Before and After: 4 Kitchens, 4 Layouts Under 164 Square Feet
See dramatic makeovers of four similarly sized kitchens, each with a different cabinet and appliance configuration
Square footage is only one factor when determining the most efficient layout for a kitchen. The pros and homeowners who renovated these similarly sized kitchens also took into account such elements as doors, windows and existing plumbing — and each landed on a different design. If you’re considering a kitchen renovation, compare these “befores” and “afters” to help determine the configuration that will maximize your own space.
After: De Vito knocked the kitchen back to the studs and raised the ceiling to over 12 feet. He added a fixed skylight above and a custom 4-by-8-foot fixed window on the left wall. He also swapped the solid door for a glass-paneled one topped by a transom window.
They added a sleek island with a sink to the single-wall layout to reconfigure the room into what’s effectively a galley kitchen, which has two parallel walls of cabinetry. Now De Vito and Carrasco can stand at the sink and socialize with people in the adjacent living room.
The couple wanted to keep the kitchen neutral and minimal, so they chose handleless, slab-front matte white laminate cabinets and painted the walls and ceiling white. The main kitchen flooring is 48-by-48-inch porcelain tile, also white.
To warm up the mostly white palette, they used laminate that resembles white oak on the cabinets above the cooktop and on the side of the island. Engineered white oak flooring extends from the island into the living room.
Cabinets: Eurodekor laminate in Vicenza Oak and Elegante Matte White, Egger; wall and ceiling paint: All White, Farrow & Ball
They added a sleek island with a sink to the single-wall layout to reconfigure the room into what’s effectively a galley kitchen, which has two parallel walls of cabinetry. Now De Vito and Carrasco can stand at the sink and socialize with people in the adjacent living room.
The couple wanted to keep the kitchen neutral and minimal, so they chose handleless, slab-front matte white laminate cabinets and painted the walls and ceiling white. The main kitchen flooring is 48-by-48-inch porcelain tile, also white.
To warm up the mostly white palette, they used laminate that resembles white oak on the cabinets above the cooktop and on the side of the island. Engineered white oak flooring extends from the island into the living room.
Cabinets: Eurodekor laminate in Vicenza Oak and Elegante Matte White, Egger; wall and ceiling paint: All White, Farrow & Ball
Hammered brass metal dome pendant lights illuminate the island’s white quartz waterfall countertop. The 30-inch stainless steel gas cooktop is surrounded by the same white quartz, and the backsplash is a slab of polished Bianco Venatino white marble.
The sleek new appliances include a 30-inch stainless steel electric convection wall oven with built-in microwave and a French-door refrigerator with custom laminate panels that allow it to blend into the surrounding cabinetry.
A modern commercial-style chrome faucet in bright orange provides an unexpected pop of color.
Refrigerator: Panel-ready built-in French door, 36 inches, Fisher & Paykel; sink: Crosstown, Elkay; faucet: Essence, Grohe
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The sleek new appliances include a 30-inch stainless steel electric convection wall oven with built-in microwave and a French-door refrigerator with custom laminate panels that allow it to blend into the surrounding cabinetry.
A modern commercial-style chrome faucet in bright orange provides an unexpected pop of color.
Refrigerator: Panel-ready built-in French door, 36 inches, Fisher & Paykel; sink: Crosstown, Elkay; faucet: Essence, Grohe
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“After” photos by Karen Calver Photography
2. G-Shaped With Multiple Openings
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A family of three
Location: Atlanta
Size: 163 square feet (15 square meters)
Designer: Rosa Moreno
Before: The owners of this Atlanta kitchen hired kitchen designer Rosa Moreno to make over their kitchen after finding her on Houzz. They liked the room’s existing G-shaped layout, which has cabinetry on three walls plus a peninsula on the fourth side. Their “G” has three entrances instead of the common single opening at the end of the peninsula, which allows for easy circulation into and out of the room.
But the cabinets were tired, and the soffits were out of style and served no purpose. And the old white fridge (not pictured here) fit poorly in the surrounding cabinets.
2. G-Shaped With Multiple Openings
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A family of three
Location: Atlanta
Size: 163 square feet (15 square meters)
Designer: Rosa Moreno
Before: The owners of this Atlanta kitchen hired kitchen designer Rosa Moreno to make over their kitchen after finding her on Houzz. They liked the room’s existing G-shaped layout, which has cabinetry on three walls plus a peninsula on the fourth side. Their “G” has three entrances instead of the common single opening at the end of the peninsula, which allows for easy circulation into and out of the room.
But the cabinets were tired, and the soffits were out of style and served no purpose. And the old white fridge (not pictured here) fit poorly in the surrounding cabinets.
After: Moreno removed the soffits and extended the new cabinets to the ceiling, adding a crown molding detail along the top. The deep blue finish was provided by the manufacturer. Moreno paired the cabinetry with a textured white subway tile backsplash and a quartz countertop with subtle blue in the veining.
