Designing my own kitchen was something I had imagined for years.
I love cooking. I love hosting. I love sitting at the counter late at night with a snack and thinking through ideas. So when I finally bought my apartment, I knew one thing immediately. The kitchen would not stay the way it was.
This post shares exactly how I transformed a small bedroom into a fully functional open-concept kitchen, the decisions I made, what worked well, and what I would do again without hesitation.
1. Before the Renovation
When I first got the keys, the space that is now my kitchen was actually a small bedroom.
The original layout separated the apartment into multiple tiny rooms, which made everything feel closed off. I wanted the opposite. I wanted one large, connected living area where the kitchen flowed naturally into the living room.
To make that happen, we had to remove the separating walls between two rooms. It felt dramatic at the time. Watching walls come down is both exciting and slightly terrifying. But the moment the space opened up, I knew it was the right decision.
The apartment immediately felt brighter and more spacious.
2. During the Transformation
After removing the walls, the real technical work began.
Since the original plumbing was located near the bathroom, we had to run pipes across to the new kitchen area. This step was crucial because I wanted the sink, dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer all integrated into the kitchen zone.
Seeing exposed pipes and unfinished flooring can be overwhelming. At that stage, it is hard to visualize the final result. But this is where planning truly pays off.
Once plumbing and structural changes were complete, it was finally time to focus on design.
Choosing the Style and Colors
I have always been drawn to darker interiors. While many kitchens lean toward white or light gray, I wanted something more dramatic and modern.
I chose a combination of graphite cabinetry and warm wood accents. The contrast created depth without making the space feel heavy. The wood softened the darker tones and added warmth.
It felt bold, but it felt like me.
Built-In Appliances
One of my non-negotiables was built-in appliances.
I wanted:
- Built-in refrigerator and freezer
- Built-in dishwasher
- Built-in microwave
- Integrated hob and oven
Keeping everything flush with the cabinetry creates a clean, uninterrupted look. There are no visual distractions, and the kitchen feels cohesive rather than cluttered.
Push-to-Open Cabinets
Another design feature I insisted on was a push-to-open cabinet system.
No visible handles. No extra hardware. Just clean lines.
This small detail made a huge difference in achieving a minimal and modern finish. It also makes cleaning easier since there are no handles collecting fingerprints.
3. After the Transformation
Once the cabinets were installed, the space started to feel real.
All small details, including the sink, faucet, and decorative accents, were chosen in matte finishes to maintain consistency. Mixing too many finishes can make a space feel busy, so I stayed disciplined with the palette.
Hiding the Washing Machine and Dryer
One of the best decisions I made was placing the washing machine and dryer under the countertop.
They are fully integrated and hidden behind cabinetry. This keeps the kitchen visually clean and prevents the space from feeling like a utility room.
In smaller apartments, multi-functional design is everything. Every square foot needs to work harder.
Final Measurements and Layout
After renovation, the kitchen area measures approximately 95 square feet.
The countertop dimensions are 67 inches by 24 inches.
It is not a massive kitchen, but it is highly functional. Everything has its place. There is enough prep space, enough storage, and smooth workflow between cooking, cleaning, and storage.
That balance matters more than size.
What I Love Most About It Now
The open layout completely changed how I experience the apartment.
When I cook, I am still connected to the living room. Natural light reaches the kitchen. The darker cabinetry feels sophisticated without being overwhelming.
Most importantly, the final design looks almost exactly how I imagined it in my head before we started. That rarely happens during renovations, and I feel proud of that.
Of course, I still tweak small decorative details from time to time. A kitchen evolves with how you live in it.
Final Thoughts
Designing my new kitchen was one of the most intense and rewarding parts of renovating my apartment.
It required knocking down walls, rerouting plumbing, making bold color decisions, and trusting my instincts about what would work long term.
If you are planning your own kitchen redesign, here is what I would recommend:
- Think about how you actually use the space
- Prioritize layout before aesthetics
- Keep finishes consistent
- Invest in built-in solutions if possible
- Do not be afraid of darker tones if they reflect your style
A kitchen should not just look good. It should function smoothly and feel like a space you genuinely enjoy spending time in.
For me, this one finally does.
