If you’re feeling stuck with a dated, cramped kitchen, you’re not alone. My kitchen was classic builder-grade: Formica countertops, linoleum floors, honey oak cabinets, and a layout that just didn’t inspire me to cook or entertain. But with a bit of vision and smart upgrades, I transformed this small space into a bright, modern kitchen that feels twice its size — and I’m thrilled to share my journey with you.
Here’s the before and after of my small kitchen remodel — and every upgrade I made.
The Vision: A Clean, Bright Kitchen with Updated Functionality
My goals were simple:
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Make it feel bigger and brighter
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Use affordable but high-end finishes
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Keep the layout, but modernize everything else
Here’s how I tackled each part of the remodel step-by-step.
Replacing Formica Countertops with Quartz
The old beige Formica countertops were functional but uninspiring. I replaced them with white quartz countertops that instantly elevated the entire space. Quartz is durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean — perfect for a small, high-traffic kitchen like mine.
The counters now reflect natural light and visually open up the room. It’s one of the most worthwhile upgrades I made.
Here are a few key reasons why quartz countertops are so popular:
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Durability – Quartz is one of the hardest minerals on Earth, making these countertops highly resistant to scratches, chips, and cracks.
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Non-porous surface – Unlike granite or marble, quartz doesn’t need sealing and resists staining from coffee, wine, oils, and other liquids.
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Low maintenance – Easy to clean with mild soap and water; no special cleaners or frequent resealing required.
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Consistent appearance – Because quartz is engineered, it offers uniform patterns and colors, unlike the natural variation in stone.
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Wide color and style variety – Available in a huge range of colors, from natural stone looks to bold modern designs, fitting many kitchen and bath styles.
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Hygienic – Non-porous nature makes it more resistant to bacteria and mold growth compared to some natural stones.
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Long-term value – Often increases a home’s resale appeal thanks to its modern look and durability.
Added Small Island For Storage
Even if you have a small kitchen upgrade, you can still add an island that is both functional and beautiful.
I added this small kitchen island by purchasing a standard cabinet from home depot and installing it securely to the floor.
The countertop was installed and it fits well into the space with additional storage and added prep space.
It was very inexpensive to purchase the cabinet and to install.
My contractor was able to secure it within a few minutes.
Painting the Cabinets with Behr’s Stargazer
I didn’t want to rip out my perfectly functional cabinets, so I gave them a fresh look using Behr Cabinet Paint in the color Stargazer — a gorgeous soft gray-blue that feels both calm and contemporary.
Painting Tip:
This cabinetry was raw and needed to be sealed with Kilz 3 Primer before painting. It’s the best primer for cabinets and raw wood. I had no bleed through or soaking of the final color so I highly recommend this brand.
Paint Details:
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Paint type: Behr Cabinet, Door & Trim Enamel (semi-gloss)
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Color: Stargazer (PPU26-12)
Painting cabinets is a game-changer if you’re on a budget. It takes patience, but the result is stunning — and it costs a fraction of new cabinetry.
New Black Cabinet Hardware
Swapping out the old knobs for sleek matte black hardware gave the cabinets a modern edge. It’s such a small touch, but it made a huge difference.
I ordered a beautiful set of cabinet hardware from amazon. It was a fraction of the cost per knob compared to Home Depot, however some of the screws were a bit short.
They still worked well, but the screws could have been longer.
Upgrading the Sink and Faucet
Out went the low profile faucet. In came a modern, single-handle stainless steel faucet with a clean silhouette that matches the new sink and countertops perfectly. It’s functional and gorgeous.
As I cooked in my kitchen, I quickly realized that I hated the double sink!
I hated the shallow, double sink because it was so small and made it difficult to wash dishes by hand and could not accommodate large pans and pots.
Now, my sink is wide open and can fit 3 pots at a time!
Stainless Steel Appliances
I replaced every single appliance with matching stainless steel models — fridge, stove, microwave, and dishwasher. This instantly made the kitchen feel more cohesive and modern.
Bonus: Purchase an appliance package during holiday sales to save big.
Replacing Ugly Linoleum with Dark Waterproof LVP Flooring
The original linoleum had to go. I chose a dark LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) that’s waterproof, scratch-resistant, and gives the illusion of wood.
LVP is ideal for kitchens because it’s:
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Easy to install
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Kid- and pet-friendly
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Warm underfoot compared to tile
The contrast between the dark floors and light cabinets is now one of my favorite visual features.
FLOORING TIP: Flooring installers should tell you that they need to keep the flooring planks in your home for at least 24 hours to get it acclimated to your home to avoid gapping and swelling.
Brightening the Walls with Crisp White Paint
The original wall color was a dull yellow-beige that absorbed too much light. I painted the walls bright white, which makes the kitchen feel airy and clean. It also helps the gray cabinets pop!
Hello subway tile Backsplash, Goodbye Telephone Jack
It’s 2025 — who still uses a wall phone?
I removed the outdated telephone jack near the counter to give the space a cleaner look.
I love the simplicity and cost efficiency of white subway tile. They are easy to clean, bright, and calming.
Once the cabinets were painted, the tile backsplash really popped and looked even brighter!
Before & After Photos
✨ Before: Builder-grade everything, dull lighting, yellow-toned finishes
✨ After: Bright, modern, and functional — with sleek details and timeless appeal
Final Thoughts: Updating a Small Kitchen Can Be Affordable and Beautiful
You don’t have to demo walls or gut your entire space to get a “wow” transformation. This remodel was done with strategic upgrades that focused on paint, surfaces, lighting, and cohesion.
Whether you’re doing a full DIY renovation or just a few weekend projects, I hope my experience gives you the motivation to start yours.
Thanks for reading, and let me know what part of this remodel you loved the most!
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