5m² Tiny Old Kitchen Transformed Beyond Recognition: Doubles Space, Fully Open Yet Completely Smoke-Free

“The kitchen is so cramped you bump into the wall when turning around. Cooking fumes fill the living room, grease stains line the tile grout, and there's no space to store even my child's baby food utensils.” This is how Nano, a longtime homeowner in Shanghai's Xuhui District, described her 20-year-old, 5-square-meter kitchen before renovation. For countless families living in old, cramped, and dilapidated homes, such kitchens—narrow, cluttered, and smoke-filled—have long ceased to be “hearths of domestic warmth” and instead become “trouble-makers” in daily life.

But after Nami's 5-square-meter kitchen underwent a transformation, everything changed: Knocking down partition walls created an open layout, instantly doubling the visual space; floor-to-ceiling custom cabinets stored every utensil, leaving countertops so clean they doubled as dining surfaces; equipped with a powerful exhaust hood and grease-proof design, even stir-frying chili peppers left no lingering smoke. Today, this space isn't just where Nano prepares heartfelt baby food for her daughter—it's become the “hidden gem” of the home, earning praise from family and friends during gatherings.

This article will fully document the transformation journey of this 5-square-meter kitchen—from diagnosing pain points, outlining core renovation principles, and detailing construction plans to practical design nuances—offering a replicable upgrade guide for families similarly constrained by outdated, cramped kitchens. Whether your kitchen is narrow and elongated, square and rectangular, or irregularly shaped, you'll find adaptable renovation ideas here.

I. Before Renovation: The Disaster Zone—4 Major Pain Points of a 5-Square-Meter Kitchen

Before starting the renovation, Nano and the designer spent three days documenting the pain points of kitchen usage. These issues are common problems found in most old, cramped kitchens. See if your kitchen has any of these:

1. Cramped Space: Three Steps to the Wall, Overlapping Function Zones

This 5-square-meter kitchen features a narrow, elongated layout measuring 2.8 meters in length and 1.8 meters in width. The original design crammed the refrigerator, sink, and stove onto a single wall, leaving only a 0.6-meter-wide aisle in the center—so narrow that adults must turn sideways to maneuver. At just 5'5“, every time the owner opened the refrigerator door, it blocked the sink behind it. Washing vegetables required closing the fridge first. The 18-inch-deep wall cabinets above the stove made cooking feel like a ”careful balancing act"—lifting ingredients risked hitting one's head.

Even more awkward was the “functional overlap”—with only 1.2 meters of counter space, freshly washed vegetables had to be placed on the floor, while cooked dishes piled up at the kitchen entrance. Every meal preparation felt like a “moving competition.” Nano recounts: “Once when making pumpkin puree for my daughter, the counter was completely occupied by the baby food maker, steamer, and dishes. I ended up placing the chopped pumpkin on top of the washing machine—utterly chaotic.”

2. Storage Collapse: Wandering Utensils & Wasted Dead Space

The old kitchen's storage design was utterly illogical: Only two wall cabinets, positioned too high—Nano couldn't reach the top shelf even on a stool. Base cabinets used standard hinged doors, stacking pots haphazardly. Retrieving the bottom frying pan meant pulling out every pot and wok above it. The corner cabinet became a “blind spot”—items stored there vanished forever, turning into junk piles.

Statistics show that before renovation, this kitchen had only 1.2 square meters of “effective storage space.” Yet Nano's household contained 56 kitchen utensils, seasonings, and cooking tools. This forced some spatulas to hang on the wall, seasoning bottles to sit on the windowsill, and even baking molds to be stuffed into the living room storage cabinet. “Spending half an hour searching for items and ten minutes cooking” became the norm.

3. Raging Grease Fumes: The “Biggest Obstacle” to Open-Concept Renovation

Nano initially planned to open up the kitchen to the living room for a more airy feel, but the old kitchen's grease fume problem made her hesitate. The outdated range hood had insufficient suction—frying chili peppers would make the whole family sneeze. Grease stains covered the walls and cabinets, requiring two hours weekly of scrubbing with dish soap, yet yellowish marks still remained. “I tried hanging a curtain at the kitchen entrance, but grease fumes still seeped into the living room, leaving the sofa smelling of cooking oil.”

