Quick Links:
Click here for my Kitchen FAQ
My Small Kitchen Remodel: Kitchen Source List with Paint Colors
Get the look of my kitchen with similar sources HERE!
Find my Amazon Favorite Kitchen Decor & Coffee Tools here
My kitchen was featured in BHG’s Small Space Decorating Magazine, Winter 2018
HHey, friends! The day has finally arrived — our kitchen is done. We’ve been using it since Christmas Day, but finishing touches took a bit longer than expected. I’m excited to share the reveal of our small kitchen remodel. We took photos over the weekend so I could show you the space now.
There’s a lot to cover, so I’ll use this post for an overview and many photos, then follow up with more detailed posts about specific elements. If you have questions, leave a comment and I’ll address them in future posts.
A quick recap: we bought this Seattle house a year and a half ago. It was well maintained but the kitchen needed an update. We considered big changes like opening walls but ultimately decided to keep the existing layout and work within it. After living with the new kitchen for eight weeks I’m very glad we kept the walls—this layout is functional, comfortable, and still allows guests to help when we cook.
With a small kitchen you must be thoughtful about every design choice. You can’t rely on large features like islands or big dining tables, but a small space lets you make a bold impact with fewer elements. We wanted to honor the character of the older house while giving the kitchen fresh function and a neutral palette that can be updated seasonally.
Utensil Crock // Ballard Designs Bristol Bench
Some design highlights:
The arched doorways:
We opened two small doorways into rounded arches. This added character and height, drawing you into the kitchen and creating a welcoming connection to the dining room. The arches make both rooms feel more charming.
Paneled walls and cedar ceiling:
We used horizontal paneled walls and tongue-and-groove cedar planks on the ceiling. The wood brings warmth and ties the room together visually, honoring the home’s original character while adding texture and coziness.
Tiered Stand
The round window:
We replaced the sink window with a round window to complement the arched doorways. It creates a focal point above the sink while white trim keeps it from competing with the view through the corner window. Brass faucets and wall sconces add a subtle metallic warmth.
Plaid Rug
The Dutch door:
The navy Dutch door is one of my favorite features. I use the top daily — it lets in light and fresh air while adding a coastal cottage contrast to the white interior. The color is Benjamin Moore Blue Note. The door inspired many of the room’s other decisions.
Apron front sink and brass faucet:
We chose a 36-inch apron-front sink — larger than our previous one — which fits the space well and makes tasks like filling pots and washing baking sheets easier. The brass faucet adds warmth and pairs nicely with the sconces and other brass accents.
I love being at the sink — it’s my favorite spot.
Faucet / Drinking Faucet
Cabinets, counters and sconces:
We used a stock cabinet line customized to our needs: full-overlay shaker doors in a warm white, soft-close hinges, and full-extension drawers to maximize storage. Quartz counters (Carrara Gioia) run to the corner window for a seamless, easy-to-clean surface. We added drawers, a Lazy Susan, and pull-out trash and recycling for better function.
Removing uppers on the sink side opened the view to the corner windows and allowed us to add wall sconces for ambient lighting. We considered open shelving but decided to keep the space clean and uncluttered for now.
Appliances:
We partnered with KitchenAid to install new appliances, including a professional range, range hood, and a French-door refrigerator in cabinet depth. The paneled dishwasher blends with the cabinetry. I’ll share a dedicated appliance post soon to show favorite features and why we chose each item.
Herringbone tile floors:
We chose durable rectangular tiles installed in a herringbone pattern. The tile has a concrete-like texture that hides daily grime and stands up to foot traffic and pets. The brownish-gray tone provides subtle contrast without overwhelming the room. Runners will be easy to add for seasonal updates.
Hardware:
We mixed hardware styles and finishes to keep the kitchen feeling layered and timeless. The combination includes round black knobs, black pulls that double as towel bars, square glass knobs with black brackets, and slim brass edge pulls for the pantry. Mixing finishes adds interest without feeling formal.
This kitchen was like a puzzle — every piece had to fit just right to create function, storage, and beauty in a smaller footprint.
Before and after photos show how removing upper cabinets and changing finishes opened the space and improved usability. The new long counter along the back wall is especially useful for prep and buffet setups.
It’s still a modestly sized kitchen, but it now feels larger in function, storage, and counter space. I’m thrilled with how it turned out.
Click HERE for all kitchen sources!
Thank you to KitchenAid® for providing the appliances for this project.
Thank you so much for coming by today for the kitchen reveal! I hope you enjoyed it. If you’re new here, I hope you’ll follow along as we make this house our home.
Quick Links:
Click here for my Kitchen FAQ
Get the look of my kitchen with similar sources HERE!
Small Kitchen Remodel: Kitchen Source List with Paint Colors
Find my Amazon Favorite Kitchen Decor & Coffee Tools here
Here are more posts with details about our kitchen remodel:
Shiplap Walls Behind Stove & Sink
Where we got the Dutch Doors
How we chose our kitchen appliances
Details on our quartz countertops (marble alternative).
How we mixed and matched our kitchen hardware
Herringbone floor tile details
Kitchen Remodel: Four Design Tips