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Kitchen Renovation: REVEAL + Resources

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

In less than a month, we’ll be living in our home 6 years.  6 years. The fastest 6 of my life. More than double the time of any place we’ve lived before.

We moved here as a family of 3 and now we’re a family of 5 + a cute white little kitty. Life has changed so much and as much as our family + lives have evolved, so has the house we stepped in to – and almost walked away from – 6 years ago.

The shell that was a vacant house, has been transformed into a home.  A chaotic, crazy, bustling HOME.  Every surface has been touched.  Walls has been repainted + wallpapered (some a few times over).  Floors have been recarpeted + retiled.  And most importantly our home is now adorned with key elements that show who we are, what we love, and where we’ve been. Our mark has been made.

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

The kitchen, the hub of our new house in 2010 seemed fine.  The cabinets were in fine shape, the counters weren’t pretty but functional.  A few months in, we changed the hardware + the sink, and called it done.

Until…  2 years later and I was itching to freshen it up.  A $300 kitchen revamp + new appliances left us happy campers.  We were in love.  The do-it-yourself upgrade on a budget was perfect.  At that moment it reflected us.

>>> TO SEE THE DIY KITCHEN MAKEOVER CLICK HERE

In the 3 year time gap from then to now, our lives have turned upside down – all for the good!  When we bought our home, we had just came off a really rough patch with the economy affecting our jobs.

Thankfully things have changed a lot…

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

Fast forward… the Misters job has been stable & growing + I’ve been able to continue expanding my blog + business – designing LOTS of other peoples homes.  Life has been good. Real good.  And truly grateful.  And the time had come for US to get the kitchen of our dreams.  It was finally our turn. Surreal, but true.  I wanted – and needed – a gourmet kitchen of my own.  And here it is.  Finally complete and still pinching myself with excitement.

WELCOME to our kitchen

This kitchen could not have been possible without the assistance + backing from my friends at Lowe’s, Kraftmaid, and Frigidaire.  I’ve collaborated with Lowe’s countless times over the years and I am blessed that they never ask questions and always believe.  I strive to execute outside-of-the-box creations which in turn inspires you, my amazing & dedicated readers.  That’s what I’m here for. That’s what I do… Inspire. And that’s what I hope the take away is with the new kitchen space I designed.

Enough chit-chat, come on in…

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

Where to begin, is the question…

The inspiration for the color palette came from a piece of art.  I snagged this canvas from Ikea last year and at the time it was meant for the living room, which I had been in the process of remodeling. I loved the white background layered with bold pops of color – yellow, blue, raspberry, green, turquoise.

I was drawn to it’s simplicity, yet intricate focus on detail.  And that’s exactly the vision I wanted the kitchen to evoke – clean, simple, and BOLD.

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

This was the mood board I created…

Kitchen Design Board - Plan of Action

… And months later, I feel I’ve achieved just that.  I’m content.  This new kitchen truly evokes everything I am and everything my style is.

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

From edge to edge, here it is…

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

The cabinetry in the new kitchen is by Kraftmaid, one of several cabinet companies displayed at Lowe’s.  I chose the Kraftmaid line of cabinets for a range of reasons. 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.

More on the details of the kitchen + cabinetry in a post coming soon.

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

When the process of the remodel began, the intention was to remove the soffit above the upper cabinet and the soffit above the window.  Unbeknownst to us in the beginning stages, the soffit above the window is a beam that is holding up the back of the house and couldn’t be removed – obviously.  What we WERE able to do was have a higher ceiling in the window section, which allowed the new subway tile to continue up and around the entire window, which really heightens the space.

Instead of having a lower cabinet under the soffit, it was decided that open shelves would be best – for aesthetics + function.

I love the open + airy feel that the 10″ deep  thick shelves give to this section of the kitchen.  Plus the 3″ thick shelves are ultra beafy (I confirmed this many times with the contractor) so they hold all the large dishes + small plates and bowls.  Super easy to access and grab.

