Before and After: 4 Welcoming Kitchens in 315 to 360 Square Feet
See how designers transformed roomy kitchens into highly functional, inviting spaces with storage, flow and style
Kitchens measuring 315 to 360 square feet offer plenty of room for smart storage, dedicated work zones, hardworking islands and thoughtfully layered details. These spacious layouts can simplify busy routines while creating inviting settings for cooking, gathering and entertaining. In four before-and-after makeovers, see how design and remodeling pros transformed dated kitchens into welcoming, flexible hubs tailored to family life.
Before Photo
After: Pushing out the wall on the left 8½ feet added 150 square feet to the kitchen and created room for a spacious blue-gray island measuring 9½ by 3½ feet. The island gives the family a central gathering spot for meals and everyday activities while adding rich contrast to the white Shaker-style cabinetry, which includes subtle beaded detailing along parts of the perimeter. Woven counter stools layer in warmth and texture.
To help the addition feel original to the home, the team matched the existing window style and repeated trim details such as crown molding and baseboards. Warm wood flooring, aged brass finishes, vintage-inspired hardware and classic light fixtures further reinforce the home’s historic character.
To help the addition feel original to the home, the team matched the existing window style and repeated trim details such as crown molding and baseboards. Warm wood flooring, aged brass finishes, vintage-inspired hardware and classic light fixtures further reinforce the home’s historic character.
Expansive windows and glass doors flood the remodeled kitchen with natural light, brightening the classic palette of white cabinetry, a light zellige tile backsplash and London Fog quartz countertops.
The hardworking island includes deep drawers for pots and pans near the relocated range, along with a microwave drawer and smaller drawers for everyday essentials. A charging drawer beside the dishwasher keeps devices organized and off the counters. Polished nickel fixtures at the sink add a traditional touch and coordinate seamlessly with the stainless steel appliances in a balanced mixed-metal scheme.
A patterned runner introduces softness underfoot while echoing the island’s blue-gray tone. Other thoughtful features include a second oven for holiday cooking and a walk-in pantry hidden behind false cabinet doors.
Read more about this kitchen makeover
The hardworking island includes deep drawers for pots and pans near the relocated range, along with a microwave drawer and smaller drawers for everyday essentials. A charging drawer beside the dishwasher keeps devices organized and off the counters. Polished nickel fixtures at the sink add a traditional touch and coordinate seamlessly with the stainless steel appliances in a balanced mixed-metal scheme.
A patterned runner introduces softness underfoot while echoing the island’s blue-gray tone. Other thoughtful features include a second oven for holiday cooking and a walk-in pantry hidden behind false cabinet doors.
Read more about this kitchen makeover
Photos by Blackstock Photography
2. Barn Reimagined
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A family of four
Location: Mendham Township, New Jersey
Size: 336 square feet (31 square meters)
Designer: Alison Griffin of Griffin Designs
Before: The owners of this converted 1820s horse barn in New Jersey knew a major renovation would be needed to update the home for modern family life. The parents of two young daughters hired Alison Griffin to guide the transformation.
The existing kitchen, tucked into a cramped back corner, lacked both space and flow, so the homeowners decided to relocate it to this larger area used as a family and dining room. During demolition, the team uncovered unexpected structural conditions that shifted the design direction away from a purely traditional aesthetic toward a city-loft-inspired look that blends historic character with contemporary farmhouse details.
12 Custom Storage Solutions for a Clutter-Free Kitchen
2. Barn Reimagined
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A family of four
Location: Mendham Township, New Jersey
Size: 336 square feet (31 square meters)
Designer: Alison Griffin of Griffin Designs
Before: The owners of this converted 1820s horse barn in New Jersey knew a major renovation would be needed to update the home for modern family life. The parents of two young daughters hired Alison Griffin to guide the transformation.
