A “Tiny” and “Unattractive” Kitchen Transformed into a Spacious, Contemporary Space

Home Type: Apartment
Project Type: Kitchen
Cost: $75,000
Style: Coastal
Skill Level: N/A
Rental Friendly: No

When Anna and Colin Bruton contacted Shaolin Low of Studio Shaolin in Hawai’i, they were eager to reimagine several areas of their home, with a particular focus on their kitchen. “It was cramped, lacked efficient storage, and honestly, it just wasn’t appealing,” the couple shares. “We wanted to transform it into a larger, more functional space with better storage and a new, fresh feel.”

Shaolin agreed, noting that the original builder-grade cabinetry was deteriorating, and despite the room being on the smaller side, the existing setup didn’t optimize the space. The kitchen’s white, gray, and black tones felt “outdated,” according to Shaolin. Anna and Colin wanted to infuse the space with more color.

“Our inspiration was a balance of practicality and comfort,” the couple explains. “We wanted the space to feel functional, while also cozy and inviting. Since we planned to eventually rent the apartment, we aimed to create a space that felt like ours but could work for any tenant.”

Shaolin’s primary goal was to address the “dead spaces” in the existing layout. They added a pull-out trash can, a blind corner optimizer, and a lazy Susan to two of the corners, and a slimmer refrigerator to free up additional space.

The next step was selecting a new color scheme. “We chose sage green cabinets and a dusty rose backsplash to bring in a playful yet sophisticated pop of color,” Shaolin explains. “The rest of the home’s finishes were neutral, so we saw this as an opportunity to have some fun with the kitchen.”

Brass plumbing was added to enhance the visual appeal of the green and rose hues. To introduce texture, reclaimed wood and marble hardware were used, along with oak floating shelves—one of the couple’s favorite elements, as they added significant storage while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

Although the kitchen wasn’t expanded, Shaolin made it far more functional by removing the drop counter and replacing it with extensive cabinetry and a pantry with rolling shelves. “The blind corner optimizers were a huge win,” the couple notes. “Even though the kitchen is still small, these additions provided much-needed storage.”

The renovation took about a month and cost between $60,000 and $75,000. “What I love about this space is that it feels modern without being dull,” says Shaolin. “It has a timeless, simple charm with a fun touch. The kitchen is highly functional while still being beautiful. Our clients loved every detail, and now cooking in the kitchen is a joy, with everything in its place and easily accessible.”