5 Ways to Make a Small Key West Home Feel Bigger with Smart Design

Discover 5 smart remodeling ideas to make your Key West home feel bigger—without building an addition.

Living in paradise often comes with a trade-off: less square footage. In Key West, many homes—especially historic Conch-style cottages—were built small, long before open floor plans and oversized islands were in vogue. But small doesn’t have to mean cramped.

At Liz Carpentry, we specialize in helping Florida Keys homeowners maximize every inch of space without sacrificing comfort, style, or the breezy, laid-back charm that makes island life so appealing. Whether you're remodeling a single room or upgrading your entire home, here are five proven strategies to make your space feel bigger, brighter, and more functional.

1. Open Up the Floor Plan

Walls break up light and create visual boundaries that can make a home feel smaller than it actually is. One of the most transformative upgrades for compact homes is removing non-load-bearing walls or widening openings between rooms. Even small adjustments in layout can make a huge difference in how open and connected your home feels.

Great Options for Opening Up:

• Combine the kitchen, dining, and living areas into one open-concept space
  
  
• Replace full walls with half-walls, pony walls, or see-through open shelving
  
  
• Use ceiling beams or subtle trim transitions to define zones without breaking sightlines
  
  
• Convert underused formal dining rooms into part of a larger, more functional kitchen
  
  
• Create pass-throughs between rooms to connect spaces and increase visibility
  
  

Not only does an open layout make the space feel larger, it also enhances natural light flow and improves air circulation—which is essential in the warm, humid climate of the Florida Keys.

2. Maximize Vertical Space with Custom Cabinetry

In small homes, the key isn’t always adding more square footage—it’s using what you have more efficiently. One of the best ways to do this is to build upward. Vertical storage helps keep floors clear, reduces visual clutter, and offers more organized solutions without compromising on aesthetics.

At Liz Carpentry, our team specializes in designing and installing custom cabinetry and built-ins that go from floor to ceiling—turning dead space into useful storage.

Smart Vertical Upgrades:

• Full-height kitchen pantry cabinets with built-in pull-outs
  
  
• Wall-mounted vanities to open up floor space in tight bathrooms
  
  
• Built-in closets or shelving units around doors and entryways
  
  
• Mudroom-style entry storage with hooks, cubbies, and seating
  
  
• Overhead cabinetry in laundry rooms, home offices, or hallways
  
  

We can also install open shelving to give kitchens and bathrooms a lighter, airier feel, while still offering functionality.

3. Choose Light Colors and Reflective Finishes

Color has a powerful impact on how big or small a room feels. In compact homes, the right palette can transform a dark, cramped space into a bright, open oasis. Lighter tones reflect more light, creating the illusion of a larger, more breathable environment.

Coastal-Friendly Color Tips:

• Stick to a soft, cohesive palette: white, off-white, cream, soft blues, and seafoam greens
  
  
• Use one or two primary colors throughout the home to maintain visual flow
  
  
• Incorporate semi-gloss, satin, or glossy finishes on cabinets, doors, and trim to bounce natural light around
  
  
• Add mirrored backsplashes or accent mirrors to amplify space and reflect scenic views
  
  
• Consider light-toned flooring like white oak, bamboo, or painted concrete for a consistent, seamless base
  
  

We work closely with homeowners to select finishes that not only look beautiful but also withstand Key West’s salty air, humidity, and bright sun.

4. Expand with Outdoor Living Spaces

When indoor space is limited, look outside. In Key West, where the weather invites year-round outdoor living, transforming patios, decks, and side yards into livable areas is a smart way to "add on" without major construction.

Whether you're looking to entertain, dine al fresco, or simply enjoy the ocean breeze, we can help you design outdoor spaces that feel like natural extensions of your home.

Outdoor Expansion Ideas:

• Covered lanais or pergolas with fans and built-in lighting
  
  
• Outdoor kitchens or grilling stations for seamless entertaining
  
  
• Bi-fold doors or pass-through windows between the kitchen and patio
  
  
• Screened enclosures to keep bugs out while still enjoying the breeze
  
  
• Outdoor showers or garden tubs to elevate everyday routines
  
  
• Use composite decking or tropical hardwoods that stand up to salt, rain, and UV exposure
  
  

Not only do these spaces increase your usable square footage, they also improve property value—and bring more of the outdoors in.

5. Incorporate Multi-Function Furniture & Built-Ins

When every square foot counts, every element in your home should work harder. That’s why we design and build multi-functional furniture and space-saving features tailored to your needs and lifestyle.

From hidden storage to convertible surfaces, these smart additions help make small homes feel more spacious and organized.

Smart Built-In Features:

• Banquette seating with lift-up storage beneath
  
  
• Murphy beds or wall beds that tuck away when not in use
  
  
• Fold-away desks perfect for part-time offices or guest rooms
  
  
• Kitchen islands with drawers, open shelves, and bar seating
  
  
• Window benches that double as storage nooks or reading spots
  
  
• Media walls with integrated shelving and cable management
  
  

These custom elements ensure every corner of your home serves a purpose—without adding bulk or clutter.

What Our Clients Are Saying

“Our home is just under 1,000 square feet, but Liz Carpentry made it feel twice as big. The open layout and custom cabinets changed everything.”
— Tracy M., Old Town Key West

“We didn’t realize how much we could do with vertical space until Miguel showed us the options. Now everything has its place—and it looks great.”
— Jordan & Alex, Casa Marina District

Our Small Space Remodeling Approach

At Liz Carpentry, we don’t believe in cookie-cutter solutions. Every small home in the Keys is different—shaped by its architecture, history, and how you live in it. Our process is designed to deliver custom solutions that reflect your style, enhance function, and respect the character of your home.

Step 1 – Consultation

We walk through your space, evaluate current use, and talk through your needs, goals, and pain points.

Step 2 – Design & Planning

Our team maps out options for layout changes, custom storage, lighting, and materials that work for coastal living.

Step 3 – Build

From demo to finishing touches, we handle every phase of the remodel—with an eye for craftsmanship and quality.

Step 4 – Final Walkthrough

We review every feature with you, ensure functionality, and leave you with a finished space that’s truly move-in ready.

Don’t Let Size Limit Your Lifestyle

Your Key West home might be small—but with the right remodeling strategies, it can feel like a private island retreat. Whether you're living in a historic cottage, a beach bungalow, or a tight city condo, Liz Carpentry brings the creativity, technical skill, and local know-how to help you love your space again.

Call: (305) 294-5861
Email: office@lizcarpentry.com
Visit: Liz Carpentry on Google Maps

Let’s make the most of your space—with smart design that fits your island lifestyle.