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Young House Love » Reader Redesigns » Reader Redesign: A Kitchen With Pop

| By John Petersik | December 22, 2011 | 139 Comments

Reader Redesign: A Kitchen With Pop

We were so happy to stumble upon Beth’s email in our inbox. Her retelling of her kitchen redo had all the elements that we love in a good renovation story: an ugly before (a brown fridge!), lots of DIY details (yesss!), a bit of drama (the counters arrived the day before Christmas, yowza!) and – best of all – a beautiful after. Here’s her note:

Hello, Sherry & John! We bought our current home a little over a year ago, and to say it was outdated is the understatement of the century. Like you, we wanted something to fix up and make our own. Our kitchen was dark, ugly, and closed in. No matter how often/well I scrubbed the fridge, it smelled like garlic, and the OLD electric stove/oven burned everything.

Beth Before

The first thing we did was remove the existing linoleum and carpet in the adjacent family room. We lived on sub floor for almost a month because while the floor was up we tore down a wall between the formal dining room and the kitchen. With 4 kids under the age of 10, and a dog, it was a challenge to say the least.

Beth During Wall Down

Finally, we were prepped to install prefinished hardwood flooring that matched the hardwood throughout the rest of the house. So, we ripped out all of the rest of the cabinets, demo’d the soffit, and installed the floor in a little over a weekend. Once the floors were in, we started installing cabinets that we had ordered from Home Depot. They’re technically ‘in-stock’ cabinets, but we had to order ours since we wanted 36 inch upper cabinets, and a few drawer configurations that they didn’t offer in the store for some of our lower cabinets. 

Beth During Busting Soffet

Originally, I wanted to have my brother-in-law help my husband make concrete counters (he is a concrete finisher by trade) but we worried about the weight being supported enough, particularly because our island is pretty big. So, we went with Silestone counters in the color “cement.” The counters were installed the day before Christmas Eve (you can imagine my stress level!). My husband Jake installed a marble subway tile backsplash that goes all the way to the ceiling.

Beth After Main

Beth After Straight

Obviously, we got all new appliances (Kitchen Aid). The lighting is warehouse lighting and an outdoor light. The red counter stools are from Overstock. The open shelving was made with bits and pieces that Jake found at Home Depot. The corbels were actually ordered from the same company that we got our cabinets from.

Beth After Shelves

The whole project took more time than I had hoped for, but with four littles and Jake and I doing all the work ourselves, that is to be expected. I still can’t believe that this is my kitchen! Hope you enjoy! -Beth

Beth After Faucet

Thanks so much to Beth and Jake for sharing their beautiful kitchen! You can read and see more about the project on Beth’s blog. Didn’t they do an amazing job? It doesn’t even look like the same room. Let’s play the favorite part game (Sherry and I both picked those killer stools). I have to admit they’re giving me some ideas for ours…

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Comments

  1. Avatar for AlexisAlexis says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:23 pm

    Beautiful! Nice choice with the stand mixer colour!

    Reply
    • Avatar for KatyOKatyO says

      December 22, 2011 at 2:53 pm

      I agree! That pop of green is my favorite too!

  2. Avatar for Karen FKaren F says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:23 pm

    gorgeous! I love how light and bright it is. Great job!

    Reply
  3. Avatar for Lauren @ Around the World FoodLauren @ Around the World Food says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:24 pm

    Love the new look! I [heart] white cabinets.

    Reply
  4. Avatar for Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication[email protected] says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:25 pm

    What a total transformation! I love the counter tops and the splash of color from the stools!

    Reply
  5. Avatar for Raina@ Mamacita Spins The Globe[email protected] Mamacita Spins The Globe says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:28 pm

    Wow! They did a great job updating that kitchen! It’s gorgeous. I also, like the stools, but I really love all of the pops of color against the clean white (like the bowls on the shelf and the stand mixer!)

    Reply
  6. Avatar for Julia @ Chris loves JuliaJulia @ Chris loves Julia says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:29 pm

    I love the LONG handled hardware AND the stove/oven Chris would got nuts for.

    Reply
  7. Avatar for EmilyEmily says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:30 pm

    Wow! They did an amazing job! I love those counter tops with the stainless appliances, and the cabinet hardware. I might have gone all the way to the ceiling with the cabinets/trim though…

    Reply
  8. Avatar for AmandaAmanda says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:30 pm

    Beautiful! This kitchen looks really similar to what my husband and I are hoping to do in our kitchen, so it’s really cool to see it! And, um, our “before” is almost just as bad!

    Reply
  9. Avatar for kristykristy says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    Holy Amazing, Batman!

    Reply
  10. Avatar for KatieKatie says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    My favorite part is those open shelves next to the sink — so useful! And that countertop pantry is very unique!

    Reply
  11. Avatar for JasmynJasmyn says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    We’re about to start our kitchen and this is such an inspiration! Thanks for posting this.

    Reply
  12. Avatar for karenkaren says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:33 pm

    OoOoOoOo…what a great job!!! love the counters! and that green mixer is fab!

