The Art of Transforming a Small Kitchen
Smaller kitchens often pose a design challenge. Functionality must come first, which means that features like dining spaces and decorative elements are sometimes sacrificed, leaving the space feeling lifeless and impersonal. However, there's a way to turn even the tiniest kitchens into stunning, functional areas with a bit of creativity and thoughtful planning.
Take this charming small cottage kitchen in Door County, Wisconsin, for example. It proves that with imagination, even the most compact spaces can become strikingly unique. A reimagined galley layout paired with a timeless color scheme has transformed this kitchen into a space that feels both refreshed and full of character.
There are plenty of lessons to be learned from this kitchen transformation. From clever storage solutions to using a slimline dining table that doubles as an island, there are many ideas you can apply to your own space. Let’s take a closer look at how this kitchen was completely redesigned, starting from its outdated state and ending up as a cozy eat-in area.
Before the Renovation
Before the renovation, the kitchen looked like it had stepped out of the 1970s. It was dated, tired, and filled with orange tones that made the space feel cramped and uninviting. Owner Kevin Brost, who shares the home with his partner Ian, saw this as an opportunity to reimagine the space and create something that truly reflected their lifestyle.
“It’s a 1940s clapboard cottage. The previous owner never lived in it and just used it as a long-term rental, so it hadn’t been updated in decades. That gave us a chance to really make it our own,” he recalls.
The kitchen was outdated with orange and brown linoleum flooring and plain wood cabinets. The fridge was awkwardly placed across from the sink, which Kevin wanted to remove and replace with something more timeless.
After the Transformation
After the renovation, the kitchen is now a 13 by 9 feet space that feels much larger than its size. Kevin got creative with almost every aspect of the space to design something truly unique. One of the biggest changes was moving the fridge to the adjoining mudroom, which allowed room for a 6ft table, a full-size stove, and a dishwasher.
“We also replaced the upper cabinets with open shelves to allow natural light to shine throughout. The linoleum flooring was replaced with limestone tile, and we added beadboard siding to lean into the cottage aesthetic.”
Despite embracing a galley-style layout, Kevin approached it differently. Rather than two full runs of cabinetry, he adapted one side to create storage that doubles as a charming eat-in area, maximizing the kitchen’s small footprint.
“The bench with drawers underneath offered a great solution for storing items that are used less often, like baking pans. The two rows of drawers add abundant space for kitchenware that is easy to access – a welcome upgrade to the usual banquette seating.”
Smart storage solutions don’t end here. By choosing to forgo upper cabinets, Kevin ensured that open storage was well thought out to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
“A magnetic knife rack keeps our kitchen cutlery handy while also furthering the aesthetic we were seeking. When choosing dishes, we opted for classic white ceramics. They’re beautifully exposed, and you can mix varieties from different producers without making the space feel busy.”
The Color Palette
What truly stands out in this kitchen is the color palette. Instead of filling the small space with light neutrals, Kevin chose rich reddish-brown cabinets, which add warmth and personality.
“We love bright spaces, so we knew we wanted a warm white for the walls. We went with Benjamin Moore's Simply White, a warm hue that really brings out the texture of the paneled walls.”
“The cabinetry color was a lucky accident. We wanted them to be a bit darker to hide evidence of our two active dogs. We first used Cottage Red by Benjamin Moore for the trim in one of the bedrooms upstairs. Over time, the color only grew on us, and the name was perfect. Ian, who rarely voices a strong design opinion, pushed for it in the kitchen. He was right.”
Decorative Details
Timeless style with the right amount of personality was key to the success of this design. Limestone kitchen flooring adds a natural element that feels traditional and in keeping with the architecture, while unlacquered brass hardware brings a touch of elegance and patina over time.
The decorative details really finish the space beautifully, adding hints of vintage style and a more layered look. “Adding art was key to capturing the cozy cottage feeling we were after. Door County has a strong agricultural tradition, and when we stumbled upon our first apple still life, a trio was born,” Kevin explains.
“We found the antique painting of the farmer last – we call him Dale. It’s all art that speaks to Door County’s agrarian traditions. And because it’s all vintage, it knocks back what can otherwise be a somewhat sterile room.”
Get the Look
Shoppe Amber Interiors – Mono Holophane Flush Mount
For the kitchen lighting, Kevin kept the look traditional with a touch of vintage style. On the ceiling, he opted for this design, a brass and ribbed glass flush mount from Shoppe Amber Interiors.
McGee & Co. – Oranges Still Life
All of Kevin’s beautiful artwork is vintage, making it one-of-a-kind. However, if you love the still life orange design, you can find similar options that give the same look, like this one from McGee & Co.
Shoppe Amber Interiors – Kent Adjustable Wall Spotlight
Layered lighting in a kitchen elevates the whole design. Take inspiration from Kevin’s scheme with brass spotlights above the artwork. This design is very similar to the fixtures he has used.
Crate & Barrel – Wooden Magnetic Knife Holder Bar
Functional yet stylish storage is a running theme throughout Kevin’s kitchen, including the wall-mounted knife holder. For a similar look, this wooden design will look seamless in any space.
Etsy – Vintage Wood Handle Whisk Broom
The wall decor in the adjoining mudroom probably caught your eye. These fun decorative pieces are actually vintage brooms, and you can source plenty of examples on Etsy, like these ones.
deVOL – Aged Brass Mayan Kitchen Taps
You might have spotted deVOL’s Aged Brass Mayan Taps in Kevin’s space, and while they are definitely an investment piece, they are timeless in design and will last for years to come, aging beautifully.
Zara Home – Ash Bar Stool
Because of the small footprint, Kevin kept it simple with wooden stools around the table. For a similar feel, this design comes in two sizes and seamlessly slips beneath a table or island when not in use.
Etsy – Antique French Confit Pot
On the open shelving, Kevin has used a vintage confit pot to store his utensils. It’s a great way to elevate everyday essentials – this Antique French example feels very similar and adds a rustic accent.
Etsy – Antique French Ironstone Compote
He also elevated his fruit bowl. He’s used the base of what looks like an antique compote, and I’ve found this very similar design on Etsy. It can be used as a fruit bowl or to conceal less pretty kitchen items.
With a blend of exciting colors, vintage style, and thoughtful design, Kevin has transformed his kitchen into the coziest space, making the most of the small footprint. It proves that even the tiniest space can be reconfigured to be functional, beautifully styled, and still fit a dining nook that fits the whole family.