Young House Love

Home Decorating, DIY Tutorials, & Shenanigans

  • Our Current House
  • Our Previous Homes
    • Our Richmond House
    • Our Beach House
    • Our Duplex
  • Before & Afters
    • Our Current House
    • Our Previous House
    • Our Beach House
    • Our Duplex
    • Our First House
    • Our Second House
    • Our Showhouse
  • DIY & Decorating Tips
    • Most Popular
    • Home Improvement
    • Painting
    • Cleaning & Organizing
    • Crafting & Art
    • More . . .
  • Podcast
    • Getting Started
    • Show Notes
  • Shop
    • Our Fav Home Finds
    • Our Lighting Line
    • Our Books
    • Book Club Picks
    • Black-Owned Businesses

Young House Love » Reader Redesigns » Reader Redesign: When The Walls Come Down

| By John Petersik | September 13, 2012 | 122 Comments

Reader Redesign: When The Walls Come Down

If you send us an email with the words “1950s ranch,” “knock down walls” and “kitchen makeover” you’ve officially piqued our interest. And when you attach before & after photos as stunning as Jessica’s, well, end of story. I’ll need a moment to pick my jaw up off of the floor. Here’s her letter:

Hey guys! I know how you love a good before and after and thought you might be interested in ours. We bought our 1950’s ranch just over two months ago and have been working around the clock to get her in tip top shape. We recently wrapped up the kitchen remodel and DIYed everything but the countertops.

Cap27 Before 1

Since moving into our house we’ve knocked down major walls separating the kitchen from the rest of the home, updated the electric and plumbing, installed new hardwood flooring, replaced all of the upper and lower cabinets, and added a butcher block island. We updated to stainless steel appliances, soapstone countertops, and installed a subway tile backsplash. We also added recessed lighting, pendants, and under-cabinet lighting throughout. Oh, and there was a new addition (baby Lizzy) to the family just days before moving in. Whew. It’s been a wild ride.

Cape27 After 1

There’s just something special about walking into a room that you’ve literally re-built from the ground up. The industrial vibe streaming from the pendants and metal stools makes me a little weak in the knees.

Cape27 After Straight On

Hope you enjoy this space as much as we do! – Jessica

Enjoy is one word for it, Jessica. Envy might be another. Amazing job! Thanks so much for sharing your makeover with us. Jessica’s also got more pics on her blog, plus a full budget breakdown and source list for you too. In the meantime let’s play the favorite part game. I’m really into those great pendants and the butcher block on the island. Meanwhile, Sherry loves the cabinet hardware and wants to pet the subway tile (who’s surprised?).

Psst- We announced this week’s giveaway winner, so click here to see if it’s you.

More posts from Young House Love

Filed Under: Reader Redesigns

How To Turn Side Tables Into Upholstered Benches
Turning Soup Cans Into Sweet Pop Art Pencil Cups

Comments

  1. Avatar for KariKari says

    September 13, 2012 at 2:45 pm

    aww darn, the links to her blog don’t work…

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 13, 2012 at 2:49 pm

      I think it’s down from the traffic. Hope it comes back soon :)

      xo
      s

  2. Avatar for KellyKelly says

    September 13, 2012 at 2:46 pm

    LOVE everything about this! We’re considering how we will change our kitchen layout when we remodel, so I’m all over these kinds of posts. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  3. Avatar for SingleMamaSingleMama says

    September 13, 2012 at 2:46 pm

    Beautiful! Just an FYI, the links aren’t working for me…maybe it’s just my computer having issues though!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 13, 2012 at 2:49 pm

      So sorry guys, I think their site is down from all the incoming traffic but hopefully it’ll be back up soon!

      xo
      s

  4. Avatar for sophiesophie says

    September 13, 2012 at 2:46 pm

    everything feels so much lighter, airier and relaxing when the walls come down – looks fabulous!

    We tore down three walls last summer, uniting our living room, (former) formal dining room, and (former) dark and dreary kitchen. Best decision we ever made. That whole floor of the hosue is completely transformed and also, far more useful to us as a family.

    We barely lived to tell the tale, however.

    Reply
    • Avatar for HeatherHeather says

      September 13, 2012 at 3:40 pm

      I’m intrigued! Sounds like a guest post in the making, I know *I* would love to hear more!

  5. Avatar for JordanJordan says

    September 13, 2012 at 2:46 pm

    Holy snap, crackle and pop!!! Gorgeous!!!!! I’m super jealous now!

    Reply
  6. Avatar for how2homehow2home says

    September 13, 2012 at 2:47 pm

    This makeover is amazing! The colors are so fresh and by knocking down the wall it makes the space so much bigger and brighter. Great transformation!

