10 Small Kitchen Makeovers with Quartz That Went Viral on Instagram

We all know that small kitchens present a unique design challenge. They require clever planning and materials that maximise both style and practicality. We often see grand, open, and spacious kitchens on social media, but some of the most inspiring transformations are those of tiny spaces. They prove that a lack of square footage does not mean you have to compromise on beautiful design.

In fact, compact kitchens force a creative use of materials. As a result, they lead to incredibly striking results. The most wanted hero of many of these viral makeovers is the kitchen worktop, specifically quartz. This engineered stone offers a perfect blend of durability, beauty, and versatility. It is the ideal choice for creating an illusion of space while providing a high-performance surface.

In this guide, we are going to share top 10 small kitchen makeovers with quartz that went viral on Instagram this year. So…let’s follow the footsteps of this guide from A to Z. It is worth exploring, seeing, and using these small kitchen makeovers and renovation ideas.

Premium Quartz vs. Natural Worktops

Quartz is an engineered stone, a significant contrast to natural stones like granite or marble. The manufacturing process for quartz involves combining crushed quartz crystals with resins, polymers, and pigments. This creates a non-porous slab that is highly resistant to stains and scratches.

More importantly, engineered quartz is not like natural stones, which are extracted from quarries as solid slabs. In fact, quartz is a man-made product. You will see that quartz has a uniform colour and pattern throughout the entire slabs. You will  get a consistent look without the natural variations and imperfections found in stone. It is a predictable and reliable choice for a flawless finish.

On the flip side, natural stones like granite and marble are unique works of art. And why did we say that? This is because each slab has its own distinct veining, colour, and pattern formed over millions of years. This natural beauty is what makes them so desirable. However, they come with a different set of practical considerations.

Marble is soft and porous, making it susceptible to etching from acidic foods and staining. It requires regular sealing to maintain its protective barrier. Granite is more durable than marble but still porous and needs sealing. The natural variations can make it tricky to achieve a perfectly seamless look across large areas. Therefore, you must carefully consider both aesthetics and function.

10 Small Quartz Kitchen Makeovers Viraling on Instagram

Here is the list of top 10 small quartz kitchen makeovers that went viral on social media, including Instagram. Let’s see why they got viral and what makes them so special.

Viral Makeover 1: The L-Shaped Galley Kitchen

This first viral kitchen makeover on Instagram was a small L-shaped galley space that felt dark and cramped. The renovators and designers opted for a stunning pure white quartz worktop with a slight sheen.

Then, they greatly and beautifully extended the quartz up the wall as a full-height splashback. This created a seamless and continuous surface that made the entire room feel much larger. The reflective quality of the polished quartz bounced light from the single window around the space.

Moreover, it transformed a gloomy corridor into a bright, open, and airy hub. The homeowners kept the rest of the palette simple. How? They used off-white cabinets and brushed gold hardware for a touch of warmth. This clean and cohesive look proved how impactful a single material can be.

Viral Makeover 2: The Studio Flat Transformation

Living in a studio flat means every square inch counts. This popular makeover demonstrated a clever use of space and materials with the online audience. The owner installed a compact quartz worktop that seamlessly transitioned into a small breakfast bar.

Interestingly, they chose a light grey quartz with subtle white veining. This added a hint of texture without overwhelming the tiny room. Plus, the design was both functional and aesthetically pleasing. So, it provided a dedicated dining area and extra prep space, all within a very limited footprint. Also, the durability of the quartz made it an ideal multi-purpose surface for eating and cooking.

Viral Makeover 3: The Dark and Moody Kitchen

You need to understand that all small kitchens do not need bright and airy look. One viral sensation proved that going dark can create a dramatic, mysterious, and luxurious feel. The owners of this kitchen chose deep, charcoal grey quartz worktop colours.

Then, they paired it with dark navy cabinets and matte black hardware. Did you know what was the key to making this work? The effective use of lighting! Yes, they installed warm LED strip lights under the cabinets to illuminate the work surface.

This addition created a beautiful contrast. The smooth, fine, and dark engineered quartz provided a high-end look that felt bold and sophisticated. This makeover showed that small doesn’t have to mean boring.

Viral Makeover 4: The Scandi-Style Tiny Home

The Scandinavian design trend is all about simplicity, light, and natural materials. This small kitchen perfectly captured that aesthetic. The designers used a minimalist approach.

To be honest, they choose a thin profile quartz worktop in a clean, solid white. After that, they paired it with light wood cabinetry and floating shelves. This thin profile of the worktop gave the space a modern, streamlined feel.

In a long time, it is best to prevent the worktop from looking bulky. It was an excellent example of how choosing the right thickness can be just as important as the colour. The uncluttered surfaces and simple design created a calm and functional space. It felt like a peaceful retreat.

Viral Makeover 5: The Terrazzo-Look Kitchen

Terrazzo is a huge trend right now, especially on Instagram and YouTube. More importantly, if you are a clever or super smart homeowner, you can achieve this look without the need of traditional terrazzo flooring.

In this viral small kitchen makeover, they used a quartz worktop with a speckled, terrazzo-like pattern. This design brought a playful and colourful element to their small kitchen. The mix of small stone chips in the quartz added visual interest and a unique character.

