Kitchens are the heart of the home. No matter how big your house is, when you entertain everyone ends up standing around the island! You know it’s true. So, you might as well give them something beautiful to look at!
Kitchen remodel #1
In this kitchen, I used the existing cabinets along the walls, but removed and reconfigured the cabinets on the other side. I moved the sink to one side instead of the middle for more useable counter space. I added a larger upper cabinet and made the base of the island smaller for more ease in moving around. I removed the tile floor and replaced it with black engineered hardwood. I replaced the counters, backsplash, sink, faucet, hardware and put on new crown molding with a rope detail. The backsplash has a stainless steel tile border between the counter and the other tile, as well as above the stove for an accent. I also placed a mirror on part of the backsplash to reflect the light since there were no direct windows in the space. I removed the fluorescent light box and added can lights. You will also notice a transom window cut out above the cabinets on one wall to let in light from the window in the room behind. Two layers of wallpaper were removed and the walls were textured and painted. New pendant lights were added. It turned out beautifully.
Before
After
Kitchen #2
This was my first home, a lower budget starter that I built. Even when you are working with less expensive materials, you can make it look nice. And different. This is sheet vinyl flooring and laminate countertops. Yep, laminate. At that time I didn’t even know what a backsplash was! I just added the color and contrast with the paint, some cool black nickel hardware and black blinds. It looked contemporary but stayed within the budget I had. When everyone else was picking oak colored cabinets and beige counters, this kitchen really stood out.
Kitchen remodel #3
This was the first real remodel I did on a kitchen. I had the cabinets painted white, changed the hinges and hardware to nickel, removed the granite tile counters with wood border and replaced them with granite slabs. I changed the floor tile, painted over the “tea stained” textured walls and the faux brick block wall. I removed the fluorescent light box and added can lights. I also added a huge black ceramic double sink, new faucet and the coolest mosaic backsplash. You’ll notice a mirror for part of the backsplash here as well. This is a way to break up a large amount of the same backsplash but also add light and make the room look larger. In the before pictures, you see the entire backsplash was mirrors. Too much- tacky. But, in the right places, it’s a cool accent. This room turned out great. No more orangey-ash cabinets! Bye bye 90’s!
Before
After
Phase 2 – The Final Transformation
This is the kitchen in A Little Goes a Long Way. Having already painted the existing cabinets, I could now focus on having a more functional layout. One upper and lower cabinet were removed and a gas line was run to move the stove and vent hood. Now, the two-tiered island with no usable counter space becomes a huge island perfect for prep work, serving or eating. New gorgeous granite countertops, glossy ceramic and stainless steel tile backsplash, above and under cabinet lighting and new LVT flooring complete the transformation. And, don’t forget the TV cabinet! Gotta be able to watch the game while you’re cooking (or a Hallmark Christmas movie while you’re baking). This remodel changed the daily routine in this room.
You may be looking at these pictures and think I only do white cabinets. For my homes, it’s just my preference. It’s a way to brighten up the space and I use the floor or the countertops as the darker color to contrast.
This can just as easily be flipped. The key to making it look visually interesting is the contrast. You don’t want everything to blend together. There are a myriad of ways to achieve that, no matter what color scheme you like.
Let’s Do This!
Home is the most important place for everyone. It’s where your family memories are made. It’s your reprieve from the outside world. It’s your biggest investment. I’ve been doing this for a long time. Now, it’s time to take what I’m most passionate about to the next level and make an impact on a greater scale. This doesn’t feel like work to me. I love every minute of it. For me, there is no greater feeling than seeing the joy on people’s faces when I can help them create a home they truly love and change their lives in a positive way.
I would love the opportunity to create that for you.