How I Used Joanna Gaines’ Trick to Finally Stop Hating My Tiny Kitchen

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Purchases through these links support our site at no extra cost to you.

Look, my kitchen is basically a hallway with a stove. I used to feel so claustrophobic trying to meal prep that I’d just give up and order DoorDash. But then I saw joanna gaines’ trick for making small kitchens look bigger on her latest Magnolia Network special, and honestly, I thought it was too simple to work. I was wrong. By swapping out heavy uppers for her signature open shelving and leaning into ‘visual breathing room,’ I’ve turned my cramped 1940s galley into a space that feels double the size. It’s May 2026 and everyone is doing this, so I figured I’d show you exactly how I pulled it off on a budget.

The ‘Death to Upper Cabinets’ Movement

Okay, so here is the big secret Jo has been preaching this year: you have to kill your upper cabinets. I know, I know. Where will the Tupperware go? But those heavy wooden boxes at eye level are literally suffocating your room. I ripped mine out last weekend and replaced them with the Magnolia Home Floating Shelves I found at Target for $45 each. It opens up the sightlines immediately.

And here is the thing about open shelving that people don’t tell you—it forces you to be less of a hoarder. I donated three boxes of mismatched mugs to Goodwill and kept only my favorites. It’s a little annoying to dust them once a week, but the trade-off is a kitchen that doesn’t feel like a cave. Plus, you get to show off your cute plates.

Choose the Right Shelf Brackets

Don’t just buy cheap plastic ones. I went with matte black iron brackets from Home Depot ($12 each) because they add that ‘modern farmhouse’ weight without the bulk. It keeps the walls feeling light but intentional.

The Paint Hack That Isn’t Just ‘Paint it White’

Everyone says ‘paint it white’ to make it look bigger, but Jo’s 2026 palette is all about ‘The New Neutral.’ I used a shade called ‘Silos White’ from her Magnolia Home by Kilz line. It’s not that sterile, hospital white that makes you feel like you’re in a lab. It has these warm, slightly sandy undertones that reflect light without being blinding.

I spent about $120 on paint and supplies at Costco. One tip? Paint your base cabinets the same color as the walls. It’s a monochromatic trick that makes the boundaries of the room disappear. I did this in my tiny breakfast nook and I swear the walls moved back three inches. It’s a total mind trick.

Satin vs. Eggshell Finish

Go with Satin for the cabinets. It reflects just enough light to brighten the corners but is way easier to wipe down when you inevitably splash tomato sauce everywhere like I do.

The ‘One-Pot’ Recipe for Small Kitchen Success

Since we’re talking about small kitchens, you need a recipe that doesn’t require fifty bowls. This is my go-to Lemon Garlic Orzo. It’s fast, uses one pan, and tastes like a $30 bistro meal. I buy the bulk Orzo from Trader Joe’s because it’s cheap and lasts forever.

Heat some olive oil in a Lodge cast iron skillet. Toss in 3 cloves of minced garlic—don’t burn it! Add 1 cup of orzo and toast it for a minute. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth (I use the low-sodium stuff from Costco) and simmer until the liquid is gone. Stir in a big handful of spinach, the juice of one lemon, and a massive amount of Diamond Crystal kosher salt. It’s the perfect meal for when you have zero counter space.

The Secret Ingredient

Always finish with a knob of Kerrygold butter at the very end. It makes the sauce glossy and rich without needing a separate roux. Trust me on this one.

Lighting is the Magic Wand

You can have the best layout in the world, but if you have one sad ‘boob light’ in the center of the ceiling, your kitchen will look small and depressing. Joanna’s trick is layered lighting. I installed some battery-powered LED puck lights under my new shelves. They were $25 for a pack of six on Amazon.

When you light up the ‘dead zones’ under the shelves or in the corners, the shadows disappear and the room feels wider. I also swapped my old yellow bulbs for ‘Daylight’ LED bulbs (5000K). It’s a massive difference for under $50. Honestly, I should have done this years ago instead of complaining about my dark counters.

Plug-in Sconces

If you aren’t an electrician, just get plug-in sconces. I tucked the cords behind my herb jars and it looks totally custom.

⭐ Pro Tips

• Use a large mirror on the wall opposite your window; it’s a classic Jo move that doubles the natural light instantly.
• Get a rolling butcher block island from IKEA ($149) that you can tuck away when you aren’t cooking. Extra counter space only when you need it.
• Stop buying ‘unitasker’ appliances. You don’t need a separate egg cooker if you have a pot and water. Clear those counters!

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, your kitchen doesn’t need to be a massive 5,000-square-foot farmhouse to be beautiful. Using joanna gaines’ trick for making small kitchens look bigger is really just about editing. Edit your stuff, edit your colors, and edit your lighting. Start with the shelves this weekend and see how it feels. You’ve got this! Now go make that orzo and enjoy your ‘new’ big kitchen.