21 Stylish Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

Best Kitchen Remodel Design Styles

1. Add a Seating Nook

Carve out space for a cozy breakfast nook or coffee spot by adding a movable corner sectional or round, dining area or room-side table. Built-in or freestanding banquettes are space savers that provide casual seating for morning coffee and meals. Stylish benches lined with cushions are family-friendly and easy to wipe clean after messy eaters.

Use the nook for homework, hobbies, or extra seating when entertaining. Just be sure to allow enough room for people to squeeze past chairs when in use. If space in the family room is tight, opt for stools instead of a full seating area.

2. Create a Coffee Bar

Designate space for a coffee bar to display your top-of-the-line coffee maker or barista system. Install upper cabinets with glass doors to show off mugs, creamers, sweeteners, and flavored syrups. Add accessories like metal trays and dispensers so supplies are easily accessible.

Below the wood countertops, incorporate receptacles, plumbing, and drains in case you want to add a sink later. Quartz or marble countertops make the perfect prep space for brewing that morning cup of joe.

3. Incorporate Pull-Outs

Make the most of every inch with pull-out shelves gray cabinets, racks, and drawers customized to unused areas. Roll-out trays in lazy susans create easy corner access. Vertical spaces behind cabinet doors become extra storage space with narrow pull-out shelves.

Pull-out pot trays, tiered drawers, and slide-out pantry units keep items organized. Add functional pull-outs anywhere there’s wasted space, like the area below a wall oven or sink.

4. Elevate Your Hardware

Update outdated hardware to elevate the look of your entire kitchen. Sleek bar pulls, knobs, and handles come in a range of finishes like matte black, brass, chrome, and more. Match the faucet finish for a cohesive look.

Look for hardware with subtly unique shapes, curves, or angles to make cabinets pop. Change only drawer and door hardware for affordability. Consistent modern hardware makes any style painted cabinets instantly look refreshed.

5. Install Glass-Front Cabinetry

Glass-front cabinetry opens up small, dark kitchens visually. The see-through “window” cabinets showcase dishes, collectibles, or contrasting interior wall colors. For a lighter look, have the upper cabinets fully replaced with glass doors.

Using just a few glass fronts only one small window by the sink provides glimpses of glassware. Try open shelving on one wall to display pretty pots and pans. Limit glass fronts in low-traffic zones to reduce smudges.

6. Choose Luxe Backsplash and Countertops

Natural stone and marble backsplashes and granite and quartz countertops can also add elegance that boosts buyer appeal. Quartz, granite, and marble surfaces with unique veining are stunners. Metallic glass or stone tile backsplashes shine as the focal point.

Stick tile backsplash to large-format tiles with thin grout lines for a seamless look. Multi-toned patterns like stacked stone mosaics add depth. Just steer clear of overly busy backsplashes that could fall out of fashion.

7. Embrace Coastal Charm

Bring a relaxed, coastal vibe to your kitchen remodel with soft blue and white hues. Paint the cabinets a light cerulean blue or use whitewashed wood. Add touches of reclaimed wood grain, rattan, or bamboo for warmth.

Navy, gold, and copper accents prevent the space from feeling too beachy. Incorporate attractive open shelving, glass fronts, and pendant lighting. The breezy colors keep the kitchen feeling airy and calm.

8. Try Two-Tone Cabinets

Two-tone kitchen cabinets make the space look fresh and modern. Try glossy navy or emerald bases with crisp white uppers, or light-colored cabinets and vice versa. Wood recessed panels on the bottom with painted tops bridge traditional and contemporary.

Play with contrasts like matte black lower cabinets with glossy cream uppers. Just be sure the colors complement each other. The split color blocks define the separate cabinet zones visually.

9. Install Custom Shelving

Take advantage of awkward angles or gaps by filling them with custom built-ins. Use the unique spaces for open shelving to stow cookbooks, dinner plates, drinkware, and clutter-prone items. even small shelving nooks add needed more storage space.

Size shelving to perfectly fit the space for a polished look. Incorporate custom cabinetry, matching the rest of the kitchen for harmony. Then deck out shelves with baskets, racks, and bins to corral kitchen essentials.

10. Paint the Floor

Beyond a few fresh paint or coats of wall paint, don’t overlook freshening up floors too. Painting drab floors in hues like rich blue, charcoal, or forest green upgrades worn materials affordably. Use an epoxy floor paint made of concrete, wood, or laminate.

Paint opens up small kitchens by extending color underfoot. It also disguises well-used floors between replacements. Ensure proper prep and sealing for longevity. Choose a semi-gloss sheen for durability and easy cleaning.

11. Build a Mini Pantry

Maximize an unused niche or gap in the kitchen by turning it into a mini pantry. Even in a remodeled kitchen, a narrow 15-inch space between white cabinets provides supplemental storage. Use the pantry zone for overstock items, small appliances, or baking sheets.

Have pantry shelving custom-built to perfectly fill the footprint. Incorporate cabinet fronts that match the rest of the kitchen. The blended pantry looks like it was all designed together.

12. Add Greenery

Liven up your kitchen with the addition of leafy, vibrant plants. Herb walls near cooking zones provide homegrown seasoning. Mini citrus trees give pops of fresh color while producing fruit. Indoor garden kits can grow veggies and greens year-round.

Incorporate natural light into a hanging terrarium filled with low-light plants. Potted succulents, snake plants, or pothos vines add freshness without requiring much care. Just provide adequate sunlight for selected plants to thrive.

13. Include a Dog Bed

Give your furry friend their spot by tucking a padded dog bed underneath the table or kitchen island. Look for beds with removable, washable covers in your kitchen’s color scheme. Elevated orthopedic and cooled gel beds provide extra pet comfort.