Research data shows that 72% of owners of old, small apartments want to convert to open kitchens but abandon the idea due to “grease fume issues.” The core reason lies in the inadequate power of old kitchen range hoods (most below 15m³/min) and the lack of proper exhaust duct design, leading to grease fume dispersion.

4. Outdated Facilities: Safety Hazards and Usability Issues

After 20 years, the kitchen's fixtures have long outlived their usefulness: rusty pipes reduce water flow, water heaters occasionally shut off unexpectedly; black mold in tile grout breeds bacteria, posing health risks for children; with only two outlets, using a baby food maker means sacrificing the range hood, requiring frequent plug switching—a safety hazard.

Even more troublesome is the drainage issue. Leaks from the pipes beneath the sink have caused the base cabinet's bottom panel to rot and mold. Opening the cabinet door releases a distinct musty odor. Nano recalls, “Once while washing my daughter's bottles, I discovered mold from under the sink had spread onto the bottle rack. It broke my heart.”

II. Core Renovation Logic: 3 Key Principles to Make Small Kitchens “Feel Larger and More Functional”

To address these pain points, designers have established three core principles: open expansion, zoned storage, and comprehensive grease control. Rejecting the notion of sacrificing functionality for aesthetics, these principles ensure that even a 5-square-meter kitchen meets visual expectations while accommodating daily cooking and family dining scenarios.

1. Open Layout + Borrowed Space: Expanding Both Visually and Functionally

Expanding a small kitchen doesn't mean “breaking down walls for forced expansion.” Instead, it's achieved through an “open layout + borrowed space” approach. The designer removed the half-wall (non-load-bearing) between the kitchen and living room, connecting the kitchen space to the living room. This visually extends the area from 5㎡ to 20㎡. Simultaneously, 0.5㎡ of space originally belonging to the living room was “borrowed” for the kitchen to accommodate a built-in refrigerator.

To prevent grease fumes from spreading in the open kitchen, an 80cm-high, 60cm-wide half-wall bar counter was installed at the junction. This serves as both a functional divider and a versatile prep station/breakfast bar. Nano shared, “Now my daughter eats breakfast at the bar every day. I can chat with her while cooking—it’s incredibly cozy.”

2. Triangular Workflow: Doubling Efficiency in “Wash-Chop-Cook”

The core of kitchen design lies in “efficient workflow.” The designer reorganized the “fridge-sink-stove” work triangle, maintaining distances between these three points within 1.2-1.5 meters. This ergonomic layout minimizes unnecessary movement. The specific arrangement is:

- Left: Built-in refrigerator (for ingredient retrieval)

- Center: Sink (for washing ingredients)

- Right: Stove (for cooking ingredients) right-side stove (for cooking ingredients), with a continuous countertop length of 2.1 meters, completely resolving the issue of “insufficient workspace.”

Simultaneously, the original single-wall layout was transformed into an “L-shape,” utilizing the corner space to install a rotating pull-out basket. This turned the former “dead zone” into a “practical storage area,” boosting space utilization by 30%.

3. Tiered Storage: Every Item in Its Place

To tackle storage chaos, the designer implemented a “floor-to-ceiling + tiered categorization” approach, expanding effective storage space from 1.2㎡ to 3.8㎡. This achieves “all kitchenware stored in cabinets, countertops free of clutter.” The core principle is “frequently used items within easy reach, infrequently used items stored overhead,” adapting to different usage scenarios.

III. Detailed Renovation Plan: Step-by-Step Guide from Demolition to Soft Furnishings

This renovation project spanned 15 days with a total budget of 80,000 yuan (covering labor, materials, and appliances). From demolition and structural modifications to electrical/plumbing upgrades, custom cabinetry, and appliance installation, each phase followed clear construction standards and key pitfall avoidance guidelines. Below is the detailed process:

1. Preliminary Preparation: 3 Steps to Define Renovation Needs

Thorough preparation before construction prevents costly rework later:

- Needs List: Document household members (3 residents), cooking habits (daily meals, frequent baby food/baking), and special requirements (child's utensil storage, occasional elderly use) to ensure design aligns with daily life.

- Precise Measurements: Use a laser distance meter to measure the kitchen's length, width, and height. Record door/window locations, pipe routing, and load-bearing wall distribution. Pay special attention to gas line and water heater positions to avoid illegal modifications.

