Tag: kitchen makeover

Kitchen Renovation: The Cabinets

Written by Jenna on December 7, 2015. Posted in DIY, Kitchen, Kitchen Makeover, Kitchen Renovation. 1 Comment on Kitchen Renovation: The Cabinets

It’s been about 2+ weeks since I shared an update on the progress of the kitchen renovation and A LOT has happened!

Once the hardwood floors were complete and we were able to move back into our home, the CABINETS ARRIVED. It was a very, very exciting day to say the least.

For this kitchen renovation that I am partnering with Lowe’s on, I chose to use cabinets by Kraftmaid.

Not only does Kraftmaid have an extensive selection of cabinet styles + colors, their attention to detail is exquisite, as well as the craftmanship of their product. When I started the design process for this renovation, I was quite impressed with all the ‘bells & whistles’ that they offer (many of which come standard with their cabinetry) + the variety of storage solutions they offer.

Once the design plan was in place and the cabinets went into production, a date for their arrival was lightly scratched in stone (versus ‘set in stone’ – bad joke, I know). We didn’t know if the cabinets would actually arrive on that date, but the Lowe’s independent contractor worked day after day to have everything with the walls + floors buttoned up by this magical date.

So the morning of the date comes and I heard crickets… I never was so anxious to receive a call, and THEN my phone rank and I was jumping for joy.

The cabinets DID arrive as planned on the date and I was able to breathe again…

The delivery company unloaded the truck box by box and stacked them ALL into my garage.

There were a lotta boxes and the garage was filled to the max!

The cabinets were gorgeous. Just how I imagined.

And then the fun began of installation…

The following Monday, the contractor got started with installing the cabinets in the empty shell that we once called our kitchen. The upper cabinets (which there are only 2 of) were the first to go into place. They set the placement for everything else thereafter.

Once the upper cabinets were in place, the base cabinets were installed, followed by the cabinet above the refrigerator + the pantry to the right…

By the end of Day One, this was the progress that was made.

I loved watching the new space evolve.

I literally gasped with excitement as each new cabinet was set into place.

Day after day, more progress was made and it started to look & feel like a kitchen.

A real kitchen.

After dreaming about this space for so long + being without a functioning hub for weeks, it felt so good.

In about 5 days, about 95% of the cabinets were installed.

And then IT HAPPENED… after weeks of living out of boxes, I was able to put away all my kitchen essentials.

A glass of wine + some serene tunes on Pandora and IT WAS A PARTY. By myself. With my dishes.

Above…

Below…

…There is so much incredible storage + space. From the outside to the inside, every nook & cranny is so pretty!

CABINETRY

For this kitchen renovation, I chose the Cayden line of cabinets in Dove White (perimeter cabinets) + Greyloft (island cabinets) by Kraftmaid. It’s a full overlay door with an inset panel and minimalist detailing.

For the hardware, I chose the sleek polished nickel Fordham pull.

This was the palette that I created during the design phase and the actual space is really coming together how I envisioned. squeal…

Without giving too much away, here are a few close up peeks at how the finished cabinets look once installed…

The crown moulding still has to be finished, but the flat stock has been added.

CABINET INTERIORS

Check out a few snapshots of the cabinet interiors…

WHY KRAFTMAID.

It’s a fair question. From Ikea to custom, there are a zillion cabinetry companies out there to choose form, so why Kraftmaid?

DESIGN. Lowe’s offers a great service of working with a kitchen designer who can create a plan for you. Whether you know exactly what you want or need hand-holding + direction, the Lowe’s design team will work with you to implement a plan. You not only want to create a high-functioning space, but also a kitchen area that fits your style + aesthetic… the Lowe’s kitchen designers can do that for you!

SELECTION. Kraftmaid has an incredible selection of cabinet styles, colors, decorative enhancements (add-ons), storage solutions, hardware, etc… Having options allows the possibility of achieving a custom-to-you, one of a kind kitchen!

QUALITY. Kraftmaid stands behind their product (check out their warranty) and with a big investment you want a company that cares about their product. Their attention to detail + the craftsmanship of their product is exquisite. What other cabinet companies upcharge for, Kraftmaid cabinets come as standard including solid wood dovetail drawers that are full extension + soft close and a finishing system on their doors to make them twice as resistant to scratches.

STORAGE. Kraftmaid has a huge selection of storage solutions. As much as the outsides of the cabinets need to be pretty, the insides have to be functional.

I am so thrilled with the progress of this kitchen renovation. I will be 100% honest, the renovation process has been exhausting + wearing and I haven’t even lifted a finger (with all the DIY we do, I couldn’t not imagine doing this as a do it yourself project… that’s just too much for me). There have been frustrating + tiring days, but I just keep focusing on the end result. In mere months, this renovation will be simply be a past moment in time. For now, I’m just thankful to have cabinets + focusing on the day-to-day progress!

Next up… countertops. I can not wait to share with you what I chose!

If you want to see all the posts documenting the kitchen renovation, here they are from start to finish:
Wonderful White Kitchen Inspiration
Kitchen Remodel: Before + Plan of Action
Demo Day: Steps for Demolishing the Kitchen
Kitchen Progress: Staining Hardwood Floors
The Cabinets Arrive + Get Installed
Natural Quartz Countertops in the Kitchen
10 Countertop Materials to Consider for the Kitchen
Subway Tile Installation + Choosing the RIGHT Subway
Kitchen Backsplash Tile Options + Inspiration
Choosing a Paint Color + Wallpaper for the Kitchen and Dining Room
Kitchen Renovation: The Appliances
Dissecting the Details
Kitchen Renovation: REVEAL + RESOURCES

DISCLAIMER: THIS KITCHEN RENOVATION IS A COLLABORATION WITH LOWEâ€™S USING KRAFTMAID CABINETRY. ALL OPINIONS + SELECTIONS ARE MY OWN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF KRAFTMAID AND THE LOWEâ€™S DESIGN TEAM.