In place of the separate cooktop and wall oven, Moreno switched to a range and a white exhaust hood that now act as a focal point. (The microwave moved to the pantry.) She also extended the counter on the peninsula to create a seating area, which the homeowner complemented with woven leather counter stools she found herself.
Cabinets: Bonavista finish, Cabico Custom Cabinetry; countertop: Blue Carrara quartz, Corian
In place of the separate cooktop and wall oven, Moreno switched to a range and a white exhaust hood that now act as a focal point. (The microwave moved to the pantry.) She also extended the counter on the peninsula to create a seating area, which the homeowner complemented with woven leather counter stools she found herself.
Cabinets: Bonavista finish, Cabico Custom Cabinetry; countertop: Blue Carrara quartz, Corian
The cabinetry surrounding the new stainless steel fridge now fits to a T, creating a streamlined look.
To the left of the refrigerator, before a widened arched opening to the adjacent room, is a handy new coffee bar. It has a zebrawood countertop, upper cabinets with glass doors for displaying glassware and lower cabinets with rollout shelves below for mugs and teacups. A mosaic tile backsplash that resembles blue and green fish scales makes a big splash in the small bar area.
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To the left of the refrigerator, before a widened arched opening to the adjacent room, is a handy new coffee bar. It has a zebrawood countertop, upper cabinets with glass doors for displaying glassware and lower cabinets with rollout shelves below for mugs and teacups. A mosaic tile backsplash that resembles blue and green fish scales makes a big splash in the small bar area.
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Before Photo
“After” photos by Emily Rose Imagery
3. L-Shaped With an Island
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple with two high school kids and two dogs
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Size: 151 square feet (14 square meters)
Designer-builder: Gary Rochman of Rochman Design-Build
Before: This small, G-shaped kitchen in a 1930s Tudor home had falling-apart cabinets, a lack of counter and storage space and an awkward L-shaped ledge functioning as a makeshift peninsula. And it was cut off from the dining room and sunroom. Unsurprisingly, the owners, who are parents of two high schoolers, didn’t find it conducive to entertaining. So they worked with design-build pro Gary Rochman to expand the footprint and upgrade the finishes.
7 Essential Features of a Well-Designed Kitchen
3. L-Shaped With an Island
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple with two high school kids and two dogs
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Size: 151 square feet (14 square meters)
Designer-builder: Gary Rochman of Rochman Design-Build
Before: This small, G-shaped kitchen in a 1930s Tudor home had falling-apart cabinets, a lack of counter and storage space and an awkward L-shaped ledge functioning as a makeshift peninsula. And it was cut off from the dining room and sunroom. Unsurprisingly, the owners, who are parents of two high schoolers, didn’t find it conducive to entertaining. So they worked with design-build pro Gary Rochman to expand the footprint and upgrade the finishes.
7 Essential Features of a Well-Designed Kitchen
After: Rochman improved the flow by taking down a slim wall between the kitchen and dining room and borrowing 33 square feet from the sunroom. While a relatively small addition, it enabled him to reconfigure the layout into an L with an entertaining-friendly island.
White cabinets, walls and handmade ceramic backsplash tiles look crisp and clean, especially when contrasted with the slate-colored grout, Absolute Black granite perimeter countertops and other black details. The refinished red oak floor and maple butcher block island top add warm and varied blond tones.
Paint: Simply White (cabinets) and Chantilly Lace (walls), Benjamin Moore; cabinets: Meadowland door style, Crystal Cabinets; cabinet hardware: Nouveau III Essex knobs and Riverside pulls in flat black, Top Knobs; backsplash: Crafted handmade wall tile in glossy white, 3 by 12 inches, Virginia Tile
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White cabinets, walls and handmade ceramic backsplash tiles look crisp and clean, especially when contrasted with the slate-colored grout, Absolute Black granite perimeter countertops and other black details. The refinished red oak floor and maple butcher block island top add warm and varied blond tones.
Paint: Simply White (cabinets) and Chantilly Lace (walls), Benjamin Moore; cabinets: Meadowland door style, Crystal Cabinets; cabinet hardware: Nouveau III Essex knobs and Riverside pulls in flat black, Top Knobs; backsplash: Crafted handmade wall tile in glossy white, 3 by 12 inches, Virginia Tile
Read more about this remodel
Rochman removed a single window to reposition the range, then added two new casement windows with a white undermount single-bowl farmhouse sink centered below them.
The new appliances have all kinds of bells and whistles. For example, the 30-inch stainless steel smart slide-in range has front controls, an induction cooktop, a convection oven and a warming drawer. A 30-inch wall-mount stainless steel vent hood includes dimmable LED lighting. And the 36-inch stainless steel French door bottom-mount refrigerator has a filtered-water dispenser inside.