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

On the other side of the window, the left side, there are two additional shelves with decorative corbels.  These shelves are only about 7″ deep and can’t hold as much weight, so they’re perfect for glasses + smaller light-weight bowls.  Again, so easy to access.

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

As we continue around the kitchen, the range + exposed hood are flanked by 2 closed upper cabinets that now are full height to the ceiling and hold the glasses (left cabinet) and pantry food (right cabinet).

Continuing the subway tile backsplash up the wall behind the hood was an absolute.  Again, another way to heighten the overall space and not have the wall start / stop at a certain point.

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

In the new kitchen, the refrigerator moved about 18″ to the left to create a full depth pantry that touches the side wall.  Ahhh, it’s wonderful.  Singing-from-the-hilltops incredible!  I love it because there is so much storage.

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

The 24″ deep pantry is the same depth as the refrigerator + cabinet above and holds some of the small appliances like the coffee maker + toaster.  The coffee maker sits on a roll-out shelf and there is an outlet in the cabinet back, which makes mornings so easy for brewing our cup of joe.

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

Also in the bank of pantry cabinets is a charging station for our various electronics including the cell phones, ipads, etc.  Another outlet was installed for these components in the back of the cabinet and a grommet was drilled in the back of the drawer for the wires to pull through.

Having a ‘home’ for all these kitchen essentials has really cleared off the counters to leave open space for what a kitchen is really used for… cooking.

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

Talking about cooking, I basically prep + do everything for our meals on the island.  The Island.  The huge island that I always dreamed of and still can’t believe I have.

It’s wonderful.

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

The Kraftmaid cabinetry on the perimeter cabinets is Dove White and on the island is a deep + rich grey/blue hue called Greyloft. Never having an island before, I didn’t know what to do with myself when it was installed.  It provides so much storage and in the island is also where the microwave now sits.

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

On the far end of the island that faces the living room, I chose to have open shelves instead of closed cabinetry.  I thought it would be the perfect spot for my many cookbooks + basket storage for dishclothes, cloth napkins, etc.

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

Having open shelving also allows the ability to bring color into the kitchen.  Instead of the solid, one-tone look of cabinets, open shelving adds depth and a way to introduce color.

Another way to bring in color amongst the sea of white was on the walls.  The old kitchen paint color was yellow and for the new wall paint I chose a light gray.  Wrong choice.  In the end, I went back to yellow, but this time the sunshine yellow color is a completely different hue – much more lighter & brighter.

And check out the colorful + bold wallpaper in the dining room. It adds a gorgeous focal point to the overall open space.

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

The marble-looking countertops are quartz and truly complete the clean + simple aesthetic of the kitchen.

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

And let me not forget to discuss the lighting…

I am a major light-aholic!  Lighting is SO IMPORTANT.  Lighting makes a statement and with my home, I wasn’t going to skimp.

Go Big or Go Home!

Being completely honest, I had a difficult time choosing the right lighting.  With the cabinetry hardware being polished nickel, I questioned the lighting style + finish.  In the end, I chose these amazing matte black dome style pendants from Rejuvenation for over the island.

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

And for the light above the sink, I decided on this open style glass pendant from Shades of Light.

They are both amazing, compliment each other perfectly, and overall I am in love with the many different finishes in this kitchen.

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

There you have it…

We have to look at a before & after comparison.  Check out how far this space has come in 6 years…

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

Do you see how / why I’m in disbelief that this makeover really happened?!

Here’s another walk down memory lane view…

KITCHEN MAKEOVER REVEAL: before and after kitchen renovation with white & gray cabinets, open shelving, subway tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and layers of color. This kitchen is gorgeous! Check out the entire renovation process @ www.JennaBurger.com

This has been a strenuous – what big renovation isn’t? – but wonderful renovation process.  I won’t lie, I’m glad it’s DONE, but I can’t ask for anything better. And that is a project labeled SUCCESS.

