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Young House Love » Reader Redesigns » Reader Redesign: Gone Mod

| By John Petersik | October 30, 2013 | 108 Comments

Reader Redesign: Gone Mod

Ruthy’s kitchen makeover immediately got our attention, since it’s a style of house (and therefore kitchen) that we don’t often come across here in Richmond. So we were totally digging the dose of Pacific Northwest that she and her husband Andy sent us (via Tacoma, WA) along with a stylish shot of mid-century modernness. We love sharing kitchen diversity whenever we can, so we thought it was really interesting to see their choice of dark cabinetry without any upper cabinets at all. Here’s her story:

Hi John and Sherry! I wanted to send over some info about our newly remodeled kitchen. We absolutely loved the open floor plan of this mid century modern home…

Ruthy House

… but we didn’t love the original cabinets and counters.

Ruthy Before

To say I love being in the kitchen now is an understatement. I actually enjoy cleaning it.

Ruthy Full1

We chose to go with Ikea cabinets. The main reason we went with Ikea is because they had the style I wanted (flat front, not shaker) for an affordable price (we paid about $2,500). I was nervous about designing the kitchen with no upper cabinets, but I love how it turned out, and really love using drawers instead.

Ruthy Cabinets1

I really, really wanted quartz countertops, but if you haven’t noticed, we’ve got countertops for days.  It just would’ve cost way too much money.  After doing a ton of research, I decided to go with acrylic. (I was sold after reading that you guys had the same countertops but a different brand). The very best price we found was at Lowe’s for their Allen + Roth brand at $33 a square foot.

Ruthy Counters1

We debated about the sink. I wanted stainless steel and Andy wanted an integrated sink.  I had done some research on integrated sinks and the results were 50/50.  People loved it or hated it. Andy won the debate, and so far we have had zero problems keeping it clean. I use a magic eraser every now and then and a quick spray of bleach once a week and it is still sparkling white.

Ruthy Sink1

Your posts helped so much in choosing our appliances and countertops! Thank you! -Ruthy

Ruthy Backsplash1

This kitchen totally rocks my socks. I know, did you ever think you’d hear me say that about a kitchen without white cabinets? My horizons are expanding people. It’s official. I think my favorite parts are that big expansive backsplash and the exposed range hood without any other cabinets around it. Meanwhile Sherry loves the integrated sink, the planked wall, and that great cabinet hardware. Feel free to play the favorite part game with us. Oh and Ruthy’s got some more pics and links (including her full review of the Ikea cabinets) on her blog if you’d like to know more. Thanks for sharing, Ruthy!

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Comments

  1. Avatar for ElisaElisa says

    October 30, 2013 at 2:46 pm

    Just like most things, white cabinets have a time and place. But with this much natural light the dark cabinets look fantastic! I like what they did with the single wall of backsplash. Excuse me while I lick it.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 30, 2013 at 2:47 pm

      Hahahaha!

      xo
      s

  2. Avatar for Emily @ DavenportDIYEmily @ DavenportDIY says

    October 30, 2013 at 2:47 pm

    Pretty pretty pretty!!! I love seeing a house from my home state too- awwww!

    Reply
  3. Avatar for CaitlinCaitlin says

    October 30, 2013 at 2:48 pm

    I love the red “EAT” sign and the oversized fork above it. It adds a fun dose of color & whimsy into the space :-)

    Reply
  4. Avatar for Alison McPAlison McP says

    October 30, 2013 at 2:52 pm

    My favorite thing is that sweet little turquoise dish with what looks like olive oil, salt, pepper, etc. Also, it looks like their house has a KILLER view. As a Hampton Roads-er, I am so intrigued by the Pacific Northwest. I think I want to live there one day!

    Reply
  5. Avatar for Tara G.Tara G. says

    October 30, 2013 at 2:52 pm

    We had giant drawers while we lived overseas rather than bottom cabinets and I miss them every.single.day. Love hers!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 30, 2013 at 3:04 pm

      That sounds awesome.

      xo
      s

  6. Avatar for Natalie CNatalie C says

    October 30, 2013 at 2:52 pm

    Holy WHAT. I am in love.