    Reply
  7. Avatar for FlacaFlaca says

    September 13, 2012 at 2:48 pm

    Thank you for sharing… we are remodeling our 60’s ranch and we knocked down a wall too. But have yet to take on the kitchen. Our concept is very much like this – so the source list is WONDERFUL! Thanks YHL and Cape 27!

    Reply
  8. Avatar for EmilyEmily says

    September 13, 2012 at 2:48 pm

    Aw I went to school with this girl! I was totally confused when I opened this page because I thought I was on Cape 27 on accident :). Your blog and her blog are the two that I check every day for inspiration!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 13, 2012 at 2:50 pm

      So funny!! What a small world!

      xo
      s

  9. Avatar for ScottScott says

    September 13, 2012 at 2:49 pm

    I receive an error message when trying to visit her site. Did you guys crash another blog’s site again? I guess everyone is trained with your 10 & 2 posting times.

    I hope to submit our house to your read redesign by next year. We have updated 3 bedrooms, a rec room, an office and tore down a wall between our kitchen and family room so far. Up next is a limited budget kitchen update.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 13, 2012 at 2:53 pm

      Aw man, we’re so sorry about her site. Hope it’s up again soon! And I can’t wait to see your submissions. You know we love before and afters…

      xo
      s

  10. Avatar for SingleMamaSingleMama says

    September 13, 2012 at 2:50 pm

    My computer was the one having issues, sorry!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 13, 2012 at 2:53 pm

      Aw, no worries, we have heard that others have had a hard time getting it to load, so it might just be overloaded.

      xo
      s

  11. Avatar for Laura@amomwithnails.com[email protected] says

    September 13, 2012 at 2:51 pm

    Wow! I love everything about it! I have a (older) white kitchen now, and I hate it, but seeing pictures like this make me want to update it and keep it white.
    Love it…great job!

    Reply
  12. Avatar for StephanieStephanie says

    September 13, 2012 at 2:54 pm

    My first though when looking at the new kitchen was “I want to pet the tile.” Then I scrolled down. I knew you’d get me, Sherdog.

    Kitchen is gorg. I love the whole thing. Off to their blog to read more. :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 13, 2012 at 2:55 pm

      Haha, digital BFFs in a digital world.

      xo
      s

  13. Avatar for ShelleyShelley says

    September 13, 2012 at 2:55 pm

    That is STUNNING!! Beautiful kitchen!

    Reply
  14. Avatar for MiriamMiriam says

    September 13, 2012 at 2:56 pm

    I love it all, but especially the floors! Did they get refinished throughout the house? The dark wood is so dreamy.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 13, 2012 at 3:21 pm

      Here’s hoping Jessica drops in with that info!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for Jessie @ Cape 27Jessie @ Cape 27 says

      September 13, 2012 at 5:37 pm

      Hi Miriam!
      Yes, we did refinish the floors throughout the entire home. Here’s a link with a little more info: http://www.cape27blog.com/2012/02/flooring/
      Jessie

  15. Avatar for Gabriella @ Our Life In ActionGabriella @ Our Life In Action says

    September 13, 2012 at 2:56 pm

    Very pretty – I love how open it is now. I would love to submit my kitchen and get some ideas…..I am at a loss. It is so small (I mean UBER SMALL!), awkward shape, and so on. Maybe you could have a post on Reader Redesign Suggestions – If so, I have dibs on the first post. :-)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 13, 2012 at 3:21 pm

      Ooh, try uploading it over on our facebook page (just a pic with a question or two) – folks tend to weigh in with suggestions and fun tips over there!

      xo
      s

  16. Avatar for DonitaDonita says

    September 13, 2012 at 2:57 pm

    Oh my goodness LOVE THIS!! The cabinets, hardware, pendants, floors, stools……..the whole thing. So pretty!!

    Reply
  17. Avatar for LindseyLindsey says

    September 13, 2012 at 2:59 pm

    Wow. This is absolutly stunning. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  18. Avatar for WendyMIWendyMI says

    September 13, 2012 at 3:00 pm

    love love love the lighting, and the sheer openness of the room!

    And love the roman shade fabric.. so cute!

    Reply
  19. Avatar for DanielleDanielle says

    September 13, 2012 at 3:01 pm

    Thanks for sharing! We just moved into our 1950s colonial and I’m dying to update the original kitchen. Thanks for the inspiration!

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

    September 13, 2012 at 3:06 pm

    Sooo gorgeous!!!

    Reply
  21. Avatar for AllynAllyn says

    September 13, 2012 at 3:12 pm

    I used to actively dislike ranch style houses (having grown up in an ancient craftsman style home that I adored), but posts like this and so much of what you guys do have made me want to search around for a nice, woodpaneled dark cave house of my own to transform. That’s pretty impressive.
    Oh, and just preordered the book! Hooray!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 13, 2012 at 3:20 pm

      Haha, thanks Allyn!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for HeatherHeather says

      September 13, 2012 at 3:46 pm

      I’m with you! My aesthetic desire always involves lots of height, stairs, tiny spaces, nooks and crannies, the possibility of secret passageways… My old dancer’s knees and other medical issues insist on a ranch-style home with lots of open space. Ah, well.

