Kitchen makeovers are tough. REALLY tough. But ooooooooh they can make your heart sing when it’s done! My kitchen might be my favorite room in my house. Which is odd since I don’t get to spend that much time in it. Remember the episode of SATC when Carrie mentions she has sweaters in her oven? Um, yeah. So here’s the breakdown of my now glorious kitchen makeover!
KITCHEN + MAKEOVER = IT GETS WORSE BEFORE IT GETS BETTER
Let’s start at the beginning. This room used be disgusting, and that’s no exaggeration. You can see it here for yourself. I always knew I wanted a ‘black and white’ kitchen, but a kitchen remodel seemed REALLY daunting, and I knew I couldn’t do it on my own.
My advice to anyone considering this is to break it down into elements. It will make the decision making process more manageable. Below is the breakdown of elements in my kitchen.
(BTW, there is a list of sources at the bottom of this post, thanks!)
Editor’s Note (June 11, 2016): I’ve replaced the original photos in this post with more recent, clear and bright photographs. What can I say, I finally learned how to shoot in manual.) The older photos still live on Pinterest, but all link to here.
MY KITCHEN – THE BREAKDOWN
The cabinets… I spent an entire summer painting them. There are 9 coats total on those puppies. I think there are 5 coats of primer and 4 coats of paint, or vice versa. I stripped, sanded, primed and painted them all myself. My entire house and garage became a painting studio since I had to lay out every cabinet door and drawer. The color on the cabinets is Misty Grey by Benjamin Moore. It looks grey on the paint chip, but is definitely white on my cabinets.
I actually get asked about painting my kitchen cabinets (and dining room fireplace and built-ins) so often, that I wrote a more detailed post on the products I used. If you’re considering a similar project, this is a must read.
The hardware… I love my new cabinet/drawer pulls. I wanted something on the contemporary side to balance out the traditionalism of the cabinet faces. I admit, the corners are SHARP. I’ve actually cut myself on these pulls! Definitely not something to have with small children in the house.
The floors… My dad and I laid down wood laminate floors over my old vinyl flooring. It took us a day and a half to install the floor and put in the the new baseboards. I originally wanted something darker and shinier but was warned that it will show every foot and paw print. I went with a more semi-matte finish in a beautiful walnut color and never looked back. I will say, I originally vetoed the final color in the store but brought home a sample just for kicks. I put it down next to my new white cabinets and I couldn’t believe it – it was exactly the color I was looking for!
The counter top and backsplash… This is the one area I contracted out. The countertop is actually a faux marble. It’s laminate! We squared off the counter, it was rounded before. And we extended it another 6 inches so I could put barstools under it and have a breakfast bar. Both ideas were Mom’s. Thanks Mom 🙂
The backsplash is actually a white Carrera marble. I know what you’re thinking – “She put Carrera next to laminate? Ew.” The Carrera was literally a few dollars more than ceramic tile and the laminate doesn’t scream “laminate” so I figured I could get away with it.
Anyways, I am in love with white Carrera marble, and can spot it a mile away. I had them cut 12″ tiles in half and stagger them in a subway pattern. The grout lines are really thin and in a darker gray. I love how it all turned out.
Appliances… The fridge I got 6 weeks after I moved into my house after the original died on me. The dishwasher came when the old one flooded twice on my Birthday years ago – the same Birthday I got pulled over because I forgot to put my new tags on my license plates… yeah, that was a great year.
My dad and I installed the overhead microwave when I got tired of my old one taking up so much counter space. PS – we had to cut out the overhead cabinet and put in that light box to make room for the new microwave. The sink and faucet are new. I took advantage of the fact that we had to take out the old sink to put the new counters in. The new sink is much deeper and has square basins. I prefer straight lines and 90 degree angles for most things structural in my house. The oh-so-lovely beige oven/stovetop has hung in there since I moved in. I tend to forget it’s there most of the time. I’m sure I’ll have to replace it someday. But hey, it’s a good place for sweaters, right???
You can see how I made that big piece of fabric art HERE. It was cheap and so quick to make. And if I want to change it out, it would be easy to cover with new fabric 😉
The doors… The sliding glass doors are new. The old ones barely locked and as it turned out there was a massive leak and the subfloor below had rotted out. So, new energy efficient sliding doors went in. I painted them black which I love. I put the sheers over them to give me some privacy and the cats something to play in when they’re bored.
