This 56-Square-Foot Kitchen Feels So Much Bigger Without Changing the Layout
With limited space and a “very 1980s deteriorating, builder-grade kitchen,” Luciano Schiavone and Robbie Gutman really only had one solution — work with what they had to create the space they wanted for Robbie’s brother and sister-in-law, Harry and Ana.
Luciano is a Brooklyn-based designer and architect, and with his skilled eye and help from a contractor, he and Robbie created a space that felt like the couple while keeping in line with the kitchen must-haves — including improved storage, stainless steel appliances, and a deep work sink.
Living in a 1,000-square-foot apartment, Harry and Ana had limited space to begin with — and only 56 square feet in the kitchen to make the most of. The goal was to “maximize the existing footprint while also making the space feel happy, open, and bright,” Robbie says.
But they had their work cut out for them. “The space was non-functional, dark, and didn’t work for people who like to cook. Simply put, it was awful!” Robbie continues.
A Surprise Issue Almost Derailed the Entire Project
When remodeling an entire kitchen — especially in older buildings like this apartment, which was built in 1920 — hidden problems are to be expected, and often are the hardest part of remodels.
“A hidden gas line threatened to derail the entire design of the north wall,” Robbie describes. “Quick thinking between the contractor, Luciano, and subs rectified the issue and preserved the design intent.” Now the left wall is home to the stainless steel range with a new Arabescato Violet marble countertop that continues on the wall as a backsplash.
Red Knobs, Identical Cabinet Interiors, Zia Tiles, and Matching Grout Create a Bold Look
Luciano and Robbie wanted to make the space feel more special by adding color wherever possible. For them, that meant simple Benjamin Moore Dove White exterior cabinets with fun interiors using Sherwin-Williams’ Poinsettia. Features like custom-painted knobs and Zia tiles in “Wild Fig” with matching grout from Grout360 complement the cupboard’s color. “It was a last-minute series of decisions that unified everything,” Robbie adds about the red details, which are his favorite.
The unique result was achieved by carefully considering the space’s function. “Rather than giving the space a uniform appearance, [Luciano] wanted to create many special moments that catch your eye,” Robbie continues. “Having someone with a skilled eye and point of view from the very start helps to make tough decisions quickly.”
Because the Square Footage Didn’t Change, Improved Cabinetry Was a Must-Have
The first item on Luciano and Robbie’s list was better storage — and because they didn’t gain more floor space, they had to be creative. “Like a lot of old kitchens, the existing cabinets were shallow and had single adjustable shelves — there was a lot of wasted space,” Luciano says.
On the left wall, with the sink and stove, Luciano decided to remove the upper cabinets and replace them with open shelving and a pot and pan rack. “[It] may seem counterintuitive, given the need for additional storage, but it was key to [making] the kitchen feel open and comfortable,” Luciano explains.
They took inventory of the kitchenware to determine there was a place for everything on the shelves. With Harry and Ana’s collection of enamelware, stainless steel, and copper no longer hidden behind cabinet doors, “their color and materiality contribute to the space,” Luciano adds. A wall-mounted pot and pan rack also added practicality and convenience for easy access to essential tools while cooking, and allows them to be quickly washed and hung to dry.
Because the left wall was open and showcased beautiful dishes and cookware, the right side of the kitchen created an opportunity for Luciano to create generous cabinetry. Deep drawers, taller cabinets, and a variety of shelving and dividers were added, and there was even room for a microwave drawer and concealed trash pull-out.
“The careful planning meant that no storage was lost,” Luciano says.
For Robbie and Luciano, every hurdle was worth the outcome for Robbie’s family. Now, Harry and Ana have a unique and working kitchen that hits every one of their goals and must-haves. From a personality-rich design to an excitement for what comes next, their “small but mighty” kitchen is special.
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