After seven months of anticipation, our kitchen renovation is now complete. I’m ecstatic to be celebrating this milestone, not only for the beautiful new space but also because I can finally cook without the hassle of a half-finished kitchen. As I reflect on the journey, I’d like to take a step back in time and share the story behind our kitchen transformation.
Kitchen at Move-in
As we settled into our new home, my initial impressions of the kitchen left much to be desired. The cabinets’ outdated wood finish and uniform tan hues created a dull atmosphere, while the laminate countertops seemed cheaply made and the black appliances looked grimy. I couldn’t help but think about the dream kitchen I had envisioned, which only emphasized the stark contrast between reality and fantasy. Please note that this post contains affiliate links.
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The First “Renovation”
Our kitchen had been in a state of limbo for two years, while it was an improvement over its previous condition, I still couldn’t shake off the sadness that lingered due to the wooden cabinets. The addition of some color and new appliances did bring a bit of cheer, but my heart remained heavy. I didn’t have any outlandish demands for our kitchen renovation.
All I wanted was the beauty of granite countertops, the elegance of subway tile, the brightness of white cabinets, and perhaps a touch of warmth from some butcher block. It wasn’t too much to ask, right? As it turned out, my husband had other plans for seven long months, he worked tirelessly to bring our vision to life, transforming our kitchen into a true masterpiece.
The BIG Kitchen Reveal
Our kitchen had been in a state of limbo for two years, while it was an improvement over its previous condition, I still couldn’t shake off the sadness that lingered due to the wooden cabinets. The addition of some color and new appliances did bring a bit of cheer, but my heart remained heavy. I didn’t have any outlandish demands for our kitchen renovation.
All I wanted was the beauty of granite countertops, the elegance of subway tile, the brightness of white cabinets, and perhaps a touch of warmth from some butcher block. It wasn’t too much to ask, right? As it turned out, my husband had other plans for seven long months, he worked tirelessly to bring our vision to life, transforming our kitchen into a true masterpiece.
Kitchen Renovation Tasks
The makeover began by giving the painted kitchen cabinets a fresh coat of white, instantly brightening up the space. Next, the old countertops were swapped out for sleek granite surfaces that added a touch of sophistication to the room. To let in more natural light and create a sense of depth, framed windows replaced the standard ones. The addition of subway tile from the countertop all the way up to the cabinets introduced a pop of texture and visual interest.
Meanwhile, the island underwent a significant transformation by gaining an extra 15 inches of cabinet space. This new real estate was used to install paneling, faux columns, and baseboard, which added a charming rustic touch. To top it off, the island’s surface was resurfaced with rich butcher block countertops, providing a warm contrast to the cool tones elsewhere in the room.
Before
The makeover began by giving the painted kitchen cabinets a fresh coat of white, instantly brightening up the space. Next, the old countertops were swapped out for sleek granite surfaces that added a touch of sophistication to the room. To let in more natural light and create a sense of depth, framed windows replaced the standard ones. The addition of subway tile from the countertop all the way up to the cabinets introduced a pop of texture and visual interest.
Meanwhile, the island underwent a significant transformation by gaining an extra 15 inches of cabinet space. This new real estate was used to install paneling, faux columns, and baseboard, which added a charming rustic touch. To top it off, the island’s surface was resurfaced with rich butcher block countertops, providing a warm contrast to the cool tones elsewhere in the room.
After
The makeover began by giving the painted kitchen cabinets a fresh coat of white, instantly brightening up the space. Next, the old countertops were swapped out for sleek granite surfaces that added a touch of sophistication to the room. To let in more natural light and create a sense of depth, framed windows replaced the standard ones. The addition of subway tile from the countertop all the way up to the cabinets introduced a pop of texture and visual interest.
Meanwhile, the island underwent a significant transformation by gaining an extra 15 inches of cabinet space. This new real estate was used to install paneling, faux columns, and baseboard, which added a charming rustic touch. To top it off, the island’s surface was resurfaced with rich butcher block countertops, providing a warm contrast to the cool tones elsewhere in the room.
Before
The makeover began by giving the painted kitchen cabinets a fresh coat of white, instantly brightening up the space. Next, the old countertops were swapped out for sleek granite surfaces that added a touch of sophistication to the room. To let in more natural light and create a sense of depth, framed windows replaced the standard ones. The addition of subway tile from the countertop all the way up to the cabinets introduced a pop of texture and visual interest.