This post contains affiliate links. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
SOURCES:
- light fixture
- cabinet hardware
- wall paint – Misty Gray by Benjamin Moore
- cabinet paint – Morning Lake by Valspar
- soap dispenser, lamp on counter, towels – Home Goods
- brass candle sticks – Hobby Lobby
- iPad easel – IKEA
- table – IKEA (but I linked to similar tables below)
I hope you enjoyed seeing more of my kitchen. And if you’re considering a kitchen makeover in your own home, I hope you can visualize and compartmentalize how you can do it. If you get stuck on one element, move onto something else to keep the momentum going. It’s not impossible. But it was a labor of love. And I love that it’s done 😉
Kyla @HouseOfHipsters
October 12, 2014 at 2:34 pmTurned out great! Love that tulip table. Do you have a before pic? Sorry, I’m new here. Found you on the Finding Silver Pennies link up =)
stripes
October 16, 2014 at 11:57 pmThanks Kyla! Here is a link to to a collage of before pictures: https://thestripedhouse.com/2014/07/before-pictures/ Hard to believe it’s the same kitchen!
Kyla @HouseOfHipsters
October 21, 2014 at 9:12 amI’ll say! Wow! You guys did a great job!
Tyler
October 21, 2014 at 10:54 pmThanks Kyla! It was most definitely a labor of love. It was soooo worth the many years of waiting 🙂
Teri
October 12, 2014 at 3:30 pmAwesome job on you kitchen!
stripes
October 18, 2014 at 9:02 amThanks Teri, glad you like it 🙂
Julie @ Life of Bliss
October 18, 2014 at 8:50 amAbsolutely beautiful kitchen! Love the table and chairs as well!
stripes
October 18, 2014 at 9:01 amThanks Julie!
Tyler
October 21, 2014 at 10:58 pmThanks Julie! Yeah, I’m still crushing on my new kitchen chairs 😉 Thanks for stopping by!
Christy @ 11 Magnolia Lane
October 20, 2014 at 8:41 amWow, Tyler! I, too, have painted my cabinets and it is SO MUCH WORK! I know you are thrilled with the beautiful results, though. I also just love your wine glass chandelier–I’m pinning that great idea! Thanks for linking up at the Pretty Preppy Party!
Tyler
October 21, 2014 at 10:57 pmHi Christy, thanks for hosting us all 🙂 The second I saw the wine glass chandelier I was SOLD! I can actually take them off and use for parties. Perfect for me and 15 and of my best friends 😉
fifa coins today
October 21, 2014 at 11:05 amI am continuously looking online for ideas that can assist me. Thanks!
Selene Galindo
October 21, 2014 at 8:52 pmGorgeous kitchen! I love the white cabinets with the darker counter top!
Tyler
October 21, 2014 at 10:49 pmThanks Selene! I’m a sucker for black and white, it’s my ‘go to’! 🙂
Ginnie
November 1, 2014 at 6:06 pmWhat a beautiful and bright space! You did a great job:)
Tyler
November 6, 2014 at 9:51 pmHi Ginnie, thanks for stopping by and for the kind words 🙂
Christie
November 3, 2014 at 8:43 pmThe kitchen looks great. I know it’s a lot of hard work, but doesn’t it feel soooo good when it’s done? Enjoy it! Great job!
Tyler
November 6, 2014 at 9:53 pmHi Christie, Oh my gosh yes – it was so much work. I’m kinda shocked I actually finished it. Halfway through I started to question my sanity! But it was sooooo worth it in the end. I would tell anyone to go for it! 🙂
the cape on the corner
November 5, 2014 at 1:12 pmamazing! i love the light fixture and the gorgeous marble backsplash. enjoy your new space.
b
Tyler
November 6, 2014 at 10:01 pmHi B, thanks for stopping by! I do love my new space, especially the backsplash 🙂
Karisa | Petite Modern Life
November 6, 2014 at 2:41 pmThis looks great! I love your tulip table 🙂 Thanks for sharing with the Think & Make Link up, I’m glad I got to see your blog! ps. noticed your spam comments. the “Akismet” wordpress pluggin does wonders for those 🙂 Cheers!
Tyler
November 6, 2014 at 9:58 pmHi Karisa, Thanks for hosting, I’m a fan of your blog! Thanks for the pluggin tip. I just switched to WP so I’m still figuring out the ropes 😉 Happy blogging!
