Before & After: Small Cramped Kitchen Becomes a Spacious Hub
Fix a Bad Kitchen Floor Plan
How a Tiny Kitchen Became a Spacious Hub
Every time I begin a new project, I don’t start with colours, tiles, or shiny tapware — I start with the layout. Why? Because if you don’t fix a bad kitchen floor plan, no amount of marble benchtops or designer lighting will make the space functional.
A good floor plan can actually save you money, because you won’t need to rely on “band-aid features” to disguise awkward corners or cramped spaces. And no, it doesn’t always mean knocking down every single wall — often, just a few thoughtful changes make a world of difference.
If you’re planning a renovation, my number-one tip is this: don’t obsess over colours first, start with the plan. It’s also the perfect moment to bring in a designer for a consultation, so you can see what’s possible. A home without a functional base will never feel right, and in real estate terms, a strong layout is gold. Buyers are willing to pay more for a home with good bones, because they know it will always be easier to update.
That brings me to one of my recent projects. The problem area? Kitchen.
This home had so much potential — nestled amongst forest greenery, the views outside were breathtaking. But you wouldn’t know that from the kitchen. The space was cramped, dark, and closed off by walls that made it feel smaller than it actually was. The original U-shaped kitchen was standard for its time, with a tiny pantry tucked under the stairs. And in the most unfortunate twist, the fridge had been plonked right in the centre of the room. Walk down the stairs, and the first thing you saw wasn’t the trees — it was the fridge.
This home deserved better.
The before
The Design Process: How We Fixed a Bad Kitchen Floor Plan
The very first thing I identified was the fridge wall. It absolutely had to go. But even once I imagined that gone, I knew it wasn’t enough. The wall between the kitchen and dining was another culprit, blocking natural light from streaming through a beautiful large window in the dining room.
To fix a bad kitchen floor plan, sometimes the best move is to open up the space. By removing both walls, we transformed the kitchen into an open plan connected seamlessly to the living and dining areas. This instantly changed the atmosphere: brighter, more spacious, and with views that finally made sense.
But once the walls were gone, a new challenge popped up: where do we put tall storage and the fridge? With no perimeter walls left, we couldn’t follow the “default” layout of pushing everything against the edges. And with a five-bedroom home housing a family of four, storage was absolutely non-negotiable.
That’s when I flipped the plan. Instead of lining appliances along the walls, I placed the work zone on the island. The sink, cooktop, and prep space now sit at the heart of the kitchen. Behind them, a long wall became the dedicated storage zone — a sleek, continuous backdrop with space for a larger fridge and an extra four metres of cabinetry.
This wasn’t just a cosmetic change — it redefined how the family uses the kitchen:
- Better workflow: The island allows cooking, prepping, and serving without bumping elbows.
- Connection: Whoever’s in the kitchen can chat to guests, watch TV, or enjoy the forest views. No more isolation while cooking.
- Breakfast simplified: Kids sit right at the island bench, making mornings smoother (and less chaotic).
- Clutter-free counters: With a generous pantry, appliances now live out of sight but are still easy to reach.
Storage Solutions That Make the Kitchen Work
One of the biggest wins of this layout was finally solving the storage dilemma. The original under-stair pantry was tiny and awkward. Now, the family has a walk-in style pantry with over four metres of functional storage. Inside, we added clever details tailored to their lifestyle:
- Powerpoints for appliances: The clients love their gadgets (air fryer, bread maker, stand mixer, you name it). Now they can live permanently in the pantry, plugged in and ready to go, without cluttering the bench.
- Wide-angle doors: Easier access, more budget-friendly compared to pocket doors.
- LED strip lighting: Adding lots of warmth to the space and functional inside the pantry.
- Custom drawers in pantry: Designed for specific items the client uses every day.
- Extra-large sink: Big enough to hide the dish rack inside (genius for keeping benchtops clear).
- Pop-up power point with wireless charging: A sleek, modern detail that disappears when not in use.
Every one of these touches makes life easier, and that’s the essence of good design.
The Transformation: From Tiny to Spacious
What was once a cramped, dark, and unwelcoming kitchen is now the true hub of the home. Light pours in, the family has space to gather, and cooking is no longer a lonely chore. Instead of staring at a fridge from the staircase, you’re now greeted by leafy green views that make the home feel connected to nature.
This is why I always say: before you pick tiles or paint, fix a bad floor plan first.
Key Takeaways: Lessons for Your Own Kitchen
If you’re thinking about your own renovation, here are a few tips inspired by this project:
- Open walls strategically: It’s not about removing every wall, but taking down the ones that really interrupt flow and light. In some cases, you might even close up a wall to make the layout work better.
- Think about workflow: Don’t feel locked into the standard layout. Placing the main work zone (sink, cooktop, prep) on the island can free up walls for valuable storage.
- Prioritise storage: A beautiful kitchen won’t function without space to tuck things away. Storage is what keeps the design looking clean and usable long-term.
- Consider lifestyle: Your kitchen should reflect how your family actually lives — whether that’s entertaining, cooking together, or keeping benches clutter-free.
Fix a Bad Kitchen Floor Plan
This kitchen transformation is proof that when you fix a bad kitchen floor plan, the entire home feels different. By rethinking space, light, and storage, we turned a cramped room into a spacious hub designed for family life.
If your kitchen feels awkward or too small, it’s often not about adding more “stuff” — it’s about improving the layout, and in turn, improving how all the surrounding spaces work together. That’s exactly the kind of problem I love to solve.
Sometimes, just a simple design consultation can save you hours (or months!) of frustration — and often, the solution ends up being far better than what you might have come up with alone.
Fix Your Floor Plan Before You Renovate
A great layout is the secret to a home that truly works. If you’re stuck with an awkward plan, I can help.
✨ Book a Floor Plan Review and receive:
- Marked-up drawings with layout improvements
- Practical, budget-savvy solutions
- Advice tailored to your lifestyle and space
Start with a 90-minute consultation and walk away with a clear, expert plan.
Check out the rest of the house
Where I Shop
I’m often asked where I source the products I use and recommend. Here’s a little peek into some of my favourite suppliers!
- The Blue Space – beautiful bathware & tapware, delivered Australia-wide
- Interior Secrets – Modern furniture at direct-to-consumer prices
- Lounge Lovers – Designer-look sofas and homewares without the designer price tag
- Ruggable – Machine-washable rugs that make spills stress-free
