Frances Herrera is an Interior Design in NYC who recently shared with me a kitchen remodel for a client that will inspire those with small kitchens. She sent me these before and after photos — you have to check this out — it's hard to believe it's the same space! Real Simple editors would approve of this transformation.

Before – Help!

REAL SIMPLE BEFORE

Frances explained that her client was in need of a functional kitchen and since she lives in NYC where apartment kitchens tend to be small, she removed the wall to maximize the space bringing the living room and kitchen together for a more open floor plan and providing a space for eating.

Cherry cabinetry gives the kitchen a rich look, classic mixed with contemporary makes for a clean, modern feel. Stainless appliances were selected along with a white polished marble back splash to break up the dark cabinetry and the countertops are cashmere granite – again, lightening things up. Frances installed recessed lights on the ceiling and under cabinet lighting to illuminate the countertops making food preparation a breeze. A modern light fixture was installed above the island for drama. Who says a small kitchen can't have a big personality?

After

Real simple 2

Frances completed this renovation in three weeks and the total cost, including labor and materials, was around $20,000. 

What do you think? Is this a remodel you could live with? Do you like the final look? Do you have a small kitchen and if so, what tricks have you used to make the best use of the space you have?

(images from frances herrera interiors)

comments
  1. I absolutely love that!!! A small kitchen transformed.
    I must admit, I’d prefer a much larger kitchen, but this one would suit me fine for the short term.

    July 22, 2009 at 7:51 am ·
  2. Sarah

    It’s beautiful, but not functional. There’s no dishwasher and the sink is too small, so how do you clean up?

    July 22, 2009 at 8:48 am ·
  3. Kris

    I love how the eating space is open. Really creates an open feel for those small NY apartments. The sink is definitely too small even if you don’t cook much.

    July 22, 2009 at 9:04 am ·
  4. Wow! love it…Love a contrast of cabinet color and floor..Good job!

    July 22, 2009 at 9:25 am ·
  5. Kathy

    I really like the overall transformation – but the lack of dishwasher and extremely small sink are a negative.
    The transition between the tile and hard wood flooring could have been handled better.

    July 22, 2009 at 12:08 pm ·
  6. I’m not sure if there is a dishwasher or not, you’re right. But I have lived without one for 7 years and not only is our electric bill lower, but we are saving energy AND my husband and I have some of the best conversations while washing and drying our dishes. Of course we’re a family of two, if I had children it would not be viewed as something pleasurable I’m sure!
    When I spoke to the designer about this remodel she gave me the impression that is was a New York City apartment which explains the smaller appliance and sink size. I’m also willing to bet the apartment is lived in by either a single person or couple, which explains why perhaps they opted to not have a dishwasher.

    July 22, 2009 at 12:40 pm ·
  7. The best thing we did was to build a “garage” for the trash can under the countertop. There’s a hole in the countertop covered by a stainless steel trap door. It not only saves the floor space previously used by the trash can, it makes clean up easier…all I have to do is sweep counter debris into the hole.

    July 22, 2009 at 12:54 pm ·
  8. The area rug strikes me as somewhat impractical, but then again, living in NYC comes with compromises – like Lilliputian apartments. Which is why I live in Chicago. TANGENT! :) Regardless, the reno is fabulous.

    July 23, 2009 at 10:17 am ·
  9. Umm, just realized that the TILE FLOOR looks exactly like the area rug in the “before” shot – never mind!

    July 23, 2009 at 10:19 am ·
  10. LOVE it-beautiful space…I want the light fixture above the island!

    July 24, 2009 at 11:58 am ·
  11. lis

    You know, I understand that there are certain compromises made being in a NYC apartment. But if I’m going to drop that much cash on a kitchen, it better have a dishwasher. It looks like a kitchen they never cook in.

    July 27, 2009 at 11:02 am ·
  12. What a great transformation. This remodel really opens up the space. I think $20,000 is a bit of a high price tag for this renovation, though.

    July 27, 2009 at 12:47 pm ·
  13. Wow! What a transformation. Definately better. It sure makes a difference in the space.

    July 27, 2009 at 6:59 pm ·
  14. Great transformation! I was immediately drawn to this post as I am always encountering tiny kitchen remodels and they can be challenge! These before and after pictures are very inspiring!

    July 28, 2009 at 12:56 am ·
  15. Great transformation! I was immediately drawn to this post as I am always encountering tiny kitchen remodels and they can be challenge! These before and after pictures are very inspiring

    July 28, 2009 at 12:57 am ·
  16. Great transformation. For those of you complaining that you would prefer to have a dishwasher…it has been my experience that having storage space ultimately trumps having a dishwasher, specially in a space that appears to be under 100square feet!
    Get back to old fashion basics…do your dishes by hand and do them with a friend. Its fun, therapeutic and better for your dishes.

    July 28, 2009 at 2:53 pm ·
  17. Chie

    Agree about the size of the sink, but the kitchen is just dreamy for NYC.

    July 29, 2009 at 10:42 pm ·
  18. whitney

    This is STUNNING and very spacious.
    LOVE it!!!!
    fan of Real SImple
    Whitney E. Dreier
    GReat Job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    July 30, 2009 at 11:02 pm ·
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    August 14, 2009 at 3:06 am ·
  20. This is a beautiful kitchen makeover! I especially love the decorative corner shelving!

    August 18, 2009 at 9:30 am ·
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    August 22, 2009 at 6:54 am ·