A Small Kitchen That Works

This homeowner had a tiny kitchen, a relatively tight budget, and high hopes for additional storage and style.

She loved her 1920s bungalow, but the poorly configured appliances and limited work areas caused her to cook most of her dinners in the microwave. By applying small-space solutions and choosing products that matched her budget, she gained all the ingredients of a successful kitchen makeover—and the seamless cottage style is like the sweet icing on the cake.

Trend Update

Cottage style is hotter than ever, and beaded-board paneling is one of its essential elements. In this kitchen, beaded board was used for the backsplash and on the ceiling, but it also can be added in a living room, bedroom, bath, or an enclosed porch to lend a casual feel.

What She Did

The Challenge:
- The kitchen in this home was outdated and far less than functional. The homeowner had only 2 feet of countertop space and inadequate cabinetry.
The Solution:
- Moving the water heater from the kitchen to the attic freed up room for a pantry. The homeowner added floor-to-ceiling cabinetry and an extra workstation, gaining much more drawer and countertop space. She purchased new appliances, including a built-in dishwasher to replace the old portable model. Beaded-board paneling, wide trim and moulding, a farmhouse sink, seeded-glass cabinetry door fronts, and wooden countertops all contribute to the kitchen's updated cottage style.

Small-Space Strategies

Go vertical.
- Extend the cabinets up to the ceiling or crown moulding to use all available space.
Organize.
- Choose cabinets and drawers that offer organizational inserts, or add inserts to your existing cabinetry.
Consider the use.
- Think about what you use daily versus infrequently. Open shelving and clear-glass cabinetry door fronts make it easy to see everyday dishware. Upper cabinets are perfect for special china or rarely used appliances.
Color counts.
- While kitchens are all about function, choosing white or a light paint color makes a small space feel airier and larger.
Appliance options.
- This homeowner chose full-size appliances, but there are options for smaller, hardworking refrigerators or ranges.

How To Manage Your Budget

A kitchen remodel is a wonderful investment, but it also can be a large expense. A few simple guidelines will help you contain your cash flow.

Expect the unexpected.
- Figure out the maximum amount you can afford for your kitchen remodel, and then decrease that amount by 20% to determine your budget. You'll have padding for the unplanned expenses that almost always occur.
Pick and choose.
- Decide what's most important to you. Do you want new countertops but like your range? Then opt for the countertops of your choice, such as granite or butcher block, and pass on the new range. Alternately, cabinetry and countertops can siphon the bulk of your budget. If you're okay with the look of your kitchen but want the latest culinary technology, then replace all your appliances and simply paint your cabinets.
Stick to the plan.
- You can make small decisions that add up to a big expense. Take a step back before adding new items that weren't in your original plan.

Innovation

At Lowe's, we bring you new products that enhance and simplify your life. The Bosch AquaStar tankless water heater was an energy-efficient choice for this new kitchen.

Unlike tank heaters, every part is replaceable or recyclable.
Burners ignite without electricity when water is flowing.
All water parts are made from solid copper or solid brass.
Provides an endless supply of hot water.
Uses 4-inch pipes; this should be planned for in a newly constructed home or prior to a home renovation.
This energy-saving model may qualify homeowners for a $300 tax credit. See Lowes.com/Energy for details.
Learn more about buying and maintaining a water heater at Lowes.com/WaterHeaters.

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(What are these?)

Skillset: Intermediate

Rough Cost Estimate: $14,300*

Cabinetry, countertops, and backsplash: $9,700
Appliances: $2,620
Flooring: $250
Plumbing: $755
Lighting: $225
Paint: $100
Moulding and paneling: $415
Accessories: $235

Rough Time Estimate: 1 month**

Cabinetry, Countertops, and Backsplash

cabinets (KraftMaid, Whiteplains Square, white, special order)
seeded-glass doors (KraftMaid, Antiquity, special order)
workstation cabinets (KraftMaid, Briarwood Maple, Beaded, Wedgewood Glaze, special order)
hardware (Amerock, satin chrome; cup pulls, #150264†; oval knobs, #17094)
butcher-block countertops (special order††)
backsplash (KraftMaid, beaded-board paneling, white, special order)

Appliances

refrigerator (Frigidaire, Silver Mist, Model FRS3LR5EM, #247886)
electric range (Frigidaire, Silver Mist, Model FEFL68GM, #7003)
microwave/hood combo (Frigidaire, Silver Mist, Model FMV158FM, #180278)
dishwasher (Frigidaire, Silver Mist, Model FDB1050REM, #226379)
gas tankless water heater (Bosch, AquaStar, Model 1600H, special order)

Flooring

tile (12-inch-square, Portobello, Ibiza, #121141)
biscuit-colored grout

Plumbing

farmhouse sink (Barclay Products Limited, Fire Clay, Model FS30, white, special order)
faucet (Peerless, Brilliance Stainless, #100363)
garbage disposal (InSinkErator, Evolution SpaceSaver, #240439)

Lighting

6 recessed lights
4 under-cabinet lights
pendant fixture (1-light, Kichler, antique pewter, #166107)

Paint

walls (Valspar Signature Colors, Earth Elements, Swoosh EE2046B, satin)
crown moulding and trim (Valspar Ultra Premium, Anthem White 7006-24, semi-gloss)
ceiling (Valspar Ultra Premium, Anthem White 7006-24, flat)

Moulding and Paneling

crown moulding (45/8-inch, primed white)
baseboard and window casing (4¼-inch, primed white)
beaded-board ceiling (3/16-inch, primed white, #29469)

accessories

shelf brackets (5- x 8-inch, pine, #64387)
utensil hooks (#58448)
stand mixer (KitchenAid, white, #213829)

*Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market.

**Does not include lead time for special-order materials.

†Selection varies by market.

††Availability varies by market.