    Reply
  13. Avatar for AmyAmy says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:35 pm

    OMG RED STOOLS!!! *dies*

    Reply
  14. Avatar for SherriSherri says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:36 pm

    Beth mentions the installation of the floor and I love it in the photos but what kind of flooring is it? Engineered, solid, plank linoleum? Would love to know!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 22, 2011 at 3:01 pm

      Here’s hoping she drops in with that info soon for ya!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for BethBeth says

      December 22, 2011 at 5:15 pm

      The flooring is solid hardwood, but it comes prefinished. It can be sanded, and re-polyed later on down the road. :)

    • Avatar for BethBeth says

      December 22, 2011 at 10:38 pm

      Jake just told be it is from home Depot, and it’s Bruce brand.

  15. Avatar for Shannon @ Bungalow960Shannon @ Bungalow960 says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:37 pm

    Holy cow that looks awesome! Those open shelves look so great, aren’t you excited to have yours done soon?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 22, 2011 at 3:00 pm

      Yes! Can’t wait!

      xo,
      s

  16. Avatar for ElizabethElizabeth says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:37 pm

    That is one sweet kitchen reno.

    Reply
  17. Avatar for KathrynKathryn says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:37 pm

    love the punch of color in those stools!

    Reply
  18. Avatar for Mandi S.Mandi S. says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:39 pm

    I’ve had the chance to play with one of those faucets, and they are the BOMB! So that’s the favorite here, although it’s all seriously fantastic.

    Reply
  19. Avatar for AliciaAlicia says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:40 pm

    beautiful redo!!! Really makes me want to redo ours!

    Reply
  20. Avatar for JackieJackie says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:40 pm

    I love it! I love the little touches of color in the stools, mixer, bowls. Great makeover!

    Reply
  21. Avatar for Elisa @ The Self LifeElisa @ The Self Life says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:41 pm

    Oo oo, I’ve already pinned her stuff – loved the dark hardware that they used. And way to get RED stools! Looks lovely!

    Reply
  22. Avatar for Krystle @ Color Transformed FamilyKrystle @ Color Transformed Family says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:41 pm

    I love the subway tile. I would love to have the courage and budget to do that to my kitchen!

    Reply
  23. Avatar for JenJen says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:42 pm

    Wow… what a great makeover. I wish I had backsplash tile like that in my kitchen!

    Reply
  24. Avatar for LindaLinda says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:42 pm

    Two words: DREAM. KITCHEN. Wow, what an AMAZING “after”! So jealous.

    Reply
  25. Avatar for StaceyStacey says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:43 pm

    I also LOVE the red stools. I have a bit of an obsession with anything red!!!

    Reply
  26. Avatar for ChristinaChristina says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:43 pm

    Amazing job! My favorite part is the marble subway tile. Dig it A LOT.

    Reply
  27. Avatar for LeeAnnLeeAnn says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:44 pm

    WOW!! Love the transformation and big island facing the living room. And I appreciate the pops of colour from your stools, aprons and mixer:)

    LeeAnn

    Reply
  28. Avatar for Julie @ There and Back AgainJulie @ There and Back Again says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:45 pm

    I so sympathize with this before – my house had that EXACT fridge when I moved in!!! We called it the Chocolate Monster :) Can’t say I’ve done quite the amazing turnaround that Beth has, but the Monster is gone and we’re certainly making progress. Amazing job, Beth!!

    Reply
  29. Avatar for LauraLaura says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:46 pm

    Love the whole kitchen but those stools are fantastic! Just the perfect shade of red and punch of color. The contrasting stand mixer is also fantastic. Love!

    Reply
  30. Avatar for Brandi @ His Shabby Her ChicBrandi @ His Shabby Her Chic says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:46 pm

    My favorite part is definitely the marble subway tile backsplash!

    Love the red stools and the green Kitchen Aid stand mixer tucked away in the corner too!

    Reply
  31. Avatar for StephSteph says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:48 pm

    I think my fave part is the bright green KitchenAid mixer on the counter! I wasn’t expecting the color and I love it! :)

    Reply
  32. Avatar for heatherheather says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:49 pm

    My favorite piece is hands down the faucet. Unbelievable.

    Reply
  33. Avatar for SarahSarah says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:50 pm

    Wow – the first “after” pic had me thinking it was an inspiration picture, then I realized omg…that’s the after! Haha, it’s just THAT good.

    Reply
    • Avatar for RivaRiva says

      December 22, 2011 at 4:56 pm

      I had the same reaction to the first “after” pic! Glad I’m not the only one!

    • Avatar for Sarah in IndianaSarah in Indiana says

      December 22, 2011 at 5:46 pm

      I had the exact same reaction–amazing after!

    • Avatar for LeahLeah says

      December 23, 2011 at 10:12 am

      I also thought the same thing – it was a gem from pinterest that inspired the reno. WOAH. Amazing.