Demo Day: Steps for Demolishing the Kitchen

Written by Jenna on November 9, 2015. Posted in DIY, Kitchen, Kitchen Makeover, Kitchen Renovation. 4 Comments on Demo Day: Steps for Demolishing the Kitchen

Demo Day means one thing… construction has begun!

Last week demolition of the existing kitchen started and I was full of emotions from excitement to nervousness. After months of planning, I just couldn’t believe the day had come.

After spending the weekend clearing + cleaning out the kitchen and adjacent areas, the kitchen was ready to be teared down.

I was anticipating DEMO DAY to be rugged & raw with sledgehammers flying and earsplitting noise of walls being tore down. Like this…

via

Yay, not so much. Guess it’s a good thing with a baby in the house who typically naps for 3+ hours…

I was a little disappointed that I couldn’t get the days anxieties out with a haul of a hammer, but I got over it quickly.

A few hours in to demo day, the window treatments were down, the cabinets were out, and the contractors were well on their way to clearing out the kitchen area.

The kitchen cabinets came out first, followed by the soffit above the existing cabinets. The new upper cabinets will continue to the ceiling with decorative moulding, which will really heighten the space+ provide more storage space inside.

The ‘soffit’ in front of the window (above the sink) we discovered is a beam, which will need to remain. Can’t take out what is holding up the house!

Beyond the beam though, we will be able to heighten the soffit, which will allow new tile to continue up and around all sides of the window. A pretty new pendant over the sink will also be installed.

Over the coming days once demo is complete, other areas of focus will be the plumbing + electrical. The electrical changes will include relocating + adding outlets, repositioning the recessed lights in the ceiling, and adding pendant lights over the island.

All the wiring for the electrical will take place now during the demo + repair phase, then when the cabinets are in, the contractor will be able to cut the exact locations in the sheetrock, so they are in the exact position that I’d like. Not too shabby…

See that ugly tile? That was the original floor for the kitchen + dining space. I couldn’t imagine… The hardwood flooring was installed by the previous owners and since the kitchen was already in place, they followed the footprint perimeter of the cabinets.

The challenging part that we’re going to encounter with our proposed plan is weaving new flooring into this area where the dishwasher once was because we are eliminating the footprint of this “peninsula” and instead creating a big ole’ island.

Once the new floor is installed, ALL the first floor hardwood floors will be sanded & restained. By weaving in new floor with the old though, it’s unknown how the stain will take and the new floor boards might be obvious & stand out. I was told, the darker the floor, the higher probability that it’ll be apparent. It’s an unknown at the moment, so we shall see what happens…

By days end, just the shell of the space was left.

I couldn’t believe how everything was out & already how different the kitchen space felt. And all I kept thinking was, it’s really happening…

It’s amazing how a room can look + feel so different when everything is removed. Your eye isn’t drawn to what it sees anymore, but instead with a clear palette a world of new thoughts + ideas come flurrying in.

For months (maybe even years in my head), I planned + designed every nook & cranny of the new kitchen, but having it actually go from a dream to reality is mind-boggling.

As my kitchen adventure continues, I plan to share the good, the bad, and all the steps in between with hopes to inspire + educate if you ever decide to renovate the kitchen in your home.

Next up for this kitchen renovation… finishing repairing the walls & then the patching + staining of the hardwood floors. After that, cabinets will be delivered.

Thanks for following along!

DISCLAIMER: THIS KITCHEN RENOVATION IS A COLLABORATION WITH LOWEâ€™S. ALL OPINIONS + SELECTIONS ARE MY OWN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LOWEâ€™S DESIGN TEAM.

Kitchen Remodel: Before + Plan of Action

Written by Jenna on November 2, 2015. Posted in DIY, Kitchen Renovation. 5 Comments on Kitchen Remodel: Before + Plan of Action

Last week I filled your feed with over-the-top gorgeous white kitchen inspiration!

Today, I’m sharing the PLAN OF ACTION for MY kitchen makeover.

You heard it right, I’m renovating my kitchen. It’s true and I couldn’t be happier.

I’ve had the awesome opportunity to design many kitchens for clients and now it’s my turn to create a dream kitchen space. To be honest, I have 100% been the worst client ever – too many changes, lots of drawn-out dramatic decisions – trying to fit every best thing into this space (which didn’t happen by the way), BUT either way I know it’s going to be fabulous when it’s complete…

THE BEFORE.

Before sharing what’s to come, let’s take a step back to look at the current kitchen (soon-to-be ‘before’).

You may think the kitchen looks great in this shot. And you’re right… here it does because this picture was snapped right after the DIY makeover 4.5 years ago. The current state of the kitchen at this moment is a mess and I couldn’t find any other before ‘pictures’.

Anyway, in 4.5 years we used + abused this space and overall some elements have worked well, but more HAVE NOT worked! For the new layout of this kitchen, it was key to figuring out how to make a better flowing, more efficient new kitchen.

THE PROCESS.

I started off this kitchen makeover as I typically would with my clients by creating a Vision Board with elements + inspiration to capture how I envision the overall space to look + feel.

