrounded by fluffy pillows and plush cushions. You can peer out the curtains and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature while still maintaining your privacy.

There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when designing a window nook that’ll wow your family and guests. Make sure your cushions are stuffed at least three inches thick to provide comfort while sitting on the bench or leaving back against the wall. Use a bulkhead to create a secluded appeal. Install a windowsill that’s approximately eight to 10 inches deep for potted plants, books, and other kitchen decorations. Use light-blocking curtains or blinds, especially if your windows face south.

 

 

The lack of airflow underneath the cushions of a window seat can trap moisture from the window sill in a dark environment that can foster mold and mildew growth. Before doing any remodeling, you may want to have an inspection done by fungus removal services. These licensed professionals can check for signs of mold and mildew and make repairs and prevention recommendations to keep everyone safe and healthy. Spray cushions and fabric with a protective coating to prevent stains and mold and mildew growth. You can also add foam insulation under the seat and reduce humidity in the kitchen with a dehumidifier.

Customized window seats can be expensive and can take up to 10 weeks to build. You may be able to save time and money by doing the work yourself or by hiring a local small business to help. There are many great tutorials that you can find online to learn how to build one. You can find inspiration and small kitchen upgrade ideas for even the most awkward of spaces. When building your own nook, make sure to add molding and a baseboard to your bench that matches the rest of your kitchen. You can even add cabinet drawers to store cookware and small kitchen appliances that you don’t use on a regular basis.

When it comes to small kitchen upgrade ideas, the possibilities are endless. The option you choose will depend on your household budget and the overall design of your existing kitchen. By incorporating elements you like the best, you’ll want to spend more time in the kitchen hanging out with the ones you love. It can also help the room to feel more expansive and luxurious. Get started on your small kitchen upgrade ideas today!