Reclaim Your Cramped Cape Cod Kitchen With Our Savvy Remodel Ideas

Small, outdated kitchens are often the heart of a Cape Cod home. Yet their closed-off layouts and minimal storage leave much to be desired. If your Cape Cod kitchen feels cramped and disjointed, a remodel can help you reclaim the space. By opening up walls, maximizing every inch, and infusing charm with paint and tile, you can create a kitchen that's fresh, functional and tailored to your needs.

Follow our savvy tips to gain inspiration, set a smart budget and tackle impactful updates. With strategic changes, you can transform your Cape Cod kitchen from cramped and dated to open and inviting. Let's explore clever ways to re-envision this important space.

Assess Your Current Cape Cod Kitchen Layout

First, take stock of how you currently use your kitchen. This will reveal problem areas and help focus your remodel plans.

Identify the Existing Layout

Small Cape Cod kitchens often feature galley or L-shaped layouts. Galley kitchens have cabinets and counters lining two parallel walls. L-shaped kitchens feature cabinets along two connecting walls. Measure your existing layout and make a simple floorplan to visualize the space. This will help assess room dimensions and traffic flow issues.

Evaluate What's Working and Not Working

Make a list of your kitchen's pros and cons. Do you feel closed off from living areas? Is there a lack of natural light? Are counters and storage inadequate? Defining these frustrations will inform layout changes and design priorities.

Gather Cape Cod Kitchen Remodel Inspiration

Next, dive into the fun part - finding inspiration! Browse photos to create a vision board of your ideal new kitchen.

Define Your Design Vision

Consider the overall style you hope to achieve. For a Cape Cod, traditional New England themes like farmhouse and coastal work well. But you can also opt for a more modern or eclectic vibe. Focus on pictures that align with your target aesthetic.

Collect Photos for Inspiration

Look to Houzz, Pinterest and design magazines to curate images that excite you. Save examples of layouts, cabinets, counters, backsplashes and lighting you love. This collage will inform material and finish selections down the road.

Set A Cape Cod Kitchen Remodel Budget

With inspiration in hand, it's time to talk money. Realistic budget expectations are key to a smooth renovation.

Get Quotes from Contractors

If hiring out all or part of the work, have contractors provide itemized quotes based on your project scope. Get estimates from 2-3 companies for comparison. Ask what options could reduce costs, like refacing versus replacing cabinets.

Determine DIY Elements

Decide which projects are best left to the experts, like moving plumbing or electrical. Research expenses for tackling affordable updates yourself, like painting cabinets or installing backsplash tile. This will help stretch your budget.

Open Up A Cramped Cape Cod Kitchen Layout

Small Cape Cod kitchens often feel disconnected from living areas. Opening the space can dramatically enhance flow and natural light.

Knock Down Walls for an Open Concept

Removing walls to connect the kitchen and dining room creates an open, airy feel. Blend spaces but use a breakfast bar or island to provide separation if desired.

Add a Peninsula or Breakfast Bar

If knocking down full walls isn't feasible, consider adding a peninsula or counter-height bar. Not only does this delineate the kitchen, it provides extra seating and prep space.

Update Your Cape Cod Kitchen Cabinets

Dated cabinets can make a kitchen feel dark and weighed down. But replacement doesn't have to break the budget.

Refinish or Reface Existing Cabinets

Instead of brand new cabinets, consider refacing or refinishing your existing boxes. Sand and restain for a wood tone update. Or opt for painted cabinets in a fresh, light color to brighten the space.

Add Open Shelving

Incorporate new open shelves to break up wall cabinet monotony. Great for displaying ceramics or cookbooks, this airy look maximizes unused corner space.

Refresh Your Cape Cod Kitchen Countertops

New countertops can modernize a kitchen's entire look for a reasonable investment.

Butcher Block Countertops

Butcher block counters add warmth and a classic vibe. Opting for an affordable butcher block top is a smart DIY opportunity to control costs.

Tile Countertops

For a durable, sanitary surface that works in any design, tile is another budget option. Play with shape, color and pattern to make a statement.

Upgrade Appliances in Your Cape Cod Kitchen

Appliance upgrades make a big impact with limited demolition. Evaluate which pieces need replacement.

Replace Old Appliances

Prioritize functional appliances like the fridge, range and dishwasher first. Choose matching suite or intentionally mix metals for an eclectic look.

Refresh Appliance Exteriors

If appliances are still in good working order, a quick update is painting exterior panels or swapping out hardware. Replace knobs and handles to match your new decor.

Add Style with New Cape Cod Kitchen Lighting

Strategic lighting transforms a kitchen's vibe from dreary to bright and elegant.

Install Recessed Lighting

Recessed cans provide overall illumination and are easily positioned between cabinets and rafters. Space evenly for consistent lighting.

Under Cabinet Lighting

Strip lighting mounted beneath upper cabinets shines perfectly on countertops and tasks. Choose LED for efficiency.

Unique Light Pendants

Make a stylish statement by hanging pendant lights over a kitchen sink or island. Opt for brass, nautical rope or modern glass.

Update Your Cape Cod Kitchen Floors

New floors can pull a whole room together and are easier to swap than counters or cabinets.

Durable Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl plank flooring resists water and mimics the look of wood for less cost. Many style and color options exist for a customized look.

Classic White Tile

For a light, classic aesthetic, white tile floors are timeless. Subway, hexagon and diamond shapes evoke old-world kitchen charm.

Use Paint to Refresh Your Cape Cod Kitchen

A fresh coat of paint is an affordable way to transform the heart of your home.

Bright White on Cabinets

Painting cabinets a clean, bright white makes small spaces feel open and airy. Trim windows in a contrasting shade.

Painted Accent Wall

Add personality with a painted accent wall in a bold, saturated hue. Try citrine yellow or navy blue. Position behind a breakfast bar for maximum wow.

Add Charm with a Cape Cod Kitchen Backsplash

An updated backsplash brings visual interest without breaking the budget.

White Subway Tile

For a look that's timelessly classic, white subway tile keeps things clean and understated. The rectangular shape feels modern yet traditional.

Bold Mosaic Tile

Make more of a splash with colorful mosaic sheets full of texture and pattern. Limit to a small backsplash area to keep costs contained.

Maximize Every Inch of Cape Cod Kitchen Storage

Creating smart storage helps manage smaller Cape Cod kitchens.

Lazy Susans in Corner Cabinets

Install lazy susans or other carousels to fully utilize awkward corner cabinet space. Effortlessly spin to reach the back.

Pull-Out Drawers and Shelves

Swap traditional shelves for pull-out drawers and roll outs. This eliminates the void behind stacks of dishes and bulky items.

Incorporate new open shelving anywhere there's space, like above the fridge. Sturdy racks display cookware and platters in accessible view.

With strategic elbow grease and a modest budget, you can gain a Cape Cod kitchen that finally feels fresh, spacious and full of charm. Knock down walls, install smart storage and infuse personality with paint, tile and lighting. Follow our savvy tips to create your dream kitchen without breaking the bank.