Small Kitchen Addition, Big Transformation: Creating a Brighter, More Functional Kitchen
Sometimes a kitchen remodel isn’t just about replacing cabinets and countertops. Sometimes the existing footprint simply isn’t giving homeowners the space they need. For this project, we combined a kitchen renovation with a small addition to completely rethink the room and create a kitchen that feels brighter, larger, and much more functional.
The Before: A Kitchen That Felt Cramped
The original kitchen had warm wood cabinetry, dark countertops, beige flooring, and a layout that made the room feel smaller than it needed to be. Counter space and storage were limited, and the transition between the kitchen and the adjoining living areas included an awkward change in floor height.
Instead of trying to force a new kitchen into the same footprint, we looked at the bigger picture.
Adding Space Where It Mattered Most
By expanding the kitchen with a bump out addition, we were able to create the extra room needed for a much more functional layout. Even a relatively small addition can make a huge difference when every inch is carefully planned.
Looking at the image below, the bump out on the right is original to the home and the bump out on the left we added. This allowed us to push the bank of cabinets that included the sink back an extra few feet completely expanding the kitchen.
The expanded footprint gave us room for a longer stretches of cabinetry and countertop space while making the kitchen feel much more open and comfortable to move through.
A Bright, Updated Kitchen
The finished kitchen has an entirely different feel. Soft gray Shaker-style cabinetry pairs with light marble-look countertops, warm hardware, and a beautiful patterned floor to brighten the room without making it feel stark.
An apron-front sink beneath the windows creates a natural focal point, while cabinetry surrounding the range, microwave, refrigerator, and work areas provides significantly more storage than the original kitchen. Under-cabinet lighting adds another layer of warmth and makes the countertops even more functional for everyday cooking and prep.
Turning an Awkward Area Into Custom Storage
One of our favorite details in this remodel is the custom cabinetry built alongside the steps leading into the adjoining room.
Instead of allowing the change in floor height to become wasted or awkward space, we designed cabinetry around it. The result provides additional countertop space, a drawer, and an open display/storage area while making the transition between the two rooms feel intentional.
It’s a great example of why custom design can make such a difference in a remodel. Sometimes the most challenging parts of an existing home can become some of the most interesting features.
A Kitchen Designed Around the Home
The final result is more than a cosmetic update. By combining remodeling, an addition, and thoughtful custom cabinetry, we were able to solve several of the home’s existing layout challenges at once.
What was once a darker, tighter kitchen is now a bright, welcoming space with more storage, more countertop space, and a layout that works much better for everyday life.
At Morgan Remodel, we love looking beyond the existing walls and finding creative ways to make a home work better for the people living in it. Whether that means redesigning a kitchen within its current footprint or adding a little extra square footage, thoughtful space planning can completely transform the way a home feels.
