Small Kitchen, BIG Ideas: Touring a Smart 12x11 Layout

Watch the Narrated Tour of this Smaller Kitchen Design with Nice Upgrades!

We recently filmed a detailed look at a compact but highly upgraded 12x11 kitchen, and it is packed with practical, high-end details that make the most of every inch. Here’s what stood out.

Cabinetry That Goes All the Way Up

The cabinets are by Countryside Cabinets and run floor-to-ceiling, finished with crown molding for a clean, built-in appearance. The homeowner chose a two-tone look: white ice upper cabinets paired with graphite-stained lower cabinets in the Lancaster shaker style. Soft-close doors and drawers are included throughout, and the hardware is from Top Knobs for a simple, refined finish.

Kitchen by KLM Builders

Quartz Surfaces Done Right

Countertops are MSI quartz in Calcutta Miraggio Gold. The same material continues as a full-height backsplash, creating a seamless, uncluttered look. Outlets are placed under the cabinets (with hidden LED lighting), so the backsplash stays clean while remaining fully usable for small appliances.

Durable Farmhouse Sink and Flooring

An apron-front farmhouse sink with a durable cast-iron bowl anchors the workspace. Underfoot is Mannington luxury laminate from the Restoration collection in the color Miso—highly scratch-resistant and built for everyday use.

Why These Details Matter in a Small Kitchen

Ceiling-height cabinets maximize storage without crowding the room. The two-tone cabinetry adds visual interest, the continuous quartz keeps the space feeling calm and elevated, and the hidden outlets plus soft-close features deliver everyday convenience. It’s a clear example of how thoughtful material choices and simple upgrades can make a modest footprint feel polished and highly functional.

Great ideas whether you’re planning a new kitchen or refreshing an existing one.