Go vertical. Open shelves at corners prevent the “boxed-in” feel of continuous uppers. Consider one slab-front appliance garage to hide the toaster, coffee gear, and blender—out of sight, instantly accessible. In islands, toe-kick drawers store trays and platters. For awkward corners, a LeMans pull-out beats the clunky lazy susan. Lighting is a multiplier in tight spaces: continuous under-cabinet LEDs, a pair of scaled pendants, and low-glare recessed ambient lighting make rooms feel larger and calmer.
Tile tricks help, too. Run backsplash to the ceiling behind a range hood to lift the eye. Choose larger-format tile (e.g., 12"x24") on floors to reduce grout lines and visually expand the room. With paint, unify ceilings and walls in soft, light tones; contrast lives in hardware, fixtures, or a single sculptural light. If your project extends to a powder or hall bath and you’re evaluating bathroom remodeling near me, switch to a wall-hung vanity and a wall-hung toilet. You’ll gain inches of perceived space, better cleaning access, and a modern look.
Storage solutions make the difference: a 12-inch-deep tall pantry with roll-outs, a slim pull-out for spices, and a tray divider cabinet above the ovens. In baths, a recessed medicine cabinet with internal outlets and a niche aligned to tile joints keep surfaces clean. Mirrors matter—oversize them to bounce light and expand the room visually. Consider glass shower panels over curtains for uninterrupted sightlines.
Finally, plan power smartly: add a charging drawer, a plug strip in the appliance garage, and a floor outlet if the island hosts laptops or homework. With a measured plan and a few strategic upgrades, Arlington’s compact homes live large—stylish, efficient, and tailored to real life.