The existing kitchen, tucked into a cramped back corner, lacked both space and flow, so the homeowners decided to relocate it to this larger area used as a family and dining room. During demolition, the team uncovered unexpected structural conditions that shifted the design direction away from a purely traditional aesthetic toward a city-loft-inspired look that blends historic character with contemporary farmhouse details.
12 Custom Storage Solutions for a Clutter-Free Kitchen
After: The new kitchen now occupies the front of the house where the family room once stood. The windows flanking the range are the same openings seen beside the TV in the previous photo.
After taking the room down to the studs, the team discovered that framing added during the barn’s 1930s conversion concealed the original 1820s posts and beams, making the planned restoration impossible. Instead they embraced a loft-inspired approach, opening up the ceiling to expose the joists and raise the height to 8½ feet, giving the room a brighter, more expansive feel.
The airy kitchen features L-shaped cabinetry and a substantial island measuring 7¾ by 4 feet, with a sink, dishwasher, trash and recycling pullout and extra storage on the seating side. Wishbone stools reinforce the relaxed loft aesthetic and coordinate with existing dining chairs nearby. To the left, paneled refrigerator and freezer columns flank a pantry cabinet. To the right, out of view, two former closets were transformed into pantry spaces concealed behind sliding barn doors. One includes a U-shaped coffee station with a prep sink, while the other serves as a family beverage and overflow storage area.
After taking the room down to the studs, the team discovered that framing added during the barn’s 1930s conversion concealed the original 1820s posts and beams, making the planned restoration impossible. Instead they embraced a loft-inspired approach, opening up the ceiling to expose the joists and raise the height to 8½ feet, giving the room a brighter, more expansive feel.
The airy kitchen features L-shaped cabinetry and a substantial island measuring 7¾ by 4 feet, with a sink, dishwasher, trash and recycling pullout and extra storage on the seating side. Wishbone stools reinforce the relaxed loft aesthetic and coordinate with existing dining chairs nearby. To the left, paneled refrigerator and freezer columns flank a pantry cabinet. To the right, out of view, two former closets were transformed into pantry spaces concealed behind sliding barn doors. One includes a U-shaped coffee station with a prep sink, while the other serves as a family beverage and overflow storage area.
Removing a window along this wall allowed Griffin to maximize storage and create a more functional layout. Before beginning the design, she had the homeowners complete a detailed inventory of everything they needed to store so every item could have a dedicated place.
The homeowners and designer finalized the color and material palette early in the process, settling on muted tones and natural textures that balance warmth with sophistication. The cabinetry is a combination of cherry wood and soft gray paint with a green undertone (Downing Stone by Sherwin-Williams). The zellige-style backsplash introduces subtle variation and handmade character. A leathered Black Zimbabwe granite countertop brings dramatic contrast to the island and is paired with marble-look quartz on the perimeter.
Additional storage on the island’s seating side, a steam oven and a 48-inch dual-fuel range with a custom cherry vent hood add function and style to this refined kitchen with an easy, open flow.
Read more about this kitchen makeover
The homeowners and designer finalized the color and material palette early in the process, settling on muted tones and natural textures that balance warmth with sophistication. The cabinetry is a combination of cherry wood and soft gray paint with a green undertone (Downing Stone by Sherwin-Williams). The zellige-style backsplash introduces subtle variation and handmade character. A leathered Black Zimbabwe granite countertop brings dramatic contrast to the island and is paired with marble-look quartz on the perimeter.
Additional storage on the island’s seating side, a steam oven and a 48-inch dual-fuel range with a custom cherry vent hood add function and style to this refined kitchen with an easy, open flow.
Read more about this kitchen makeover
Before Photo
“After” photos by Kristin Elizabeth Studio
3. Brighter Style With Family-Friendly Function
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A family of six
Location: Henderson, Nevada
Size: 342 square feet (32 square meters)
Design-build firm: Cera Construction
Before: When a couple with four young children purchased this home in Nevada, they knew the kitchen would need a major update to better support busy family life. Although the space had a functional work triangle and large island, it lacked personality, offered inefficient storage and felt disconnected from the rest of the home because of a partial wall on the right.
