Before and After: 4 Bright Kitchens in 215 to 300 Square Feet
See how designers transformed kitchens with clever layouts, warm finishes and thoughtful details
Kitchens measuring 215 to 300 square feet offer a design sweet spot, balancing ample storage with high-functioning efficiency. These generous layouts provide significant workspace and optimal flow for both entertaining and daily life. In the following four projects, see how design and build experts transformed dated rooms into stylish, user-friendly hubs tailored for modern living.
Before Photo
After: Shaw removed the dated backsplash, cabinetry, counters, soffit and table-and-chair setup. Eliminating the soffit allowed new blue-painted maple cabinetry with pronounced molding to bring fresh energy and increased storage to the space. Recessed cabinet doors paired with a mix of recessed and flat drawer fronts offer a subtle twist on classic Shaker style. Sleek transitional flat black pulls, along with a matte black refrigerator and range hood, add dramatic contrast.
The island that replaced the table and chairs has numerous drawers to maximize function, including a peg system for storing dishes. A rich walnut plank countertop complements the blue cabinetry and is protected by a waterproof finish. The existing maple floor, which adds visual warmth, was patched and refinished for a seamless look.
The island that replaced the table and chairs has numerous drawers to maximize function, including a peg system for storing dishes. A rich walnut plank countertop complements the blue cabinetry and is protected by a waterproof finish. The existing maple floor, which adds visual warmth, was patched and refinished for a seamless look.
Two sets of mason jar pendant lights with black accents above the island add farmhouse-inspired charm, while new LED recessed ceiling lights and undercabinet lighting brighten task areas. Decorative trim around existing windows gives the space a more finished look.
A new single-basin copper farmhouse sink pairs with a matte black pro-style pull-down faucet that coordinates with the cabinetry hardware. Perimeter counters in premium quartz feature soft pastel tones that lend a calm presence. A new ceiling beam supports a bedroom suite above the kitchen, addressing a previous owner’s addition.
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A new single-basin copper farmhouse sink pairs with a matte black pro-style pull-down faucet that coordinates with the cabinetry hardware. Perimeter counters in premium quartz feature soft pastel tones that lend a calm presence. A new ceiling beam supports a bedroom suite above the kitchen, addressing a previous owner’s addition.
Read more about this kitchen makeover
“After” photos by Anastasia Alkema Photography
2. Craftsman Charm in Soft Green and Terra Cotta
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple with three children
Location: Decatur, Georgia
Size: Kitchen is 216 square feet (20 square meters), breakfast area is 92 square feet (8.6 square meters)
Designer: Jessica Flake of Copper Sky Design + Remodel
Before: The owners of this suburban Atlanta 1920s Craftsman, who had previously worked with design-build firm Copper Sky on a second-story addition, returned to the firm to update their aging kitchen, which had limited storage. Although a wide opening connected the kitchen to a breakfast room that doubled as a mudroom, the spaces functioned separately. A small closet between the breakfast room and a hallway served as the pantry.
Seeking a more user-friendly kitchen with durable, period-appropriate finishes, increased storage and improved flow, the couple worked with Jessica Flake, senior architect and lead designer at the firm, to carry out the major changes.
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2. Craftsman Charm in Soft Green and Terra Cotta
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple with three children
Location: Decatur, Georgia
Size: Kitchen is 216 square feet (20 square meters), breakfast area is 92 square feet (8.6 square meters)
Designer: Jessica Flake of Copper Sky Design + Remodel
Before: The owners of this suburban Atlanta 1920s Craftsman, who had previously worked with design-build firm Copper Sky on a second-story addition, returned to the firm to update their aging kitchen, which had limited storage. Although a wide opening connected the kitchen to a breakfast room that doubled as a mudroom, the spaces functioned separately. A small closet between the breakfast room and a hallway served as the pantry.
Seeking a more user-friendly kitchen with durable, period-appropriate finishes, increased storage and improved flow, the couple worked with Jessica Flake, senior architect and lead designer at the firm, to carry out the major changes.
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
After: By combining the two spaces, the team added a small powder room and a dedicated mudroom, creating an expanded kitchen with better flow and storage. Custom inset perimeter cabinets in an earthy sage green (Green Earth by Sherwin-Williams) feature period-appropriate unlacquered brass hardware and now reach the 10-foot ceiling, emphasizing vertical space while giving the kitchen a fresh, updated look.
Creamy white 4-by-4-inch backsplash tiles set in a running bond pattern and matching quartz countertops provide subtle, light contrast. Flake paired the green cabinetry with warm terra-cotta floor tiles — Craftsman-appropriate and practical for a busy family of five. Costs were kept in check by leaving appliances in their original locations.
