While I was away visiting my mother-in-law, my husband surprised me by completely remodeling our tiny 5-square-meter kitchen. When I came back, I was amazed—the change was truly remarkable!
The kitchen had been in terrible shape before, so my husband decided to film the entire renovation from beginning to end.
The first step involved clearing out everything unnecessary, but he kept the sink and gas stove operational so we could still cook during the process. Luckily, a plastic window had already been installed prior to the renovation.
Since he’s a plumber, he took advantage of the opportunity to upgrade the heating pipes and radiators throughout the apartment, preventing future hassle. Using his own professional tools meant we only had to buy materials, which saved us a lot.
One tricky part was relocating the ventilation. The original vent was too low, so he created a new one closer to the ceiling. After installing stretch ceilings, he carefully aligned the hood’s vent to sit flush for a clean look.
The gas meter was cleverly hidden behind the fridge but still easy to access. Where there used to be a bathroom door, he installed a plasterboard wall to level the surface, making tiling simpler and less expensive.
Knowing I love green, he picked a vibrant green color scheme that brightens the room when sunlight pours through the window. Blinds replaced the curtains, freeing up the windowsill for storage or decor.
For safety, he insulated the gas pipe with leftover heat-resistant material (usually for hot water pipes) as an extra precaution against any heat from the fridge or accidental bumps. He also added shut-off valves to the radiator for emergencies.
The microwave was moved from the windowsill to a wall-mounted bracket for safety and convenience, placed at a height that avoids bumping into it while sitting at the table.
The kitchen cabinetry cost about \$750, including free measuring and assembly. Despite the small space, every inch was used efficiently. The narrowest gap between the sink and stove is only 5 cm, but it doesn’t feel cramped at all.
My husband installed custom LED lighting behind the backsplash using LED tape and a diffuser. He attached it with double-sided tape, wired it up, and added a discreet switch between the hood and gas meter. The lighting adds a cozy ambiance and was quite affordable.
The stretch ceiling hides the pipes that were rerouted higher around the edges for a smooth finish. We plan to add a hanging rail with hooks and shelves for kitchen utensils soon.
By the end, what was once a cramped, outdated kitchen had been transformed into a bright, practical, and stylish space. Thanks to my husband’s skills and creativity, our tiny kitchen now feels spacious and modern.