- Budget Allocation: Break down the ¥80,000 budget: ¥30,000 for custom cabinets, ¥25,000 for appliances, ¥8,000 for plumbing/electrical upgrades, ¥7,000 for tile/wall finishes, ¥10,000 for soft furnishings. This prevents overspending later.

2. Demolition and Reconstruction Phase: Safety First, Smart Space Utilization

Demolition forms the “foundation” of renovation, prioritizing ‘safety’ and “space optimization”:

- Wall Removal: First, confirm with property management that the half-wall between kitchen and living room is non-load-bearing. Use professional tools during demolition to prevent vibrations affecting neighboring walls. After removal, level the surface with cement mortar to prepare for subsequent work.

- Space Borrowing: Incorporate the 0.5㎡ corner near the kitchen (previously used for storage) into the kitchen area. Build a partition wall using light steel studs, only 10cm thick, to avoid impacting living room functionality.

- Waste Removal: Approximately 2 tons of construction debris will be generated. Contact the community's designated waste removal team in advance to avoid fines for improper dumping.

3. Plumbing and Electrical Renovation: Pre-install Pipes and Wires to Prevent Future Hassles

The old kitchen's electrical and plumbing systems were major problem areas, requiring comprehensive upgrades:

- Electrical Upgrade: Increased outlets from 2 to 8, strategically placed near the refrigerator, sink, stove, bar counter, and prep area. Four outlets feature switchable five-hole outlets to minimize frequent plugging/unplugging. Wires upgraded to 4mm² copper core cables to support high-power appliances like range hoods and steam ovens.

- Plumbing renovation: Replace all rusted pipes with PPR pipes. Pre-install connections for water purifiers and dishwashers under the sink. Reorganize drainage pipes and install odor-proof floor drains to prevent sink leaks.

- Gas line relocation: Hire professional gas technicians to move the gas pipeline. Relocate the stove from the window side to the center wall. Secure pipes with cable trays to eliminate exposed hazards.

4. Custom Cabinets: The Storage Core of a 5㎡ Kitchen

Cabinets are the soul of a compact kitchen. Nano opted for custom cabinets precisely designed to fit the space dimensions, with the following configuration:

(1) Cabinet Layout: L-shaped + floor-to-ceiling units for maximum space utilization

The L-shaped layout divides the space into three functional zones:

- Left Zone: Features a 60cm-wide ultra-slim built-in refrigerator (280L capacity, ideal for a family of three). Two wall cabinets above store snacks and dry goods. To the right of the refrigerator is a 10kg capacity drawer-style rice bin for easy access.

- Central Zone: Features an 80cm wide single-bowl sink with a pull-out faucet for thorough cleaning. The base cabinet beneath the sink employs “multi-tier storage”: the left side houses the water purifier, the right side uses tiered shelves for cleaning agents and cloths, while the center reserves space for a dishwasher (to be installed later).

- Right Zone: The 70cm-wide cooktop is topped with a range hood. Three drawers on the cooktop's right side store cookware, tableware, and seasonings respectively. A corner rotary basket holds large items like woks and soup pots, offering 360° rotation for easy access.

- Floor-to-Ceiling Cabinets: Wall cabinets extend from countertop to ceiling (2.4m height). Upper space stores infrequently used items like baking molds and holiday tableware, accessible via a folding ladder.

(2) Material Selection: Stain-Resistant, Eco-Friendly, Durable

Considering the kitchen's oily and humid environment, material choices prioritize practicality:

- Cabinet panels: ENF-grade reed core boards with formaldehyde emissions ≤0.025mg/m³, ensuring eco-friendly safety ideal for families with children. Surfaces finished with melamine laminate for stain and scratch resistance—oil spills wipe clean with a damp cloth.

- Countertop Material: Quartz stone countertop (2cm thick) with Mohs hardness of 7, resistant to scratches and stains. Red wine, soy sauce, and other liquids won't penetrate. Countertop edges feature a 5cm up-turned splash guard to prevent water runoff onto the floor.

- Door Panel Material: Matte brushed finish resists fingerprints without leaving noticeable marks like glossy lacquer. Light gray color complements white walls for a visually spacious effect.