By flipping through magazines + gathering images from the web, I set out to find overall spaces that I would love to live in + specific elements in rooms that I am drawn to. When working with a client on a room refresh, these are the same steps we take to capture the vision + aesthetic direction to then create the unique-to-them magical, dream space.

Here are a few favorite kitchen spaces…

Overall, there is a commonality with all these spaces.

They are all… Crisp. Clean. Classic. White. Open Shelving. Layered with Pops of Color.

All elements I want for my new kitchen space.

Since DIYing our current kitchen a few years back, I knew I wanted painted cabinets instead of stained. I also knew with our open concept floor plan, I wanted + needed the new kitchen to feel light, bright, and most of all timeless; classic was key! After contemplating about one or multiple colors for the cabinets, I knew white (how much more classic can you get than white) would be the dominate cabinet color choice. As always, I feel it’s important to add depth + contrast in a room, and so for this space the perimeter cabinets will be white, the island will be a rich deep charcoal, and many layers will be introduced atop to make the space pop with color.

THE PLAN.

For this kitchen makeover, I am thrilled to be collaborating with Lowe’s and their design team. After I created the initial layout, I met with a design team member at my local Lowe’s who assisted me to create the most efficient + beautifully aesthetic plan possible.

At Lowe’s, they have multiple cabinet companies in a range of price points. I decided that the Kraftmaid cabinetry line would suit my design aesthetic best and their selection of cabinet design styles + colors are extensive.

I shared with them the following to get the project started:

> Overall existing measurements of the kitchen area

> Vision Board + Room Inspiration to convey overall design direction

> Appliance selections (so they fit correctly in the new plan)

As the design evolved over a few weeks, there were several renditions, but this is the final proposed plan. A large center island (which will have counter stool seating) anchors the space with continuous flow around. The red dashed line shown in the plan below is where there is currently ‘peninsula’ cabinetry, which will be eliminated.

Check out these fabulous 3-D images of how the kitchen will look when complete.

I wish with a snap-of-a-finger it would be done and looking like this. I can see myself cooking right there on that island. soon…

Seeing these perspective images really helps visualize how the finished space will look. So different from it’s current state.

Part of the soffit above the current cabinets will be removed so the new upper cabinets will be full height to the ceiling. Unfortunately, the soffit above the window can not be removed because it’s a structural element supporting the house. It was a bit of a bummer, but THANKFULLY we cut a whole in the sheetrock to find this out BEFORE the cabinets went into production!

Tip: If you are renovating a kitchen and have soffits above your current cabinetry, cut a hole to see if there is ductwork or plumbing inside before ordering cabinets! Pipes or supporting beams may be rerouted, but it could be costly.

A new full-depth pantry will be added to the right of the refrigerator which will house the small appliances (coffee maker, toaster, etc) + mobile gadgets.

The overall finished space will have a balanced mix of closed cabinetry and open shelving (on the walls + in the island).

THE PALETTE.

Using my inspirational pictures, I created my materials palette. As with most spaces (for myself & clients), I feel it’s best that the main elements that you want to “live” for a long time should be more neutral; not plain jane, but classic. THEN color + texture can be layered in through accessories, window treatments, a rug, wall decor, etc – all elements that aren’t overall expensive & can be changed when you want a refresh.

– 1 – Painted white (Kraftmaid dove white) for the perimeter cabinets; Painted dark gray (Kraftmaid greyloft) for the island

– 2 – Polished Nickel cabinet hardware

– 3 – White subway tile on the backsplash with dark grout

– 4 – Stainless appliances (Smudge-Proof by Frigidaire – genius)

– 5 – Silestone (lagoon) for the countertops

– 6 – Organic elements, layers with texture + visual engagement

– 7 – Lighting, pendants over the island

– 8 – Sink + Faucet. modern + functional

– 9 – Wood Floors to be refinished in a medium brown tone

– 10 – Counter stool seating at island

– 11 – Paint on the walls in a neutral light gray tone

– 12 – Pops of color with cookware, accessories, cookbooks, and more

STORAGE.

The inside of the cabinets will be loaded with smart storage solutions. Aside from the overall aesthetics of the kitchen, the organizational component has this gal smitten. More often than not, homeowners create a gorgeous new kitchen and regret not maximizing the interiors of the cabinetry with built-in storage.

The interiors of the cabinets ARE JUST AS IMPORTANT as the exteriors!

Kraftmaid has an extensive selection of storage elements. Here is the plan for the cabinet interiors…

And there you have it! Isn’t it incredible?!

Designing + Renovating a kitchen is, hands-down, the hardest space because it’s the ‘hub’ of the home. We want it to look + function the best way possible. The expense + time without the everyday essentials is difficult. BUT, remodeling a kitchen to fit your wants + needs is the BEST INVESTMENT EVER. For our family, morning till night, we live in our kitchen & it’s where everyone – our family & guests – congregate. It’s going to be a rough few months to come, but I’m prepared. i think, i hope…

Of course more details to come soon, so I’d love for you to follow along on this journey while we renovate our kitchen!

DISCLAIMER: THIS KITCHEN RENOVATION IS A COLLABORATION WITH LOWE’S. ALL OPINIONS + SELECTIONS ARE MY OWN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LOWE’S DESIGN TEAM.

Wonderful White Kitchens

Written by Jenna on October 29, 2015. Posted in Decorating, Kitchen. 1 Comment on Wonderful White Kitchens

On the gloomiest of days, a white kitchen will always put a smile on your face!

I am so excited to share that I am in the midst of designing a kitchen that I’ve always dreamt of AND it’s for me!