    Reply
  7. Avatar for BaileyBailey says

    October 30, 2013 at 2:57 pm

    I love how bright and open this space is – even with the dark cabinetry. Gorgeous backsplash!

    Bailey

    Reply
  8. Avatar for AnnaAnna says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:00 pm

    Oh my giddy aunt, the original is so mod and cool! I’m going to pretend they gave the entire thing to a mid century lover who preserved it for all time, fingers in ears lalalala. Or if they had to update it, imagine a less yellow color palette with the same blocky, straight lines like the (Ferris Bueller) Ben Rose home in Illinois.

    Reply
    • Avatar for priscillapriscilla says

      October 30, 2013 at 3:48 pm

      I love the first kitchen too

    • Avatar for brunsbruns says

      October 30, 2013 at 5:43 pm

      Yes, please say they donated those incredible cabinets to someone who would appreciate them! My heart is breaking a little.

    • Avatar for ontarioontario says

      October 31, 2013 at 8:48 am

      I loved the before too…so sad to see it stripped of so much personality.

    • Avatar for RoseRose says

      October 31, 2013 at 11:32 am

      Oh wow. I love some mid century mod but those original cabinets were so bad. Glad to see there’s an aficionado for everything! ;)

    • Avatar for MarkMark says

      November 1, 2013 at 9:59 am

      So sad to see that fabulous original kitchen get tossed. Some minor updates and that could have been such an unique and stylish kitchen. New one looks like a big box store kitchen.

    • Avatar for WinnieWinnie says

      November 12, 2013 at 6:41 pm

      Good Lord, what did they do to that kitchen? So sad to see it go. Now it looks like any other kitchen.

  9. Avatar for jeannettejeannette says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:00 pm

    a lot of euro kitchens don’t have upper cabinets or a full size fridge. they have an undercounter fridge, shelves, armoires, drawers and etc. it add lots of light and lightness to a kitchen. full kitchen cabinetry is a bit of a builders’ scam and also filth catchers. i love this kitchen, thanks for featuring it.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 30, 2013 at 3:03 pm

      That’s so interesting Jeannette!

      xo
      s

  10. Avatar for CrystalCrystal says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:02 pm

    I love this kitchen! I definitely could see myself going the no upper cabinet route (maybe a few shelves).

    BUT what I’m seriously dying over is the front door!! And I love all white paint too!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 30, 2013 at 3:03 pm

      Isn’t that door cool?!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for Ruthy T. (@DiscoveryStreet)Ruthy T. (@DiscoveryStreet) says

      October 30, 2013 at 4:29 pm

      The doors in the house are amazing…there are 4 giant oversized doors…the one in the pic is actually the back door which leads to the deck.

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 30, 2013 at 4:42 pm

      That’s incredible!

      xo
      s

  11. Avatar for AmandaAmanda says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:02 pm

    Lord HELP! Those mismatched cabinets in the before picture would have driven me to drink! That kitchen is exquisite!

    Reply
  12. Avatar for LindseyLindsey says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:05 pm

    lol, I thought the “before” kitchen was the remodeled one! I really liked the mod-ness of the yellow and white cabinets.

    Reply
  13. Avatar for StephanieStephanie says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:06 pm

    No uppers?!? I LOVE IT. I didn’t even know that was an option! The whole thing is my favorite.. but that huge backsplash wall is to die for. Excuse me while I gut my kitchen and copy this to a T.

    Reply
  14. Avatar for Lisa @ Double Door RanchLisa @ Double Door Ranch says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:07 pm

    Wow, awesome job! I love my Ikea cabinets & drawers! The drawers were an essential for us to give my mom access. #UniversalDesignFTW!

    Reply
  15. Avatar for GauriGauri says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:08 pm

    Ohhh I love it all but especially the “EAT” sign because I could totally recreate that for my house!

    I also need to start searching for a wall that I can make planked in my house. That looks great!

    Reply
  16. Avatar for JessiJessi says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:09 pm

    one word . . . drool! i am in love with EVERYTHING! not least of which, the light from those amazing windows!

    Reply
  17. Avatar for KristinKristin says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:09 pm

    The natural light! That window! THOSE DOORS! In the words of George Takei….oooohhh mmyyyyy…what an attractive kitchen! I’d like to take that kitchen to dinner.

