While I was visiting my mother-in-law, my husband took me by surprise by completely renovating our tiny 5-square-meter kitchen. When I returned, I was amazed by the incredible transformation!
The kitchen had been in poor condition, so he decided to document the entire renovation process from start to finish.
He began by clearing out everything unnecessary, but kept the sink and gas stove working so we could still prepare meals during the work. Luckily, a plastic window had already been installed before the project started.
Since he’s a plumber, he upgraded the heating pipes and radiators throughout the apartment, preventing future issues. Using his own professional tools meant we only needed to pay for materials, which saved a lot.
One challenge was relocating the ventilation because the original vent was positioned too low. He created a new vent near the ceiling and, after installing stretch ceilings, carefully aligned the stove hood vent for a clean finish.
The gas meter was cleverly hidden behind the fridge but remained accessible. Where the bathroom door once was, he built a plasterboard wall to create a smooth surface, making tiling easier and more cost-effective.
Knowing my love for green, he chose a vibrant green color scheme that brightens the kitchen when sunlight streams in. He replaced curtains with blinds to free up space on the windowsill for storage or decoration.
For safety, he insulated the gas pipe with leftover heat-resistant material typically used for hot water pipes, protecting it from heat or accidental bumps. He also installed shut-off valves on the radiator for emergencies.
The microwave was moved from the windowsill to a wall-mounted bracket, placed at a height that avoids collisions when sitting at the table.
The kitchen cabinets cost around $750, including free measurements and assembly. Despite the compact space, every inch was optimized. The smallest gap between the sink and stove is just 5 cm, yet the kitchen doesn’t feel cramped at all.
He added custom LED lighting under the backsplash using LED tape and a diffuser, securing it with double-sided tape, wiring it up, and adding a discreet switch between the stove hood and gas meter. The warm glow adds charm and was budget-friendly.
The stretch ceiling hides the rerouted pipes raised along the perimeter for a seamless look. Soon, we plan to add a hanging rail with hooks and shelves for utensils.
By the end, the once cramped and outdated kitchen was transformed into a bright, functional, and stylish space. Thanks to my husband’s skill and creativity, our small kitchen now feels modern and inviting.