  34. Avatar for KathyKathy says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:50 pm

    It’s amazing how white paint can transform a dark room to a bright one! Is the countertop on the island a different color than the counters, or is it just my monitor? Either way, it’s beautiful!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 22, 2011 at 3:00 pm

      It seems the same on my comp. Here’s hoping she can drop in to clarify for ya!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for Beth@oddgirloutblog[email protected] says

      December 23, 2011 at 12:46 am

      the counters are all the same color. hope that helps!

  35. Avatar for RandaRanda says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:52 pm

    Wow! Gorgeousness.
    As for my favorite, I’d have to say the color scheme in general (the white, gray, stainless, pops of color in the stand mixer, stools, linens)… just so beautiful!

    Reply
  36. Avatar for MichelleMichelle says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:53 pm

    Wow this looks great!

    Reply
  37. Avatar for bridget b.bridget b. says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:55 pm

    WOW! i totally did a double-take. looks SO much better than the original.

    Reply
  38. Avatar for TeresaTeresa says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:56 pm

    Beautiful work… that is truly a transformation. And my fav part? It’s a toss up with the red stools and that outdoor light above the sink!

    Reply
  39. Avatar for MelissaMelissa says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:59 pm

    I really like the look that lots of people are doing lately – black/white/wood for the durable room style and pops of color with accessories/furniture. The stools, mixer, aprons, bowls, and towels make this clean and crisp room so much fun!
    Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  40. Avatar for Heather VHeather V says

    December 22, 2011 at 2:59 pm

    What a gorgeous after! I love white kitchens with dabs of colour here and there – especially the greens and reds of this one. Fresh and fun!

    Reply
  41. Avatar for GreenInOCGreenInOC says

    December 22, 2011 at 3:00 pm

    I simply don’t believe that’s the same kitchen!

    Reply
  42. Avatar for RuthieRuthie says

    December 22, 2011 at 3:00 pm

    LOVE the light over the sink. It’s the little things that make a great kitchen!

    Reply
  43. Avatar for KarenaKarena says

    December 22, 2011 at 3:00 pm

    Stunning! I love the pop of red and the colorful aprons hung on the hook.

    We’re still trying to figure out the lighting situation for our kitchen remodel and those lights might be just the ticket. (And by figure out, I mean that I have a table lamp plugged in on the counter as my current lighting situation because we have yet to pull the trigger. Haha.) I am certainly loving the price. My issue is that we need a smaller, complimentary light for over the sink. It needs to be a pendant because the sink is under a window and we are putting a shelf above the window. :/ Any suggestions?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 22, 2011 at 3:02 pm

      We got a pretty glass pendant from westelm.com a while back when we were doing our first kitchen. Maybe try them and even places like etsy (folks sell pretty glass jar lights). Or places like lampsplus.com or shadesoflight.com have lots of options! Good luck!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for GreenInOCGreenInOC says

      December 22, 2011 at 3:08 pm

      Have you pursued the selection at Schoolhouse Electric? I love just looking at their catalog!!

      http://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 22, 2011 at 3:17 pm

      Oh yeah, great suggestion!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for KarenaKarena says

      December 22, 2011 at 6:20 pm

      GreeninOC, I am loving that site. I do not know how I have never seen it before. Soo many options. Is it too late for Santa to bring me a colored pendant light? (We have white beadboard inset cabinets, classic white subway tile backsplash, dark counters, a large butcher block island, and natural slate floors… so the pop of yellow would be fun and unexpected.)

      http://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/lighting-and-hardware/fixtures/pendant/city-pendant-5085.html

      I also really like that you can chose the length.

  44. Avatar for Cait @ Hernando HouseCait @ Hernando House says

    December 22, 2011 at 3:00 pm

    They did a great job!

    Reply
  45. Avatar for MaggieMaggie says

    December 22, 2011 at 3:07 pm

    I love the countertops!

    Reply
  46. Avatar for PaigePaige says

    December 22, 2011 at 3:08 pm

    I literally gasped out loud. I feel like I say this for every kitchen re-do, but I can’t believe it’s the same space!

    Reply
  47. Avatar for HollyHolly says

    December 22, 2011 at 3:10 pm

    gorgeous gorgeous GORGEOUS!!! Goodness, I love everything about it!

    Reply
  48. Avatar for AnitaAnita says

    December 22, 2011 at 3:13 pm

    This looks amazing! Hmmm does that last line imply that we may soon be seeing (spray painted) red stools in the Youngsters’ kitchen as well? :-)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 22, 2011 at 3:17 pm

      Haha, not sure of the color/finish, but it definitely inspires us to see where we end up!

      xo,
      s

  49. Avatar for Emily L.Emily L. says

    December 22, 2011 at 3:16 pm

    I’m in love…this is beautiful and the splashes of color add so much – good job Beth!

    Reply
  50. Avatar for keishakeisha says

    December 22, 2011 at 3:16 pm

    Love it! What a difference, absolutely love those red stools!

    Reply
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John and Sherry smiling against pink backgroundHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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