I’ve created beautiful kitchens for many clients & I am thrilled that I finally have the opportunity to put all the wants + needs of a gorgeous + uber-functional kitchen into my own home. I’ll be honest, I can walk in to a clients home and with a snap-of-a-finger see how to transform it. With my own kitchen, it hasn’t been so easy… my finger snapping failed me.

I, like many others, have always wished for white. And so of course, my new kitchen will have white cabinets (not all, but most). I was hesitant about white at first feeling that it might be too sterile or too ‘white’, but with layers + pops of color throughout, I know it’s the right choice for now + later.

If you’re dreamy about white like me, here are some kitchens to be inspired by that perfectly balance white with layers of color, texture, and style…

WHITE IN A COTTAGE STYLEFeatured at BHG

WHITE WITH POPS OF CITRINEPhoto by Eric Piasecki; Katie Ridder Rooms; Featured on HGTV

WHITE + A COLORFUL ISLANDDesigned by ME! Photographed by Laura Moss, Featured at BHG

[more details on the before & after of this kitchen can be found in this post – it’s a must see]

WHITE WITH WOODKitchen of Sarah Sherman Samuel

WHITE WITH A CONTRAST TILE + FLOORKitchen designed by Mary Jo Fiorella

WHITE WITH OPEN SHELVESKitchen featured at BHG

WHITE REFRESH WITH NAVYKitchen + Mood Board by Emily Henderson

INDUSTRIAL STYLE WHITEDesigned by Fixer Upper‘s Joanna Gaines; Featured in HGTV Magazine

A MIX OF WHITE + GRAY Kitchen by Melissa of The Inspired Room

WHITE BACKSPLASH WITH DARK GROUTKitchen by Taste Interior Design

SMALL BUT SOPHISTICATEDKitchen by Hunted Interior

GO BOLD WITH A BACKSPLASH Photography By: Kim Cornelison; Home of Kim Cornelison + Alfie Ferreyra ; Featured at HGTV

WHITE IN A TRADITIONAL SETTINGKitchen featured at BHG

WHITE WITH OPEN WOOD SHELVESKitchen by Our House

WHITE WITH POPS OF COLORKitchen designed by: Lauren Muse; Featured at HGTV

FLOOR TO CEILING WHITE IN A GALLEY LAYOUTKitchen design by: Design Development

WHITE WITH BOLD LAYERS [turquoise is a favorite]

Kitchen featured at BHG

ECLECTIC WHITEKitchen by White Buffalo Styling Co

Open Shelves. Wood. Pops of Color. White Tile. Contrasting Grout. Colored Island.

Many elements from these inspirational pictures have influenced the design decisions for my kitchen. I can’t wait to share the details + plan of action with you… Next Week hopefully!

What colored cabinets would be in your dream kitchen? Is it white?

DID YOU HEAR? WE’RE RENOVATING OUR KITCHEN

Eclectic Style Kitchen + Living Room Tour

Written by Jenna on April 2, 2015. Posted in Decorating.

Last year I had the opportunity to work on a kitchen renovation project with a client and the result was incredible. I recently was asked to return to make some updates to the living room and I’d love to show you the before & after of each space.

The house is very charming & unique with high ceilings, wood beams, and an eclectic aesthetic.

On my first visit to the house to discuss the scope of work with the client, I immediately realized that the kitchen layout was totally wrong. There was so much potential, but the dated cabinets and flow of the space was taking away from it’s true potential + function. The space itself was of a decent size, but the layout with a ying-yang peninsula made the kitchen awkward & tight to maneuver.

the ‘before’…

With the kitchen sandwiched between the living room and dining room + with only 2 small windows facing the north, the space was dark and drear – all day the client would leave lights on to make the space look + feel brighter & airier.

Aside from reworking the cabinetry layout, I also needed to figure out a way to bring in light. This space needed it’s moment!!!

another ‘before’ picture…

We were originally thinking about painting the existing cabinets, but upon further inspection and confirmation from my cabinet guy about their durability + that we had to reconfigure the cabinets, we realized the painting route wouldn’t be worth the effort + cost, so everything got ripped out!

We chose a new palette with a mix of soft gray, light teal, and quarter sawn oak for the cabinets + a gorgeous danby marble countertop. This was the creative vision board/mood board I created for the proposed kitchen…

New cabinets were built for the perimeter of the kitchen, the refrigerator was relocated, and the sink + stove were moved to locations that made better sense for the function + flow.

The biggest addition was creating a giant opening between the kitchen and dining room to let the natural light shine through! There was previously an opening pass-through to connect the 2 spaces, but it went from 3′ wide to 9′ wide + 2′ higher.

We also added a faux beam above the opening which ties in to other door openings in the home. Continuing the style + making new look cohesive with the existing is very important!

The center peninsula that made the ‘before’ kitchen like a maze was eliminated and in it’s place we decided on a big island that houses the microwave & lots of cabinetry storage. The island countertop was extended to create a seating spot for stools.

So it went from this to this…

It’s difficult to even believe you are looking at the same space, pretty much from the same angle. Here are more ‘after’ shots.

the ‘after’…

A smaller sized rectangular glass tile in a gray/blue hue was chosen for the backsplash and continues up to the ceiling behind the hood. The section of wall behind the commercial-style range + hood was built out about 6″ to give the wall more depth and prominence.

New sconces were installed above the existing windows & new roman shades were hung high on the wall to give the appearance of a taller window.