The homeowners wanted a brighter, more open kitchen with improved flow and family-friendly function, so they hired designer Christy Mancera of Cera Construction. Using Houzz Pro software, Mancera reworked the floor plan to create a more connected and efficient gathering space tailored to the family’s lifestyle.
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
3. Brighter Style With Family-Friendly Function
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A family of six
Location: Henderson, Nevada
Size: 342 square feet (32 square meters)
Design-build firm: Cera Construction
Before: When a couple with four young children purchased this home in Nevada, they knew the kitchen would need a major update to better support busy family life. Although the space had a functional work triangle and large island, it lacked personality, offered inefficient storage and felt disconnected from the rest of the home because of a partial wall on the right.
The homeowners wanted a brighter, more open kitchen with improved flow and family-friendly function, so they hired designer Christy Mancera of Cera Construction. Using Houzz Pro software, Mancera reworked the floor plan to create a more connected and efficient gathering space tailored to the family’s lifestyle.
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
After: Removing a wall nearly doubled the size of the kitchen and dramatically improved its connection to the surrounding living spaces. Designed around the homeowners’ cooking habits and daily routines, the new layout includes a large island with seating and storage, a dedicated baking station and ample display space for personal collections. The kitchen now flows seamlessly into a breakfast area filled with natural light.
Relocating a doorway near the refrigerator allowed Mancera to extend cabinetry, countertop space and open shelving along the wall for added function and display opportunities. A warm white-and-wood palette creates a calm backdrop for the homeowners’ colorful glassware, pottery and cookbooks, which bring personality and lived-in charm to the space.
Relocating a doorway near the refrigerator allowed Mancera to extend cabinetry, countertop space and open shelving along the wall for added function and display opportunities. A warm white-and-wood palette creates a calm backdrop for the homeowners’ colorful glassware, pottery and cookbooks, which bring personality and lived-in charm to the space.
The spacious island anchors the kitchen and clearly defines the primary work zone. Its maple base, wood detailing on the range hood and open shelving introduce warmth and help balance the airy, organic-modern design.
The layout is centered on a statement range with flanking cabinetry, creating a sense of symmetry. Wall ovens on one end and a refrigerator on the other support an efficient workflow, while a new pantry with an arched doorway adds both storage and architectural character. A marble-look porcelain slab backsplash runs to the ceiling for a clean, cohesive backdrop.
White appliances are a softer alternative to stainless steel, blending in with the cabinetry and backsplash. Budget-conscious wood-look luxury vinyl tile grounds the space underfoot, and upgraded lighting — especially the milk glass pendants over the island — adds a polished finishing touch to this highly functional family hub.
Read more about this kitchen makeover
The layout is centered on a statement range with flanking cabinetry, creating a sense of symmetry. Wall ovens on one end and a refrigerator on the other support an efficient workflow, while a new pantry with an arched doorway adds both storage and architectural character. A marble-look porcelain slab backsplash runs to the ceiling for a clean, cohesive backdrop.
White appliances are a softer alternative to stainless steel, blending in with the cabinetry and backsplash. Budget-conscious wood-look luxury vinyl tile grounds the space underfoot, and upgraded lighting — especially the milk glass pendants over the island — adds a polished finishing touch to this highly functional family hub.
Read more about this kitchen makeover
Before Photo
Photos by Paige Kendall
4. Old-World Charm
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple and their teenagers
Location: Minneapolis area
Size: 359 square feet (33 square meters) plus breakfast room
Designer: Emily Pueringer
Contractor: Quality Cut
Before: In this Minneapolis-area rambler, the original kitchen with its narrow island fell short for the busy family with teenagers. The homeowner, an enthusiastic cook who loves preparing large Italian-inspired meals, struggled with a tight layout that offered limited counter space and little room for others to gather and keep her company while cooking. A wall separating the kitchen from the dining room added to the sense of confinement.