Two new pendant lights with gilded interiors hang above the island. The kitchen also has new LED wafer ceiling lights on dimmers.
Sink: Whitehaven, Kohler; sink faucet: Simplice in Vibrant Stainless, Kohler; range hood: 30-inch designer wall-mount with dimmable LED lighting, GE Appliances; pendant lights: Agnes matte black with gilded interior, Visual Comfort
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The new appliances have all kinds of bells and whistles. For example, the 30-inch stainless steel smart slide-in range has front controls, an induction cooktop, a convection oven and a warming drawer. A 30-inch wall-mount stainless steel vent hood includes dimmable LED lighting. And the 36-inch stainless steel French door bottom-mount refrigerator has a filtered-water dispenser inside.
Two new pendant lights with gilded interiors hang above the island. The kitchen also has new LED wafer ceiling lights on dimmers.
Sink: Whitehaven, Kohler; sink faucet: Simplice in Vibrant Stainless, Kohler; range hood: 30-inch designer wall-mount with dimmable LED lighting, GE Appliances; pendant lights: Agnes matte black with gilded interior, Visual Comfort
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“After” photos by Wing Wong of MemoriesTTL
4. U-Shaped With a Dining Nook
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple of empty nesters
Location: Montclair, New Jersey
Size: 144 square feet (13 square meters)
Designer: Tracey Stephens
Before: The owners of this New Jersey kitchen shared several priorities with designer Tracey Stephens when planning their renovation. Top of the list was moving a small powder room (behind the door on the left) far away. Another was brightening up the room, which was very dark, and adding color. Other asks included improved storage and a design that would help them stop accidentally kicking their dog’s water bowl.
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
4. U-Shaped With a Dining Nook
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple of empty nesters
Location: Montclair, New Jersey
Size: 144 square feet (13 square meters)
Designer: Tracey Stephens
Before: The owners of this New Jersey kitchen shared several priorities with designer Tracey Stephens when planning their renovation. Top of the list was moving a small powder room (behind the door on the left) far away. Another was brightening up the room, which was very dark, and adding color. Other asks included improved storage and a design that would help them stop accidentally kicking their dog’s water bowl.
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
After: Stephens kept the previous layout, which was a functional U shape (cabinets on three walls) with a fridge on the fourth wall. But she replaced the powder room with a new eating nook with a 72-inch span of casement windows overlooking the backyard. The dog bowls are tucked away in the back corner (to the right of the stools) and a slim radiator keeps the space toasty.
The workstation sink centered below the larger new awning window has racks and inserts for prepping, rinsing and chopping, which extends the workspace. Stephens reused the perfectly good existing dishwasher but donated the range and fridge.
Sink: Crosstown workstation, Elkay; faucet: Artesso, Brizo/Delta
The workstation sink centered below the larger new awning window has racks and inserts for prepping, rinsing and chopping, which extends the workspace. Stephens reused the perfectly good existing dishwasher but donated the range and fridge.
Sink: Crosstown workstation, Elkay; faucet: Artesso, Brizo/Delta
The color-loving homeowners selected this blue-green cabinet color, Mediterranean, from Showplace Cabinetry, and then added even more pizzazz on the floor with linoleum tiles. Stephens recommended this particular product — Marmoleum — because it’s easy on the feet, made from renewable resources and comes in a rainbow of colors. The homeowners also opted to replace their gas range with an induction range, a healthier and more sustainable choice. Other green choices included replacing the old fridge with a new hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)-free fridge, installing 100% LED lighting and using a dumpster company that recycled 98% of the construction debris.
Flooring: Marmoleum Modular, 10 by 10 inches, in Mercury, Petrol and Yellow Moss, Forbo
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Flooring: Marmoleum Modular, 10 by 10 inches, in Mercury, Petrol and Yellow Moss, Forbo
Read more about this remodel
More on Houzz
Read more kitchen stories
Browse kitchen photos
Hire a kitchen remodeler
Shop for kitchen products
1. Single Wall With an Island
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: Joseph De Vito and Adriana Carrasco
Location: Chicago
Size: 140 square feet (13 square meters)
Cabinetmakers: Kornel Tadeuszuk and Kyle Kiperman of CraftedWild Cabinetry
Before: This kitchen in a Chicago condo is on the second floor of a two-story 1871 building. Among its challenges were aging fixtures and appliances, a low ceiling that made it feel cramped, fading laminate countertops and vinyl flooring, and a solid door (on the left) that blocked potential light and views from the balcony.
Joseph De Vito and his wife, Adriana Carrasco, had recently moved into the condo and were eager to give it a major refresh. De Vito took on the role of project manager and worked with cabinetmakers Kornel Tadeuszuk and Kyle Kiperman to upgrade the kitchen’s function, storage and style.
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