Before I get into the Christmas decorating, which I’m scrambling trying to finish, I wanted to go ahead and share before and after shots of my kitchen. Oh, how that space has changed. If you weren’t here at the beginning, you might not know how BAD it really was. Well, it was extremely dated, dirty and ugly and nothing short of a gut job would do. How happy I am that we did gut the space and start over.
If you’ve been with me through all of this process, you’ll remember this pic. Dated pine 70’s cabinets and this kitchen was filthy disgusting. I couldn’t wait to get them out of here. We closed up that door above that went into the living room and that was the best decision we made too. That gave me room for my open shelves and to extend the lower cabinets and countertop all the way to the windows.
AFTER: It’s a whole new space and I could NOT be happier with my kitchen. It truly is a dream kitchen to me. It has everything that I need and it’s all handy and just the right size.
Sink side before. Dated laminate butcher block, nothing in this kitchen could be saved (except for that old fridge, it’s now in my storage room downstairs).
AFTER: Lighter and brighter and my Ikea cabinets are the bomb. Love, love them!
Another disgusting Before shot, those lower cabinets were falling apart, they were so bad.
Here’s a shot from the same angle as the Before pic. Amazing the difference!
And now, it’s a whole brand new kitchen with Kashmir White granite countertops and a Metallic Gray Blanco granite sink. You’ll notice that I finally got that window painted.
And another view of the dishwasher and fridge. My cabinet installer did a great job building in the fridge and I love how it turned out.
Looking back to the dining room, this is the only door coming in here now and it works just fine. I adore my new kitchen! In fact, I adore my whole house. I added my cute little chalkboard by the door. That was a yardsale find, actually a mirror that I painted with chalkboard paint. It will come in handy for grocery items.
Those open shelves made from salvaged wood that I got from Southern Accents in Cullman, AL are such great statement pieces in here. I’m so glad I saved them from 2 years ago and finally got to use them in my new home.  That subway tile is exactly what I wanted too and I’m really happy with all my choices. Planning a kitchen from scratch can be quite intimidating and I really tried to make classic long-lasting choices and I sure hope I did.
My coffee station is to the left of the sink.
Did you notice I painted my island? I thought bringing in the gray in the rug and countertops would be a nice balance and I really like the color (which is Timbermine by Dutch Boy, in case you are wondering). And I finally figured out the best way to place it in here, all the way against the windows. I like it a lot and can still get into my large bank of drawers and the fridge to the left.
The chevron runner is from Ballard Designs.
That green pottery piece on top of the island is a bean pot and was a gift from a reader and it came from Celebrating Home. She let me pick out what I wanted and it’s a cooking pot. What sweet readers I have! Thank you, Leah! I have barely had time to start cooking again, I’ve just been grabbing what I can from the grocery store, but soon I’ll be back to cooking meals again.
My bunny chef will be on guard on the island.
And looking back towards the pantry (which I love, love), this kitchen is all I could ever dream of. Truly, it’s very functional, has plenty of storage space and I adore it. It’s the nicest kitchen I’ve ever had.
Here’s the post on the breakdown of all the kitchen costs, so check it out for all the details. It was a very affordable kitchen renovation!
Thanks for sharing in this renovation journey with me, it’s been so much fun having all of you along for the ride! I can hardly believe I’m actually in here now, but it sure feels good. Â
Don’t forget our Holiday link parties start on Tuesday and Layla’s up first with mantels! Since I don’t have a mantel, I’ll be showing you my dining room sideboard all decked out!
Monday at 3 pm EST, I’ll be doing a Google hangout with these fun bloggers and we’ll all be sharing ways to use cloches from Wayfair. It’s all about the Holidays and how to make them fun and festive!
Rhoda it is just beautiful!! You did such an amazing job and I am so happy for you!
Rhoda,
I just love the way your kitchen turned out! Amazing transformation and so much my taste as well. I can’t wait to have another home of my own one day where I can have a “dream kitchen” all my own.
Happy Holidays,
Lisa
Rhoda- the kitchen is lovely.Love the color with the white cabinets. Even though I am not much of a cook I still appreciate a beautiful kitchen. Congrats on a great reno!
You new kitchen looks amazing Rhoda! It’s so bright and cheery.
It’s just wonderful, Rhoda, what a blessing that home is for you. Your folks deserve extra stars in their crowns for their help. I know you appreciate them so much! Love the cabinetry!
I have really enjoyed riding along on this journey with you. I think the two big windows in your kitchen were a major bonus. It was nice that you had them to work with along with the window over your sink. It is all so cute, and those rustic shelves are fantastic – my favorite part.
Rhoda, your kitchen is beautiful! How nice that you can enjoy it for the holidays! I know you will have a wonderful time decorating! Love it!
Rhoda, it IS beautiful! I think you have an amazing knack for seeing the end result from the beginning. I think you will have many wonderful moments cooking in that kitchen. And the coffee station just says “grab a cup!.
…every single thing is beautiful…you are an inspiration…and so deserving of this wonderful home…blessings laney
Rhoda – Your new kitchen is just fabulous!! You did a wonderful job of planning it. I just hope mine comes out as well.
Saw the pillow I did you in a chair. Enjoy it!
Judy
What an amazing transformation! Your kitchen is just lovely!
So pretty Rhoda! I love the white cabinets and the shelving. Nicely done. Pinned 🙂
Amazing, Everything turned out just beautiful. It does feel like a true home. You should be very proud of yourself, Dad and mom. have a great week.
Rhoda, I celebrate with you each and every time you show a picture of your new home. I cannot tell you how happy I am for you and thankful that you have been blessed with such a cute place and that you worked so hard with your mom and dad to achieve it. You deserve to be happy, and I pray blessings abounding on you, my friend.
Love this. Now, I want some IKEA cabinets! 🙂
XO,
Sheila
I’ve been following your progress from the beginning, even though I don’t comment often. Everything looks wonderful and it has such a warm feeling of home. Great job!
It all looks fabulous! You should sell tickets for a home tour like Southern Living does. I would sure come!
I love your kitchen and what a change. I know you must be overwhelmed with joy. Congrats to you and your beautiful kitchen.
Rhoda- it looks so pretty, bright, fresh… and YOU! It appears you have gotten the absolute most out of the space- and I can tell you- as I have “matured” Ireally appreciate the ability to turn around and reach most everything… You have done an incredible job of combining space management with good design – and economically! As a reader gbove stated- it has been such a joy to get to watch this journey of love and hard work, with you and your precious parents!! Thank you for So much for sharing…. do have the most joyfilled and Merry Christmas with all those folks who matter most in your life!!
Alice A
It’s beautiful, Rhoda! And so jealous you have the large drawers. My kitchen in Ukraine had them- even bigger!- and I MISS them so much!!! If we ever get to re-do a kitchen, we will absolutely put those in instead of lower cabinets!
Wow, Rhoda!! Such an amazing job. And, that view into your dining room is beautiful!
So happy for you and your new kitchen and your new life 🙂