A Reader Kitchen Redo

Hello!

I get a lot of emails from readers who are transforming spaces in their homes, and I always ask to see before and after photos because 1) I’m a stalker like that and 2) who doesn’t love a great before and after that you did yourself?  I think those are the most rewarding before and after photos, don’t you?  When there is blood, sweat and tears involved, and you’re emotionally (and financially) invested in the process, the end result is even sweeter.  Which is why I’m so excited to share this gorgeous reader kitchen redo I received from Jessica – such a great transformation that they pulled off themselves!

Let’s get right to it!  They started off with your typical builder-grade kitchen when they bought their house.  Kitchens like this are what keeps me busy, quite honestly. Lots and lots of orangey oak, and beige.  Just on the boring side, right?  If you’re a kitchen junkie like I am, you want something that isn’t like your next door neighbor’s house.  And that’s just what they were able to do.

Let’s start with an original listing photo:

Then there is this photo, where they homeowners made a change to countertops before they tackled the bigger projects –

“This photo has painted “faux” counters that actually held up very well for the 3 years we had them like that.  The counter paint kit was called Giani Granite.  Black paint turned out to be much too dark for that kitchen though.”

You can see in this photo that they added crown molding and detail to the end cabinets and island – I think molding really steps up the depth and custom factor in a kitchen.  Especially when so many kitchens have the plain, plastic-y islands.  Why?  Adding molding detail is such an inexpensive and easy way to give a kitchen island a high end look.

Love the addition of this sign too –

They also changed out the countertops and added a beautiful new backsplash.  Butcher block on the perimeter counters and granite on the island.

And here it is now.  All I can say is WOW.

Do you need to see the before again?  No problem.

Jessica was kind enough to share her sources, so here you go!  Thanks again Jessica, for sharing your beautiful kitchen transformation!

• Ben Moore Advance, Chantilly Lace and Granite — Satin
• Behlen Wood Grain filler
• Granite island top was a remnant from Stone Center of Dayton (https://stonecenterofdayton.com/)
• Perimeter counters are Ikea Butcher Block in beech (not sold there anymore but here’s the same one in birch: with a custom mixed stain from PPG paints and General Finishes high performance Poly in flat.
• Apron sink also from Ikea. (https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S69158173/) We had to cut our existing cabinet to put this in. Scary.
• Island light is Patriot Lighting brand from Menards (https://www.menards.com/main/lighting-ceiling-fans/indoor-lighting/pendants/patriot-lighting-reg-elegant-home-miner-36-bronze-3-light-island-pendant-light/p-1444424535522-c-7245.htm)
• Backsplash is Grecian White 3×6 subway tile from Home Depot with white, pre-sealed grout from The Tile Shop
• Hardware is Oil Rubbed Bronze from Lowes
• Most of the accessories are from a local antique store, I made, or ordered custom on Etsy

I hope you enjoyed this reader kitchen redo as much as I did!  If you have a DIY project that you’re proud of, please contact me and share – I love seeing all of them!

Jenny