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Young House Love » Reader Redesigns » Reader Redesign: The Amazing Beard ‘n Lady

| By John Petersik | March 22, 2012 | 138 Comments

Reader Redesign: The Amazing Beard ‘n Lady

We figured during the week of our big kitchen reveal it was only fitting to share a reader’s kitchen makeover as well. And this kitchen redesign comes from an atypical source. It’s not from a female blogger who is documenting the DIY-ing of herself and her man. It’s actually from a male blogger who goes by “Beard” – although he does have a female sidekick in the form of “Pigtails” (the daughter that he’s a single dad to). So, long story short, I found their backstory quite endearing, Beard’s blogging style quite amusing, and their kitchen makeover, well, quite awesome. Here’s his letter:

I recently gutted and rebooted the kitchen on my 1950’s brick ranch (using inexpensive materials like Ikea cabinetry and reclaimed wood for a bench and table setup).

Beard Before

Goals for the reboot:

  • Be smart with the available 100 square feet. Kill clutter and chop it down to the basics.
  • Open things up by reducing the number of cabinets, shrinking appliances, and deleting the soffit and ceiling fan. Recessed lights for a smooth finish up top.
  • Install a robot that cooks and mops up messes, a.k.a. Rosie.
  • Move the dishwasher from the random corner to a slot beside the sink.
  • Build a slim table to fit the space without dominating.
  • Create a warm look that’s different than what I typically see out there.

It turned out just right, hit all the goals but one.

Beard After 1

Beard After 2

Yeah, the kitchen will never be this clean again. Ever.  – Beard

Beard Pigtails Reading

Be sure to check out Beard’s blog for more of the story on the makeover (there’s a cool tale behind the table). And thanks to Beard for bringing some testosterone to the reader redesign this week! Virtual fist bump. Petersik out.

Psst- We announced this week’s big Crate & Barrel giveaway winner. Click here to see if it’s you.

More posts from Young House Love

Filed Under: Reader Redesigns

Since It’s Been Seven Months…
The Big 3-0

Comments

  1. Avatar for julie g.julie g. says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:39 pm

    First, thanks for posting early this afternoon – now I can concentrate on my work! Second, this kitchen is perfect and such a great use of space – can’t wait to check out Beard’s blog.

    Reply
  2. Avatar for Alexis PeckAlexis Peck says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:39 pm

    that looks awsome! they did a REALLY good job!

    Reply
  3. Avatar for Erin CErin C says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:41 pm

    That is amazing! I have a tiny kitchen as well, I would love to be able to re-do it as beautifully as he has done his!!

    Reply
  4. Avatar for AllynAllyn says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:41 pm

    Oh I love that! So simple and clean. Love that table. Way to go, Beard! I have nothing but respect for super involved single dads! And Pigtails is adorable.

    Reply
  5. Avatar for Erin @ How to Nest for LessErin @ How to Nest for Less says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:43 pm

    Wow, LOVE everything about this kitchen! The table and floors are killer. Way to go, Beard!

    Reply
  6. Avatar for CassieCassie says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:43 pm

    AMAZING! The kitchen looks SOOO great. And his blog is funny, fresh, and unique….

    Reply
  7. Avatar for VanessaVanessa says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:45 pm

    Love this kitchen- its an amazing transformation. Thanks for sharing this blog. Its so sweet to see a daddy and his daugther!

    Reply
  8. Avatar for JennaJenna says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:47 pm

    I absolutely LOVE the kitchen, the backstory, and the blog itself. But Beard’s writing style is sooooo hard to read! I need full sentences! With subjects! And articles!

    Reply
    • Avatar for BeardBeard says

      March 22, 2012 at 11:11 pm

      Noted.

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      March 23, 2012 at 8:46 am

      Ha!

      -John

  9. Avatar for DanielleDanielle says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:47 pm

    WOW! Love it! Double wall ovens, gorgeous hood – all I’d want to add would be more counter space. Rosie the robot needs more space to roll out cookie dough! ;)

    Reply
    • Avatar for BeardBeard says

      March 22, 2012 at 11:13 pm

      The top oven is a microwave, bottom is a convection oven. Thanks for reading!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      March 23, 2012 at 8:47 am

      Thanks for popping by to clarify, Beard!

      -John

  10. Avatar for ginagina says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:47 pm

    I LOOOVE it! I especially LOVE all the crisp subway tiles!
    Love, Love!!

    Now I am going over to check out the rest of your blog! <3

    Reply
  11. Avatar for JaneJane says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:47 pm

    Oh what an adorable backstory. LOVE LOVE the kitchen. Can’t even believe its the same room.