It is incredible how much brighter this space is with the lighter hues on the walls + cabinetry & the new larger opening.

Shelving storage was a must for this kitchen and when it was decided to close up a small passageway between the living room and kitchen, it allowed space for shelves. The shelves are 1.5″ thick and made of quarter sawn oak, which has the most gorgeous grain. The refrigerator now sits on this side of the kitchen – a spot that is much less dominant.

Let’s talk about the island lights since they’ve been in almost every picture. Aren’t they spectacular?!

The pendants are overly large – YES, but this space needed it. The ceilings are high (over 12′) & the kitchen space is big, and there is nothing more near & dear to my heart than adding drama with lighting. These show-stoppers make the kitchen. The space would have been okay without, but they give it the edge needed to stand out & be dramatic!

Way back a long time ago, I shared a sneak peek of these lights on IG & many of you loved them too. The lights are from Shades of Light but unfortunately aren’t available anymore – sorry.

The view from the dining room looking into the kitchen…

On to the living room, the room we recently worked on & wrapped up just a few weeks ago.

The living room has the same high ceilings with cable lighting above, wood flooring, and an eclectic style. The space was challenging the client because the layout (again) of the furniture wasn’t working. The room is not a stand-alone living room, but is the space where you enter in from the front door, the traffic flow that connects to the second floor, and the only real spot for reading + “hanging out” in (which = a need for ample seating). A better layout with more function was needed!

The wall that began with one mirror, now holds a dozen. Stairs can be challenging, so this eclectic mix of mirrors in varying sizes that reflect the light shining through from the windows opposite the wall, was the perfect solution.

The revamp for the living room was a mix of reusing the old, refurbishing the worn, and layering in some new.

The settee, which the client had mixed emotions about keeping, was given new life when we chose a new vibrant colored rug for it to sit on. Then layers of new pillows were made in fabrics of bright hues including blue, red, orange, and green to give a pop of color & warmth.

One of the many challenges in this space were the windows. There were 4 windows with differing heights, so to tie them together we decided on a common height and had new roman shades made in a geometric pattern of green & white.

It’s amazing how this room feels + functions so much better now by simply rearranging the furniture and adding in new layers – a rug, pillows, lighting, mirrors, etc. It truly is a relaxing + inviting space that I would personally love to just sit, read, and soak-up-the-sun in all day.

A chair that had been covered with blankets because the fabric was torn underneath was recovered in a deep navy velvet fabric and is now Oh So luxurious!

We also brought life back to another chair in the room by reupholstering it in a fun Ikat pattern of navy + white.

I adore the result of these beautiful new rooms (especially the kitchen), and I hope you did too! Thanks for taking time out of your day to take the tour 😉

BHG Kitchen + Bath Makeovers COVER Feature: Year 2

Written by Jenna on March 18, 2015. Posted in DIY, Kitchen, Magazine Feature. 4 Comments on BHG Kitchen + Bath Makeovers COVER Feature: Year 2

I am so excited to share that for the second year in a row, a kitchen project that I designed is on the Spring cover of the Better Homes & Gardens Special Interest Publication, Kitchen + Bath Makeovers.

How is this possible?! Even though I’ve had over a dozen features in various BHG magazines, the thrill never diminishes. It truly is a pinch-me-moment ever time!

My last experience collaborating with BHG on a kitchen makeover was fantastic and to see the result on the cover was incredible. From having a project featured in that magnitude, so many doors + new opportunities opened for me. That magazine hit newsstands just about a year ago and shortly after that, I was asked back to do it all again, for this years Spring magazine – magazines work long in advance. If you remember back a year ago, I was about 5 months pregnant at the time. The editors new that and were overly accommodating. I said, as long as we can wrap it up by early June, I’m on board. They were on board too and the ball started rolling from there…

Upon finding the right kitchen that was in desperate need for a makeover, Donna Talley – stylist + producer for BHG – and I partnered to create a makeover that was not only beautiful, but also budget-friendly and had many strategic storage options + ‘look for less’ details.

I love seeing + sharing behind the scenes footage and what goes into the end result, so let’s dissect…

The ‘before’

The ‘before’ kitchen was cramped & completely not functional. The space was of an okay size but with very limited cabinet space, a refrigerator wrongly positioned, and traffic flow problems, a lot needed to change. Here are a few before pictures…

Not only were the cabinets dated, but functionally there was a lot of unused space above the upper cabinets. The base cabinets weren’t much better. After working with an architect on a few structural questions, we decided to remove the walls @ the pantry and open up the pass through space to join the kitchen + dining space.

Here was the Creative Vision Board I created for the kitchen + dining room…

In the end we went in a slightly different direction for the fabrics & layers, but the general aesthetic + style remained. Here are a few outtakes on the options discussed…

In the end, this is what was chosen & is what is seen in the magazine feature…

At the same time as the materials + selections were being finalized, I was also working on the architectural drawings of the design, which included the floor plan and the various room elevations needed to execute the fabrication of the cabinetry. This is pretty much the same steps I take for all clients that I work with on a kitchen makeover.

Architectural Drawings…

Once the drawings were finished & everyone was on board, about 2 months later construction started and the makeover transformation was in process.

Progress pictures of the makeover…

In the end, this was the result captured through my lens.

The Result…

The new cabinets were fabricated by MasterBrands – the island is a teal hue, while the upper + base cabinets are a soft gray, and the “pantry” is the same soft gray with a glaze overlay.

