When Barbara sent us her before-and-after photos, we couldn’t wait to share the transformation. Here’s her note:
My parents bought a house built in the 1970s and handed the remodeling project to my husband and me. The whole house felt stuck in that decade until a few months ago. Dark finishes and brown carpet were everywhere — but underneath that carpet we discovered beautiful wood floors. We were thrilled. Here are a few things we did to bring the kitchen up to date:
- Cabinetry: semi-custom cabinets from HQ Cabinets, chosen to fit our budget
- Countertops: Premium Black Granite from Contempo
- Paint color: Glidden’s Lemon Ice
- Barstools: Ingolf from Ikea
- Clock: Ikea
Thanks for the inspiration your site provides! It was a lot of work but absolutely worth it — hope you enjoy the before-and-after photos. — Barbara
Here are the dark and dated before photos:
And here’s the kitchen now, after a major update:
This makeover is striking. Barbara and her husband took a bold DIY approach, ripping up old carpet to reveal the original wood floors and choosing affordable, impactful finishes. The light paint, glass-front cabinet doors, and statement pendant lights over the peninsula completely changed the room’s feel. The mix of budget-friendly choices — like Ikea seating and a Glidden paint color — with higher-end touches such as granite countertops and semi-custom cabinets resulted in a polished, cohesive space that looks far more expensive than it cost.
What stands out most to you? The glass-front cabinets add openness and display space, while the pendant lamps make the peninsula a focal point. The reclaimed wood floors give the kitchen warmth and authenticity. Small, well-chosen updates can make a dramatic difference — this kitchen is a great example.