Karin is a pet photographer in Minneapolis who, when not capturing portraits of dogs, transformed her kitchen into a warm, modern space. This remodel favors natural materials and light, proving that a wood-focused kitchen can still feel bright and contemporary. Below is Karin’s story, accompanied by her before, during, and after photos.
Hi Sherry and John! You’ve been an inspiration for my husband and I as we purchased our first home last summer and immediately started tearing it apart. After years of renting, we finally took the plunge and bought our first house. We wanted an open, modern layout with lots of natural light. Thanks to our HGTV habit, we were clear on what we needed versus what we could change ourselves. We found a semi-neglected house that had the “must-haves,” and because it was the most affordable option, we could afford larger renovations.
The original kitchen and dining area were worn and in need of major work. The walls were stained, the carpet had pest issues, and many floor tiles were cracked. The photos don’t fully show how much TLC the space needed.
Jeff and I salvaged and donated what we could, then demoed the rest. We completed much of the work ourselves with family help and hired professionals for structural and specialized tasks—like installing heavy structural beams and running a gas line to the stove. We learned a lot along the way and saved money by comparison shopping. For example, our dining chairs came from Overstock and we built the dining table using Ikea legs.
I often referenced how-to guides on YHL—especially for the backsplash—and those resources gave me the confidence to tackle projects I initially found intimidating. Thank you for the inspiration! – Karin
This renovated kitchen feels light and airy while celebrating wood cabinetry and natural tones. Karin has shared many more photos and a detailed source list on her photography blog for anyone looking for specifics. And, naturally, the reveal includes the family pets—because a kitchen that feels like home should include the dogs.
Which detail stands out most? For many it’s the dogs, but other highlights include the dining chairs, bar stools, and the glowing pendant lights over the island. The clean cabinet hardware and the waterfall edge on the island countertop are subtle, elegant touches that complete the room.