How to Make a Small Kitchen Feel Bigger: Practical Tips for Northern Kentucky Homes

Small kitchens are common in Northern Kentucky, especially in older homes. The good news? You don’t need to knock down walls or do a massive remodel to make a small kitchen feel bigger. With smart design choices and a few intentional upgrades, you can create a space that feels open, bright, and far more functional.

Here are the most effective ways to visually expand your kitchen and make every inch count.

1. Choose Lighter Colors for Cabinets and Walls

Lighter finishes reflect more light and make tight spaces feel open. White, cream, soft gray, and light wood tones are ideal for small kitchens.

Why It Works

• Lighter surfaces bounce light around the room

• Cabinets feel less heavy and overwhelming

• Makes the ceiling look higher

If your cabinet boxes are solid, cabinet refacing is a cost-effective way to completely update the look without rebuilding the whole kitchen.

2. Add Under-Cabinet and Overhead Lighting

Dark corners make a kitchen feel cramped. Adding task lighting under cabinets and upgrading overhead lighting brightens the room instantly.

Best Lighting Upgrades

• LED under-cabinet strips

• Daylight-balanced overhead fixtures

• Glass or reflective pendants for islands or peninsulas

Good lighting is one of the fastest, most affordable ways to make a small kitchen feel larger.

3. Use Open Shelving Strategically

Open shelving reduces visual bulk and gives the kitchen a more airy feel. It works especially well near windows or above work areas where you want more depth.

Tips for Open Shelves

• Limit them to one wall to avoid clutter

• Use them for everyday items, not random décor

• Keep the color palette simple for visual consistency

A mix of open shelving and closed cabinets creates balance while keeping the space feeling open.

4. Upgrade to Space-Saving Hardware and Storage Solutions

Clutter makes any kitchen feel smaller. Smart storage solutions help keep the counters clear and improve functionality.

Great Space-Saving Add-Ons

• Pull-out shelves in base cabinets

• Lazy Susans for corner units

• Vertical dividers for baking sheets

• Built-in trash pullouts

These upgrades add real usable space without changing the layout.

5. Consider Glass Cabinet Doors or Open Frames

Glass doors create visual depth, making your cabinets feel less heavy and the kitchen feel wider.

Benefits of Glass Doors

• Makes upper cabinets feel lighter

• Creates an open feel without removing storage

• Great for displaying attractive dishware

6. Keep Countertops Clear

Nothing shrinks a kitchen faster than clutter. Store appliances and utensils in cabinets or drawers to keep surfaces wide open.

Rule of thumb: Only keep items on the counter that you use every day.

Final Thoughts

Making a small kitchen feel bigger isn’t difficult — it’s about smart choices, good lighting, and thoughtful design. Whether you reface cabinets, upgrade the lighting, or optimize storage, small changes can have a big impact.

Need help transforming your kitchen? Contact NKY Kitchen Remodelers for expert, honest guidance tailored to Northern Kentucky homes.