Kitchens are one of the most renovated spaces in houses these days and can really update and add value to a home, so in case you might be looking for some inspiration, I ran across these Southern Living Idea House kitchens with loads of good ideas and they are all pretty to look at.
Brookfield – Athens, GA
(Cedar Creek – TX)
(Dallas, TX)
(Galley Kitchen, LA)
(Senoia, GA)
(Kousa Creek, GA)
(Sarasen- Hot Springs, AR)
(Verona Park, TX)
Are you looking for some kitchen inspiration for yourself?
I’ve been through a pretty major kitchen reno myself and they are hard work, yet very rewarding. There are so many small things you can do to update those kitchen spaces and make them more attractive.
Here are a few I came up with:
- Paint those dated oak or other old wood cabinets. This will update quicker than anything you can do. Here’s an update I facilitated this summer on a dated kitchen. See what paint can do!
- Add new handles and knobs for a quick and fairly inexpensive update. I found my hardware on Ebay for about 1/2 the cost of the local stores.
- Add pops of color around the room to liven up the space if you can’t paint the cabinets or walls.
- If your cabinets are dark wood and you can’t or don’t want to paint them, consider lightening up the wall color to bring a brighter feel into the space.
- If you have one of those fluorescent boxes, think about updating that fixture for a fresh look. I got rid of mine in lieu of some pretty antique brass halogen track lights that add plenty of bright white light and look so much better.
Those are a few things you can do inexpensively, if you’re not quite ready to gut your kitchen and do a complete overhaul. Sometimes just those little things can make you feel so much better about your space. Here’s another wonderful kitchen makeover of painted cabinets and updates that are amazing at Sawdust and Paper Scraps.
Do you have some other ideas to add to the list?
What would you change about your kitchen if you could?
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Paint can do wonders in a kitchen! I painted the cabinets in mine nearly 2 years ago and they still look fabulous…though for some reason I had a dream last night they had begun to peel! WHAT on earth did I eat before going to bed?!
Gorgesous images…stop by my blog today if you get a chance, would love to have you weigh in on the question I ask!
Janell
You mentioned removing your fluorescent box light. Can you tell me what was involved with that? What electrical work was involve? Really want to change mine out. Love your blog!
Hi, Dori, I did a post a couple of years ago about changing out that fixture: http://southernhospitalityblog.com/lighting/
I change out all my fixtures myself & it’s really not hard once you get the hang of it. It’s just a matter of changing one fixture for another, if you have someone handy who can help. I had 3 small holes in the ceiling when I took my old box down & the new fixture covered them up just fine. If you click on the link above to the kitchen I helped renovate this summer, it was the same situation. No problem on putting up the new fixture. I think these are a great solution to those ugly boxes!
Thanks for sharing the beautiful kitchens with us, Rhoda! My favorite is the galley kitchen in Louisiana. I love the banquette built into the nook that has windows on three sides. We have already done a lot of work in our kitchen: we painted the walls Super White and the island El Cajon Clay (Benjamin Moore). We added McKenzie-Childs knobs, a Fireclay Belfast sink, granite countertops, and limestone/travertine floors. But if I could change anything, I would remove the granite (except for the island) and replace it with either white ceramic tile or distressed walnut. I would change my backsplash to plain white ceramic subway tiles. This might be a good winter project after the holidays!
I love the 2nd picture, the combination of stone and copper talks to my heart!!!
They are all great ideas I wish the ‘Kitchen Fairy’ would come to our house, we could have a great time!
Inspiring Photos,
Sue
Beautiful pictures and helpful tips! Never thought of checking ebay for handles and knobs but I will now! That’s the first thing my kitchen needs. Thanks!
Great ideas and pretty pictures for inspiration. I see pendant lights are everywhere now and I’m getting ready to take down my pot rack and put up some pretty pendants for a quick change/new look.
You can buy a kit to do this now! Easy peasy…..
I have to say that all wood cabinets do not need painted. Our house is 12 years old and we have beautiful, custom oak cabinets. While I do like some painted cabinets, I cannot see covering up our lovely wood. It is not the orangey, varnished type.
However, even in 12 years, you need change. We did the box light thing too, replaced that. Also recently replaced hardware and several years ago removed wallpaper and now have just paint. I think lights and hardware make a huge difference. A backsplash makes a big impact too and doesn’t have to be pricey, especially if you’re willing to DIY.
