Open concept small kitchen remodel [2023]

Is an open-concept small kitchen More than just a trend? Anyone paying attention to home design trends knows that open-concept kitchens are all the rage. Once confined to small apartments and loft spaces only, open kitchens have now become a mainstay in all types of homes.

So, if you’re considering an open concept small kitchen remodel, there are a bundle of things you need to know. In this article, we’ll discuss everything from designing and remodeling your small kitchen to creating an open concept layout.

Key points to unlock your kitchen’s potential

1. I recommend starting your kitchen renovation with a clear budget and layout plan. This will help you avoid overspending and ensure efficient use of space.
2. When renovating an open concept kitchen, consider the layout, traffic flow, appliances, storage, and style design.
3. To design an open kitchen and living room, ensure a natural flow of space, sufficient counter and prep space, and a balance in aesthetics between the two areas.
4. If you want to separate the living room and kitchen in an open plan layout, consider using different flooring materials, painting the walls different colors, or arranging furniture strategically.
5. Renovating a kitchen is a major undertaking. It requires careful planning, a significant financial investment, and a lot of time and effort.
6. To make a galley kitchen open concept, consider renovating the existing space or rearranging the existing layout.
7. When remodeling kitchen cabinets, decide on the style you want, shop around for cabinets that fit that style, and then install them.

Open Kitchen Layouts: Pros and Cons

Open Concept Kitchen With Perfect Lighting

When it comes to renovating your kitchen and creating a perfect open concept design, you can’t afford to go wrong with lighting.

Overhead lighting can be harsh and unflattering, so try installing some soft, ambient lighting instead. LED strip lights are a great option because they emit warm, natural light that won’t cast any ugly shadows.

Place them underneath your kitchen cabinets or along the tops of your walls for cozy and welcoming vibes. You can even use them to accentuate certain features like a backsplash or piece of art.

Installing some lighting under your cabinets is also a great way to add some extra illumination for cooking or prep work. LED puck lights are ideal for this purpose because they’re small and unobtrusive, and still provide plenty of light.

To add a touch of drama, grab some rope lighting or track lighting. These fixtures can be used to highlight certain areas in your kitchen, like a breakfast nook or an island. Regardless of the type you choose, it should be adequate for your needs and complement your kitchen overall.

Kitchen Design Aesthetics

The possibilities are endless to accentuate your kitchen aesthetics. But, as you know, small space would require you to be pretty strategic about your choices. Here we’re helping your with proven magical tips.

Anchor your Dining Table with Lighting

A well-placed light fixture can make a world of difference in a small space. Apart from providing some much-needed illumination, it act as a focal point for your dining room.

Consider the Broken-Plan Layout

For achieving a bit more definition, the broken-plan layout is great for your open kitchen. This layout features a large, open space with smaller areas (like an island or breakfast nook) that are partially closed off.

Add Casual Seating to Your Island

With the luxury of wide space, casual seating will make the most of your open concept layout. You’ll enjoy the relaxed and inviting atmosphere, and also the opportunity to chat with your guests/family while cooking.

Use Peninsulas in Small Spaces

In case of limited and modest space, consider using a peninsula instead. It is essentially a partial wall that divides the kitchen from the rest of the room. It’ll give you more counter space and storage, while maintaining an open concept layout.

Use the Island as a Focal Point

If you have an open concept kitchen island, make it the star of the show! Use bold colors and interesting materials to make it stand out, and add features like a sink or stove top for more functionality.

Use Color to Highlight Your Spaces

In a small open concept kitchen, color is your best bet. Use light and bright colors to make the space feel bigger and more open. And don’t be afraid to use bold accent colors to add some visual interest. You can use white color for the kitchen or the off white and a brown touch or gray for your living room.

Utilize Secret Storage

It goes without saying every inch of space is precious in a small open concept kitchen. So you’ll be making the most of your storage by utilizing hidden storage solutions, false fronts on cabinets, roll-out drawers, and under-cabinet storage as all are great to keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free.

Accessorizing and Styling Your Open Concept Kitchen, Dining and Living Room

Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to start accessorizing and styling your open concept kitchen. Here are a few recommendations to help get you started:

Use Area Rugs

Apparently, you can use rugs to define different zones. It creates a visual separation between the cooking area and the dining or living area, instead of mixing up the space.

Add Greenery

Opt for floral arrangements or plants to brighten up your space. They’re a sure-fire way to add color and life your kitchen and, as a bonus, will purify the air in your house.

Hang Arts

Hanging family pictures or your favorite pieces of art will personalize your space instantly. This is a great way to add some visual interest and make your kitchen feel like your very own.

Colorful Accessories

Use colorful dish towels or place-mats to add a pop of color to your kitchen. This is an easy and inexpensive way to freshen up the look of your kitchen without having to make any permanent change.

Stamps

Put your own personal stamp on your kitchen with a unique backsplash. This will add visual interest for your visitors and give the hues of a dream kitchen.