    Reply
    • Avatar for BeardBeard says

      March 22, 2012 at 11:16 pm

      Thanks, and I don’t miss that old Smurf-blue kitchen one bit.

  12. Avatar for EmmaEmma says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:48 pm

    Wow! The kitchen looks great! I hope the Rosie the robot is forthcoming. That is a a *great* kitchen floor!

    Reply
    • Avatar for BeardBeard says

      March 22, 2012 at 11:12 pm

      Roomba is doing the floor duties for now. Maybe we can name it Rosie?

    • Avatar for SammaSamma says

      March 23, 2012 at 9:58 am

      I was going to suggest Roomba; glad you found one. Ours is named Gort after The Day the Earth Stood Still. But perfect under your new kitchen cabinets, etc!

    • Avatar for gkgk says

      March 23, 2012 at 10:23 am

      my roomba is named rosie!

  13. Avatar for Anna LisaAnna Lisa says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:49 pm

    Looks great, but those vintage cabinets were so cute – hopefully someone else can reuse them.

    Reply
    • Avatar for BeardBeard says

      March 23, 2012 at 7:40 pm

      Was hoping to gift the cabinets, but after 50 years sticking to the walls, they had to be pried off with a bar. So ended up not being in good enough shape to share.

  14. Avatar for Julia @ Chris loves JuliaJulia @ Chris loves Julia says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:52 pm

    La-hove those floors. Well done, Beard.

    Reply
  15. Avatar for CaitCait says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:56 pm

    This is my favorite so far! It looks wonderful!

    Reply
  16. Avatar for TrishaTrisha says

    March 22, 2012 at 2:56 pm

    Fantastic! Looks great.

    Reply
  17. Avatar for BreeBree says

    March 22, 2012 at 3:09 pm

    Hahaha, I love the aliases Beard and Pigtails.

    What a wonderful make-over! I LOVE that table and can’t wait to head over to Beard’s blog and read about it!

    Reply
    • Avatar for BeardBeard says

      March 22, 2012 at 11:15 pm

      The table was the trickiest part of the rebuild to figure out. Ended up going with a custom-cut barn board design, I’m happy with the results!

  18. Avatar for mpmp says

    March 22, 2012 at 3:10 pm

    That reno is flat-out awesome. Also good to see those IKEA cabinets out of the catalog — I’ve been considering them and Beard’s use of them has raised their chances a notch.

    Reply
    • Avatar for gkgk says

      March 22, 2012 at 6:24 pm

      i also think the renovation looks great!

      but can i chime in on these cabinets? i have them in my kitchen (i think they were installed 5-10 years ago by a previous owner). while i like the way they look, they have not held up well in my kitchen. the foil finish (particularly around some of the raised panels) has warped and chipped. they’re also stained. by what? how? i don’t know. you don’t notice these defects unless you look closely, but it looks terrible to me. it’s possible the previous owners really abused the cabinets. it’s possible ikea uses better techniques to make these doors now (i had ikea cabinets in a previous house that i loved so ikea’s not all bad!). but just had to share my two cents, fwiw.

    • Avatar for BeardBeard says

      March 22, 2012 at 11:14 pm

      I was impressed by the ease of assembling the IKEA cabinets. The hidden hinges, soft-close drawers and metal silverware separators are icing.

    • Avatar for gkgk says

      March 23, 2012 at 10:22 am

      oh, i agree. ikea cabinets in general are awesome. loooove the soft close drawers. just haven’t had luck with the 5-10 year old version of these doors.

      also, beard – your responses to comments on your blog crack me up. pay no attention to the people who request full sentences. overrated.

  19. Avatar for MichelleMichelle says

    March 22, 2012 at 3:13 pm

    Love Beard’s new kitchen, thanks for sharing with us! We also just redid our tiny kitchen with Ikea products and couldn’t be happier!

    Reply
    • Avatar for BeardBeard says

      March 23, 2012 at 7:42 pm

      Agree, smart design! IKEA is Swedish, most homes in that country are diminutive, so their catering to smallish spaces works well for tiny-room rebuilds.

  20. Avatar for meghanmeghan says

    March 22, 2012 at 3:17 pm

    It is a fabulous kitchen. Love everything about it.

    We are gearing up to redo our kitchen and I will be saving these images for inspiration.

    Reply
  21. Avatar for KimKim says

    March 22, 2012 at 3:17 pm

    Awesome! I’d love to send you pics of our “kitchen reboot” (love that!)! We aren’t 100% done but we’ve come a long, long way!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      March 22, 2012 at 3:35 pm

      Would love to see them! Check out our Contact Us link on the sidebar (see that button with our smiling mugs on it?).

      xo,
      s

  22. Avatar for AmandaAmanda says

    March 22, 2012 at 3:20 pm

    Love it! I had to think about the Rosie reference for a while – Love the Jetsons!