    Reply
  18. Avatar for MarthaMartha says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:10 pm

    I love that peninsula with all the drawers and counter space – AH-Mazing!

    Reply
  19. Avatar for StaceyStacey says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:11 pm

    Gorgeous makeover. I love the idea of no upper cabinets and lots of drawer space. The open feel is fantastic. Great space for entertaining!

    Reply
  20. Avatar for RosemaryRosemary says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:15 pm

    I love the whole thing, but my favorite part might be that little teal dish with the S&P shakers. So elegent!

    Reply
  21. Avatar for RosemaryRosemary says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:15 pm

    I love the whole thing, but my favorite part might be that little teal dish with the S&P shakers. So elegant!

    Reply
  22. Avatar for LauraLaura says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:15 pm

    I’m so glad when I see kitchens with no upper cabinets and drawers. We did this in our house and it has been one of our favorite decisions and one that gets the most feedback. Some folks notice immediately that we don’t have upper cabinets while others have to stare for awhile and wonder how we got such an open feel. I’m so glad you shared this!

    Reply
  23. Avatar for PattiPatti says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:21 pm

    I’m loving this kitchen with the no upper cabinets look. My wheels are now spinning! Oh but the floor…it’s too pretty! I want it!

    Reply
  24. Avatar for ajiraajira says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:22 pm

    Oh my goodness, what a gorgeous room. Love the black, flat front cabinets, they are gorgeous. And the plethora of drawers makes me smile- what can I say? I’m a ‘get out ingredients, utensils and appliances as needed’ kind of chef, so being able to easily reach in with buttery hands and floury arms to get what I need next is always a winner for me. The black makes the wonderful light in that room just pop… or is it the other way?!

    Reply
  25. Avatar for EshaEsha says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:23 pm

    I feel like Corian looks best in light colors, like here and in your kitchen. My best friend’s grandfather helped invent it, so I have a soft spot for it!

    Reply
  26. Avatar for SarahSarah says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:28 pm

    I’m still in shock over no upper cabinets….is that possible??? Allowed??? I’m eyeing up my pathetic kitchen now. I love the plank wall with the giant red EAT sign!

    Reply
  27. Avatar for debdeb says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:31 pm

    Being 5′ tall, I’d LOVE to eliminate upper cabinets and just use drawers – all my life I’ve had to get on the countertops to reach items on the top shelf of regular cabs. Plus, I think it looks great…terrific job, Ruthy and Andy.

    Reply
    • Avatar for ReeseReese says

      October 31, 2013 at 1:27 am

      Yes! I’m 5’4″ and I can’t reach the top two shelvs in most upper cabinets. I have a step stool in the kitchen as a permanent fixture!

  28. Avatar for DianaDiana says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:31 pm

    I think the planked wall is my favorite part. Gorgeous kitchen!

    Reply
  29. Avatar for Angela @ this pretty sightAngela @ this pretty sight says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:37 pm

    I let out a noise I didn’t even know I could make when I scrolled down to the “after” shot! I love everything about this, I can’t even play the favourites game.

    Reply
  30. Avatar for JuliannecJuliannec says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:40 pm

    I absolutely love this redo! Great clean lines…very sleek. Really showcases the large open windows & fantastic view. Nicely done!

    Reply
  31. Avatar for ElizaEliza says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:46 pm

    These people stole my dream house! But in all seriousness, I love the stripped-down style of living that goes with less cabinets. I used to work at Sur La Table so I’m all about multi-use gadgets and cutting down the clutter. Most people buy absurd appliances they will never use and then forget about them. What a waste!

    Reply
  32. Avatar for BamaCarolBamaCarol says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:47 pm

    Oh my favorite part is the huge window over the sink! The ONLY thing I like about the kitchen in our first house was the huge 6′ wide and tall windows in our kitchen. Given that we had barely enough counter space for a bakiing sheet, there wasn’t much else to love. And now I’m looking at my upper cabinets and wondering if i can just drag them all down. Lovely kitchen!

    Reply
    • Avatar for KimKim says

      October 31, 2013 at 10:21 am

      Yes I LOVE the window over the sink! Our last place had a tiny kitchen under the stairs with a tiny window over the sink. We have a bigger kitchen but no sink window. It makes doing dishes a chore.

