When it comes to prewar New York apartments, kitchens often tell the story of another era. Narrow footprints, minimal storage, and decades-old finishes are common, especially in rent stabilized apartments that have never seen a full renovation. That was exactly the case with influencer Hattie Kolp’s Upper West Side kitchen, where we stepped in to transform the once cramped space into a warm, functional, and timeless extension of her home.
Renovating a Small Kitchen
Hattie’s apartment had incredible character, high ceilings, historic moldings, and prewar details that many dream of. But the kitchen told a different story: outdated finishes, no dishwasher, and limited counter space for someone who truly loves to cook. We set out to honor the prewar charm while reimagining the kitchen for modern life.
One of the most impactful upgrades was the introduction of deVOL cabinetry. Known for its craftsmanship and understated luxury, the cabinetry brought depth, storage, and a sense of permanence to the small kitchen. We paired deVOL Shaker Cabinets with a Calacatta Castana from MSI Surfaces, chosen specifically because Hattie loves to cook and needed a durable, easy to clean surface, the space instantly became more functional without sacrificing style.
Choosing the Right Kitchen Colors
While small kitchens benefit from light colors, Hattie wanted to avoid a sterile all white look. The solution came from Farrow and Ball’s Old White, a hue that strikes the perfect balance between warmth and freshness. By softening the cabinetry and wall tones, the kitchen feels inviting while also reflecting more natural light, making the space appear larger than it is. Here are some other colors that we think would look great in a kitchen:
See all of our favorite paint colors here.
Space Saving Kitchen Renovation Details
Every inch matters in a New York kitchen, and the renovation leaned into thoughtful solutions to optimize the layout:
- Integrated dishwasher: A long awaited addition that streamlined functionality without overwhelming the small kitchen. IKEA has an affordable integrated dishwasher that is compatible with custom cabinetry.
- Built in bench seating: In the narrow window nook, a custom bench creates a cozy dining spot while doubling as discreet storage.
- Tiled flooring: Durable, easy to maintain, and visually grounding, the new flooring ties the small kitchen together. We love the FloorPops x Chris Loves Julia collaboration as a renter-friendly tile choice.
- Cabinetry hardware: Thoughtfully chosen knobs and pulls add a layer of polish, bringing character and cohesion to the compact space. We love the Hudson Cabinet Knob and Hudson Appliance Pull from Rejuvenation.
Each design element was chosen not just for beauty, but for how it would perform in a compact space day after day.
Kitchen Styling Favorites
Here are some our favorite items to keep a kitchen organized.
A Small Kitchen That Feels Big
What was once an underutilized, outdated kitchen is now the heart of Hattie Kolp’s apartment. The space feels connected to the character of her prewar home while offering every modern convenience she had dreamed of.
For New Yorkers, and anyone living with a compact kitchen, this renovation proves that limitations can become opportunities. With thoughtful design, even the coziest kitchens can transform into the most beloved rooms in the home.
Check out our episode of Bagels With The Boys with Hattie Kolp to see the newly renovated kitchen and the rest of her charming Upper West Side apartment.Â
