Small Kitchen Remodeling Ideas to Make the Most of Your Old House Layout

Old houses may have delightfully unique architecture, but their small, outdated kitchens can be challenging to cook and live in. If your old house kitchen is cramped or awkwardly laid out, a remodel focused on improved layout and storage can help maximize the functionality of the available space while preserving beloved original details.

Assess Your Existing Layout and Measurements

Before determining the changes you'd like to make, take time to thoroughly evaluate your current kitchen layout. Identify any trouble spots where the space feels particularly cramped or awkward. Pay attention to issues like frustrating traffic flow between countertops or lack of clearance around appliances.

Also make note of any dead zones or oddly laid out areas that don't get much use. These wasted spaces provide prime opportunities for modifications to improve flow. Be sure to mark the locations of existing plumbing and electrical as well since moving these can add cost to your remodel.

Outline Overall Dimensions

Measure the overall footprint of your kitchen space from wall to wall. It's also helpful to sketch your kitchen layout to scale using these measurements to visualize different possibilities for the new design.

Popular Layouts for Small, Old House Kitchens

When determining the best layout, consider how you utilize your kitchen and how you'd like that to change. Here are some of the most popular small kitchen layouts to open up old house kitchens:

Galley (Single Wall)

The galley layout places cabinets, appliances and countertops along one wall. This single wall design minimizes steps between the sink, stove and fridge to create an efficient work triangle. For small old house kitchens, a galley can optimize every inch of space since walking room is only needed on one side.

L-Shaped

An L-shaped kitchen makes use of two adjoining walls, providing flexibility to include an island, peninsula or dining area in the open leg of the "L. One leg can house work zones like food prep and cooking, while the other leg holds storage cabinets and appliances.

U-Shaped

As the name implies, the U-shaped layout utilizes three walls to maximize cabinet and countertop space. The U design surrounds a central work zone and is highly efficient. But it can limit flexibility for dining arrangements or traffic flow through the space.

Other options like adding a peninsula or island can help alleviate bottlenecks while still capitalizing on extra storage and prep area.

Create an Efficient Working Triangle

An optimal layout connects the sink, stove and refrigerator in a compact working triangle where one element is no more than 4-9 feet from the others. This allows you to easily pivot between cooking tasks with minimal steps.

Position Between Sink, Stove and Fridge to Allow for Multiple Cooks

Make sure to leave enough space between these zones to accommodate multiple people working together comfortably.

Keep High-Traffic Zones Open

Avoid placing cabinets or appliances in busy doorways or corridors. This can cause bottlenecks that disrupt the flow when cooking.

Optimize Traffic Flow

Sightlines

Being able to visually connect various parts of the kitchen makes it safer and easier to monitor children or chat with guests while prepping food.

Doorway Openings

Wider doorways with arched openings or pocket doors prevent blockages between kitchen zones and adjoining rooms like dining and living areas.

Entries and Exits

Multiple doorways prevent collisions during high traffic times. This allows more than one family member to comfortably get in and out of the kitchen.

Appliance Access

Ensure appliances don't open into walking paths or limit access to cabinets. Allow for full range of motion around appliances when possible.

Emphasize Vertical Storage Space

While old houses often have charming architectural details, they rarely boast spacious modern kitchens. Adjusting cabinetry is one of the most effective ways to add storage and functionality.

Floor-to-Ceiling Pantry Cabinets

Tall and deep pantry cabinets provide contained storage to eliminate countertop clutter. Opt for pull-out shelves and rotation accessories to easily access items.

Tall Cabinets with Roll-Out Shelves

Extra interior cabinet height provides room for additional shelves and drawers while a roll-out design makes items on lower shelves easier to reach.

Cabinet Height Extensions

Eliminate soffits over cabinets to gain over a foot of vertical storage space. The extra height allows for more shelves and improved ergonomics when reaching.

Drawer Stacks for Sink and Stove

Install drawer stacks to hold cooking prep tools, utensils, dishes and pots near usage points. This improves workflow and keeps items off countertops.

Multi-Purpose Island Ideas

Adds Prep Space and Storage

A kitchen island on casters easily moves to access plumbing then rolls back as a spacious work zone for chopping, rolling dough and arranging ingredients.

Creates Casual Dining Spot

Bracket a counter-height table to the end of an island to provide a breakfast bar or casual dining nook adjacent to cooking areas.

Doubles as Desk or Hutch Table

Incorporate cabinets and shelves above an island to create a hutch for storage. Or opt for counter-height seating on one side to make a dual-purpose island work desk.

Make Use of Angles and Alcoves

Old houses abound with special architectural elements that lend themselves beautifully to custom cabinetry. Take advantage of unusual angles, arches and alcoves when designing your new kitchen layout.

Built-In Bench Seating

Tuck bay window bench seating, cushioned window seats or corner banquettes around unused angles to amplify dining nooks and social areas.

Angled Peninsula

An angled peninsula utilizes wasted space between rooms to add a prep zone and design interest.

Custom Cabinetry for Sloped Ceilings

Specialty cabinets with slanted tops and creative profiles embrace the character of an A-frame ceiling while maximizing every inch.

Preserve Original Architecture

Salvaging architectural legacy pieces helps retain old house charm. Reuse them creatively or feature them prominently in the new design.

Arched Doorways

Preserve charming arched kitchen doorways or transom windows to define the character and flow of adjoining spaces.

Exposed Beams

Sand and re-stain weathered ceiling beams to serve as striking design focal points.

Wood Floors or Prized Materials

Refinish and protect wood floors or featured tiles/materials to maintain their unique visual interest.

Balance Old and New Elements

The most successful old house kitchen remodels artfully blend modern amenities with vintage architecture and materials. These tips help you strike the perfect balance.

Mix Natural Materials Like Wood, Stone With Sleek Metals and Glass

Incorporate eco-friendly recycled glass backsplashes or metallic finishes on statement light fixtures among more traditional wood elements.

Incorporate Salvaged Lighting Fixtures or Antique Hardware

Repurposed, vintage-style lighting paired with bin pulls or crystal knobs on drawers and cabinets nodding to old house heritage.

Contrast Modern Appliances with Vintage Styled Cabinet Fronts

Sleek professional-grade appliances pop against classic shaker style cabinet fronts with timeless appeal.

Old houses promise wonderful uniqueness but also come with inherent space constraints. Focusing small kitchen remodels on updated layouts and storage solutions help maximize coveted square footage. At the same time, preserving original beloved architecture and balancing old with new design elements allows these compact kitchens to maintain their quaint character. With some strategic changes guided by your specific needs, you can open up your old house kitchen into a beautiful blend of past and present.