  33. Avatar for RachelRachel says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:49 pm

    Love everything but especially the backsplash – wow! Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  34. Avatar for SarinaSarina says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:56 pm

    I love the open look and feel they get. In the before pictures they only had two upper cabinets anyway so they aren’t necessarily losing that much space. I also noticed they crafted what looks like a pantry cupboard beside and above their fridge which probably has about as much room as the two uppers they removed. I see they did also take away a small island.. but in the old flow, it probably was akward to work around anyway. I am not sure I would want all my stuff at below waist level though since it would require a lot of bending and stooping to see stuff. However, even in the old version there wasn’t much “eye level” storage anyway.

    One thing I like about my new place is that I have a “wall of cabinets that is about 6 feet wide and 7 feet tall.. so I have tons of storage for pots, pans, appliances and food! I figure you can never have too much storage!

    In this case though, they wouldn’t gain too much space given the layout of windows etc.. if they had kept uppers.. so they get to show us these dramatic wall spaces which really reflect the light and make it seem so roomy!

    Reply
  35. Avatar for Courtney @ PrettyCheapCourtney @ PrettyCheap says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:56 pm

    HOLY COW! What a transformation. I’m SOOO shocked they didn’t want to leave it just as it was in the before pic…;)
    but really, amazing before and after. thanks for sharing!

    -courtney @PrettyCheap

    Reply
  36. Avatar for JenniferJennifer says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:58 pm

    Does anyone know of cabinets like these that are not so dark and don’t look cheap. I love these Ikea cabinets but I am over the dark color. Any ideas?

    Reply
  37. Avatar for ReenieReenie says

    October 30, 2013 at 4:06 pm

    Very kewel. :)

    (I like the old yellow/gold oven)

    Reply
  38. Avatar for MariaMaria says

    October 30, 2013 at 4:18 pm

    Love it! I especially love the clean look of the countertops and like everyone else, the cute tray and the “eat” sign. Do you mind sharing where those fabulous bar stools are from?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 30, 2013 at 4:18 pm

      Hope she drops in with that info for ya!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for Ruthy T. (@DiscoveryStreet)Ruthy T. (@DiscoveryStreet) says

      October 30, 2013 at 4:28 pm

      we ordered them from overstock.com!
      http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/White-Ale-Hydraulic-Barstool/6206048/product.html?searchidx=0

    • Avatar for MariaMaria says

      October 31, 2013 at 3:08 pm

      Thank y’all!

  39. Avatar for Juliane at Modern MuralJuliane at Modern Mural says

    October 30, 2013 at 4:25 pm

    Beautiful re-model! I too am in love with the EAT and fork wall art. Perfect addition!

    Reply
  40. Avatar for JuliaJulia says

    October 30, 2013 at 4:31 pm

    LOVE IT.

    And from the “it’s a small world” files, I totally recognize that house. I grew up not too far from it and had friends who lived on the same street.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 30, 2013 at 4:42 pm

      No way!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for JuliaJulia says

      October 30, 2013 at 5:10 pm

      I know, right? Random! I just showed my best friend and she reminded me that our bus route went by this house every day in junior high.

      I remember not liking the house back then because it seemed so out of style in the 80s, but now it seems so wonderfully Pacific Northwest meets mid-century that I’m totally infatuated with it.

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 30, 2013 at 5:16 pm

      That’s so funny, because the second I saw it I was like “UH DREAM HOUSE!!”

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for Ruthy T. (@DiscoveryStreet)Ruthy T. (@DiscoveryStreet) says

      October 30, 2013 at 5:45 pm

      Wow!! Crazy small world?!

    • Avatar for LauraCLauraC says

      October 30, 2013 at 7:53 pm

      Another shout out to Tacoma from one native to another. :) (as I sit here and try to figure out where it is, sigh, not sure, grew up north end here, think Proctor)

  41. Avatar for KristenKristen says

    October 30, 2013 at 4:46 pm

    I’ve gotta hand it to her… That original would have scared me right out of buying that house even though the outside is gorgeous. Just looking at the original photo made my stomach clench up with ‘AH, nothing can stay. Change everything immediately!’ feelings haha.