Be sure to leave enough space around the dog bed so it doesn’t block traffic. An out-of-the-way corner or unused nook is ideal. Provide acute food and water stations nearby too.

14. Go Retro

Embrace old-school charm with a retro kitchen design. Vintage-inspired appliances, diner-style pendant lights, and pastel hues give a playful 1950s vibe. Patterned laminate countertops and vintage dishware play up the nostalgia.

Incorporate retro touches like checkerboard black-and-white floor tile or mint green cabinetry. Extend the theme into open shelving with milk glass canisters and antique cake stands on display glass front cabinets.

15. Upgrade Kitchen Lighting

Improved lighting instantly makes any kitchen brighter and more functional. Swap out dull overheads for LED recessed and under-cabinet lighting. Task lighting ensures counters and work zones are illuminated.

Look for dimmable fixtures to set the right mood. Incorporate trendy pendant lights over islands and dining nooks to define the spaces. Sleek track lighting spotlights decorative tile backsplashes. Proper kitchen lighting showcases all your beautiful upgrades.

16. Add Architectural Interest

Transform a basic box of a kitchen into an intriguing space with architectural details. Exposed brick walls or real wood beams add artisanal appeal. Niches display cherished cookbooks or wine.

Frameless glass cabinet doors create transparency and depth in the cooking space. Contrasting cabinet colors define the base and uppers. Interesting angles, custom curves, or focal walls personalize the kitchen’s look and feel.

17. Open Shelving

Incorporate metal utility shelves or wall-mounted wooden ledges for open storage. Open shelving in place of upper cabinets keeps items visible and accessible. Mix closed and more open shelves and storage zones for balance.

Use shelves to stow stemware, decorative cookware, or colorful dish sets. Floating shelves work in smaller kitchens versus bulky shelving units. Just don’t overload shelves with small clutter. Style them neatly with only your prettiest essentials on display.

18. Create a Message Center

Use a kitchen wall, pantry door, or cabinet end panel to make a message center. Paint or wallpaper the space to define it. Hang a large corkboard or chalkboard for leaving notes and reminders.

Surround it with shelving for mail, keys, pet supplies, and a charging station. Add a narrow desk or regular height counter underneath too. Keep stools nearby so it’s always handy for jotting lists and messages.

19. Make Room for Hobbies

Carve out space for hobbies that blend into the kitchen’s aesthetic. A seeded window box provides ingredients for cooking and garnishes. A crafting zone occupied by jars of art supplies fits right in.

Set up a homework station for kids too. Use the kitchen island or install a small desk in unused space. Multi-purpose areas allow you to entertain guests and enjoy hobbies without compromising storage and prep space.

20. Add Architectural Molding

Install architectural trim work to provide beautiful detailing with minimal effort. Primed polyurethane elements simply glue up for an instant upgrade. Try crown molding at the ceiling and baseboards down below.

Filler trim creates framed sections on plain cabinet fronts. Fluted casings outline windows elegantly. Just a few decorative trim pieces add custom style affordably, bringing your design vision to life.

21. Create a Built-In Breakfast Bar

Make an unused space efficient by turning it into a built-in breakfast bar. Custom design cabinetry with bar-height seating that fits the footprint precisely. Include amenities like electrical outlets, pendant lights, and under-bar storage.

Built-in bars maximize awkward areas and eliminate the need for a separate kitchen table if space for casual dining out is tight. The bar provides a casual place to sip coffee, complete homework, or nosh on snacks in style.

Maximize the Value of Your Remodel

Ready to breathe new life into your culinary space? A well-planned kitchen renovation can significantly boost your home’s value and enhance your daily living experience. Let’s explore some key strategies to ensure your kitchen makeover delivers the best bang for your buck.

Functionality First

When reimagining your kitchen, prioritize functionality. A well-designed layout is the cornerstone of a successful remodel. Consider the classic “kitchen work triangle” – connecting your sink, stove, and refrigerator for efficient movement. Incorporate ample counter space and strategically place outlets for small appliances.

Invest in Quality Materials

While it might be tempting to cut corners, investing in high-quality materials pays off in the long run. Durable countertops like quartz or granite resist stains and scratches, maintaining their beauty for years. Solid wood cabinets offer longevity and a timeless appeal.

Embrace Timeless Design

Trends come and go, but a classic design stands the test of time. Opt for a neutral color palette for your main elements – think whites, grays, or warm wood tones. Add personality through easily changeable elements like backsplashes, light fixtures, or hardware.

Boost Energy Efficiency

An eco-friendly kitchen isn’t just good for the planet – it’s great for your wallet too! Energy-efficient appliances can significantly reduce your utility bills. Look for the ENERGY STAR label when selecting your refrigerator, dishwasher, and other major appliances.

Hire Top Kitchen Contractors

While DIY projects can be rewarding, a kitchen remodel often benefits from professional expertise. A skilled contractor can help you navigate permits, ensure proper installation, and potentially catch issues before they become costly problems. They can also offer valuable insights on optimizing your layout and selecting materials that offer the best value for your budget.

Transform Your Space with These Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

Ready to tackle a kitchen upgrade? Major remodels and modest makeovers alike can drastically enhance this highly-used space. Any of these clever kitchen ideas help maximize form and function beautifully. From built-ins to backsplashes, paint to pendant lights, the options to customize are endless.

Hopefully, these inspiring design concepts will spark ideas for your next kitchen renovation or revamp. Use this list as a springboard to create a kitchen that perfectly suits your lifestyle and taste. For large-scale remodels, consider consulting a professional kitchen or interior designer, to help bring your vision to life. With some creativity and planning, you can transform your kitchen into a gorgeous, highly functional space that wows.