A Dingy Kitchen Gets a Bright, White Makeover

See how a tired and tiny kitchen blossoms into a bright cookspace jam-packed with smart design ideas.

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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After: Tiny Kitchen

Thanks to a light and airy color scheme of white, dove gray and blue-gray, this tiny kitchen feels larger, more inviting and timeless. Anytime you're stumped as to what overall direction to go with in your own small kitchen project, keep in mind that white will never go out of style and can instantly make a small space appear larger.

Before: Tiny Kitchen

Prior to its makeover, this dated kitchen was filled contractor-grade finishes and materials. The space also seemed dark and dingy due to the beige wall color. It was time for a refresh!

Using Every Inch

From the ceiling all the way to the floor, every square inch of this tiny kitchen has been designed and decorated to feel larger and brighter.

Eat-In Kitchen

If you're updating a small kitchen in a small home that doesn't have a formal dining spot, then why not integrate seating into your existing counter space? Here, a trio of wood windsor-style counter stools was added along the front of the kitchen for use as a breakfast bar.

Light and Bright

For a geometric touch and classic style, a herringbone backsplash made of white carrara marble was installed. To keep the look seamless, white grout was used.

Brass Fixture

A great way to add an updated, more modern look to your kitchen without making it seem too contemporary is to choose fixtures with classic finishes. Although the new sink faucet is modern in style, it has a classic, polished brass finish which is less expected than popular modern metallics like stainless steel or chrome.

White Appliances

If you're looking to keep your kitchen bright and modern, you might want to consider a matte white refrigerator with contemporary lines. This refrigerator was chosen to blend in with the white floors and cabinets for a more seamless look.

Tiered Countertops

When space is at a premium and you don't have the square footage to add an extra-deep countertop, create the function of an eat-in kitchen by adding a raised tier. This involves having the same countertop material cut to size between 10 and 12 inches deep and fastened with angled brackets.

Matte Brass Hardware

Bring an unexpected but classic look to your kitchen with champagne bronze or matte brass cabinet hardware. These two finishes are a more modern take on gold and blend beautifully with modern and traditional-style kitchen fixtures.

Square Knobs

Add an unconventional touch to your cabinet doors with square knobs in place of round ones.

Relaxed Window Treatments

Bring a tailored touch to your kitchen with custom Roman shades. The windows of this kitchen are covered in relaxed-style Roman shades which have a slight curve along the bottom. This helps break up the rigid lines of the cabinets and windows.

Natural Greenery

Have your potted herbs serve double duty in the kitchen for use as both decoration and as ingredients. In addition to adding shape and texture, herbs can also bring a fresh fragrance to the space.

Impromptu Seating

An excellent way to add seating for unexpected guests is with a simple dining chair placed against the wall. In addition to offering an additional spot for guests, an extra chair can make for a great place to keep books, bags or everyday necessities that would otherwise clutter up the countertops.

Personal Touches

A great way to make a quaint kitchen feel more like a decorated room is to incorporate a few small, personal touches. Here, cherished memories are tucked into the corner in the form of picture frames, while fresh fruit and cut flowers add life, color and texture.

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Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn, FlynnsideOut.com

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