Extra dining room

If nothing else, what about adding an extra dining “room”? This can easily be done by adding a small table and chairs to the kitchen. If space allows, you can even add a buffet or hutch to store all of your extra dishes. Or use this extra dining space to entertain guests or have family meals on the dining room table.

Practical Yet Stylish Open Kitchen

So, your open concept small kitchen remodel must be practical yet stylish. But how?

Practicality in kitchen means a lot of hidden storage, good lighting, and easy to clean materials. And style? Well, that’s all up to you! Whether you want a sleek and modern kitchen or a cozy and traditional one, only sky’s the limit.

Make it as unique as you want, and as customized as you can imagine. Even tiny details make the difference, as patterned dish towels or a fun back-splash. Or go big and make a statement with a bold island or an eye-catching piece of art.

It’s up to you! Just have fun with it, and don’t be afraid to experiment. The worst that can happen is you wouldn’t like the way it looks and you might have to start over. It’s worth taking the risk. So go ahead and make your open-concept space a reflection of your personal style.

What’s the Best Way to Start a Kitchen Renovation?

Let’s face it, kitchen renovations can be overwhelming. But with a little planning, the process will be all easy and smooth. Here, we’re mentioning a few key things to be regarded while planning a kitchen remodel.

First and foremost, think about your budget. How much can you realistically afford to spend on your kitchen renovation? This will help you narrow down your options and make sure you don’t overspend.

Next comes your kitchen layout. What is the most efficient way to use your space? Do you need more counter space? Would an island be beneficial? Have these important things brainstormed before the actual process.

And finally, choose your finishes carefully. This is where you really get to personalize your kitchen and make it your own. With so many options available, prioritize the materials that will stand the test of time and fit into your overall design scheme.

How do You Renovate an Open Concept Kitchen?

Renovating an open concept kitchen requires you to consider many areas, we are sharing few of them with you.

Layout

Get the layout of your kitchen right as it is quite crucial. The first is the working triangle. This is the path that you make when you go from the sink to the fridge to the stove. You want to make sure that this path is as efficient as possible. It also means you should have enough space between each appliances to move around easily.

Flow of Traffic

It is important too as you wouldn’t want tripping and stumbling all day long. Also, there should be enough space for the person using the kitchen. So, aim for a design that’ll allow people to move around easily without getting in anyone’s way.

Appliances

Many homeowners are most concerned about the kitchen appliances and rightly so. Depending on your scenario, keep the doors open for welcoming any appliances.

As if you love to cook, then you might want to invest in a higher-end stove. If you entertain often, then you might want to consider a double oven. And if you have a large family, then you might need to think about getting a dishwasher. You can also think about adding double door refrigerators or marble countertops in your open concept space.

Storage

Be specific about your storage option as what you’re going to be storing in the kitchen and how you’re going to organize it. For example, you might want to invest in a pantry or an island with extra storage if you need.

Style & Design

Finally, you need to think about the overall style and design of the space. This includes everything from the marble countertops to the back-splash to the cabinets. In simple words, you’ll have to be super calculated for a space that is stylish, functional and provides an airy feeling.

How do I Design an Open Kitchen and Living Room?

When designing an open kitchen and living room, there are several open concept kitchen ideas but the first thing you need to consider is how you want the space to flow.

Naturally, you’d prefer freedom for plenty of movements and easy traffic flow. Also, you wouldn’t mind enough counter and prep space in the kitchen so that it can function properly even when the living room is in use.

In terms of aesthetics, finding a balance between the two areas can be a hard crux. You wouldn’t like the kitchen to feel too closed off or living room to be dominated by the kitchen.

A good way to achieve this balance is to use similar colors and materials in both spaces. For example, if you have hardwood floors in the living room, you could continue that material into the kitchen. Or, if you have a stone fireplace in the living room, you could carry that same material onto the kitchen countertops. Or simply add different living room furniture in your open concept space.

Lighting can be game changer when designing an open kitchen and living room. Make sure to keep the natural light coming into both spaces, as well as arrange adequate task lighting for the kitchen.

Here are examples of some of the most common kitchen floor plans:

How do You Separate a Living Room and a Kitchen?

In an open plan kitchen, the living room and kitchen are components of one big, shared space. The advantages of open plan living are many: more natural light, improved circulation, easier entertaining and a greater sense of spaciousness.

However, for some people the disadvantages of an open plan layout – lack of privacy, increased noise levels and less clearly defined spaces – outweigh the benefits. If you find yourself in this camp, here are a few things you can do to visually separate your living room and kitchen without sacrificing the airy feel of an open plan layout.

Use Different Flooring Materials.

A simple and common sense way to create visual separation between the two is using different flooring materials. For example, you could use hardwood in the living room and tile in the kitchen. It would be ideal to seek the help of interior designers to get it done efficiently.

Paint The Walls Different Colors. 

Another interesting way is to paint the two walls in different colors. Just to give you an idea, use neutral colors in the living room’s single wall and a brighter hues in the kitchen.

Arrange Furniture Strategically

The positing of your furniture can also help you to achieve the impact you’re looking for. As you can place a sofa in front of the fireplace in the living room and a table and chairs in the kitchen. By doing this, you’ll create distinct areas for each space.