- Hardware: Blum hydraulic hinges and slides. Hinges rated for ≥200,000 cycles; slides support ≥50kg. Drawers glide smoothly and quietly.

(3) Detail Design: Tailored for Family Needs

- Baby Food Zone: A 40cm-wide drawer on the left side of the sink features modular dividers for organizing baby food makers, bottles, and spoons. Its height allows children to access items independently, fostering self-reliance.

- Pull-Down Spice Rack: Installed 80cm high to the right of the stove, this pull-down rack keeps frequently used seasonings within easy reach, preventing counter clutter.

- Concealed Storage: A hidden hook beneath the wall cabinet holds spatulas and ladles. It folds away when not in use, maintaining a clean aesthetic.

5. Eliminating Cooking Fumes: 3 Steps to Achieve “Fully Open with Zero Fumes”

The core of an open kitchen lies in “fume control.” Designers employ a triple solution of “range hood + exhaust duct + grease-proof design” to completely resolve the issue:

- Range Hood Selection: A high-suction side-mounted range hood with 22m³/min airflow and 420Pa static pressure. Features automatic boost mode that increases suction during stir-frying, achieving 99.2% fume capture efficiency. Installed 55cm above the countertop for optimal performance.

- Ventilation Duct Upgrade: Replaced the original plastic exhaust pipe with an 18cm diameter stainless steel corrugated duct to reduce resistance. The duct exterior is wrapped in soundproofing insulation to minimize noise during operation.

- Grease-Resistant Design: Applied high-temperature resistant grease-proof stickers behind the stove, installed glass grease shields on walls, and sealed cabinet edges to prevent grease penetration into materials. After each cooking session, simply wipe down surfaces with kitchen wipes for effortless cleaning.

Post-renovation testing: After 10 minutes of stir-frying chili peppers at high heat, the living room smoke detector registered “0.01mg/m³”—far below national standards—achieving complete “zero-smoke open-kitchen” performance.

6. Soft Furnishings: Making Compact Kitchens Cozy and Functional

Soft furnishings serve as the finishing touch to elevate both aesthetics and practicality in kitchens. Nano's approach is both minimalist and thoughtful:

- Walls & Floors: Install 300×600mm white matte ceramic tiles on walls for stain resistance and easy cleaning; - Flooring: 600×600mm gray anti-slip tiles prevent slips during cooking.

- Lighting Design: A “main light + auxiliary lights” combination:

  - 1×30W ceiling-mounted light

  - Motion-sensor strip lights under wall cabinets

  - Track spotlights above the stove ensure shadow-free cooking.

- Bar counter design: A half-wall bar counter connects the kitchen and living room. The countertop uses quartz stone matching the cabinet countertop. Two drawers below store snacks and tableware. Green plants and photos of the daughter are displayed above the bar counter to add warmth.

- Small Storage Solutions: A multi-tier rack on the counter holds frequently used spice bottles. A foldable drain basket hangs beside the sink to save counter space. Dry goods are organized in storage bins within the wall cabinets for easy visibility.

V. After Renovation: The Stunning Transformation of a 5-Square-Meter Kitchen

After 15 days of renovation, this 20-year-old kitchen underwent a complete transformation, evolving from a “disaster zone” into a “hidden gem.” The specific results are as follows:

1. Doubled Space: From 5㎡ to a “Visual 20㎡”

The open layout connects the kitchen to the living room, visually expanding the space from 5㎡ to 20㎡. The original cramped and oppressive feeling is completely gone. The L-shaped cabinet design increases the aisle width from 0.6 meters to 1.2 meters, allowing two people to cook simultaneously without feeling crowded. Floor-to-ceiling wall cabinets and base cabinets “hide” all kitchenware inside, keeping countertops clean and tidy for a more spacious look.

2. Storage Upgrade: 56 Kitchen Tools “Fully Stowed”

Effective storage space expands from 1.2㎡ to 3.8㎡, with all 56 kitchen tools assigned dedicated spots: baby food tools in a specialized drawer, spices in pull-down baskets, cookware on rotating racks, and baking molds in the top wall cabinet shelf. Nano remarked, “No more rummaging through cabinets to find things. When making baby food, I can grab the tools I need with just a reach—efficiency has doubled.”

