Welcome to the Willow & White Project; a complete transformation of a small space kitchen and dining nook where charm meets function.
This compact U-shaped kitchen had great bones, but it lacked the thoughtful layout and storage today’s homeowners need. There was also a small dining nook where they would often place a small folding table to act as a serving station for family and guests.
Our goal was to maximize storage, add seating, and create a better flow. This renovation was all about turning a cramped kitchen into a space that feels fresh, functional, and perfectly tailored to the way this family lives.
Do we have Room for an Island?
When I first met Ginny and Steve, they’d been struggling with how to make their small kitchen work better. The layout was outdated, the kitchen was over 20 years old and was long overdue for a refresh, and one corner of the space was completely unusable, left behind by the home’s original chimney. The homeowners also weren’t fans of keeping the microwave mounted over the stove.
Like many people facing a compact footprint, they needed smart kitchen design solutions that would improve both function and flow without expanding.
Ginny and Steve loved the idea of adding a kitchen island, but they were hesitant about removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room. Their biggest concern? Losing an entire wall of valuable cabinet space in an already compact layout.
We explored multiple small kitchen layout ideas. Some with an island, and some without. It wasn’t an easy call. The space was tight, and incorporating an island meant working with half-depth cabinets, and possibly sacrificing seating due to the location of the basement door. Finding the right island design for a small kitchen like this was all about balance.
The Decision
Ultimately, we decided to move forward with removing the wall and opening up the space. This was one of the most impactful small kitchen remodeling decisions we could make, and we were so excited.
To keep things functional, we installed an island with 18” deep warm wood cabinets, this offered just enough storage space without overwhelming the footprint. They really wanted island seating, so we reconfigured the basement entry by replacing the single door with double doors to create more clearance. Then, we added a countertop overhang on the short side of the island so it would be possible to tuck in stools on two sides. This ideal space-saving kitchen design truly brought their vision to life.
The new island does double duty in this small kitchen as it provides comfortable seating while also adding valuable counter workspace and smart storage solutions, including two large drawers for pots, pans, and everyday essentials.
The rich, warm wood finish creates a stunning contrast against the bright white perimeter cabinets, adding visual interest and balance. As part of the redesign, we relocated the microwave to a built-in spot under the counter and installed a custom range hood, giving the kitchen a more open and modern look while maximizing functionality in a compact layout.
The Dining Nook
Due to the placement of the basement stairs, the dining nook sat just off to the side of the main kitchen area. This was an often overlooked corner that the family frequently used as a makeshift buffet by adding a folding table.
To make better use of this space, we saw an opportunity to turn this underutilized area into a functional and stylish extension of the kitchen.
To complete the transformation, the updated dining nook was redesigned with both form and function in mind. We added a built-in counter area, perfect for serving during family gatherings, along with additional lower cabinetry to boost kitchen storage. The upper cabinets extend from countertop to ceiling, creating a seamless look and drawing the eye upward to make the space feel larger. Featuring beautiful textured glass fronts, these cabinets add just the right amount of elegance and visual interest.
This thoughtful small kitchen upgrade proves that even the most compact spaces can be customized to feel open, functional, and inviting right down to the last detail.
Thinking about your own renovation project? We work in the Greater Boston area and can ship cabinetry across the country. Submit an inquiry to see if we might be able to help you!
