One of my first blog friends that I met when I started blogging 3 years ago was Sandy, with Reluctant Entertainer. I loved the fact that she is a fellow Christian, homemaker and a devoted mom to 3 children. And she has the gift of hospitality and has encouraged me along the way to have folks over more often. Sandy is a true inspiration and a joy to know and I’m happy that we got to meet up 2 years in a row at Blissdom in Nashville.
So, when I saw Sandy’s kitchen renovation that started last year, with the finishing touches recently completed, I wanted to share it with all of you, in case you missed it. It’s definitely worth a long look.
Renovating a kitchen is never an easy job. It’s tedious and can last for months. Sandy’s 1970’s kitchen underwent a huge transformation. Take a look at the Before pics and then prepare to be WOW’d by the Afters. 
Her daughter even got in on the demolition process, a family affair that involved Sandy’s dad (who is a retired builder), hubby, and probably just about the whole crew. I’ve done a mini-renovation in a kitchen and know the hassle involved. But, at the end, it’s oh so worth it, as I’m sure Sandy agrees now that it’s over.
Sandy’s renovation involved taking down a wall. 
Which really opened up her space so much. Sandy’s kitchen renovation took them 6 months of hard work and I ‘m sure they had some glitches along the way. I’ve never seen a reno go completely smooth.
So, after months of hard work, here’s Sandy’s kitchen. 
And how beautiful it is! Sandy did a lot of things on a budget and splurged on a few key items to get the kitchen of her dreams and she has documented it all on her blog under several posts: Kitchen Part I (Journey & Philosophy)
Some things, Sandy pinched pennies on and in other areas, she got what she wanted (double oven and extra deep stainless steel sink for a couple). For more details, see Kitchen Part II (splurges from her wish list).
And these barstools are a new addition from Target at $59.99, a really cool addition to this warm and modern kitchen. I love this view!
These pendant lights are really cool and she got them on sale for $25 each (great deal!!). In Kitchen, Part III, Sandy gives more details on the lighting, cabinets, counters and paint.
And the single bowl stainless sink that Sandy splurged on is a nice detail too. 
I adore this green paint color and how rich it looks with her new cabinets. And of course, you can’t go wrong with white dishes. Great place to store all those platters, on top of the cabinets.
Here, Sandy shares her paint colors. I’m making notes on the green, I love that one.
I hope you’ll go over and say hello to Sandy if you haven’t met her already. She’s a sweetheart and I know she would love to hear from you. This kitchen deserves a special shout-out and I’m happy to show it to all of you. If you’re in the process of renovating a kitchen or looking for new ideas, Sandy’s got plenty of details to share of her kitchen renovation process.
Thank you, Sandy for letting me show off your gorgeous new kitchen.
It’s divine!
The Spring Fluffing promotion in my Open Sky shop is going on until next Tuesday, so check it out if you haven’t already!
WOW!! I love a makeover…Thank you so much for sharing. I think the worst part of renovating is not so much the hard work but having to LIVE IN IT while it is being done! Double Whammy!! I think it’s wonderful that she included the paint colors…I too LOVE the green! Have a great weekend!
Wonderful makeover that took a lot of hard work. Congrats Sandy, I’m sure you’re going to enjoy your super new kitchen. Thanks for sharing. Rhoda due to a big goof on my part I have a new blog with new name! ♥
Everything looks great! I am loving the green paint color, and trying to think if I could use that in my house. Rhoda, I have said it before, but will say it again. Thank you so much for all of your inspiration. While our new house has a long way to go, i owe you a ton of gratitude for the ideas that have shaped what we have done so far.
Thank you for sharing this. Her kitchen looks beautiful. I’m so in awe when people can do a lot of their own work. We are remodeling our kitchen and fireplace area in the living room. And we aren’t doing any of it ourself…so the price went up so much. But I’m glad that the contractor and decorator that we are using are able to get it all done!
I love Sandy, too, and I think her kitchen is fabulous. It’s fun reading your Friday posts! Your features are different from other bloggers’ that I’ve seen–I like the way you choose one blogger and go into some depth about that person. It’s as if we really get to meet them here. Now that’s Southern Hospitality for you–a lovely hostess introducing people!
Have a great weekend!
Very nice! I am so glad our kitchen was done before we bought. Now all we have to do is change up when we tire of the wall color…easy, peasy!
I’m here from Sandy’s website! I’m so excited to follow yours now. And you are so right- her kitchen is INCREDIBLE! =)
It’s gorgeous, and I know it will continue to get lots of use with all of Sandy’s gracious hospitality!!! thanks for sharing!
Suzanne
Her new kitchen is indeed gorgeous. Love the island and the color of the cabinets and wall. Just gorgeous. Thanks for sharing. Hugs, Marty
Oh… I am jealous would love to a tackle a project like that but kids in college tend to hamper home improvement projects : )
It is a beautiful new space!!
What an amazing space. So warm and welcoming. You must be so happy it’s done. I love the lights!
Rhoda, Thanks for your comments. I really appreciate you taking the time for me. Hope you have a great weekend. Lisa
It’s beautiful! I hadn’t seen her redo so this was fun.
I love Sandy’s blog and her new kitchen is just great. I love how she displays her serving pieces unstead of searching for spots to hide everything!
Rhoda, you are the classiest hostess I know! Your blog is such an inspiration to others and I’m honored today that you chose to feature my little humble kitchen! A lot goes on in our house, entertaining and hospitality in general, so we are thanking God and hope to use it for HIM.
One day dinner here –with you and your husband? That would be lovely. Thank you again for today, Rhoda! XO
It is so gorgeous, Sandy. Love all the little touches. It is a beautiful space to entertain and hang out with your family!
🙂
Thanks for featuring a wonderful kitchen, Rhoda!
amazing! I love the bar stools too. what a complete difference!!!!!!
Joni
Love the transformation! Congrats, Sandy! Thanks for sharing, Rhoda. Somehow Sandy got lost from my following list. I need to add her back on.