  22. Avatar for Kelly VKelly V says

    September 13, 2012 at 3:21 pm

    Well done! Wow!

    Reply
  23. Avatar for BrynnBrynn says

    September 13, 2012 at 3:22 pm

    Wowza! That is awesome!

    Reply
  24. Avatar for AshleyAshley says

    September 13, 2012 at 3:25 pm

    Wow! That is GORGEOUS! I am so envious right now..Makes me want to go start demo-ing my kitchen lol Great Job Jessica!

    Reply
  25. Avatar for SarahSarah says

    September 13, 2012 at 3:27 pm

    I love the dark floors with the crisp cabinets! They did an amazing job!

    Reply
  26. Avatar for EmilyEmily says

    September 13, 2012 at 3:31 pm

    That’s amazeballs. And almost exactly the layout of our house. Only ours is a rental, so I don’t think they’d approve of us knocking down a wall or 2. Hopefully someday :)

    Reply
  27. Avatar for Maury @ Life on MarsMaury @ Life on Mars says

    September 13, 2012 at 3:35 pm

    Amazing! I love the tile and those amazing pendants! Be still my heart.

    What is the email to submit reader redesigns?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 13, 2012 at 3:46 pm

      It’s [email protected].

      xo
      s

  28. Avatar for NicoleNicole says

    September 13, 2012 at 3:41 pm

    Wow, nice work, especially with a new addition to the family. I have a six month old and can barely keep my house clean!

    Reply
  29. Avatar for laurenlauren says

    September 13, 2012 at 3:44 pm

    WHAT?! That is awesome!! I moved into a 1950s ranch style house with a little enclosed kitchen 6 whole months ago and haven’t done 5% of what they’ve accomplished. Maybe in 10 years I can submit mine too…

    Reply
  30. Avatar for jennTjennT says

    September 13, 2012 at 3:49 pm

    ooh–I love that island. but my favorite part is showing it to my tends-to-not-care-for-too-many-updates boyfriend how much they did in only two months!! awesome! :)

    Reply
  31. Avatar for LisaLisa says

    September 13, 2012 at 3:51 pm

    Really nice kitchen! Looks a lot like HouseTweaking’s kitchen!

    Reply
  32. Avatar for KarenKaren says

    September 13, 2012 at 3:55 pm

    I think another blog just crashed. LOL

    I love that subway tile and would love to know what the name of the fabric used on the roman shade is.

    Reply
  33. Avatar for Marissa CMarissa C says

    September 13, 2012 at 3:56 pm

    HOLY CRAP!

    That is all

    Reply
  34. Avatar for TiffanyTiffany says

    September 13, 2012 at 3:57 pm

    YHLers have crashed another one :-D

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 13, 2012 at 3:58 pm

      Aw man, we’re so sorry!!

      xo
      s

  35. Avatar for PattiPatti says

    September 13, 2012 at 4:11 pm

    oh.my.word. That is some transformation, it looks straight out of a magazine! I love the glass doors on the upper cabinets.

    Reply
  36. Avatar for karenkaren says

    September 13, 2012 at 4:13 pm

    holy cow bells!! would like to see more house!

    Reply
  37. Avatar for DannyDanny says

    September 13, 2012 at 4:13 pm

    Wow, not sure how they did all that with a newborn.

    We just opened up our kitchen a little by accident while we were redoing the ceiling. You can check it out here:
    http://houseandten.com/2012/09/12/best-completely-unintentional-improvement-weve-made/

    Still a lot more to go, but it won’t be looking like this.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 13, 2012 at 4:15 pm

      Looks awesome!

      xo
      s

  38. Avatar for MichelleMichelle says

    September 13, 2012 at 4:13 pm

    Holy crap! I can’t even believe that that is the same house. LOVE!

    Reply
  39. Avatar for nancyonancyo says

    September 13, 2012 at 4:31 pm

    Holy cow. that’s beautiful I love it.

    I wonder where she got the chairs at. Is she responding to the comments?

    Thanks,

    Nancy
    http://chairswithcharacter.com
    a vintage chair rental company serving colorado

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 13, 2012 at 4:53 pm

      If you click over at the end of the post there’s a source list for ya on her site :)

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for Jessie @ Cape 27Jessie @ Cape 27 says

      September 13, 2012 at 5:41 pm

      Thanks Nancy!