So, this bold choice worked because they kept the rest of the kitchen simple with white cabinets and a simple backsplash. In a short time, the worktop became the focal point. It proved that even a tiny space can handle a big design statement. Honestly speaking, it was a joyful and unexpected transformation.

Viral Makeover 6: The Budget-Friendly Makeover

You don’t need a huge budget to get a stunning kitchen makeover. This viral project showcased a before-and-after look. Here…the homeowners saved money by using an affordable quartz worktop price option.

They chose a basic white quartz with no pattern. Plus, they did the installation themselves to cut costs. So, the transformation was remarkable. The clean, bright surface instantly modernised the outdated kitchen.

It showed that even a simple, unembellished quartz can have a dramatic effect. This project really inspired many others to tackle their own kitchen renovations. It proved that great design is within reach for everyone.

Viral Makeover 7: The Industrial-Chic Kitchen

Industrial design can work well in small spaces by embracing raw or functional materials. This viral kitchen makeover used a quartz worktop that mimicked the look of polished concrete. The matte finish and subtle grey tones created an edgy, urban feel.

The homeowners paired the worktop with black metal open shelving and exposed lighting. The result was a kitchen that felt both rugged and refined. Also, the concrete-look quartz was much lighter and easier to maintain than real concrete. It was the perfect solution for creating a trendy, urban aesthetic without the drawbacks.

This project proved that quartz is not just for traditional or classic styles.

Viral Makeover 8: The Corner Kitchen Makeover

Awkward corners are sometimes a nightmare to design around. One popular makeover used quartz to create a seamless L-shaped worktop that maximised a tight corner. The fabricators were able to create a perfect joint. They make the worktop look like one single, continuous piece.

Furthermore, the lack of visible seams gave the kitchen a high-end and perfect feel. This homeowner chose a creamy, off-white engineered quartz to brighten up the space. The fine design made the kitchen feel custom-built and incredibly efficient. It showed the importance of professional templating and installation, especially in tricky spaces.

Viral Makeover 9: The Kitchen with Integrated Sink

In 2025 and decades before, a common feature in high-end kitchens is an integrated sink. This viral makeover showed how this concept can work beautifully in a small kitchen. The homeowner had a sink fabricated from the same quartz material as the worktop.

As a result, this created a seamless transition from work surface to sink bowl. The uninterrupted surface made cleaning incredibly easy and gave a minimalist look to the tiny kitchen. It also freed up valuable counter space. This detail proved that a well-thought-out design can make a small kitchen feel incredibly luxurious and highly functional. It was a masterclass in smart design.

Viral Makeover 10: The Waterfall Island

Now, can you imagine that even a small kitchen can have an island? Yes, it is possible. This final viral makeover featured a compact, standalone island with a stunning waterfall edge. The granite worktop was replaced with a quartz slab that extended vertically down the sides of the island.

This ideal renovation created a dramatic and eye-catching feature. Moreover, the continuous veining flowed beautifully over the edge, creating a sense of luxury and scale. The island served as a prep area, a breakfast bar, and a design statement all at once. It showcases how a bold design choice can completely redefine a small space and make it unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is quartz a good material for a small kitchen?

Yes, quartz is an excellent choice for a small kitchen. Its non-porous nature and durability make it highly practical. Light-coloured quartz reflects light, which helps a small space feel more open and airy. Plus, its versatility in colours and patterns allows for a wide range of design possibilities.

• What is the best colour quartz for a small kitchen?

Light colours are the best choices for small kitchens. This is because they reflect light and create a sense of spaciousness. Whites, light greys, and creams are very popular. However, a bold, dark colour can also create a dramatic statement if you balance it with lighter cabinets and effective lighting.

• Do quartz countertops scratch easily?

Man-made quartz is one of the most scratch-resistant countertop materials available at MO’s STONEX. The high concentration of quartz minerals in the material makes it incredibly hard. While it is very durable, it is always a good idea to use a chopping board. After all, it protects the surface from sharp knives.

• How do I clean a quartz worktop?

If you want to clean a quartz worktop, it is very simple. All credit goes to its non-porous nature. For everyday cleaning, use a soft cloth and a mild soap and water solution. Also, try to avoid harsh, abrasive cleaners, or even strong chemicals. Otherwise, they will damage the surface. A simple wipe-down is all that’s needed.

• How much does a quartz worktop cost?

The quartz worktop price varies depending on the brand, colour, thickness, and rarity of that design. It is mostly a more affordable alternative to natural stone like marble. Installation costs also vary, so get multiple quotes. It is an investment that pays off due to its durability and longevity.

Final Words

These ten small kitchen makeovers prove that a compact space can become a showstopper with the right design choices. The key takeaway from these viral transformations is the power of quartz. This incredible material offers the perfect blend of style, durability, and practicality.

It gives creative solutions to common small-space problems, from creating a sense of openness with a continuous surface to adding a dramatic focal point with a waterfall island. If you are choosing a quartz worktop, it is about picking a surface and making a smart design decision. We promise you, it will elevate your kitchen for years to come.

So…stay tuned to get information about more kitchen trends that are on their way out and what to do instead.