How to Make a Small Kitchen Feel Bigger with Paint & Cabinetry

Many Austin homes have smaller kitchens — but that doesn’t mean you can’t make yours feel open, bright, and functional. The right paint colors, cabinet choices, and layout tricks can completely transform a tight space into one you’ll love spending time in.

Use Light Colors to Open Up the Space

Light, neutral paint colors make walls feel farther apart and reflect more natural light. Soft whites, light grays, and warm beiges are great choices for small kitchens in Austin. Learn more about how color impacts light in our guide to brightening your home with paint.

Paint or Reface Dark Cabinets

Dark cabinets can make a small kitchen feel even tighter. Painting your cabinets a lighter shade or refacing them with new doors can open up the whole room without a full remodel.

Incorporate Open Shelving

Replacing a few upper cabinets with open shelves adds depth and gives your kitchen a more airy feel. It’s a popular option in Austin kitchen remodels that balances storage with style.

Maximize Storage with Smart Cabinetry

Pull-out shelves, corner drawers, and hidden organizers help you make the most of every inch. Semi-custom cabinets can be designed to fit your space perfectly while keeping your kitchen feeling open.

Get the Most Out of Your Small Kitchen

At Austin Painting and Cabinets, we help homeowners make the most of small kitchens with smart design, cabinet painting, refacing, and full kitchen remodels in Austin.

Contact us today for a free consultation and see how we can help you make your small kitchen feel bigger and brighter.

Thanks for reading! Please like and share.

Other Blog Posts

Northwest Austin kitchen remodel with shaker cabinets extending to the ceiling and quartz countertop
By Tyler Harden • October 16, 2026
Northwest Austin kitchen remodel with new shaker cabinets, redesigned pantry, Softened Green paint, MSI quartz countertops, tile backsplash and lighting.
Round Rock kitchen remodel with new white shaker cabinets extending to ceiling and quartz countertop
By Tyler Harden • October 14, 2026
Round Rock kitchen remodel before selling a home, featuring ceiling-height white shaker cabinets, smarter storage, Carrara Mist quartz and tile backsplash.
Tarrytown kitchen remodel with LED-lit quartzite island custom walnut shaker cabinets and quartzite
By Tyler Harden • October 10, 2026
Austin kitchen remodel in Tarrytown featuring a custom walnut inset island, Crystallo Antigua Premium quartzite countertops and backsplash, second sink, dishwasher and LED-lit stone.
Westlake Hills kitchen remodel with Edgecomb Gray painted cabinets and Iron Mountain island
By Tyler Harden • October 9, 2026
Westlake Hills kitchen remodel with two-tone cabinet painting, Edgecomb Gray perimeter cabinets, Iron Mountain island, new backsplash and custom pullout
Leander kitchen remodel Waterloo painted cabinets Mattonella Neve backsplash & Shoji White walls
By Tyler Harden • October 1, 2026
Leander kitchen remodel with Waterloo painted cabinets, new hardware, MSI Mattonella Neve tile backsplash and Shoji White kitchen walls.
Avery Ranch kitchen remodel with farmhouse sink floating shelves and tile backsplash
By Tyler Harden • September 29, 2026
Northwest Austin kitchen remodel in Avery Ranch with new shaker cabinets, Siberian Frost quartz countertops, farmhouse sink and Soft Sage backsplash.