    Reply
  23. Avatar for Ainhoa@ALittleBite[email protected] says

    March 22, 2012 at 3:20 pm

    I love the floors and the cabinet doors he picked! Also, I’ve been eyeing that light-fixture from Ikea for a while now, especially since it’s crazy cheap and I’ve seen people who’ve spray-painted them with great results.

    Reply
    • Avatar for BeardBeard says

      March 22, 2012 at 11:17 pm

      Hadn’t considered painting the jumbo hanging light, but can see how that would be a simple way to jazz it up in the right setting.

  24. Avatar for Brandi @ His Shabby Her ChicBrandi @ His Shabby Her Chic says

    March 22, 2012 at 3:21 pm

    Love it! I especially love how you can’t even tell there’s a dishwasher next to the sink – it just blends with the cabinets.

    Reply
    • Avatar for BeardBeard says

      March 23, 2012 at 7:43 pm

      I was hesitant to pay a few extra bones for the stealthy dishwasher panel. But once it all clicked together, was glad I did.

  25. Avatar for LeslieLeslie says

    March 22, 2012 at 3:26 pm

    Sweet re-do Beard.

    Is anyone else slightly bothered by the odd space at the ceiling? It seems sorta triangular, like the ceiling is at an angle.

    Reply
    • Avatar for MahalMahal says

      March 22, 2012 at 11:53 pm

      I had a look at the original blog, and that’s because it is! there’s ceiling structure or something under there :)

    • Avatar for BeardBeard says

      March 23, 2012 at 7:47 pm

      Yeah, we hit an “uh-oh” during the demolition phase with the ceiling rafters. Dave the contractor worked around the snag and made it work. Despite the odd wedgie at the top, the new cabinets were installed higher up, which opens space below by the counters.

  26. Avatar for BabblerBabbler says

    March 22, 2012 at 3:26 pm

    I love it! It’s beautiful! My only suggestion would be for some fabric or bamboo shades on those windows :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for BeardBeard says

      March 23, 2012 at 7:48 pm

      So my neighbors can’t see me chugging chocolate milk in my briefs at night?

  27. Avatar for Tracy KTracy K says

    March 22, 2012 at 3:30 pm

    Ha ha! I stared at this kitchen for a lot longer than I should have trying to figure out which goal was missed! :)
    I got it now btw.
    Heading over to check out the blog.

    Reply
  28. Avatar for Bethany [at] Powell Brower HomeBethany [at] Powell Brower Home says

    March 22, 2012 at 3:32 pm

    aww that guy is GREAT. love the redo, love his prose!

    Bethany
    http://www.PowellBrowerHome.com

    Reply
  29. Avatar for EmilyEmily says

    March 22, 2012 at 3:37 pm

    I love love that he used drawers on the bottom instead of cabinets. Whoever did my kitchen only did cabinets and I wish I had all drawers after living with them!

    Reply
  30. Avatar for BetsyBetsy says

    March 22, 2012 at 3:42 pm

    Wow, when I think of how I would do a kitchen, this is what comes to mind. Love the table!!!

    Reply
  31. Avatar for BetsyBetsy says

    March 22, 2012 at 3:44 pm

    And I have to add, FWIW, the kitchen before was super cute. Not that I like it better, but it was a nice “before we get to redo the kitchen” kitchen.

    Reply
  32. Avatar for Mckae @ kaescornerdesignMckae @ kaescornerdesign says

    March 22, 2012 at 3:47 pm

    Gorgeous kitchen! I my dream kitchen will have butcher block counters, I live them! And that table, wow!

    Reply
  33. Avatar for WendyMIWendyMI says

    March 22, 2012 at 3:47 pm

    Love it!! Everything from the floors to the open and airy feel. Nice touches! Will definitely go to the blog.

    Leslie, I think the slightly slanted roofline right above the cabinets is only magnified for you because of the nighttime shadows. =)

    Reply
  34. Avatar for paulapaula says

    March 22, 2012 at 3:48 pm

    Suhweet! Nice job Beard and Pigtails.LOVE, love, love that table.

    Reply
  35. Avatar for mpmp says

    March 22, 2012 at 3:56 pm

    My only concern is that now I’m gonna have to buy one of those farmhouse sinks. I hate them — no reason, I just do — but Beard has built a kitchen just like I want, countertops and all, so I’ll have to join the Church of the Farmhouse Sink, because they seem to work better with butcher block countertops.

    Reply
    • Avatar for BeardBeard says

      March 23, 2012 at 7:51 pm

      The only thing with these big honkin’ farm sinks is they are made of porcelain. So you gotta be careful not to crack it when washing cast iron pans.