Meanwhile, the island underwent a significant transformation by gaining an extra 15 inches of cabinet space. This new real estate was used to install paneling, faux columns, and baseboard, which added a charming rustic touch. To top it off, the island’s surface was resurfaced with rich butcher block countertops, providing a warm contrast to the cool tones elsewhere in the room.
After
The makeover began by giving the painted kitchen cabinets a fresh coat of white, instantly brightening up the space. Next, the old countertops were swapped out for sleek granite surfaces that added a touch of sophistication to the room. To let in more natural light and create a sense of depth, framed windows replaced the standard ones. The addition of subway tile from the countertop all the way up to the cabinets introduced a pop of texture and visual interest.
Meanwhile, the island underwent a significant transformation by gaining an extra 15 inches of cabinet space. This new real estate was used to install paneling, faux columns, and baseboard, which added a charming rustic touch. To top it off, the island’s surface was resurfaced with rich butcher block countertops, providing a warm contrast to the cool tones elsewhere in the room.
The Kitchen Island
I’m thrilled to share our newly revamped kitchen island, which has taken a significant leap forward in terms of functionality and visual appeal. The expanded countertop space is now roughly 15 times larger than its predecessor, allowing us to create a breakfast bar that’s perfect for starting the day. To enhance the overall design, we’ve incorporated a 15-inch cabinet on one end, complete with a trash can drawer insert that discreetly houses our waste bins.
The exterior of the island is wrapped in easy-to-install paneling from Home Depot, while corbels provide both structural support and a touch of elegance. What truly sets this kitchen island apart, however, is its unique blend of warm butcher block countertop, dark gray corbels, and contrasting white cabinets, subway tile, and stainless steel appliances – a harmonious union that’s sure to delight anyone who enters the room.
The Butcher Block Countertop
The new butcher block has become like a loyal companion – it requires regular care to maintain its health and integrity. To achieve this, we initially applied mineral oil 7-8 times, and have since switched to a specialized butcher block conditioner that provides a lightweight yet effective waterproof coating. Not surprisingly, the wood is quite sensitive to moisture, so we’ve had to retrain ourselves to avoid placing wet dishes on it or exposing it to excess water.
Kitchen Decor
I’m on a quest to harmonize my kitchen, seeking a blend of functionality and aesthetics. My latest find is a collection of vintage mason jars from a local antique mall, which I’ve repurposed as storage containers for my grains and cereals. A dash of creativity, courtesy of a chalk marker, has transformed them into charming labels that double as decor. With my most-used grains now easily accessible, I’m delighted with the result.
For those looking to bring a similar touch to their own kitchens, I’ve discovered some delightful vintage mason jars on Etsy at an affordable price. And speaking of charm, have you seen the canvas signs I designed myself? They’re available as printable sets on Etsy for just $5. The package includes four print sizes and a transparent version perfect for Cricut and Silhouette enthusiasts.
Little Upgrades with a Big Impact
To further enhance the aesthetic appeal of our kitchen, we made a few thoughtful additions that collectively contributed to its modernized ambiance. One such enhancement was the incorporation of sleek, contemporary electrical outlet covers sourced from Amazon. Similarly, we opted for stylish drawer hardware – comprising knobs and pulls – also procured from Amazon. Rounding out these upgrades was a sturdy, stainless steel paper towel holder from the same e-commerce giant.
Shop the Kitchen
To further enhance the aesthetic appeal of our kitchen, we made a few thoughtful additions that collectively contributed to its modernized ambiance. One such enhancement was the incorporation of sleek, contemporary electrical outlet covers sourced from Amazon. Similarly, we opted for stylish drawer hardware – comprising knobs and pulls – also procured from Amazon. Rounding out these upgrades was a sturdy, stainless steel paper towel holder from the same e-commerce giant.
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To further enhance the aesthetic appeal of our kitchen, we made a few thoughtful additions that collectively contributed to its modernized ambiance. One such enhancement was the incorporation of sleek, contemporary electrical outlet covers sourced from Amazon. Similarly, we opted for stylish drawer hardware – comprising knobs and pulls – also procured from Amazon. Rounding out these upgrades was a sturdy, stainless steel paper towel holder from the same e-commerce giant.