How hard is it to Renovate a Kitchen?

Renovating a kitchen is no small feat – it’s a major undertaking that requires careful planning, a significant financial investment, and a lot of time and effort. The first step is to develop a plan that takes into account the existing layout of the kitchen, the desired changes, and the budget.

Depending on the size of your kitchen and the extent of the renovations, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000. If you’re renovating on a tight budget, there are still ways to make your kitchen look great. The next step is to demolish the old kitchen and prepare the space for the new one. This includes removing all of the old fixtures and appliances, as well as any structural changes that need to be made.

After the space is prepared, it’s time to install the new appliances and fixtures. This can be a challenging process, as everything needs to be installed correctly in order for it to work properly. Finally, once everything is in place, it’s time to enjoy the new kitchen!

How do you Make a Galley Kitchen Open Concept?

When you think of galley kitchen, typically it is long and narrow, giving cramped and claustrophobic hues.

But if you’re eyeing to open up the space and create an airy, open concept kitchen, it is very much possible too. One option is to renovate the existing space, removing walls to create a more open layout. This definitely is a major venture, but it will dramatically change the aura of your kitchen.

Another option is to simply rearrange the existing layout, placing appliances and storage areas in different locations to make better use of the available space. Even small changes can make a big difference in how open and spacious your kitchen feels.

How do I Remodel My Kitchen Cabinets?

Kitchen cabinets are not only a functional element of the room, but they also play a major role in its overall aesthetic. If you are planning to remodel your kitchen cabinets, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, decide what style you want for your new cabinets. Do you want something traditional or modern? Something minimalist or ornate? Once you have an idea of the look you want to achieve, start shopping around for cabinets that fit that style. You can find cabinets at home improvement stores, online retailers, or even custom-made from a local carpenter.

Once you have found the perfect cabinets, it’s time to install that is not possible without contacting a professional.

Is Open Concept Going out of Style?

The open concept kitchen comes with many strong pros. As it allows for more social interaction while cooking and entertaining. In the open concept kitchen, there is no wall between the kitchen and living room. This means that you can be part of the action even while you’re cooking.

The open concept kitchen also allows for more natural light to enter the space. This can make the space feel larger and more open. Additionally, the open concept kitchen can be a great way to showcase your style. You can use this type of kitchen to express your personal taste, whether it’s through the cabinets, countertops, or appliances.

So, it doesn’t look like open concept is going anywhere. It is also due to the popularity of small but ultra modern homes with lavish features that will keep open kitchens relevant.

Where do You Put a TV in an Open Concept Room?

One of the trickiest things about open concept rooms is finding the right place for the TV. You want it to be central and visible so everyone can enjoy it, but you also don’t want it to be the only thing you see when you walk in the room. Here are a few tips for finding the perfect spot for your TV:

First, consider where people will be sitting when they watch the TV. If most of the seating is on one side of the room, it makes sense to put the TV on that side as well.

Second, think about where else you want to put your furniture. You don’t want the TV to block any windows or doors, and you also want to leave enough space for walkways.

Third, take into account any other electronics that need to be close to the TV, like a Blu-ray player or sound system. You’ll need to leave space for those so they can be easily accessed.

What are Best Open Kitchen Layouts & Floor Plans?

Island

If you have the space for it, an island is a great addition to any kitchen. Not only does it provide additional counter and storage space, but serve as a breakfast bar or casual dining area too.

Peninsula

The Peninsula layout is a great choice for those who love to entertain. With the stove and sink on one side and the fridge on the other, this layout provides plenty of counter space for prep work. And, when it’s time to eat, the Peninsula makes a great buffet-style serving area. This layout is also a good choice for small kitchens, as it doesn’t require a lot of walking space.

L-shaped

L-shaped kitchen layouts are popular due to their efficiency and versatility. They work well in small to medium-sized kitchens and can be adapted to a variety of different configurations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is open plan kitchen a good idea?

An open concept kitchen is a great way to kind of expand your home and create more space. You can entertain guests and interact with your family while cooking.

However, one drawback is that they can be loud, forcing your to hear all the conversations and other noise in your house. So, you will need to decide the settings and whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks before deciding for an open concept kitchen.

What is a good size open plan kitchen?

When determining the size of your open concept kitchen, you will need to consider the size of your overall space and how you want the layout to flow. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 35 square meters for your open concept kitchen. This is enough space to let you move around freely and also accommodate any additional furniture or appliances you may want to include in the space. You can also use a construction loan if you want the whole place remodeled.

How do you divide open concept space?

One way to do this is by using furniture or other features to delineate the different areas. For example, you might use a couch to create a lounge area or a dining table to create a dining area. You can also use different flooring materials or colors to create visual divisions between different areas. Also, you will want to know if you need a permit so consult anyone who knows about this.

Another way to divide open concept space is by using partitions or screens. These can be moved around easily so that you can change the layout of your space as needed. partitions or screens can also provide some privacy between different areas if needed. Finally, lighting can also be used to divide open concept space.