From Cramped to Cozy: A Small Kitchen Redesign That Just Made Sense

Designing small kitchens often presents unique challenges and raises many questions. First and foremost: where is everything going to go? Should you add an island? If not, where will you store everything that was in the island? What size appliances are best? And where, exactly, is the microwave going to fit? How do you maximize storage without making the kitchen feel cramped? These are all critical considerations, and ones we faced when redesigning this quaint kitchen in Portland, ME.

When approaching any space—especially one slated for a complete transformation—we start with a blank canvas, retaining only the existing walls. This particular kitchen originally featured an island, but the space simply couldn't accommodate it comfortably. However, eliminating the island didn’t mean sacrificing its storage benefits. Instead, we proposed a cozy breakfast nook tucked into a previously underutilized corner. By incorporating short base drawers as seating and adding a couple of shallow cabinets at the end, we created functional storage without overwhelming the space. Additionally, we transformed an entryway cabinet into a built-in pantry, maximizing storage while maintaining an open, airy feel.

Ah, the microwave—a kitchen staple that’s indispensable for some, yet an eyesore on the countertop for many. In larger kitchens, a drawer microwave seamlessly fits into a base cabinet, but in a compact space like this, every inch counts. We had to weigh the pros and cons: was it worth sacrificing base cabinet storage, or did we value the countertop space more? Placing it in the pantry would have saved space but compromised convenience. After careful consideration, we decided to integrate the microwave into a cabinet. In small kitchens, countertop space is prime real estate, and keeping it clear makes the entire room feel larger and more organized.

We are thrilled with how this kitchen turned out—and so is our client! The reimagined layout, thoughtful storage solutions, and clever use of the entryway have made all the difference. Whether your kitchen is small, large, or somewhere in between, we’d love to help you bring your vision to life.