Drab to Fab: A Simple & Classic Small White Kitchen Makeover

Last Updated on January 14, 2024

See the stunning transformation of this gorgeous classic white kitchen makeover.

When my husband and I moved into our old townhome, we knew we were taking on a bit of a fixer upper. Everything in the house was brown….literally everything! Even the doors and trim inside the house were tan. It was brown overload! 

The kitchen was especially dark and dreary because all of the appliances were black. It was definitely not my style, which is very much coastal. I knew lightening up the palette of this kitchen would not only make it look fresher and more modern, but it would make it feel much more spacious. 

Because the entire townhome needed updating, I budgeted our upgrades very carefully. We had an all-in budget of $40K, which we could have easily spent just on the kitchen. Instead, I got really creative with how we could make this small kitchen look amazing while preserving plenty of cash for the other home updates we had planned. 

New Kitchen Appliances

The first kitchen upgrade we invested in was new appliances. We bought a stainless-steel fridge, range, microwave, and dishwasher. It’s amazing what a huge difference new appliances can make. Just that upgrade alone really up-leveled the look and feel of our kitchen. 

White Subway Tile

I love a classic white subway tile so much! It’s a timeless look that never goes out of style. I used it throughout our townhome and the home we are in now. 

Faux Calacatta Marble Countertops

Our kitchen countertops were a huge consideration. I love the look of marble, but I knew this wasn’t our forever home. And I didn’t want to invest the big bucks in marble or even quartz countertops. Especially because I wanted to replace countertops in the kitchen AND our 4 bathrooms. That would really add up!

I researched a TON and decided on installing Formica 180FX Calacutta Marble countertops throughout our home. They are laminate counters, but they have a more elevated aesthetic than traditional laminate. It gave me the look I wanted but without the huge price tag.  

We installed a new stainless steel undermount sink and chrome faucet that I absolutely loved! This undermount sink is able to be installed with laminate so it worked perfectly with our countertops.

Small White Kitchen Cabinets

Our cabinets were in really good shape, so I didn’t want to invest the big bucks to fully replace them. But painting them white was at the top of my list. We actually contemplated painting them ourselves. My husband and I love to paint and painted all the walls, doors, and trim throughout the entire house. 

But when it comes to kitchen cabinets, that’s a whole other ballgame. You want your cabinets to look flawless and if you aren’t prepared to put in a lot of work, you could end up very disappointed with the results. 

We found a great painter through our neighborhood Facebook page, and he did not disappoint! I chose Sherwin Williams Pure White for our paint color. Use paint samples to see how they look in your space. White paint has different undertones, and I wanted to make sure I had a bright white.

My husband and I added satin nickel cabinet hardware which really elevated our small white kitchen. 

We transitioned one of our lower cabinets to a pull-out trash and recycle station. I hated having our trash can out in the open. This allowed our bins to be hidden and is much more convenient. Luckily, we had plenty of cabinet space, so it wasn’t a big deal to give one up.

Small White Kitchen Island

I love that our kitchen already had an island. Wayfair had the perfect navy barstools to fit the rustic coastal style I love. The kitchen island is the perfect place to eat meals or to just entertain guests while you’re still whipping things up in the kitchen.

I thought a lot about installing pendants over the island but felt that it might be a bit too busy in our small space. Island pendants can look beautiful, but always make sure they don’t crowd up your space too much.

Small White Kitchen Decor

I kept decor in our kitchen really simple. Choose your decor pieces wisely so you don’t end up with a cluttered space. 

Plants

I do a mix of real and faux plants in our house. Our kitchen didn’t get a ton of natural light, so I opted for a faux plant on the back counter and a live orchid on the island. 

Flour Cannisters

Our flour, coffee, and tea canisters are Hearth and Hand from Target. These are a few years old, but they still have some really cute ones! Only display these on the counter if you have room. Because we kept most of our small appliances in the cabinets, I had some extra space to play with!

Tray for Kitchen Counter

I love a tray on the kitchen counter. Trays are perfect for corralling plants and small decor. It’s also a great to add a bit of warmth to the space. Look for organic materials like water hyacinth, rattan, or wood. 

Small Coastal Kitchen

These updates completely transformed the look of our kitchen and brought out all the coastal vibes I was going for. And the best part is – it didn’t cost a fortune! 

I hope this gave you great inspiration for your small kitchen. For more kitchen ideas, visit HERE. 

This post is about a small white kitchen makeover.

FAQ:

1. Are White Kitchens Still in Style?

Yes! White kitchens are classic and timeless and will never go out of style. If you are unsure of your style or have plans to sell your house in the future, a white kitchen is the safest way to go. White kitchens appeal to so many people and complement a variety of different design aesthetics. You literally cannot go wrong with a white kitchen.

2. Should a Small Kitchen Be White?

There are no rules when it comes to what color to paint your small kitchen. However, lighter colors will help your small kitchen feel bigger and that includes white.

3. Do White Cabinets Make a Small Kitchen Look Bigger?

White cabinets just feel more light and airy, so they give the illusion of more space. Darker cabinets can make a space feel more heavy and crowded. That said, there are other things you can do to help your small kitchen feel bigger, such as installing lighter colored floors or painting the walls a lighter color. It’s all about balance!