7 Small Tweaks That Make Your Kitchen Feel Bigger
You don’t need a full renovation—or a bigger floor plan—to make your kitchen feel more spacious. A few smart, low-effort changes can instantly open things up and make the room feel brighter, lighter, and more functional. Here are seven small tweaks that can make even the tiniest kitchen feel bigger.
Swap Dark Hardware for Light or Minimal Styles
Bulky, dark cabinet pulls can visually weigh a kitchen down. Switching to slim, light-toned, or brushed metal hardware creates a cleaner look that helps cabinets blend in rather than stand out.
Clear Off the Countertops
Clutter is one of the biggest space-shrinkers. Keep only daily essentials on the counter and store the rest away. Fewer items mean more visible surface area, which instantly makes the room feel larger.
Use Open Shelving—Even Just One Section
Removing a single upper cabinet and replacing it with open shelving can make a huge difference. It breaks up visual bulk and creates the illusion of depth, especially when styled with simple, uniform dishes.
Choose Light-Colored or Reflective Backsplashes
Light tiles, glossy finishes, or even peel-and-stick backsplashes reflect light and bounce it around the room. This simple update can brighten the space and make walls feel farther apart.
Hang Curtains High and Keep Them Simple
If your kitchen has a window, hang curtains higher than the frame and choose a lightweight fabric. This draws the eye upward and makes ceilings appear taller without blocking natural light.
Add Under-Cabinet Lighting
Shadows make kitchens feel cramped. Under-cabinet lighting brightens workspaces and eliminates dark corners, helping the entire room feel more open and inviting.
Stick to a Tight Color Palette
Too many colors can make a small kitchen feel busy. Limiting the palette to two or three complementary shades creates visual continuity, which tricks the eye into seeing more space
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