Small Kitchen Remodeling Ideas For 60 Square Feet and Under

Smart layouts and storage solutions make small spaces work

The reality is, not everyone (especially apartment dwellers) has a large kitchen with an eat-in island and endless cabinets. What we’ve discovered, is that it’s not the size that really matters, but how homeowners and their Sweeten general contractors maximize the space given. Check out these five small kitchen remodels, all 60 square feet—or 10’ x 6’ as a comparable measurement—and under, that demonstrate the functionality of smaller kitchens.

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The previous owners of Treanna’s home didn’t realize the 42-square-foot kitchen’s full potential. With cabinets left to a single wall and the refrigerator alone on another, it was clear there was a better way to maximize the footprint. Along with her Sweeten contractor, they came up with a design featuring cabinets on both sides, full-sized appliances, and plenty of storage (including a toe-kick drawer and a hidden fold-up stool).

Clever organization (and some extra square footage in the entryway) made working within 44 square feet possible in Sunghee and Joseph’s cook space. They relocated the refrigerator to a storage wall just outside the kitchen and focused on smart storage solutions, like the pegboard panel on the outside of a narrow pantry cabinet. It also doubles as a drying rack and permanent hanging spot. The couple’s architect suggested separating the cooktop and oven so cooking and baking could be done simultaneously, without the couple stepping over one another.

Architects Kate and Arthur took on a multi-room renovation, including expanding and changing the layout of their roughly 48-square-foot kitchen to add a few more feet. The space went from a single wall to a much more ideal L-shaped layout that allows for storage and cooking room. Not to mention, they could add a full-height refrigerator and an 18-inch dishwasher. They managed to do it all while retaining all the original plumbing locations—meaning no added expense to the budget due to rerouting or permits to file—a total win-win!

Measuring in at just 55 square feet, Racquel’s kitchen wasn’t just small, it was also stuck in the ‘60s. She couldn’t change much about the size itself, but all new fixtures and appliances were more than enough to transform the space. The white gloss cabinetry and the stainless steel appliances reflect light from the window, which lightens the room and helps it feel larger too.

Marc and Steve’s kitchen was already open to the living and dining space, which automatically made the 60-square-foot area look bigger. They installed a patterned black and white floor that adds personality, along with all-white Ikea cabinets to keep it clean and simple. The window over the sink (the perfect placement!) was widened to let me more light in.

Investing in a reputable and well-qualified general contractor is key to the success of your renovation project. You’ll want to hire a firm with relevant experience for projects like yours in addition to proper licensing and insurance coverage specific to your area. When you’re ready to get started on your kitchen or home remodel, work with Sweeten to renovate with the best contractors.

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Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, and scope, helping until project completion. Follow the blog for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation on Sweeten.