Kitchen Remodel Design Tips for Small Spaces With Updated Kitchen Appliances
Planning a remodel with updated kitchen appliances? A few design choices can make the room feel larger before you move a single wall.
Quick answer: Small kitchens feel bigger when you improve lighting, reduce visual breaks (clean lines), choose the right appliance sizes, and plan door swings, ventilation, and clearances early.
Start here before you finalize cabinets
A remodel is the best time to choose updated kitchen appliances that fit your space and your daily habits. The most common regret is buying appliances first, then discovering you need to rework cabinetry, clearances, or ventilation to make everything function.
At-a-glance: 5 ways to make a kitchen look roomier
| Design move | Why it works | Appliance tie-in |
|---|---|---|
| Layered lighting plan | Bright corners reduce shadows that visually shrink the room | Plan task lighting over prep areas and near cooking zones |
| Clean, continuous cabinet lines | Fewer breaks create a calmer, wider visual field | Consider panel-ready or integrated looks when appropriate |
| Right-size appliances | Less bulk improves flow and sightlines | Match widths and depths to the room (not the wish list) |
| Colour and finish strategy | Lighter tones up top open the room; darker below anchors it | Coordinate finishes so appliances support the overall palette |
| Smarter layout choices | Better circulation makes the room feel larger | Plan fridge, sink, and cooking zones for fewer bottlenecks |
1) Plan lighting like it is part of the architecture
Lighting can visually expand a kitchen by reducing dark corners and harsh contrast.
- Use a mix of ambient (general), task (work), and accent (feature) lighting.
- Place task lighting where you prep and cook most often.
- Reflective finishes can help in small spaces, but avoid glare by balancing light levels.
2) Choose appliance sizes that match the room
Many remodel problems come down to inches. Appliance size decisions should be based on how you cook and how you move through the space.
- Choose cooking capacity based on your real needs, not just maximum burners.
- Watch depth and door swing in tight layouts, especially near islands.
- Think in zones: cooking, cleanup, and cold storage should not collide.
Browse cooking and cleanup categories to sanity-check your plan:
3) Use clean cabinetry lines to reduce visual clutter
Unbroken cabinet runs can make a kitchen feel wider and more intentional.
- Limit sudden changes in upper cabinet height when possible.
- Use simple hardware and consistent reveals to keep lines continuous.
- If you can afford fewer uppers, consider open shelving in one area only.
4) Colour strategy: lighter up top, grounded below
Guide the eye up and outward. Use lighter tones at or above eye level and darker finishes below to anchor the room.
- Light uppers help walls feel farther apart.
- Darker lowers hide scuffs and visually “hold” the space.
- Keep appliance finishes consistent so the room reads as one system.
What's a kitchen remodel without a beautiful new range? Pictured is the AGA 48-inch Mercury Dual Fuel Range with True European Convection, available at Genier's.
5) Rethink layout to reduce wasted space
Popular layouts do not always save space. The best layout is the one that keeps traffic out of your main work zones.
- Galley kitchens can feel larger when both sides are streamlined and well-lit.
- L and U layouts work best when corner storage is planned properly.
- If you have an empty wall, a strong focal point (window or feature) can open the room.
Cost notes to plan a remodel budget
When people search “cost of updated kitchen appliances,” they usually mean more than sticker price. The total cost of a kitchen appliance plan includes:
- installation requirements (power, gas, water, ventilation)
- cabinet modifications (depth, filler panels, trim, support)
- delivery access (stairs, tight turns, protection for finished floors)
- timeline risk (backorders can affect the entire renovation schedule)
Best practice: treat appliances as an early design decision so your cabinet and electrical plans support them, not the other way around.
Troubleshooting: common remodel mistakes and quick fixes
“The fridge door hits the wall or island”
- Confirm door swing direction early.
- Check clearance for drawers and handles, not just cabinet opening width.
- Adjust the layout before cabinets are finalized.
“The range hood is noisy or ineffective”
- Match hood capacity to cooking style and range output.
- Keep duct runs as short and straight as possible.
- Plan make-up air needs if required by code for your setup.
“The dishwasher does not fit flush”
- Confirm depth and toe-kick clearance.
- Check the water line and power routing so nothing blocks the unit.
- Plan for panel and handle thickness if using a built-in look.
If you want help with measurements, fit, and selecting the right appliances for your layout, Genier’s supports renovation planning end-to-end.
new construction and renovation appliance planning
FAQ
> What does “right-sizing appliances” mean?
It means choosing appliance widths, depths, and configurations that match your space and how you actually cook, clean, and host.
> What should I decide first: cabinets or appliances?
Decide appliance sizes and clearances early, then finalize cabinetry around those measurements. This reduces rework and fit problems.
> Can smaller appliances still feel premium?
Yes. Premium feel comes from performance, fit, and finish coordination. A well-planned compact setup often feels more refined than an oversized one that crowds the room.
Local Vernon and Okanagan showroom help
Genier’s Appliances is based in Vernon, BC and serves Kelowna, Kamloops, and communities across the Okanagan. Our team offers non-commissioned guidance, real fit-and-finish comparisons, and support for renovation planning.
Genier’s Appliances helps Okanagan homeowners choose durable, premium appliances with confidence. Visit our Vernon showroom or request a quote.