For my mother’s 60th birthday, we wanted to give her a truly memorable gift: a complete makeover of her small kitchen. With a limited budget for materials and appliances, we took on most of the work ourselves, devoting a lot of time and effort to the transformation.
We decided to keep the existing plastic window but replace the old window sill with a wider counter. This change not only created space for flower pots, but also provided additional space for meal preparation.
The old, faded wallpaper was removed and new floor tiles were installed. We also gave the outdated ‘winter fridge’ a facelift by updating its kitchen fronts to match the new design. To create a more cohesive look, we used a screen to cover the radiator, blending it seamlessly into the space. The radiator cover was designed with a grid pattern to allow airflow while maintaining a clean aesthetic.
For the cabinets, we chose white, which many associate with difficulty in maintenance. In reality, white is easy to clean and visually enlarges the space, making the kitchen brighter and more open.
The work area was designed to be spacious, with part of the counter replacing the window sill. To improve functionality, we added under-cabinet lighting, ensuring it is not obstructed by open drawers and making it easier to work in the kitchen.
The sink has been placed in the far corner of the room, which may seem awkward at first, but it is easily accessible and placed away from the stove to avoid water splashing onto the pots.
While we couldn’t replace the old fridge, we did give it a makeover by covering it with matching cabinet fronts, helping it blend in better with the rest of the kitchen. We also convinced my mom to remove the excess magnets from the fridge, giving it a more polished look.
One of the challenges we faced was the placement of the microwave, which was placed above the refrigerator. This is not the most convenient location, as it is difficult to reach, especially since it is rarely used.
Finally, we added a small wall-mounted TV next to the refrigerator. It’s perfectly positioned to be viewed while cooking or eating, providing a bit of entertainment in the kitchen.