Small Kitchen Ideas: Formal, Fancy and Functional Makeover

When homeowners from Des Plaines were ready to transform their dated, kitchen into a spectacular high-end cook’s dream, KDP was thrilled to design the remodel. The biggest challenge? A small footprint with no room for expansion. Small kitchens are always the most challenging to design because every inch of space is critical. Detailed planning is essential to achieve a result that is both functional and beautiful. Fortunately, detailed planning small kitchen ideas is a KDP specialty!

First, the original kitchen was approximately 12 x 12 with one L-shaped countertop and an eat-in table with overflow storage and work space. Storage space was limited and the countertops full of small appliances, creating a frustrating cooking environment for this active couple who cook often and entertain regularly.

BEFORE:

The homeowners knew exactly what they wanted. They wanted fabulous; they wanted ample organized storage space and work space; they wanted eye-popping white cabinetry with gorgeous traditional-style design elements; they wanted beautiful quartzite countertops, very specific extra-large appliances, and a phenomenal hood… and they wanted it all within their existing footprint. KDP worked closely with the homeowners and their contractor to create this gorgeous small kitchen magic:

AFTER:

With the internet at their fingertips, today’s homeowners often do a lot of research before ever consulting professionals. Many of our clients come in fairly knowledgeable and with very specific ideas and these homeowners had definitely done their homework.

The homeowners had already selected this gorgeous 48” stainless steel Dacor gas range. This is quite a large range for a kitchen of this size, taking up precious countertop and cabinet space. The Dacor range was an absolute must for the homeowners despite the size challenge and you can understand why. This beautiful workhorse boasts a 6 burner cooktop and double ovens in two sizes. They also hand selected this amazing custom brass and copper hood.

In order to fit the large range and hood into the new kitchen while still providing new storage and workspace options, KDP presented some creative ideas. First, we flipped the location of the sink and oven as the original sink wall was wider. We also removed the soffits and extended the cabinets all the way to ceiling. Lastly, we added the stunning custom hutch where the homeowners previously had a kitchen table, allowing separate work zones for the homeowners to function together in the kitchen and providing a lovely area to plate food beside the doors to the patio and garden where they often entertain.

The homeowners chose white raised panel cabinetry from Holiday Kitchens throughout the new kitchen. The hutch is a gorgeous furniture piece that has personalization from top to bottom. Leaded glass doors were by a local artisan to match the leaded glass window the homeowners already had in their powder room. (You can see the window in the background above.) The glass was sandblasted to a beautiful texture so you don’t see the contents inside but the light shows through. The same artisan supplied the mirrored backsplash. Carved corbels and bun feet at the base provide more traditional design touches. Both base and wall cabinets have staggered depths to fit the wall space and create further visual interest. The cabinet manufacturer customized a Glidden paint for the cabinetry to perfectly match the detailed crown moldings in the home that we continued in the kitchen. (All KDP manufacturers offer this convenient paint-matching service.) The hutch is centered on the front door so when you enter the home you immediately see this gorgeous, lit up furniture piece.

The graceful hutch is as functional as it is lovely. Angled Power Strips under cabinet lighting by Task Lighting LED accent the decorative corbels and light up the work space. From organized cutlery drawer inserts to easy-access deep drawer dinnerware inserts to glassware storage, this hutch offers convenient, organized storage for all the dinnerware needs.

Next, the Cream colored ceramic backsplash tile in a herringbone pattern beautifully blends with the natural stone floor tile and the creamy veins in the multi-hued green quartzite countertops. A spice rack to right of the hood was purposefully placed for the right-handed homeowner. Deep drawers on the left of the range provide convenient storage for pots and pans near the cooking area while smaller drawers on the right have ample room for utensils of all types, creating an efficient cooking work zone.

Customization

We positively adore how the customized refrigerator panels and custom pantry area came together! Notice that the lines of the top and bottom sections of the fridge line up perfectly with the pantry. They both complement the pre-existing closet doors at the end. The panels of the refrigerator look like two doors on top and six drawers on the bottom. But really these are two large door panels. A decorative side panel carefully maintains the matching lines and a decorative half spool. Additionally, the rod on the corner matching the base cabinets décor adds a formal element. Simply lovely!

KDP also moved the placement of the fridge to the edge of the wall. This helps to create space for a custom pantry for additional storage and organization. Vertical dividers at the top are perfect for storing platters, cookie sheets and shallow pans with six small rollouts at a convenient height provide organization for frequently used items. The bottom of the pantry opens to larger rollouts is perfect for large pots and small appliances that previously cluttered the countertops.

Raised panel cabinet doors and drawer fronts have half spool and reeded-rod décor. As a result, this brings a more traditional-style design elements to the kitchen. Also, a single-bowl Rohl Shaws Farm Sink replaces the old double-bowl sink. It is conveniently next to the custom-paneled Miele dishwasher. Next, the GE spacemaker microwave is conveniently in a cabinet opening.

Overall, we couldn’t be more pleased with this stunning traditional-style small kitchen! Click to explore all the features perfectly packaged in this small kitchen with a big impact.