How to Make a Small Kitchen Feel Bigger with Paint & Cabinetry

February 24, 2025

Small Kitchen? No Problem! Smart Paint & Cabinet Choices Can Make It Feel Bigger

If your kitchen feels cramped and cluttered, don’t worry—you don’t need a full renovation to make it look bigger and more open. With the right paint colors, cabinetry choices, and design techniques, you can create a bright, airy space that feels larger than it really is.

At Austin Painting & Cabinets, we specialize in kitchen makeovers that maximize space without breaking the budget. Whether you’re looking for new cabinetry, cabinet refinishing, or a fresh coat of paint, here’s how to transform your small kitchen into a more spacious, functional area.

1. Choose the Right Paint Colors to Open Up Your Space 🎨

The right paint color can make a huge difference in how spacious your kitchen feels. Lighter colors reflect more natural and artificial light, making walls appear farther apart.

✔ Best Paint Colors for Small Kitchens:

✔ Soft Whites & Off-Whites – Create an open, fresh, and timeless look.
✔ Light Grays & Greiges – Add warmth without overwhelming the space.
✔ Soft Pastels (Light Blue, Mint, Pale Yellow) – Provide a touch of color without making the room feel heavy.

💡 Tip: Avoid dark colors on all walls—they can make a small kitchen feel even smaller. Instead, use darker shades sparingly on an accent wall or cabinets.

2. Cabinet Colors & Finishes That Make a Difference 🚪

Cabinets take up a large portion of visual space in a kitchen. Choosing the right cabinet color and style can dramatically impact how open and inviting your kitchen feels.

Best Cabinet Colors for Small Kitchens:

✔ White or Light Neutral Cabinets – Keep the space bright and seamless.
✔ Glass-Front Cabinets – Visually open up the kitchen by breaking up solid doors.
✔ Glossy or Satin Finishes – Reflect light to create a brighter space.

💡 Tip: If your cabinets are in good shape, consider cabinet painting instead of replacing them for a budget-friendly upgrade!

3. Two-Tone Cabinets: A Modern Space-Expanding Trick

Want to add depth and style to your small kitchen? Try the two-tone cabinet trend!

✔ Light-colored upper cabinets make the ceiling feel higher.
✔ Darker lower cabinets add contrast without closing in the space.
✔ Matte finishes create a more modern, elegant look.

💡 Tip: Pair soft white uppers with navy or sage green lowers for a trendy, space-enhancing design.

4. Maximize Light with Reflective Finishes & Accents 💡

Light plays a huge role in how big your kitchen feels. If your space is naturally dim, consider strategic paint choices and materials that reflect light.

✔ Glossy or semi-gloss paints bounce light around the room.
✔ Mirrored or metallic accents (backsplashes, cabinet hardware) enhance brightness.
✔ Under-cabinet lighting eliminates dark, shadowy corners.

💡 Tip: The shinier the surface, the more it reflects light, making your kitchen feel larger and airier.

5. Use Vertical Space to Draw the Eye Up 📏

If your kitchen is short on floor space, make use of vertical elements to create the illusion of height.

✔ Install tall cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling.
✔ Use vertical shiplap or striped wallpaper to elongate walls.
✔ Hang floating shelves instead of bulky upper cabinets.

💡 Tip: Avoid cluttering open shelving—stick to minimal, functional decor to keep things light and spacious.

6. Keep It Simple: Declutter & Use Smart Storage Solutions

Nothing makes a kitchen feel smaller than too much visual clutter.

✔ Stick to a neutral or monochromatic color scheme.
✔ Choose sleek, minimal cabinet hardware.
✔ Use built-in storage solutions (pull-out drawers, vertical spice racks, hanging pot holders).

💡 Tip: A clutter-free kitchen instantly feels more open and inviting.

Final Thoughts: Transform Your Small Kitchen with Smart Design

A small kitchen doesn’t have to feel cramped—with strategic paint choices, cabinetry updates, and smart design, you can create a space that feels bigger, brighter, and more functional.

At Austin Painting & Cabinets, we help homeowners reimagine their kitchens with expert painting, cabinet refinishing, and custom cabinetry solutions.

📍 Looking for professional kitchen remodeling or cabinet painting? Contact Austin Painting & Cabinets today for a free consultation!

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Thanks for reading! Please like and share.

Other Blog Posts

How Much Does It Cost to Hire Someone to Paint Cabinets?

By Tyler Harden • March 4, 2025

If you're looking to update your kitchen or bathroom without the high cost of replacing cabinets, hiring a cabinet painting company is an excellent option. But how much does it cost to have your cabinets professionally painted in Austin, TX? The price depends on factors like kitchen size, paint quality, and prep work. Let’s break it down so you can plan your budget effectively. Average Cost to Paint Cabinets in Austin, TX The cost to hire a professional painting contractor for cabinets in Austin typically ranges from $2,000 to $6,000, with some high-end projects exceeding $8,000. Here’s what affects pricing: 1. Cabinet Size & Number of Doors The number of cabinets and drawers plays a big role in determining cost: Small kitchens: $2,000 - $3,500 Medium kitchens: $3,500 - $5,000 Large kitchens: $5,000 - $8,000 2. Paint Type & Quality The type of paint used impacts durability and appearance. We use top-quality paints like Benjamin Moore Cabinet Coat and Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane for the best results. Basic latex paint: More affordable but less durable ($2,000 - $4,000) Premium urethane or oil-based paints: Provide a professional, long-lasting finish ($3,500 - $6,000) 3. Prep Work & Cabinet Condition Cabinets require proper prep work to ensure a smooth finish. This includes: Cleaning and degreasing Sanding and priming Repairing cracks or dents If your cabinets need extensive prep, expect to add $500 - $1,500 to your project. 4. Paint Application Method The way your cabinets are painted affects both cost and quality. Brush and roll method: More budget-friendly but may leave brush marks ($2,000 - $4,000) Spray painting: Delivers a flawless, factory-like finish but requires extra prep work ($3,500 - $6,500) Why Choose Our Cabinet Painting Company? At Austin Painting & Cabinets, we stand behind our work with a 3-Year Warranty on Workmanship, giving you peace of mind. ✔ 3-Year Warranty – Covers peeling, cracking, or bubbling due to improper application. ✔ Manufacturer’s Warranty on Paint – Our high-quality paints come with manufacturer-backed guarantees. ✔ Satisfaction Guarantee – We don’t consider the job finished until you love your results! When searching for a painting company near me, it’s important to choose professionals who offer quality craftsmanship and lasting results. Is Painting Cabinets Worth It? Hiring a painting contractor to refinish your cabinets is a smart investment because it: ✔ Saves you thousands compared to cabinet replacement ✔ Increases your home’s resale value ✔ Provides a modern, updated look ✔ Offers a durable, long-lasting finish Get a Free Quote from a Top Painting Company Near You At Austin Painting & Cabinets, we specialize in high-quality cabinet painting with a smooth, professional finish. Whether you want to refresh your kitchen, bathroom, or built-in cabinets, our expert painters ensure stunning, long-lasting results. 📞 Call us today at 512-763-9976 for a free estimate! Or 📩 request a quote online at austinpaintingandcabinets.com. 👉 Transform your cabinets with Austin’s top-rated cabinet painting company – let us bring your vision to life!