Major kitchen remodeling, which often involves gutting the kitchen to its studs and completely rebuilding it, provides an opportunity to correct problems such as inadequate insulation, or weatherproofing on perimeter walls. It is also a great opportunity to think about redesigning kitchen layout, windows, skylights and lighting to make it more energy efficient, functional and inviting. 

Creating a small, great kitchen demands not just clever design solutions, but a willingness to rethink old-school design rules that were established for larger spaces.  A well-designed small kitchen whether it has an open plan or is separate from the rest of the house starts with a great layout. But great doesn’t mean gigantic. Here are some design strategies for small kitchens:

• Careful planning can help make the most of every square inch 
• Using the work triangle principle for the kitchen’s main activity zones: the sink, stove, and refrigerator (one rule of thumb is to keep each of the three lines on the triangle between four and nine feet) 
• Reducing clutter a giving away stuff you don’t use can free up a remarkable amount of space
• Creative storage solutions such as linen storage under build in benches, and space-saving organizers in cabinets and drawers help keep the kitchen uncluttered
• White or very light colours on walls and the ceiling reflect light making the space feel larger
• View into other rooms, view of the outside and delighting from windows and skylights create a more spacious feel
• If you don’t need a lot of storage, do away with wall cabinets and go vertical, to make the kitchen feel more open 
• Wall cabinets with glass panels make the kitchen feel brighter and more spacious
• Compact appliances save space and make good sense if your household isn’t large or you don’t cook often 

Here are photos of some great small kitchen designs from: http://www.houzz.com