Creamy white 4-by-4-inch backsplash tiles set in a running bond pattern and matching quartz countertops provide subtle, light contrast. Flake paired the green cabinetry with warm terra-cotta floor tiles — Craftsman-appropriate and practical for a busy family of five. Costs were kept in check by leaving appliances in their original locations.
Silver Gray granite tops the new freestanding island (and also serves as a range hood detail), echoing the soapstone the owners love while offering a lower-maintenance alternative. The red oak island base brings warmth, mirrored in the hammered copper apron sink and terra-cotta floor tiles. The island’s rounded corners and slim 2-foot width make circulation effortless, yet its 7-foot length still provides generous counter space and functional drawers on the sink side.
Across from the sink, a panel-front fridge is seamlessly integrated into a tall wall of cabinetry that now spans the previously divided spaces. A bright new breakfast nook and a 56-square-foot mudroom — created from an unused sunroom at the kitchen’s back corner — round out these thoughtful updates, transforming the space into a functional, timeless kitchen full of charm.
Read more about this kitchen makeover
Across from the sink, a panel-front fridge is seamlessly integrated into a tall wall of cabinetry that now spans the previously divided spaces. A bright new breakfast nook and a 56-square-foot mudroom — created from an unused sunroom at the kitchen’s back corner — round out these thoughtful updates, transforming the space into a functional, timeless kitchen full of charm.
Read more about this kitchen makeover
Photos by Jo Ritchie
3. Soft Gray With Victorian Flair
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A family of four
Location: York, England
Size: Kitchen is 238 square feet (22 square meters), laundry-mudroom is 57 square feet (5.3 square meters)
Designer: Lucy Clarke-Bishop of Clarke-Bishop Interiors
Before: The kitchen in this York, England, Victorian had seen better days. Cabinets were deteriorating and slanted skylights provided too little light while cutting into potential storage. The homeowner loves black, but in this shady space it felt overpowering, and the white upper cabinets and walls appeared stark and harsh.
The 238-square-foot kitchen and adjoining 57-square-foot laundry-mudroom fit comfortably within the existing footprint. Rather than expanding, the goal was to transform the kitchen into a lighter, calmer and warmer space that felt inviting and functional.
How to Start a Kitchen Remodel
3. Soft Gray With Victorian Flair
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A family of four
Location: York, England
Size: Kitchen is 238 square feet (22 square meters), laundry-mudroom is 57 square feet (5.3 square meters)
Designer: Lucy Clarke-Bishop of Clarke-Bishop Interiors
Before: The kitchen in this York, England, Victorian had seen better days. Cabinets were deteriorating and slanted skylights provided too little light while cutting into potential storage. The homeowner loves black, but in this shady space it felt overpowering, and the white upper cabinets and walls appeared stark and harsh.
The 238-square-foot kitchen and adjoining 57-square-foot laundry-mudroom fit comfortably within the existing footprint. Rather than expanding, the goal was to transform the kitchen into a lighter, calmer and warmer space that felt inviting and functional.
How to Start a Kitchen Remodel
After: The homeowners teamed up with Browson Design & Build, which installed a deep-reaching roof lantern and crafted custom cabinetry, before passing the project to designer Lucy Clarke-Bishop of Clarke-Bishop Interiors.
Pale, warm gray cabinetry paired with subtle pink-tinged walls maximizes the natural light from a new skylight while adding a soft, welcoming warmth. Tongue-and-groove paneling in the same hue and a Victorian-inspired island nod to the home’s period, while a classic black island on legs complements the existing Aga stove.
The focal point island has an Arabescato marble top with a hint of pink, while the remaining countertops are simple, lightly marbled quartz, letting the island take center stage. A paneled refrigerator is tucked behind the far left door, with a pantry incorporated into the righthand tall cabinet.
Pale, warm gray cabinetry paired with subtle pink-tinged walls maximizes the natural light from a new skylight while adding a soft, welcoming warmth. Tongue-and-groove paneling in the same hue and a Victorian-inspired island nod to the home’s period, while a classic black island on legs complements the existing Aga stove.
The focal point island has an Arabescato marble top with a hint of pink, while the remaining countertops are simple, lightly marbled quartz, letting the island take center stage. A paneled refrigerator is tucked behind the far left door, with a pantry incorporated into the righthand tall cabinet.
Squaring off the end of the kitchen allowed for a slightly taller window, giving the homeowners a lovely view of their newly finished lush backyard. Black window frames highlight the view while tying in with other black accents in the space.
A fluted farmhouse sink echoes the subtle texture of the glass pendant lights. Vertical lines appear throughout the kitchen and laundry room — in the tongue-and-groove paneling and in a wooden bench in the breakfast area — adding visual interest and a sense of height. The designer’s fondness for stripes helps unify the spaces while enhancing the airy, welcoming feel of the home.
