When space is limited, smart design matters even more. This recent kitchen remodel in Edmonds is a perfect example of how thoughtful planning, creative problem-solving, and custom storage solutions can completely transform a small kitchen without changing its footprint.
For these homeowners, the goal wasn’t to move or expand – it was to make their existing home work better. And as repeat clients of Blue Water Design Build, they trusted our team to do exactly that.
A Return Client with a New Challenge
This project came from homeowners we had previously worked with to remodel three of their bathrooms. A few years later, they came back to us – this time with their kitchen.
Their home, originally built in the 1970s, had a small kitchen that no longer supported how they lived. While they loved their home and had no intention of moving, the kitchen needed a complete rethink to improve both functionality and flow.
The challenge?
We couldn’t expand the kitchen footprint.
Everything had to be solved within the existing space.
The Challenge: Maximizing Every Inch
Small kitchens require a different level of design precision. In this case, the key challenges included:
- Limited square footage
- Lack of storage and counter space
- A cluttered laundry/pantry area
- An awkward opening between the kitchen and family room
- Competing priorities between homeowners (light vs. storage)
Rather than seeing constraints as limitations, our team approached them as opportunities.
Smart Layout Changes That Made a Big Difference
Reclaiming Unused Space
One of the biggest wins in this project came from rethinking how adjacent spaces were being used.
The homeowners had a dining table in the kitchen area, but rarely used it. Meanwhile, they also had a separate dining space elsewhere in the home.
By relocating the unused table and introducing a buffet area, we were able to:
- Open up the kitchen visually
- Add valuable storage
- Create a more intentional, functional layout
Initially, the homeowners were hesitant to make the change. To help them feel confident, we suggested trying the new layout temporarily, without commitment.
After living with it, they quickly realized how much better the space worked and moved forward with the change.
Turning a Clutter Zone into Functional Storage
The laundry room off the kitchen had become a makeshift pantry with wire racks – functional, but far from ideal.
We transformed this area by adding:
- Four feet of full-height pantry cabinets with pull-outs
- Upper cabinetry for laundry storage
- A more cohesive, intentional layout
This change alone significantly improved organization and eliminated visual clutter.
Balancing Storage and Natural Light
Another design challenge was an existing opening between the kitchen and family room. One homeowner wanted to keep it for light and connection, while the other needed more storage.
The solution was a thoughtful compromise:
- The opening was reduced in size
- Upper cabinets were added for storage
- A quartz sill was installed, turning the opening into a functional surface for plants
This preserved the connection between spaces while improving functionality; an ideal balance of both priorities.
Custom Storage Solutions That Elevate the Space
In a small kitchen, storage design is everything. This remodel incorporated several key upgrades:
Drawers Instead of Lower Cabinets
Replacing traditional lower cabinets with drawers made it easier to access items without bending or digging through deep shelves.
Full-Height Pantry Storage
The addition of tall pantry cabinets with pull-outs maximized vertical space and created highly efficient storage for food and kitchen essentials.
Custom Shelving Around the Sink
Open shelving flanking the kitchen sink added both function and personality, providing easy access to everyday items while contributing to the overall design aesthetic.
Gaining Space in Unexpected Ways
We also removed an outdated wall heater, which allowed us to gain an additional 12 inches of cabinet space – a small change that made a meaningful difference in a compact kitchen!
A Design-Forward Approach
This kitchen wasn’t just about function, it was also about style.
By incorporating two different cabinet styles and a custom shelving unit, the design reflects the personality and energy of the homeowners while maintaining a cohesive look.
The result is a space that feels intentional, modern, and uniquely theirs.
Collaboration Every Step of the Way
In tight spaces, precision matters. To ensure every detail was right, we used a blue tape walkthrough during the design phase.
This allowed the homeowners to physically see and experience the layout before construction began; confirming clearances, flow, and functionality in real time.
This step is especially valuable in smaller kitchens, where every inch counts.
The Result: A Kitchen That Works Smarter
Without expanding the footprint, this Edmonds kitchen now feels:
- More open and functional
- Better organized
- Visually larger
- Tailored to the homeowners’ daily routines
By rethinking layout, maximizing storage, and making strategic design decisions, we transformed a small, dated kitchen into a highly efficient and beautiful space.
Small Kitchens, Big Possibilities
This project is a great example of what’s possible when thoughtful design meets expert execution.
Even without adding square footage, the right solutions can completely change how a space feels and functions.
If you’re working with a smaller kitchen, you might also find inspiration in our article on The Hidden Value of Custom Storage in a Remodel, where we explore how storage solutions can transform everyday living.
Ready to Reimagine Your Kitchen?
At Blue Water Design Build, we specialize in helping homeowners make the most of their space; whether that means a full renovation or a smart redesign within existing walls.
If you’re considering a kitchen remodel in Seattle or the surrounding areas, we’d love to help you explore what’s possible.