  36. Avatar for Tamrah RyanTamrah Ryan says

    March 22, 2012 at 3:59 pm

    Really beautiful kitchen. He’s a great writer too!

    Reply
  37. Avatar for KateKate says

    March 22, 2012 at 4:02 pm

    Nice!! I clicked over to Beard’s blog and realized he lives in the same city I do when I saw the West End Architectural Salvage reference and saw some of the downtown photos…small world.

    Reply
  38. Avatar for BrookeJBrookeJ says

    March 22, 2012 at 4:14 pm

    Thanks for sharing this. The built in seating is amazing–really makes the space unique and unexpected (always love the unexpected!).

    Reply
  39. Avatar for Kristen @ Matt and Kristen at HomeKristen @ Matt and Kristen at Home says

    March 22, 2012 at 4:14 pm

    Can’t believe the similarities here! We are almost finished completely gutting and remodeling a small kitchen, and that it the same IKEA cupboards, countertop and sink we used too! (And is that subway tile? That’s what we plan on using eventually.) Now I’m excited because hopefully our kitchen will be looking like this soon ! :) And maybe I’ll submit it for a Reader Redesign (if you guys aren’t sick of kitchens by then…)
    Oh, and my boyfriend also has a beard. Just another similarity…

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      March 22, 2012 at 5:42 pm

      We’ll never get sick of kitchens! So excited to see how your turns out, and yes, he did use subway tile. So charming!

      xo,
      s

  40. Avatar for ErikaErika says

    March 22, 2012 at 4:18 pm

    I like! And so fun to hear things from a guy’s perspective! Off to check out Beard’s blog….

    Reply
  41. Avatar for SarahSarah says

    March 22, 2012 at 4:21 pm

    Great job there. Like the wood surfaces with the white. Also, the unusually honest blogger confesion that it only ever gets this tidy for photos :-)

    Reply
    • Avatar for BeardBeard says

      March 23, 2012 at 7:53 pm

      You got that right, my kitchen is a dish disaster right now.

  42. Avatar for Mara SmithMara Smith says

    March 22, 2012 at 4:23 pm

    We have the same counter tops and cabinets (different hardware) from Ikea! Love the butcher block look and the self closing drawers. Well done!

    Reply
  43. Avatar for AnnaAnna says

    March 22, 2012 at 4:23 pm

    Fabulous kitchen. Really love it. He’s added another follower to his blog!

    Reply
  44. Avatar for MeredithMeredith says

    March 22, 2012 at 4:32 pm

    Love it but love the blog more. He has an amazing story and a way with words. Too good! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  45. Avatar for michellemichelle says

    March 22, 2012 at 4:33 pm

    I HATE that there is no rosie the robot!!!!

    Reply
  46. Avatar for Amy @ The Button CasaAmy @ The Button Casa says

    March 22, 2012 at 4:37 pm

    Love, love it! I do wish my husband would rip our kitchen out :) It’s not likely but a girl can dream…

    Reply
  47. Avatar for Nicole PanacciNicole Panacci says

    March 22, 2012 at 4:47 pm

    Oh my goodness, your kitchen is stunning! I love your table and sink!!

    Reply
  48. Avatar for StephanieStephanie says

    March 22, 2012 at 5:00 pm

    “Virtual fist bump. Petersik out.” made me laugh way harder than it should have. I think I’m going delirious from too much allergy meds & should just go home.

    Also, that kitchen is awesome.

    Reply
  49. Avatar for Autumn@fallfordesign[email protected] says

    March 22, 2012 at 5:01 pm

    Wow, this kitchen reno looks fabulous! I don’t mean to be off topic. I was researching the best position for ad units and I noticed google adsense is talking about how awesome younghouselove is for using the best adsense units.

    http://support.google.com/adsense/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=17955&ctx=as2&rd=3

    I guess you guys rock the adsense world too and not just the DIY. :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      March 22, 2012 at 5:43 pm

      No way, that’s too funny! A while back someone contacted us and told us to switch a few things and we did and they asked if they could use us as a case study!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for ShelleyShelley says

      March 23, 2012 at 3:18 pm

      I was just researching adsense this week and noticed that too. They ran a little video clip of you guys. It was so funny. You are E-V-E-R-Y-W-H-E-R-E!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      March 23, 2012 at 4:08 pm

      It’s so funny because that’s our old site design and everything!

      xo,
      s

  50. Avatar for ValVal says

    March 22, 2012 at 5:06 pm

    “Chop it down to the basics.” That is so masculine. Only a dude would talk about a kitchen remodel using bike shop language. I love it!

    Those floors are really great. Excellent work, sir.

    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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