We are thinking next year we may replace appliances and upgrade our countertops.
I like that first kitchen you show – if I did use painted cabinets, I would not have everything the same color. I like the island/bar a different color or even use some wood and some painted cabs combo.
tina
Hey, Tina, you’re right, not all wood cabinets need to be painted, but that orangey oak was installed in the 80’s and 90’s in SO many homes and definitely could use an update. I don’t think it’s bad to paint that stuff at all, but if you’re happy with your oak cabinets, then by all means keep them.
Hi Rhoda! Oh, this was a great post as I love seeing kitchens! I thought I was happy with my tiny little kitchen – got a new granite countertop and backsplash – but now I’m in Envyville after seeing all of these beauties! 🙂
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
I am changing my flourescent light as soon as I can. I hate that thing. The previous owners built a gourmet kitchen, but totally cheaped out with the lights. Drives me crazy.
More gorgeous inspiration!
Thanks sooo much 🙂 I adore your blog and always look forward to what you’ll inspire us with!
Hop on over to mine and see what you think sometime 🙂
http://www.crispinteriors.blogspot.com/
Hello Dear Rhoda!
How are you doing today? I am very happy… we’re having a sunny day and after 2 weeks of rain and gray skies, I feel blessed for seeing the sunshine. 🙂
Another thing I am loving to see are the beautiful kitchens you’ve posted!
In my opinion a kitchen don’t need to have all the most expensive counters, the best materials and the biggest ranges. What you need to have in your kitchen is your PERSONALITY and things that makes you feel inspired. Add things that you love, some color, some fresh flowers or herbs and why not have a gallery of your favorite family pictures on a wall where you spend most of your time? Make it feel “homey”. Make it feel yours…
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
These are all beautiful kitchens, Rhoda. I like my current kitchen very much as it is, but every previous kitchen is one I changed in whatever way I could as I went along. As with any other room, I think paint is the way to get the biggest bang for the buck. And changing hardware can make a huge difference for not much money, too–you’re so right about that. But one of my favorite tips is just to go ahead and DO WHAT YOU CAN right now. I can remember one kitchen in a rental house that I wasn’t able to do much with–but I made a bright window treatment out of one yard of fabric, and that little change made a huge difference!
Isn’t Southern Living just the best source for design inspiration, year in and year out? I’m sometimes amazed to think about how many years I’ve been reading it. I still think the best compliment in the world is “That looks like something straight out of Southern Living!”
Hi Rhoda, All of these kitchens are beautiful. The Southern Living Design Homes are always my favorite and I love to tour them when possible.
Hugs, Sherry
I thought Cedar Creek was my fav. til I saw the Dallas one!!!!! WOW!!! IF i could change my kitchen I would knock the whole back wall of the house out about 4 feet and enlarge the kitchen, breakfast room and dining room!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know that isn’t going to happen but I dream:). Thanks for this post, I have put it in my favorites. XO, Pinky
Rhoda,
Those pictures are gorgeous! All of those kitchens are soooo roomy. I love the “look” of my kitchen, but it is so small. I really wish I had enough room for an island.
I looked at your list of ideas to update a kitchen, and we have actually done all of them…painted cabinets, changed hardware, added lighting under cabinets, new light fixtures, and pops of “red”! 🙂
Our kitchen has officially been “updated”!
Now if I could only make it bigger….
Beautiful kitchens Rhoda! I have the paint and the sprayer for mine and am planning on starting my kitchen remodel in January. Thanks for the inspiration pics!
xox
Jen
Hi Rhoda! I could look at kitchen photos for all of eternity and never get bored! I painted my old oak cabinets black (about a year ago now), added an island and some cabinet trim and the transformation was amazing! When I share the photos on the blog, I’ll be sure to let you know. I’m just putting some final touches on the kitchen before I unveil it to the world 🙂
I never get tired of looking at beautiful, interesting kitchens. I especially love the cabinets in the Kousa Creek one.
Hi Rhoda,
Lovely kitchens and great inspiration — thank you.
I was going to ask how you swapped out your fluorescent light, but I see you’ve answered that already! Thanks!
I am thinking about staining my stair railings and was wondering how yours have held up. I would really like to avoid stripping if at all possible.
Thank you for all your inspiration!
Take care,
Beth
Hi, Beth, my railings have held up just great! That Polyshades is very hard wearing and mine have not worn off at all. Still looks just like it did from the first day, so I’d definitely say give it a try.