Amanda @ Dwelling in Happiness
November 7, 2014 at 11:20 pmLOVE your kitchen remodel!! You did such a great job! I really love that wine glass chandelier, too! SO cool! Thanks so much for linking up with us at Motivational Monday! 🙂 Hope to see you again next week!
Tyler
December 4, 2014 at 8:29 pmHi Amanda, Thanks for stopping by and checking out my kitchen. Yeah, that chandelier comes in handy for parties 😉 See you next Monday!
Wendy
November 9, 2014 at 11:41 pmTyler, you did such a great job! Painting those cabinets and living in the house while all that work was being done must not have been easy! You should be so proud of yourself because your space is beautiful!
Tyler
December 4, 2014 at 8:30 pmThanks Wendy. Yeah, living in a construction zone and not having a functional kitchen is no picnic. But looking back, it was totally worth it!
Lauren @ Bless'er House
November 10, 2014 at 5:39 pmIt looks incredible!!! You did an awesome job. That wine glass chandelier is killer!
Tyler
November 19, 2014 at 9:36 pmThanks Lauren! I love my kitchen now. I’m thinking of having a party just to use all the glasses in that chandelier 🙂
kim@toomuchtime
November 12, 2014 at 10:26 amLove this makeover! It looks so clean and relaxing!
Tyler
December 4, 2014 at 8:32 pmHi Kim, Yep – it’s fresh and bright but still inviting. Perfect for drinking wine with friends!
Laura Irion // Avery Street Design
November 26, 2014 at 7:59 pmYour kitchen is perfect!! I love the chairs & table. Beautiful job!! xo!
Tyler
December 4, 2014 at 8:33 pmThanks Laura! The chairs are the newest addition to the kitchen. I got them this summer at At Home (formerly Garden Ridge). I’ve never been so excited about chairs in my whole life, ha ha!
Kyla @HouseOfHipsters
November 26, 2014 at 8:12 pmI know I was here a while back, but man oh man, your kitchen! Nailed it! PINNED! And thank you for joining the Found & Foraged link up party. We hope to see you again this Saturday! Happy Thanksgiving!
Renee
December 3, 2014 at 4:35 pmYour kitchen is gorgeous! I especially love your backsplash!
Tyler
December 4, 2014 at 8:37 pmThanks for stopping by Renee! I’m glad you like my backsplash as much as I do 🙂
Carissa
December 8, 2014 at 10:52 pmWhat a great kitchen makeover! You’re amazing! I’m so glad to find your blog. Thanks for linking up to Outside {the Box}!
Tyler
December 11, 2014 at 8:30 pmHi Carissa, thanks for hosting each week and for stopping by and saying hello. Happy blogging!
Jordan Faeh
April 6, 2015 at 5:02 pmOh, you are so talented! LOVE all the natural light–I’m a natural light junkie. It was great to meet you this weekend at the Go Blog Social conference!
Jenna Stratman
April 7, 2015 at 10:23 pmHello, my name is Jenna and I am OBSESSED with your kitchen. I can’t believe you painted the cabinets yourself!! And I’m kind of dying over that countertop. Beautiful!!
xo Jenna
J.Lynn Designery
jasompaul
May 22, 2015 at 6:24 amLooking Very Nice Kitchen!
Jennifer Dawn
July 19, 2015 at 5:45 pmYour kitchen is beautiful! I especially love the chairs and the wall hanging at the dining area. Lovely!
Shelley
September 5, 2015 at 11:41 pmBeautiful kitchen..What color is on your walls and cabinets?
Tyler @ The Striped House
September 6, 2015 at 12:10 pmHi Shelly,
The cabinets are Misty Gray from Benjamin Moore. The walls are Morning Lake by Valspar at Lowe’s. The cabinet color will look more gray on the paint chip, but trust me when I say it looks white on my cabinets 🙂
matilde
January 2, 2016 at 7:24 pmHi could u tell me the size (measure) of the square counter u put as a bar with the stools? I’d like to do one in my small kitchen, thanks.
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Brittany
February 15, 2017 at 7:10 pmLove the color on your cabinets. You have a beautiful kitchen. Pinning 🙂
leanne with divaofdiy.com
February 15, 2017 at 7:17 pmWow! What a transformation! Beautiful!
sara
February 16, 2017 at 9:46 amIts amazing! Love the transformation!