How To Remodel a Single Wide Kitchen

Remodeling a single wide kitchen can feel like a daunting task. With limited space to work with, it's important to carefully plan out every detail to maximize functionality and style. But with some creativity and smart design choices, you can transform your single wide kitchen into an efficient, eye-catching heart of your home.

We'll cover planning and budgeting, layout and storage solutions, must-have features, cost-saving tips, before and after inspiration, and maintenance. Let's dig in!

Planning Your Single Wide Kitchen Remodel

Careful planning is crucial for a successful single wide kitchen remodel. You'll need to think through your goals, measure the space, design a layout, choose features, estimate costs, and set a timeline. Rushing into a remodel without proper planning can lead to mistakes, delays, and blown budgets.

Take Measurements

The first step is to thoroughly measure your existing kitchen space. Note the dimensions of the whole room along with individual elements like windows, doors, and appliances. This will allow you to create an accurate layout and make sure new cabinets and features will fit the space.

Create a Layout

Using your measurements, sketch out a new kitchen layout to scale. This is where you can get creative with changes like knocking down walls, adding a peninsula or island, or relocating appliances. Be sure to incorporate work triangles between the sink, fridge, and stove for an ergonomic workflow. Apps like SmartDraw make it easy to try different layouts digitally.

Choose a Theme or Style

Consider the overall look and feel you want for your new kitchen. Is your style traditional, contemporary, rustic, industrial? Colors, materials, and finishes will all stem from your theme. Browse sites like Houzz for inspiration. Keep existing architectural details in mind. For example, stick with a farmhouse vibe if your home has shiplap walls.

Pick Features and Amenities

Make a wishlist of must-have features. This may include new eco-friendly appliances, granite countertops, a deep farmers' sink, custom cabinetry, upgraded lighting and hardware, or a statement backsplash. Prioritize changes that will increase functionality and longevity.

Set a Timeline

Remodels take time. Create a realistic timeline outlining when you'll hire contractors, order materials, start demo, handle installation, and complete finishing touches. Be prepared for projects to take longer than initially expected. Try to schedule during a time when being without a kitchen won't impact your daily routine too much.

Hire Contractors

Unless you're tackling every aspect yourself, you'll need to line up contractors. Get quotes from multiple providers and check reviews. Hire specialists for plumbing, electrical, cabinet installation, and tiling--these aren't DIY-friendly tasks. Create a contract to outline project details, costs, timeline, and payment terms.

Must-Have Upgrades for Single Wide Kitchens

Given the compact square footage, carefully choose features that will maximize both functionality and visual appeal in your single wide kitchen remodel.

Lighting Fixtures

Proper lighting is essential. Add LED flush mount lights, pendant lights over islands, under cabinet lighting, and accent lighting in dark corners. Layers of light keep the small space feeling bright and airy.

Counter Space

Maximize every inch of counter space. Opt for narrower upper cabinets to allow wider countertops below. Add a peninsula or island for more usable surface area. Integrate collapsible features like pull-out cutting boards, flip-up counters, or drop-down panels.

Energy Efficient Appliances

Take advantage of a remodel to upgrade appliances. Choose Energy Star rated models that are sized appropriately for small spaces. Features like convection baking and induction cooktops speed up cooking. Stacked washer/dryers, counter-depth fridges, and low-profile microwaves all fit single wide footprints.

Modern Backsplash

A backsplash is a chance to infuse color, texture, and personality. Subway tiles, marble, or hexagons make affordable and stylish options. Use natural materials like wood or woven textures for a rustic aesthetic. Accent with mosaic tiles or metallic details.

Storage Solutions

Strategic storage is a must in a single wide. Install pull-out drawers, shelves, and trays in lower cabinets. Utilize blind corner lazy susans and spin shelves to access awkward areas. Fill wasted vertical space with extra tall cabinets. Floating shelves provide additional storage without taking up floor space.

Cost-Saving Tips for Your Remodel

Kitchen remodels can quickly eat up a budget. Keep costs down with savvy decisions throughout the planning and renovation process.

Shop Sales and Clearance Items

Time purchases around seasonal sales on appliances and materials. Check retailer clearance sections and websites like Overstock for discounted fixtures and finishes.

DIY Demolition

Demo work like removing old cabinets, tearing up flooring, and knocking down walls can be managed as DIY projects, saving on labor costs.

Buy Used Cabinets

Used cabinets from salvage stores and online marketplaces offer huge savings. Give them fresh paint or stain for a custom look at a fraction of the price.

Install Flooring Yourself

While pros should handle tricky elements like tile, installing your own vinyl plank, laminate, or LVP flooring can yield big savings.

Comparison Shop Contractors

Don't automatically choose the first bid. Get quotes from several providers to find the best balance of experience and competitive rates for your single wide kitchen remodel.

Design Ideas to Optimize Space

Make every inch count when remodeling a single wide kitchen. A few smart design choices can make the compact room feel open, efficient, and functional.

Peninsula Instead of Island

A peninsula connected to the perimeter offers usable space without eating up valuable floor area. Include seating, storage, or an eat-in dining space.

Tall, Narrow Cabinets

Upper cabinets with a slim footprint make the most of high walls. They open up space below without sacrificing storage capacity.

Fold-Down Table or Cabinet

Integrate a fold-down table or cabinet front to create temporary prep space that tucks away neatly when not in use.

Mirrors

Strategically placed mirrors visually double the space. They also amplify natural light throughout the kitchen.

Light Colors Palette

Painting walls, cabinets, and trim in light shades keeps things feeling airy and open. Whitewashed woods or neutral two-toned cabinets also help expand the space.

Remodeling by Budget

Set realistic expectations tailored to your remodel budget. You can transform your single wide kitchen on any budget with informed choices.

Under $5,000 Budget

Focus on paint, new hardware, cabinet organization, budget backsplash, entry-level appliances, and vinyl flooring. Splurge on a statement light fixture.

$5,000 - $10,000 Budget

Higher-end finishes like quartz counters, custom cabinets, and tile backsplashes enter the picture. You can replace cabinet boxes while keeping existing frames. Mid-range appliances offer more features.

Larger structural changes can be implemented with an ample budget. Opt for high-end cabinets, appliances, and finishes for a luxury kitchen.