Lately many of the submissions we’ve received have been kitchen remodels, and since we’re in a kitchen mindset, we’re excited to share this one from Jasmine and Sam. Their renovation caught our eye with a refined white-on-white palette, layered texture, and clean, modern lines. Functionally, the project stands out for smart storage solutions and thoughtful detailing—adding upper cabinets and crown moulding transformed the feel and utility of the whole room. Below is Jasmine and Sam’s note describing the work and choices they made.
Hey everyone! We recently celebrated our one-year anniversary in our remodeled house and wanted to share photos of our new kitchen. We did almost all the work ourselves—luckily we’re a handy pair and enjoy taking on projects.
The base cabinets were maple in a classic shaker style. To extend the look upward, we ordered a second set of matching cabinets for the top row from a local cabinet supplier and had all the doors sprayed in Benjamin Moore’s Simply White by an automotive painter friend. I painted the exposed gables, stretchers, and other fixed surfaces with a foam roller to match. We splurged on new Viking appliances, which transformed both the look and performance of the kitchen. Sam did the bulk of the installations—he’ll tell you they weren’t his favorite jobs, but they were worth doing carefully and saved us money in the process.
For the backsplash, we chose a white beveled subway tile that adds subtle depth without drawing attention away from the overall calm palette. The tile has a gently reflective surface that plays with light and helps the space feel brighter. The previous flooring was a mix of birch hardwood and an unfortunate shag carpet that visually chopped the main floor into zones. We removed everything and installed engineered walnut floating flooring across the entire main level for continuity and warmth. We sourced the flooring through an auction that sells surplus material, which made the purchase very budget-friendly. The bar stools are from Crate & Barrel and add a nice contrast to the otherwise all-white scheme.
The wall color is Antique White while the cabinets and trim are matched to Benjamin Moore’s Simply White using a Behr Paint & Primer in One formula. One structural column sits in the middle of the kitchen and, despite our hopes, couldn’t be removed because it supports the house. To make the post feel intentional, we dressed it up with moulding and trim so it integrates with the cabinetry and overall design rather than interrupting the flow. It’s now an accepted part of the room—still not ideal, but far better than before.
Jasmine and Sam make a compelling case for how thoughtful upgrades—consistent cabinet color, added upper storage, coordinated trim, and quality appliances—can elevate a kitchen’s aesthetic and functionality without requiring extravagant budgets. Their use of white-on-white demonstrates how texture, finishes, and small contrasts (like walnut floors and metal stools) give depth and warmth to a predominantly neutral palette. The extra cabinetry increases storage and balances the room visually, while the clean backsplash and durable countertops keep the look crisp and easy to maintain.
If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, consider these practical takeaways from this project: match upper and lower cabinet styles for a cohesive look; use moulding to turn an awkward structural element into a design feature; extend consistent flooring across adjoining areas to unify the layout; and invest where it counts—appliances and thoughtful storage solutions. Small, well-chosen details often have the biggest impact.
P.S. We also recorded our Thanksgiving road-trip memories over on Young House Life—great for anyone looking for travel and holiday inspiration.
P.P.S. We recently listed our dining table and six chairs from our first home on a local classifieds site. It’s in great condition and about four years old—if you’re hunting for budget-friendly furniture, check local listings.