When it comes to kitchen remodels, the stakes are high, but the rewards can be huge. It pays to put extra effort into the planning and design phase to get the most out of a project. It might be fine to just update the look of the cabinets, surfaces, and fixtures, but if you truly want to transform a kitchen into a more functional and inviting space, it takes out-of-the-box thinking. That’s where this collection of Fine Homebuilding articles comes in.

The homeowners, designers, and builders who remodeled these kitchens found some unique ways to get the results they were looking for. In one of the projects, the bright idea was simply to build full-size cardboard mockups to visualize the ideal cabinet layout before the design was finalized. In a few other kitchens, big changes in window locations made the projects really shine. But the most drastic design move that paid off was the complete relocation of the kitchen—swapping it with the living room—in one of the homes. Whatever plans you have for reworking your kitchen, you’re bound to find some inspiration in one of these fourteen articles.

• 1
  
  Design

  Rethinking a Kitchen

  This remodel improves function and flow—and bucks the status quo.

• 2
  
  Design

  An Elegant New Kitchen In a Narrow Old Space

  Designers Hendricks Churchill and builder Seth Churchill skillfully expanded an existing ell addition to make room for new cabinets, a kitchen island, and a casual dining space.

• 3
  
  Design

  Dutch-Colonial Kitchen Remodel

  A small kitchen is redesigned for open family living.

• 4
  
  Design

  Encore Cabinets

  The old ones had the wrong look, they were in the wrong place, and they were too good to toss.

• 5
  
  Design

  Kitchen Remodel Under $20k

  A Labor of Love: Do some work yourself and be selective with your spending for an elegant kitchen remodel on a tight budget.

• 6
  

  A Kitchen Connected

  With a better entry, a small addition, and a lounge, a great room is born.

• 7
  
  Design

  From Dead-End Kitchen to Drop-Dead Gorgeous

  Removing a wall and adding an island improve traffic flow and storage space in a Craftsman-style kitchen.

• 8
  
  Design

  Hyde Park Kitchen Remodel

  Austin-based CG&S Design-Build gives this historic home a period-appropriate upgrade.

• 9
  

  Bring the Sunshine In!

  A complete kitchen renovation doubles the space while letting in lots more natural light.

• 10
  
  Design

  From Kitchen Refresh to Extensive Renovation

  When a kitchen remodel grew in scope, the entire first floor was reconfigured for graceful aging in place and hosting visiting relatives

• 11
  
  Design

  Details From a One-of-a-Kind Kitchen

  Custom cabinetry, a curvaceous island, and unique materials make a kitchen remodel special.

• 12
  
  Design

  Kitchen Uncovered

  This kitchen remodel pushes the room as a central hub for the family.

• 13
  
  Design

  From Cardboard to Cabinets

  Fine-tuning a kitchen makeover with cardboard mock-ups dialed in a delightful design.

• 14
  
  Design

  A Kitchen for Cooks and Kids

  This remodeled kitchen with a 1930s look finds room for sit-down meals, cooking lessons, and homework sessions, all at the same time.