RESOURCES

I’ve showed you what the kitchen looks like, and now it’s time to share the scoop on the sources…

Cabinets
Perimeter Cabinets: Kraftmaid, color – Dove White, door style – Cayden
Island: Kraftmaid; color – Greyloft, door style – Cayden

Appliances
Frigidaire: Smudge-Proof Stainless

Countertop
Quartz: Silestone, color: Lagoon

Cabinet Hardware
Kraftmaid, Fordham Bin Pull, Polished Nickel

Backsplash
Tile: Allen + Roth 3×6 white subway tile; Grey grout color

Paint Color
Wall Paint: HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams, color – White Citrus, finish – satin

Pendants over Island
Rejuvenation, Haleigh Wire Dome Pendant 12-inch, oil rubbed bronze

Pendant over Sink
Shades of Light, Clear Glass Prism Pentagon Pendant

Sink + Faucet
Lowes, Vigo 32″ x 19″ Stainless single-basin Undermount with Industrial Faucet

Wallpaper (in dining area)
Anthropologie, Frosted Kaleidoscope

Accessories
Pineapple Art – Hobby Lobby
Blue Geometric Rug – Target
Sisal Runner – Target
Bowls – Crate & Barrel, Homegoods
Cutting Boards – World Market
Yellow Industrial Barstools – Target

I think that wraps it up.  Something you liked and want details on… email me!

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 LOWE’S, KRAFTMAID, FRIGIDAIRE, AND HGTV HOME BY SHERWIN WILLIAMS.  ALL OPINIONS + SELECTIONS ARE MY OWN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LOWE’S DESIGN TEAM.

Subway Tile Kitchen Backsplash Installation

We’re 6 days in to the new year and I finally have a post up – HAPPY NEW YEAR.

My biggest personal project ever closed out 2015, AND the same project is kicking off 2016…

THE KITCHEN.

It’s almost complete.  I’m days away from sharing the big reveal, but before that I’ve been excitedly awaiting to share what tile I chose for the backsplash + the process for installation.

Check out the new + classic + gorgeous subway tile now adorning the kitchen backsplash…

Subway Tile: There are many styles + colors. How do you choose the right subway tile for the project? Here are some tips that will help with the process + check out the before and after of the tile installation of our kitchen remodel.

Now to the details of what I chose for our kitchen renovation

When the I created the PLAN OF ACTION for the kitchen remodel, I knew subway tile was the best choice because it’s not only affordable, but timeless + clean + the perfect compliment to our new minimalist quartz countertops.

Once the decision was made to move forward with white subway, the search began for the perfect tile.

And like paint, white is not just plain ole’ white.

In the end, I chose the beautiful 3 x 6 white subway by Allen + Roth at Lowe’s, then complimented it with charcoal colored grout.

Subway Tile: There are many styles + colors. How do you choose the right subway tile for the project? Here are helpful tips that will point you in the right direction on the process of choosing a tile + check out the before and after of the tile installation of this kitchen remodel. www.JennaBurger.com

You can’t ever go wrong with white subway tile as it’s classic and works with all style kitchens.  BUT, there with so many subway tiles to choose from, it can be challenging to pin point the best for the setting.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SUBWAY TILE

Here are some helpful tips for choosing the RIGHT subway for the project…

SIZE

The typical size for subway tile is 3″ x 6″, but with the vast selection of natural and man-made tiles, comes a huge variation in size availibility.  From mini tiles, around 1″ x 2″, to larger proportioned tiles around 4″ x 12″ +, size matters.

Choose a subway size appropriate for the project by looking at how much area will be covered with the tile.  For small tile areas, smaller to medium sized tiles are best, where larger tiles will beautifully compliment larger, more open areas.

COLOR

If you’re looking for a white subway tile, not all whites are white.  When I started the process of searching for white subway tile, I was so surprised how each manufacturers white looked so different.  Some have more yellow undertones, where others are more blue.

