Medium Kitchen Makeover Ideas You'll Love
If your kitchen is around 100-200 square feet, it falls into the medium size category. Medium kitchens offer the best of both worlds - more spacious than a small kitchen yet cozier than a large, cavernous one. With some clever remodeling ideas, your medium kitchen can become an inspiring and ultra-functional space for cooking, conversation, and connection.
A makeover is the perfect opportunity to enhance your kitchen's layout, storage, lighting, and style. Read on for ways to maximize every inch of your medium kitchen for a beautiful, clutter-free zone.
Craft an Efficient Layout
Optimizing your kitchen's layout is one of the most impactful changes you can make. First, evaluate how you currently use the space. Map out the key zones - cooking, cleaning, gathering, storage - and how you move between them.
Focus on forming an efficient work triangle between the sink, refrigerator, and stove. Equal distances between 4-9 feet apart allow you to seamlessly transition between food prep, cooking, and cleanup.
Islands and Peninsulas
Islands or peninsulas make excellent additions to medium kitchens by providing extra storage, seating, and work space. A kitchen island in the center of the room opens up the space visually and literally functions as a hub for cooking, conversation, and casual dining.
A peninsula attached to a wall maximizes prep area and storage while delineating the kitchen from adjacent spaces. Include seating, electrical outlets, and pendant lighting to make islands and peninsulas even more functional.
Maximize Storage in Every Nook
One of the biggest challenges in a medium kitchen is fitting in ample storage. Minimize clutter by stashing items in every possible nook and cranny.
Install floor-to-ceiling pantry cabinets and make use of dead space with angled cabinets or blind corner storage . Optimize base cabinets with roll-out trays, spun storage, and specialized inserts so you can access items easily.
More Smart Storage Ideas
- Use wall space for floating shelves or rail systems
- Include a spice drawer in your island or peninsula
- Mount a magnetic knife strip for easy access
- Hide trash and recycling bins in cabinet roll-outs
A few simple upgrades make all the difference in kitchen organization and flow.
Choose Space-Saving Appliances
Appliance selection plays a key role in medium kitchen design. Look for streamlined appliances that won't eat up your precious counterspace.
Slide-in or built-in ranges create a smooth, unified look. French-door refrigerators and bottom-freezer models are narrower. You can even opt for drawer-style dishwashers and microwaves placed at countertop height.
Don't forget about specialty appliances like pot filler faucets. Installed behind the stove, they eliminate lugging heavy pots around.
Use Lighting to Brighten and Expand
The right lighting makes any kitchen shine, especially smaller spaces. Illuminate key zones like islands, pantries, and workstations using dimmable overhead fixtures or task lighting.
Skylights and ample windows let natural light flood in, instantly making the kitchen feel more open and airy. Position light fixtures to cast a soft, even glow throughout the space.
Pick the Perfect Countertops
Countertops cover a lot of surface area in kitchens, so durability is key. Quartz and granite resist scratches, stains, and heat while adding stylish appeal.
Economical options like laminate and butcher block offer lots of bang for your buck. No matter the material, incorporate unique touches like integrated chopping blocks and matching backsplashes.
Paint and decor transform a basic kitchen into a true reflection of your style. Go bold with a colorful backsplash tile that pops against neutral cabinetry. Paint an accent wall in a moody hue like navy or sage green.
Display cherished serveware in open shelves or glass-front cabinets. The goal is to infuse personality into the space with special touches.
A medium kitchen makeover will maximize every inch and reduce stress. You'll gain a showcase space suited for both cooking creativity and quality time with loved ones.