When Jennifer sent us before-and-after photos of her nearly unrecognizable kitchen, we had to share the transformation. Here’s her note:
I’m so excited about my kitchen transformation that I had to send it your way since so much of it was inspired by YHL! Two of my favorite features in my new space (an under-cabinet spice shelf and a sliding barn door) came from a transformation you featured on your blog a few months back. You can see my full reveal with before-and-after photos and the day-by-day process on my blog. I’m thrilled we were able to take the room from a neon green mess (yes, I painted it that color… it looked better in my head) to a serene, welcoming, and highly functional space that’s easy on the eyes. My favorite things are the garden window where my herbs are finally flourishing instead of dying in the Illinois winter, and the spice shelf inspired by your post. Thanks so much for helping me realize my dream kitchen—without your blog and the amazing makeovers you share, I don’t think I’d have half of these fun features. – Jennifer
Here’s Jennifer’s bold green kitchen before:
And here’s her fresh, inviting space after the makeover:
Pretty dramatic, right? Here’s Jennifer’s list of sources and key elements she used to achieve the look:
- Cabinets: Bertch Cherry Wood, Brindle Stain
- Countertops: Quartz, Ivory Coast
- Appliances: Kenmore Elite
- Hardwood Floors: Bruce Hardwood Floors
- Sink: Farmhouse stainless steel undermount sink
- Faucet: Modern pull-out spiral kitchen mixer
- Instant hot water: Quick hot water tank and chrome faucet combo
- Rug: Dash & Albert, Lighthouse Sprout/White indoor/outdoor
- Light fixture: Bellamy antique pewter semi-flush ceiling light
It’s hard to believe it’s the same room. We love that Jennifer didn’t let her initial lime-green paint choice stop her—she embraced the project with confidence and enthusiasm. Many people get stuck trying to make the “perfect” choice and never move forward, but Jennifer used inspiration from kitchens she admired and tailored those ideas to fit her home. That’s a great approach if you’re feeling stuck: flip through design magazines, browse showrooms, or search online to identify elements you love, then mix and match until the space feels like yours.
We also admire her resourcefulness—she hunted the web for bargains on fixtures and finishes, finding great deals that kept the renovation within budget. The result is a cohesive kitchen with ceiling-height cabinets, a subtle mosaic backsplash, built-in storage features like the under-cabinet spice shelf, and gleaming quartz counters that make the whole room feel fresh and polished.
If you’re planning your own remodel, consider these takeaways from Jennifer’s project: start with one or two features you love (a garden window, a unique shelf, or a statement light), prioritize functionality, and be willing to shop around for fixtures and finishes. Small, well-chosen details can transform a dated space into something welcoming and efficient.
Thanks to Jennifer for sharing her inspiring photos and tips—we’re thrilled with the results and hope her story sparks ideas for your next renovation. What are your favorite parts of this makeover?