Small Kitchen Renovations on a Budget

Problem Areas: Identifying the Kitchen’s Shortcomings

Before any renovation can begin, it’s important to identify the pain points of the existing kitchen. What wasn’t working? What frustrated the homeowners most? In this case, the kitchen suffered from three major issues.

Storage Woes

Where do you even begin when you don’t have enough space to store your pots, pans, and pantry items? In this kitchen, a lack of storage space made everyday cooking a challenge. Deep, hard-to-reach cabinets meant items got lost in the back, and there simply wasn’t enough room for everything. Can you relate?

Counter Space Constraints

Counter space is prime real estate in any kitchen. Without enough of it, preparing meals becomes a cramped and frustrating experience. This kitchen’s limited counter space made even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Imagine trying to chop vegetables with barely any room to move!

Outdated Electrical System

Old wiring can be more than just an inconvenience; it can also be a safety hazard. This kitchen’s outdated electrical system limited the number of appliances that could be used at once and provided inadequate lighting. This meant dim workspaces and restricted cooking options.

The Solution: Planning the Kitchen Renovation

Once the problems were clear, it was time to create a plan. The goal was to maximize space, improve functionality, and create a more aesthetically pleasing environment, all while keeping the budget in check.

Breaking Down the Wall: Creating a Direct Access to the Dining Room

One of the most impactful decisions was to open up the kitchen to the dining room. This involved carefully removing a section of wall. After confirming there were no electrical wires within the wall, the team measured, traced, and made a clean cut. Then, using a jackhammer and chisel, they removed the wall piece by piece.

The result was dramatic. Natural light flooded into the kitchen, instantly making the space feel larger and more inviting. The improved flow between the kitchen and dining room completely changed the feel of the entire area.

Aesthetic Upgrades: Choosing a New Look

With the structural changes underway, it was time to focus on aesthetics. The homeowners chose large tiles for the backsplash and flooring. Larger tiles mean fewer grout lines, which translates to easier cleaning – a major win! They also decided to paint everything white to brighten the space and create a clean, modern look. Choosing the right materials can make a big difference to your budget. Consider splurging on elements that get a lot of use, like countertops, and saving on items like cabinet hardware.

Maximizing Space and Functionality: The New Kitchen Design

The real magic happened when the new design elements came together.

The Island: Adding Counter Space and Storage

A custom-built island became the heart of the new kitchen. With plenty of room to move around it (more than a meter), the island provides ample counter space for food preparation. But the benefits don’t stop there! The island also features drawers for storage. Drawers make it easy to organize kitchen essentials and see everything at a glance. No more rummaging through deep cabinets!

Thinking about adding drawers to your kitchen? Here are a few reasons why they’re a game-changer:

• Better organization: Keep everything in its place.
• Easy access: See and reach items quickly.
• Increased storage: Maximize every inch of space.
• Improved functionality: Make cooking and meal prep more efficient.

Lighting: Layering for Ambiance and Functionality

Upgrading the electrical system opened up a whole new world of lighting possibilities. The new design incorporates layered lighting to provide both general illumination and task-specific lighting.

• Pot lights offer bright, overall lighting.
• Natural light streams in from the opened wall, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
• LED lights under the cabinets provide targeted lighting for food preparation and add a touch of ambiance.

Sink and Appliances: Optimizing Workflow

The homeowners opted for a large, single-basin sink, which makes washing large pots and pans a breeze. Lifting the cupboards above the sink prevents the doors from swinging into your face while you’re washing dishes – a small detail that makes a big difference.

Built-in appliances create a seamless, modern look. The updated electrical system allowed for the installation of a full-size fridge and a built-in oven. An integrated garbage disposal adds to the convenience.

The Result: A Bright, Functional, and Elegant Kitchen

The transformation is truly remarkable. What was once a cramped, dark, and outdated kitchen is now a bright, functional, and elegant space.

• Increased storage: Everything has its place, making cooking and cleanup easier.
• Ample counter space: Meal preparation is now a pleasure, not a chore.
• Improved lighting: The kitchen is now bright and inviting, with task-specific lighting where it’s needed most.
• Better flow: Opening up the space to the dining room creates a more social and connected living area.

Updating the electricity in the kitchen can have a dramatic impact on the possibilities for lighting and appliances. If you have old wiring, it’s definitely worth considering an upgrade.

If you live in the Rive Gauche area of Geneva, Switzerland and you are in need of a trusted contractor to transform your dated kitchen into a modern day enjoyment, reach out and tell us about your project below.