Here’s a detail of the “pantry” that we created using stock cabinets…

The island is quartz an I was pleasantly surprised by it’s beauty. Before seeing the overall slab, I was planning for it to be faux looking (a knock-off granite or marble), but it wasn’t at all. The veining & movement of the slab was gorgeous. It’s a material I will definitely use again, especially as an alternative to marble since that can be difficult in a kitchen.

The transformation was incredible and I loved every step of the 1.5-month construction process leading up to photoshoot day which was in mid-June (and less than 2 weeks before I gave birth to baby #3 – thankfully we finished in the nick of time).

As always photoshoot day is typically mayhem, but Oh SO EXCITING. On the pages of the magazine, all looks calm & serene, but most of the nooks & crannies around the main shot are just the opposite.

Photoshoot day…

All the props + styling are credited to Donna Talley who produced & put the story together. Michael Partenio was the photographer for the shoot.

As I mentioned last year when sharing behind the scenes details, I find it incredible how much work goes into creating each shot. The space is overall beautiful, but the added pop layered in through accessories makes the room on the pages of the magazine come alive.

My pictures don’t honestly do a justice. The magazine shares much more beautiful angles + details, along with more of the story about the homeowner & the space. It’s an issue you will absolutely want to pick up. Plus a few of my blogger friends are also featured including Rhoda of Southern Hospitality, Brittany of Pretty Handy Girl, and Marian of Miss Mustard Seed.

Last, but not at all least, I couldn’t design a kitchen without a central command center and this one does not fail!

From my CCC (that was featured in BHG), to last years kitchen with a CCC, and now this one – all of them are so different.

Also in the magazine, a few tips are shared on how to clear the clutter and how it’s stated, “Jenna is on a mission to replace those piles with command centers”…

So fun! I hope you enjoyed a bit of the behind the scenes details of a kitchen makeover for a magazine. Fingers crossed more opportunities will come about in the future!

Kitchen Revamp: Before + After

Written by Jenna on March 5, 2014. Posted in Decorating, Kitchen. 9 Comments on Kitchen Revamp: Before + After

Oh My, where are the days going? I swear, I wake up and 5 minutes later it is night time. I can not keep ahead, but thankfully all is good – NO complaints, except for the bitter cold temps. Some fun news to share… I was in NYC for a quick trip late last week and met up with some blogger pals – Diane, Kelly, and Denise – for a Better Homes and Gardens event. BHG, along with BrandSpark, invited some local bloggers to the Best New Product Awards, where we got to mingle with representatives of some big brands. It was so fun to “get out” and meet others who are just as passionate as I. I’ll have more to come soon on the products and a chance for you to win some cool stuff.

While I should have my feet up resting (at 5 months prego, my body is definitely feeling aches + pains), I’ve been busy busy with a few client kitchens – all at different phases of construction. One I just started and have a design meeting for later today, another is mid-install, and another I just finished. I shared a peak of it the recently completed kitchen the other day, but now it’s time to show more + it’s evolution…

This kitchen was really wonderful to work on, but a definite challenge. For privacy sake, I can’t show the floor plan, but there was a large area of the “kitchen area”, which I would say technically was the eating area, that was unused. Then the space for the “kitchen” with the cabinets was very small + tight. When the client brought me in, she really expressed the want + desire to reuse much of the existing cabinetry. The challenge? They were faux wood/stained cabinets from Ikea and to match them exactly isn’t the easiest objective! My carpenter/cabinet fabricator was up for a challenge… Could he do it??

Here are a few before pictures…

Once we discussed the scope of work + the clients needs + style, this was the Creative Vision Board that I created…

The “known” of the space was the cabinetry. The client wanted to match the new with the existing. I spiced it up with the layers + details

>Lighting

>Fabric

>Tile

>Open shelving

These 4 elements brought the kitchen to the next level!

Lighting: The lighting before was very contemporary and did not fit the style of the house, which is old-world eclectic. Yes, it has modern features, but certainly is not contemporary. I wanted to bring in a sense of the handcrafted look and chose new fixtures for the space.

Fabric: It’s often a challenge in a kitchen to bring in color, but fabric on a window can be the needed element to soften and liven a space. The client and I looked at several options for window fabric and chose a modern pattern with colors of teal, mustard, and taupe.

Unfortunately, the window treatment is the only area of the space that is still incomplete. We are awaiting the roman shade for the window. Here are a few options we looked at before choosing #1…

Tile: Along with the cabinets, the countertop which is soapstone, was also staying. To balance the darker hues of the cabinets and counter, I knew a lighter natural stone would be the perfect compliment. The client and I visited a local tile shop and found this beautiful natural tile with light gray veining – the size: 2″ x 8″ – which was ideal.

Open Shelving: To break up the monotony of the stained cabinets, I wanted to bring in an opportunity of open shelving to give the space more openness. We chose for the shelves to be minimal and painted them to match the crown moulding that was added around the room. The backsplash tile was also continued behind the open shelves to give a cohesive look.

With a few more tweaks + tricks throughout the space, it came together amazingly. My carpenter is incredible and not only did he match the new with the old, he also used a few of the existing doors and reworked them to fit in new spots. For example, using one of the old doors, he used part of it to create a pull-out spice rack which now sits next to the new dishwasher.

I love when clients want to work with what they have! The outcome of this kitchen made me so happy. Here are some more after pictures…

Lastly some Before + Afters – sorry for them not being at the same angle…

There you have it. A few more details and the kitchen will be complete! In the meantime, want some more ideas for upgrading a kitchen? Check out this post of mine on 5 Upgrades for a Killer Kitchen…

more client kitchens coming soon…

Before and After: Kitchen Makeover

Written by Jenna on March 19, 2013. Posted in before-n-after, Decorating. 20 Comments on Before and After: Kitchen Makeover

I hope your week is going well and you’ve had some time to shop!

