When remodeling a kitchen that’s small or moderately sized, it’s important to make every square inch count. For a kitchen makeovers refacing cabinets, introducing lighter color palettes and boosting storage to create spaces that are updated, brighter and more user-friendly .

Check out the before-and-after photos of these three kitchen makeovers that are 185 square feet or less, then let us know which one you think saw the biggest gains.

Refacing Cabinets

If you like your kitchen layout, but feel the finishes need updating and want to give the kitchen a fresh look, refacing the cabinets rather than doing a full renovation maybe the way to go. Along with new countertops, flooring, backsplash and a new fridge and dishwasher can transform your kitchen.

To be good candidates for refacing, cabinets should have solid wood boxes in good condition. If the existing boxes are made of birch, then the wood grain won’t show through paint so they can just be painted. But if they are made of oak or another wood that paint won’t hide the wood grain, you will have to do some prep work, like sanding them, before painting. 

If the cabinet boxes are in good shape, remove the doors and drawer fronts and pick the style you prefer. Paint the box frames and exposed sides to match the new cabinet doors.

Refacing is much more cost-effective. Yet, you still get all the benefits of a new kitchen without a huge renovation. 

Create a more cook-friendly layout with new appliances and a fresh color palette.

A single small window over the sink doesn’t let in much sunshine increasing light always helps to brighten and expand a space. 

A u-shaped counter can divide a space, creating a narrow kitchen and a tight dining area. By eliminating a u-shaped counter a kitchen can be extended by adding cabinetry and countertop space along the wall, increasing the size of the existing kitchen.

Putting in an island with the ability to eat on, can help increase the feeling of space while doing double duty - more cabinet and work space.