3. Grease Fume Eradication: Zero Diffusion Even During Stir-Frying

A high-suction range hood paired with a well-designed exhaust duct achieves 99.2% grease fume capture. Nano tested it multiple times: Even after stir-frying chili peppers or deep-frying pork ribs—dishes known for heavy fumes—not a trace of smoke lingered in the living room or dining area. Grease on walls and cabinets wiped clean with a damp cloth, cutting weekly cleaning time from 2 hours to just 20 minutes.

4. Functional Adaptation: Meeting the Whole Family's Needs

The remodeled kitchen perfectly accommodates a family of three: the daughter has her own dedicated baby food prep area and utensil storage; when grandparents occasionally cook, the 85cm counter height (suited for their stature) ensures comfortable operation; during family gatherings, the bar counter doubles as a prep station for plating dishes, while the spacious cabinets easily hold all the tableware and ingredients needed for hosting—no more scrambling for extra space.

VI. 5-Square-Meter Kitchen Renovation Pitfalls: Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs

Drawing on renovation experience and professional advice from designers, we've compiled five key pitfalls to avoid when renovating small, outdated kitchens—helping you save time and effort:

1. Don't blindly follow the “open-concept” trend—first check your range hood's suction power.

Not all small kitchens suit an open layout. If your range hood's suction power is <20m³/min, consider keeping a partial wall or installing sliding doors. Our experience shows: side-mounted range hoods work better than overhead ones in compact kitchens—they capture smoke closer for superior results. Also verify your building's exhaust ducts are clear to prevent smoke backflow.

2. Don't overdo cabinet storage—prioritize ample workspace

More cabinets doesn't equal better in compact kitchens. Reserve sufficient countertop workspace (at least 1.5 meters of continuous length). Avoid excessive drawers beneath countertops, which can restrict legroom. Set wall cabinet heights appropriately, with bottoms 55-60cm above countertops to prevent head collisions.

3. Plan electrical and plumbing upgrades in advance to avoid future rework

Install ample outlets, especially near built-in appliances (like dishwashers or steam ovens). Pre-wire power and water connections for these locations. Use separate circuit breakers for appliances—dedicate one circuit to the refrigerator to prevent food spoilage during power outages. After plumbing modifications, conduct a pressure test (0.8MPa for 30 minutes with no pressure drop) to ensure no leaks.

4. Don't skimp on hardware—durability is key

Cabinet hardware is a “wear-and-tear item”—avoid cheap, low-quality products. For hinges and slides, opt for brands like Blum or Hettich. Though pricier (around ¥50 each), they last up to 10 years. Functional hardware like spice racks or rotating baskets should match your cookware dimensions to prevent wasted purchases.

5. Don't overlook ventilation and waterproofing

Ventilation is crucial in compact kitchens. In addition to range hoods, install an exhaust fan to promote airflow during humid weather. Waterproof the cabinetry beneath sinks with aluminum foil liners and ventilation holes to prevent mold. Ensure floor slopes toward the drain to guarantee prompt water drainage.

Conclusion

A small kitchen can still hold a big life.

The 5-square-meter cramped, outdated kitchen underwent a remarkable transformation—from “turning around and bumping into the wall” to “doubling the space,” and from “smoke and fumes everywhere” to “zero smoke, open layout.” This renovation not only reshaped the kitchen but also elevated the quality of life for the Nano family. Now, heartwarming scenes unfold here daily: in the morning, Nano prepares breakfast for her daughter at the counter; in the evening, the family gathers at the kitchen doorway, watching her cook dinner; On weekends, when friends and family gather, it becomes a bustling prep area where laughter mingles with the aroma of cooking.

In truth, renovating a cramped, outdated kitchen is never an impossible task. By focusing on key elements—maximizing space utilization, optimizing workflow, implementing tiered storage, and eliminating grease fumes—and tailoring the design to your family's needs, even a 5-square-meter space can be transformed into a practical and inviting kitchen.

If you too are struggling with a cramped, cluttered kitchen, start planning now: List your pain points, measure the space, consult a professional designer. Soon enough, your kitchen will undergo a stunning transformation—a space brimming with love and deliciousness, carrying the warmth and everyday joys of family life.

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