      Here’s a link to the stools: http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Tabouret-24-inch-Metal-Counter-Stools-Set-of-2/3879160/product.html

      Jessie

  40. Avatar for Carrie BCarrie B says

    September 13, 2012 at 4:35 pm

    Thank you thank you thank you! I just spent the last hour redesigning my future kitchen remodel because of this post. I’m so excited! This is so inspiring! Thank you! Too many !!!’s? Never!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 13, 2012 at 4:53 pm

      Haha, never!!!!!!

      xo
      s

  41. Avatar for Lee AnnLee Ann says

    September 13, 2012 at 4:37 pm

    I am officially in love with this kitchen! Beautiful job.

    Reply
  42. Avatar for TracyTracy says

    September 13, 2012 at 4:46 pm

    I love the butcher block and the floors. I think it could use some more color though.

    Reply
  43. Avatar for ShannonShannon says

    September 13, 2012 at 4:47 pm

    Amazing!! That is my dream kitchen right there lol. <3

    Reply
  44. Avatar for SusanSusan says

    September 13, 2012 at 5:07 pm

    Hmmm. Interesting. It looks nice, but they’ve tried to clone your website. From the format right down to the tutorials, to the yellow door even!

    Reply
    • Avatar for LarisaLarisa says

      September 14, 2012 at 6:56 pm

      My sentiments exactly… Very nice ‘before and after’s, you can see tons of work behind it all. But nevertheless going to Cape27 blog was a HUGE deja vu after YHL… the site layout and even the language. You guys (YHL) seem to be quite contagious.

  45. Avatar for GreenInOCGreenInOC says

    September 13, 2012 at 5:07 pm

    It’s so incredible, it looks Photoshopped!

    Imagine this kitchen is Ryan Gosling and I’m Emma Stone (warning, there is adult language @ :09):

    Reply
  46. Avatar for Sarah KSarah K says

    September 13, 2012 at 5:31 pm

    Oooh this is such an inspiring make-over! Love all the little details!

    PS Good job on crashing another blog guys!

    Reply
  47. Avatar for AmandaAmanda says

    September 13, 2012 at 5:31 pm

    SHUT. THE FRONT. DOOR.

    I can’t stop swearing. It’s gorgeous.

    Reply
  48. Avatar for Jessie @ Cape 27Jessie @ Cape 27 says

    September 13, 2012 at 5:33 pm

    Thank you so much for the feature guys! You have no idea how ecstatic we are over here :)

    Apologies to any viewers having trouble with the page loading. It seems the traffic has temporarily crashed the site. We’re working to get it fixed ASAP! Refreshing the page usually works for now. So sorry!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 13, 2012 at 5:48 pm

      Aw, thanks so much for sending us the awesome eye candy Jessie! And so sorry about the site issues!

      xo
      s

  49. Avatar for MargaretMargaret says

    September 13, 2012 at 5:36 pm

    Is that a Traveling Wilburys ref in the title? I hope so! If not, don’t think me uncool for liking the Traveling Wilburys, haha. Love this kitchen!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 13, 2012 at 5:48 pm

      Haha, we have no idea who the Traveling Wilburys are, but we love it.

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for GreenInOCGreenInOC says

      September 13, 2012 at 6:25 pm

      I thought it was a play on Carly Simon’s “Do the Walls Come Down”!

    • Avatar for MargaretMargaret says

      September 14, 2012 at 12:00 am

      The Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, George Harrison, Roy Orbison supergroup! Duh! Haha. Oh I sound so uncool.

      It would be better if it was the Katy Perry, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Flo Rida supergroup. Yea, that’s it.

    • Avatar for BrynnBrynn says

      September 14, 2012 at 10:01 am

      You do not sound uncool! I am also a fan of the Traveling Wilburys!

  50. Avatar for CristinaCristina says

    September 13, 2012 at 5:50 pm

    Wow–really gorgeous. I love everything about it–good job!

    Reply
Newer Comments »

Stuff We Love

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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…
*This site contains ads and affiliate links*
See our disclaimer & privacy policy to learn more

Latest Finds

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

SHOP OUR LIGHTING

Young House Love Shades Of Light Capiz Chandelier

GET POSTS BY EMAIL

We’re Digging

Traditional Rug
The “Magic” Rug
Smokeless Solo Stove Firepit
Smokeless Firepit
Woven Storage Ottoman
Storage Ottoman
Subtle Pink Rug
Our Bedroom Rug
Blue Air 211 Air Purifier
Our Air Purifiers
Faux Potted Olive Tree
Faux Olive Tree
Kohler Memoirs Toilet
Our Favorite Toilet
Soft Striped Rug
Soft Striped Rug
SEE MORE OF OUR FAVORITE FINDS > >

  • About
  • FAQs
  • Press
  • Contact
  • :)

© 2023 Young House Love ® · Disclaimer · Privacy Policy · Terms of Use · A Fun Wordpress theme on Genesis Framework · Hosted by Liquid Web