Read more about this kitchen makeover
A fluted farmhouse sink echoes the subtle texture of the glass pendant lights. Vertical lines appear throughout the kitchen and laundry room — in the tongue-and-groove paneling and in a wooden bench in the breakfast area — adding visual interest and a sense of height. The designer’s fondness for stripes helps unify the spaces while enhancing the airy, welcoming feel of the home.
Read more about this kitchen makeover
“After” photos by Iklil Gregg Photography
4. Warm Wood and Blue Accents
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A recently retired couple
Location: Kingston, Washington
Size: 280 square feet (26 square meters), including a breakfast area
Designer: Molly Erin McCabe of McCabe by Design
Before: This recently retired couple in Kingston, Washington, found their dark, dated kitchen’s open layout adequate, but short maple cabinets without knobs or pulls offered little in the way of storage or style. Granite tile countertops and a black tile backsplash, paired with a mix of black and stainless steel appliances, felt tired, while a bulky two-tier island cramped circulation.
A breakfast area with a wood table and sliding glass door connected the kitchen to the living room, but the space lacked cohesion. Hoping for a brighter, smarter and more functional kitchen, the homeowners turned to designer Molly Erin McCabe for guidance and a fresh approach.
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
4. Warm Wood and Blue Accents
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A recently retired couple
Location: Kingston, Washington
Size: 280 square feet (26 square meters), including a breakfast area
Designer: Molly Erin McCabe of McCabe by Design
Before: This recently retired couple in Kingston, Washington, found their dark, dated kitchen’s open layout adequate, but short maple cabinets without knobs or pulls offered little in the way of storage or style. Granite tile countertops and a black tile backsplash, paired with a mix of black and stainless steel appliances, felt tired, while a bulky two-tier island cramped circulation.
A breakfast area with a wood table and sliding glass door connected the kitchen to the living room, but the space lacked cohesion. Hoping for a brighter, smarter and more functional kitchen, the homeowners turned to designer Molly Erin McCabe for guidance and a fresh approach.
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
After: McCabe removed the dated cabinets, countertops, backsplash and most of the appliances, along with the bulky island. She added a streamlined single-level island with ample storage and a trash-and-recycling pullout, making the kitchen safer and more spacious. The island also provides a large, uninterrupted surface for meal prep or buffet service, topped in polished quartz that continues on the perimeter counters for a durable, scratch- and stain-resistant finish. Red oak flooring was patched where the island was relocated and refinished with a matte urethane coat for a seamless look.
Frameless cherry cabinetry with a warm brown stain now extends to the ceiling, maximizing storage. On the backsplash, glazed soft blue picket tiles with subtle tonal variation and light gray grout complement the warm wood tones of the cabinetry and floor.
Frameless cherry cabinetry with a warm brown stain now extends to the ceiling, maximizing storage. On the backsplash, glazed soft blue picket tiles with subtle tonal variation and light gray grout complement the warm wood tones of the cabinetry and floor.
McCabe relocated the upgraded wall ovens and new refrigerator, freeing space to move the undermount workstation sink beneath a new vinyl casement window that fills the kitchen with natural light and offers a direct view of the couple’s garden. Their existing top-control stainless steel dishwasher was reinstalled to the right of the sink.
A custom valance above the sink houses integrated LED pods for task lighting, complemented by new ceiling LEDs and glass pendant lights over the breakfast table. A former desk area across from the sink was transformed into a bar with an undercounter beverage refrigerator and cabinets for spirits and entertaining supplies. The result is a bright, functional kitchen with improved storage, flow and style for both everyday living and entertaining.
Read more about this kitchen makeover
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A custom valance above the sink houses integrated LED pods for task lighting, complemented by new ceiling LEDs and glass pendant lights over the breakfast table. A former desk area across from the sink was transformed into a bar with an undercounter beverage refrigerator and cabinets for spirits and entertaining supplies. The result is a bright, functional kitchen with improved storage, flow and style for both everyday living and entertaining.
Read more about this kitchen makeover
More on Houzz
Read more stories
Browse photos for ideas
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1. Bold Blue Cabinets for a 1990s Remodel
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A family
Location: Auburndale village, Newton, Massachusetts
Size: 300 square feet (28 square meters)
Designer: Rob Shaw of Kitchen Associates
Before: This suburban Boston family wanted to refresh a dated 1990s kitchen and improve function within its historic 1891 home. The original space featured short wood cabinets with dark green trim beneath a plaster soffit, along with a table and chairs but no island. Beige backsplash tile and walls paired with dark countertops left the room feeling dull.
After the wife fell for a showroom display combining wood and rich color, she and kitchen designer Rob Shaw of Kitchen Associates reimagined the 300-square-foot space with a similar mix.
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