A few weeks ago, I shared a teaser about a kitchen that I just finished up for a local Client. The transformation is pretty spectacular and the space not only looks amazing and is now completely updated, the way it functions is SO much better.

Here is the breakdown of what needed to change with the old kitchen…

To start off, the Client and I evaluated what was wrong with the kitchen and how it was not functioning the best way possible. We discussed widening the space by adding an addition to the outside wall, but the cost would have been way too much. We discussed moving the sink location to the outside wall, but decided the current placement was better. In the end, the only large appliance to be relocated was the refrigerator, since ‘before’, it dominated the main focal wall. Other details that had to be addressed were:

1. The unused space above the upper cabinets

There was about 12″ of unused space, so we brought the new cabinets to the ceiling plane which allowed for additional storage, plus the taller cabinets heightened the entire room.

2. We removed the angled wall & countertops

The wall that separates the living room and kitchen was extended to define each space more. The layout is still an open concept, put eliminating the angled wall allowed for more definition and cabinet space.

3. The cabinets were dated

Enough said about that! The client wasn’t sad to say bye-bye to the old white cabinets.

4. Same with the countertop – dated!

The turquoise blue countertop wasn’t a color that they wanted to keep, so that also had to go!

5. The placement of the large refrigerator was dominating the main focal wall

Figuring out a new location was tricky! In the end, there was a pipe chase on the other side of the room that was boxed out around 1 pipe. It was crazy that this crucial floor area was going unused. After calling in a plumber and electrician to move the pipe location, the new-found floor area resulted in the new home of the refrigerator.

6. With the refrigerator location moved, wall space was freed up for more cabinetry = more storage!

The unused wall space next to the ‘before’ refrigerator allowed us to create a beautiful “china-style” cabinet.

7. Last, but certainly not least was the removal of the “popcorn” ceiling.

“Popcorn” ceilings create shadows resulting in the space feeling not as high as it actually is. It’s a pain to take down, but well worth it. For this Kitchen Makeover, the clients tackled it themselves (using Brittany’s tutorial) and they did a damn good job!

So that’s it in a nutshell.

The transformation is incredible.

The cabinets are all from Lowe’s and the team there was very helpful. I worked with the Client every step of the way in choosing the three-toned cabinet colors and all of the other selections. The Lowe’s team was great at helping us with all the nitty-gritty cabinet sizes and options.

AFTER

Tackling a kitchen makeover is quite an endeavour, but if planned out correctly from the start, the process doesn’t have to be overly grueling. My best advice is to plan ahead and choose / purchase all the new selections before anything in the space is touched.

Kitchen Makeover Update: One Year Later

Written by Jenna on August 1, 2012. Posted in DIY, Kitchen. 26 Comments on Kitchen Makeover Update: One Year Later

One of the biggest projects to date that I tackled was my kitchen makeover. I can’t believe it’s been a year, but this time last Summer, I was finishing up the final details and sharing it with you.

Since that time, I’ve been flooded with questions (and many kind comments – thank you), and thought a One-Year-Followup post including answers + an update a year later would be interesting and helpful for those thinking of tackling something similar.

There were alot of details and updates that went into the entire Kitchen Makeover, resulting in quite a few posts to explain all the steps.
Here they are:

Since this is a followup post, let’s start with some of the reader questions that I received related to…

painting the cabinets

From Shani:
it is beautifully done! i painted my cabinets in my previous house, and found that if i hit the cabinets hard (with a pot handle etc) that the paint chipped..do you find that to be the case? great job!

From Kyra:
Did you use primer on all of the cabinets ? I would think you would want to use primer everywhere? DId you sand the cabinets first? You donâ€™t mention it but I would think youâ€™d want to.

From Julie:
Looks great!!! Did you not use a primer on these..or did you tint the primer? Also did you sand these first?How is the paint holding up?

I absolutely used Primer and wouldn’t do any project like this, without! Primer is key to a great finish and a long-lasting result. To start off, I gave the cabinets a light sanding, then applied one coat of Kilz Primer. When using the Kilz Primer, sanding isn’t really needed, but I did it anyway to remove the sheen from the cabinet face. Plus the Kilz Primer is great for blocking the wood grain and stain from showing through.

Once dry about 24 hours later (the paint can says wait 7 days for it to fully cure, but I didn’t), I applied 2 coats (in some areas 3 coats) of Benjamin Moore Aura Paint. Their Aura paint is a primer + paint in one, but I still felt that it was important to use the Kilz primer first.

From Stachia:
What color and brand of paint did you use for your kitchen cabinets?

The paint color that I used for the cabinets was Benjamin Moore Berkshire Beige in a semi-gloss finish using their Aura Paint line (primer and paint in one). A semi-gloss finish is important to use on cabinetry and/or furniture so the surface can easily be cleaned and/or wiped off.

updating the countertops

From Amy:
Just one question, does the countertop have bumps, or does it just appear that way in the photo?

My Response:
With the Rust-Oleum kit, the countertop is slightly bumpy to imitate the look of a natural stone surface. Itâ€™s not overly bumpy, but also not completely smooth.

From sl:
I would love to do this to my kitchen countertop. Yours look GREAT!!! I am still trying to convince my hubby. Did you put the color chip on the backsplash and edges? Is so was it hard to get them in these spots? Is not, does it look odd without color chips? Thanks for any info you can share.