    The end result is worth it – Gorgeous! I don’t think I’ve ever seen kitchens without upper cabinetry. Very brave.. I think I’d be too afraid!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Ruthy T. (@DiscoveryStreet)Ruthy T. (@DiscoveryStreet) says

      October 30, 2013 at 5:46 pm

      When my husband first showed me pics of the house for sale, I immediately said NO WAY…but when I walked in and saw all the light and the floor plan, I was SOLD!

  42. Avatar for Sarah ASarah A says

    October 30, 2013 at 4:50 pm

    So interesting that everyone loves this. I admire how sleek it is, but feel it is cold and impersonal, not welcoming and homey, which is what I want in my kitchen. It looks like a stylized photo of a lovely diner – something to admire (and I wish I had no clutter on my counter!) but not somewhere to hang out.

    Reply
  43. Avatar for AmyAmy says

    October 30, 2013 at 4:55 pm

    Can I transplant this kitchen to my house? I love every single thing about it. Great job!

    Reply
  44. Avatar for Karen L.Karen L. says

    October 30, 2013 at 5:02 pm

    My husband used to work for the company that originally invented that countertop material and we still have a special place in our heart for it today. We’ve had a couple of kitchens in our past with it, too, and the same, clean “icy white” color, too. Thanks for sharing a different kind of kitchen with us today. (We once bought a former DuPonter’s home in Pa and the owner was the man who was on the team that “invented” the liter-size, plastic soda bottle shape, with the old, bottom creases in it for strength, similar to the same design today.:)

    Reply
  45. Avatar for ElissaElissa says

    October 30, 2013 at 5:12 pm

    Super smart to use big drawers under the counter! People love to not have upper cabinets these days, but upper cabinets are 100% more useful than lower ones, especially if you have little kids who pull everything out of them. (Let’s face it- baby locks are a major hassle in opening a cupboard). But big drawers are awesomely useful.

    Reply
  46. Avatar for Lynn @ Our Useful HandsLynn @ Our Useful Hands says

    October 30, 2013 at 5:17 pm

    Maybe it’s because it’s close to dinnertime but that whole wall with the giant fork and the EAT is just speaking to me. And the cabinets are just Jo-Lulu (a word that my family has used since I was little to define something truly beautiful or magnificent – i’m pretty sure it’s French and I’m spelling it wrong. lol) Great job on the remodel!

    My best, Lynn
    * is it being lazy if I also say how much I love your patio reveal from this morning on here too instead of over in the original post? (yes Lynn, it is)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 30, 2013 at 5:20 pm

      Haha, it’s not lazy! I’d call it being resourceful.

      xo
      s

  47. Avatar for MichelleMichelle says

    October 30, 2013 at 5:21 pm

    awww… I love her blog and kitchen!! So glad you featured her!

    Reply
  48. Avatar for ShaunaShauna says

    October 30, 2013 at 5:21 pm

    Beautiful transformation. I think the white countertops steal the show, (and reflect light) while the lovely dark drawers are like tree trunks, sort of rooting things down.

    As a Pacific NW dweller (during some seasons) I think it’s important to point out how vital getting LIGHT into a home is in this region. Most of the year it is very cloudy and gray, so this homeowner’s decisions really make sense.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Ruthy T. (@DiscoveryStreet)Ruthy T. (@DiscoveryStreet) says

      October 30, 2013 at 5:50 pm

      That’s exactly why we chose white counter tops and painted the walls white…The reflection of light makes the winter bearable!

  49. Avatar for AllyAlly says

    October 30, 2013 at 5:37 pm

    One has not truly lived till they’ve owned a kitchen with a “harvest gold” wall oven :)

    (The original kitchen looks more like one you’d find in commercial office space? :)

    Lovely job, Ruthy! :)

    Reply
  50. Avatar for Wendy @ New Moms TalkWendy @ New Moms Talk says

    October 30, 2013 at 5:41 pm

    The timing of this is fabulous!

    We just drove through Tacoma about 90 minutes ago and stopped at Lowe’s (in Bonney Lake) to scout out a number of things including kitchen counters.

    After reading this, we’re now rethinking the kitchen doodles we had lined up in our brains.

    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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