I chose white subway tile by Allen + Roth because it was a true white and it looked closest to the Kraftmaid Dove White cabinetry that was chosen. Others that I looked at were too yellow and when next to each other, the two surfaces wouldn’t have blended well.

LAYOUT

I chose to layout + install the subway tile in the most classic way, which is staggered, but there are many other ways to layout subway tile to create an interesting + unique pattern.  Try herringbone or vertical or cross hatch or stack bond.

Unique ways to layout out subway tile!

via a beautiful mess

COST

Typical of most tile, there is a range of pricing for subway tile, but it’s one of the most least expensive style tiles.  Cost comes down to the quality of the tile, but with most, it won’t break the bank.

GROUT

The grout color really doesn’t have to do with choosing a subway tile, but the grout color that is chosen will make your tile come alive. As with anything, there is a range of color choices for grouts.  Have a white subway, white is the safest choice.  Want to be dramatic and have your backsplash stand-out? Try a darker hue, like I did…

Subway Tile: There are many styles + colors. How do you choose the right subway tile for the project? Here are helpful tips that will point you in the right direction on the process of choosing a tile + check out the before and after of the tile installation of this kitchen remodel. www.JennaBurger.com

White subway tile might seem like a ‘Safe Tile’, but with the right size, color, and layout, this timeless tile can look unique to create a one-of-a-kind, stand-out kitchen.

INSTALLATION

Once the counters were installed in early December, we were ready to get crankin’ on the backsplash.

I’ve tiled many projects before, but I was happy and willing to have our contractor handle the tile installation to keep the kitchen remodel process moving along.  At this point being 6 weeks in, we were READY TO BE DONE!

The contractor started the tile installation at the sink, since that is the center point of the window on the overall wall.

How do you choose the perfect kitchen tile backsplash? There are so many decisions. These are 12 ideal options for the kitchen backsplash and ONE is what I chose for my kitchen renovation. Click over to check them out + follow along on how I installed the tile > www.JennaBurger.com

From that point, the tile was installed on either side of the window – there were a lot of cuts!

How do you choose the perfect kitchen tile backsplash? There are so many decisions. These are 12 ideal options for the kitchen backsplash and ONE is what I chose for my kitchen renovation. Click over to check them out + follow along on how I installed the tile > www.JennaBurger.com

Because the subway tile is ceramic, it was very soft and easy to cut.  A tile cutter was perfect for the job and since it’s mid-winter, it was a blessing to be able to cut indoors.

How do you choose the perfect kitchen tile backsplash? There are so many decisions. These are 12 ideal options for the kitchen backsplash and ONE is what I chose for my kitchen renovation. Click over to check them out + follow along on how I installed the tile > www.JennaBurger.com

Once the tile was all installed, which took about 2 days, it was time to grout.  As I mentioned above, I chose a charcoal color for the grout to give a beautiful contrast + pick up the color of the dark gray island.

I had never used dark grout before and it was incredibly messy when applied on to the white tile!

How do you choose the perfect kitchen tile backsplash? There are so many decisions. These are 12 ideal options for the kitchen backsplash and ONE is what I chose for my kitchen renovation. Click over to check them out + follow along on how I installed the tile > www.JennaBurger.com

After cleaning the tile surface many times of the gritty dark grout, it resulted just as I had hoped and honestly, better!

from this…

How do you choose the perfect kitchen tile backsplash? There are so many decisions. These are 12 ideal options for the kitchen backsplash and ONE is what I chose for my kitchen renovation. Click over to check them out + follow along on how I installed the tile > www.JennaBurger.com

to this…

SUBWAY TILE: How do you choose the right subway tile for the project? There are MANY subway tile styles + colors. Here are useful tips that will help the process of choosing the right subway tile for the project. Plus check out the before and after of the tile installation of this kitchen remodel. www.JennaBurger.com

At the only corner of the kitchen, I chose a vertical pencil liner to finish the edge.  It looks so good and pulled together!

And then it was complete.

Once the grout was dry – within a day – we were able to install the open shelves + add the dishes.