My Response:
Yes, I did put the chips on the countertop edge and backsplash. With the tool that is provided, it sprays the chips all over and will cover the vertical surfaces. If there are spots that donâ€™t get covered, you can throw chips on them, which will adhere because the adhesive is very sticky. All surfaces of the counter, absolutely needed to be covered with the chips or you wonâ€™t achieve the quality needed to hold up.

From Marti:
Could you please elaborate on your comment that the chips must cover all areas or the quality needed to hold up wonâ€™t be achieved. Do you mean that the chips facilitate the hardening process, and without them, full hardening wonâ€™t occur? Also, did you notice any odor at any stage in the process? I have an allergy to paint. Many thanks.

My Response:
When you are at the point of adding the â€œchipsâ€, you want cover the entire countertop surface â€“ the more, the better. After the chips are added, the next day you put on the sealer (top protective coat). If the countertop is not covered enough with the chips, your old countertop color will show through. The chips DO NOT facilitate the hardening process, but the chips are essentially the color that changes the countertop. So the first coat is the glue, second is the chips a.k.a. â€œcolor”, and the last coat is the protective seal. There was very little odor throughout the process. I was very worried about this with having two young kids, but it really wasnâ€™t an issue. Honestly, we ended up going out for meals during the process since the kitchen was OFF LIMITS!

From Kristin:
Hi there! You mentioned the peeling of the top coat when the tape isnâ€™t properly removed. We just did these countertops this weekend and had one spot where it did that. What did you use to fix the area??? On another note I would totally agree that the difficulty level is at a 2. It was SO easy and the instructions were great. The scoring of the tape, though, really is vital.

My Response:
If part of the countertop peels after you’ve applied the “chips” and sealer, the instructions say to go through the entire process again for that specific spot.

Overall the process of the Rustoleum Transformations Kit was not difficult and the instructions were very thorough. Included is a comprehensive video that is a must to watch! We took the weekend to work on the project, but it didn’t take all day. Also, thankfully there wasn’t ANY ODOR – big checkmark 😉

I received quite a few questions and comments about the Rustoleum Cabinet Transformations Kit. I have not had the pleasure of using the product, so I really can’t comment, BUT some readers that used the white or lighter colors had a bad experience with it yellowing. Has this happened to you?

tiling over laminate

I guess my tutorial on this part of the makeover was easy to follow (or no one liked it – hehe) because I didn’t receive one single question. Anyway, with tiling over the 3″ high laminate backsplash, the kitchen really has a custom and unique look. Often seen in typical kitchens, is a 3″ high backsplash to match the countertop which is sealed at the joint so no water or liquid will leak behind the base cabinets. Great concept, but very ordinary and not really interesting. Because we were “painting” over our existing countertops, there was no way to remove the laminate backsplash, so I just tiled right over it! It was easy and there was nothing different or special than tiling any other surface.

adding decorative brackets

By introducing the decorative brackets, the kitchen has a sophisticated aesthetic with interesting architectural details. Before, there was one long row of cabinets, but now the brackets add an unexpected element.

Update One Year Later

Now that I’ve highlighted a few of the popular questions from the makeover, it’s time for me to share some images and updates a year later.

Thankfully the cabinets have REALLY held up well over the past year. We’re a family of four, with two young kids, so the kitchen is used ALOT! It has received so much wear and tear, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at the cabinets.

Unfortunately, I wish I could say that about the countertop. Within the first few weeks of using the Transformations Kit, the newly “painted” surface started to scratch, show spots and wear. That being said, I am still happy with the overall look and how much the kitchen changed by using the Rustoleum product. I’m often asked, “Is the product worth it? Is it more of a temporary fix?”… well that’s difficult to answer. It comes down to your budget and how long you plan on living with the kitchen. The product is around $250-$300 (the last time I saw it at HD or Lowes), which is pricey, but at the same time we didn’t want to invest in a more expensive countertop. Honestly, looking back knowing the imperfections today, I’m still glad we chose this product. A bigger, more $$$ kitchen makeover might be ahead of us in 3-5+ years and until then, the updates we made are just fine (and actually more than fine). So my roundabout answer is, if you have the money and plan on keeping the countertops for 5-10+ years, go with another surface, but if you’re on a budget and/or want a quick and on-budget solution, the Rustoleum Transformations Kit is a great idea.

Here are some images of the kitchen that I just took yesterday.

I’d like to stress that even though I’m an in-real-life designer, my home is not staged and looks like most everyone elses. The kitchen is often the most messiest place in our home and before cleaning it up to shoot some pics, this is what it looked like…

You can see the multiple DIY projects that I’m in the midst of.

Does your kitchen look like this ever?

Thankfully a few minutes later I got it all cleaned up and this is what it looks like a year after the makeover…

These are some of the scratches and wear marks on the countertop.

And this is a stain (completely my fault) where I dropped super glue.

And like I said, the cabinets have held up GREAT, but there are touch-ups that will be needed here and there. For instance, the shelves on the open cabinet get alot of wear multiple times a day when I take out and put back the baskets.

But there really is no reason to complain, because this Benjamin Moore paint was easy to apply and has held up SO well.

These pictures were just taken yesterday and I haven’t made any paint touch ups since the day they were painted a year ago.

And this quote – a favorite of mine -sits on the window sill by the kitchen sink and keeps me in check many moments throughout the day.

So that’s the makeover update one year later.

Are there questions that you have that I haven’t answered? If so, Ask Me, and I’ll add them to the post.