Looking to create a larger, more welcoming space for cooking, baking and entertaining, the family turned to Emily Pueringer and Quality Cut construction for a full reimagining of the kitchen.
10 Kitchen Islands as Hardworking as They Are Handsome
4. Old-World Charm
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple and their teenagers
Location: Minneapolis area
Size: 359 square feet (33 square meters) plus breakfast room
Designer: Emily Pueringer
Contractor: Quality Cut
Before: In this Minneapolis-area rambler, the original kitchen with its narrow island fell short for the busy family with teenagers. The homeowner, an enthusiastic cook who loves preparing large Italian-inspired meals, struggled with a tight layout that offered limited counter space and little room for others to gather and keep her company while cooking. A wall separating the kitchen from the dining room added to the sense of confinement.
Looking to create a larger, more welcoming space for cooking, baking and entertaining, the family turned to Emily Pueringer and Quality Cut construction for a full reimagining of the kitchen.
10 Kitchen Islands as Hardworking as They Are Handsome
After: Combining the original kitchen with the adjacent dining room created a significantly larger space designed for both everyday cooking and entertaining. At the center, a 13-by-3½-foot island provides ample workspace and gathering room, with a white oak base finished in a medium-dark stain and open shelving at one end for cookbooks and large serving pieces.
The new design leans into old-world European character, anchored by a dramatic range alcove that serves as a focal point. Faux ceiling beams, hand-painted terra-cotta tiles and brass accents add depth, warmth and a layered, timeworn elegance to the space.
The new design leans into old-world European character, anchored by a dramatic range alcove that serves as a focal point. Faux ceiling beams, hand-painted terra-cotta tiles and brass accents add depth, warmth and a layered, timeworn elegance to the space.
The kitchen’s work zone centers on the striking range alcove, featuring a 48-inch range and a vent hood finished in custom Venetian plaster. White oak cabinetry flanks the range, detailed with diamond-patterned brass mesh inserts that add texture and refined contrast, while panel-front refrigerator and freezer units bookend the alcove wall for a balanced, integrated look.
The island is topped in ogee-edged marble with subtle green veining, while black quartzite perimeter counters echo the darker tones of the checkerboard backsplash and its contrasting floral-patterned tiles. The sink is positioned directly across from the range in the island to enhance symmetry, with a dishwasher, trash and recycling pullout and additional storage all efficiently placed on the working side.
Vintage-inspired pendant lights reinforce the timeless aesthetic, and a walk-in pantry with an arched ribbed-glass door adds another layer of charm to this elegant, European-influenced kitchen.
Read more about this kitchen makeover
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The island is topped in ogee-edged marble with subtle green veining, while black quartzite perimeter counters echo the darker tones of the checkerboard backsplash and its contrasting floral-patterned tiles. The sink is positioned directly across from the range in the island to enhance symmetry, with a dishwasher, trash and recycling pullout and additional storage all efficiently placed on the working side.
Vintage-inspired pendant lights reinforce the timeless aesthetic, and a walk-in pantry with an arched ribbed-glass door adds another layer of charm to this elegant, European-influenced kitchen.
Read more about this kitchen makeover
More on Houzz
Read more stories
Browse photos for ideas
Find home professionals
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1. Classic Character, Better Flow
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple and their two young daughters
Location: Providence, Rhode Island
Size: 317 square feet (29 square meters)
Designers: Three Sparrows Interior Design and Jonathan Chambers Architects
Builder: Wescott Building & Remodeling
Before: This 1920s Colonial Revival home in Rhode Island had charming Craftsman-era details throughout, but the cramped, inefficient kitchen lacked the same warmth and character.
The homeowners — a couple with two young daughters — wanted a larger, family-friendly space better suited to modern living. They turned to Three Sparrows Interior Design, Jonathan Chambers Architects and Wescott Building & Remodeling for an addition that would improve function while honoring the home’s historical style.
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