How to Transform a Small Kitchen

Change the lighting to make the kitchen feel more inviting and spacious. Get rid of any fluorescent overhead lighting because it cheapens the overall appearance of the kitchen. A dark kitchen will give the feeling of being confined, making it seem smaller than it really is. Buy five to 10 single lamps that complement your decor and place them on the top of your cabinets to create a better ambiance.

Paint the faces of the cabinets. Choose a light color such as white to make the kitchen feel open, clean and larger. Dark-colored cabinets can have the opposite effect. Place the cabinet faces on a drop cloth in your backyard and spray-paint them evenly. Paint the frames of the cabinets before reinstalling the faces. Replace the cabinet knobs to give them an updated look.

Paint the walls a light color. It will make the kitchen feel more open. Choose a color that will match the decor and atmosphere. Use an eggshell finish to make for easy cleanup of cooking splatters and other kitchen stains.

Tile your countertops instead of spending money to replace them. Both dark and outdated countertops make a kitchen feel cumbersome. Giving a fresh and vibrant face-lift to your counters will help open up the kitchen. A light-colored tile will enhance this feel. Choose a tile that fits your budget. Install it as you would on a floor with backing and grout.