Eek, it’s almost complete.

Here’s a peak…

Subway Tile: There are many styles + colors. How do you choose the right subway tile for the project? Here are helpful tips that will point you in the right direction on the process of choosing a tile + check out the before and after of the tile installation of this kitchen remodel. www.JennaBurger.comMore to come soon!

In the meantime, if you want to retile your kitchen NOW with subway or want to use this post as a resource for the future, save it or pin it…

SUBWAY TILE: How do you choose the right subway tile for the project? There are MANY subway tile styles + colors. Here are useful tips that will help the process of choosing the right subway tile for the project. Plus check out the before and after of the tile installation of this kitchen remodel. www.JennaBurger.com

What do you think of subway tile?  Yay or Nay for the kitchen?

Tomorrow on the blog, I’ll be sharing 11 other tile fool-proof favorites for the backsplash. Don’t miss it!

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 LOWE’S USING KRAFTMAID CABINETRY.  ALL OPINIONS + SELECTIONS ARE MY OWN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF KRAFTMAID AND THE LOWE’S DESIGN TEAM.

Kitchen Renovation: Choosing a Quartz Countertop

Demo is complete.

Hardwood floors are stained.

Cabinets have been installed.

Countertops are FINISHED.

You heard me right… we have counters, which means we have a sink, which means we have use of a kitchen. YES!

It has been a busy few weeks around our homestead, but the kitchen is taking shape and I am thrilled to share with you all the details on the countertops I chose (natural quartz) + why…

Natural Quartz countertops in the kitchen was a great choice! It's durable, maintenance free, and so stylish. Check out more at www.JennaBurger.com

When the process of the kitchen remodel began, I was dead set on using granite for the counter material.  I’ve always steered my clients towards granite.  believed it was the best choice because of the vast selection, durability, and its uniqueness. No one anywhere will have the exact same piece.

When the time came to choose a material for my kitchen remodel, I wanted something light and minimal, like the gorgeous + drool-worthy look of marble.  And I say the look of marble, because it’s a material I wanted to steer clear of because it is too porous and will easily stain from acidic spills like orange juice, tomato sauce, and red wine.  As a family of 5 with young kids, I can’t be watching + micro-managing our kitchen like a hawk every minute.

With marble crossed off my list, I started my search out with lighter toned granites.  I found 2 I loved – Bianco Gabrielle and Bianco Romano – at Lowe’s, but I felt they had too much movement for the overall minimal, clean look I was trying to achieve.

Then my eye honed in on just what I wanted aesthetically + functionally!

Natural Quartz.

Silestone Quartz Lagoon

After giving myself a day to think it over, I knew that choosing quartz was the right + best choice for our kitchen.

The design options for natural quartz has grown tremendously over the past years and with it being a natural material (a must on my checklist), incredibly durable, and maintenance-free, it truly was the perfect material.

WHY NATURAL QUARTZ?

Natural Quartz

> Natural stone

> Extremely hard mineral giving it great strength

> Nonporous

> Stain-resistant

> Maintenance-free / never has to be sealed

> Cleanup can be done with water + mild soap.

> Cost: $60 to $100 per square foot

Once my cabinets were in place and I finalized my order for Silestone Lagoon quartz, a templater came to my home to take all the needed measurements for the new counters.

After a few weeks of living with plywood counters…

Gettign ready for new countertops to be installed

… and no sink…

Getting ready for new countertops to be installed

…the day had finally arrived for install.

I was floating on cloud 9 with excitement.

It was estimated for the counters to take 2-4 weeks for fabrication, but it took just about 2 weeks from templating to installation (with Thanksgiving in between).

The independent contractor that does the fabrication + installation through Lowe’s was incredible.  They were timely, courteous, and did a great job.  I was 100% satisfied!

eek – watch my wreath. they did.

Installation of Quartz Countertops

Because of the countertop overhang on the island, a steel plate was installed to give extra support.

Getting ready for new countertops to be installed

And then they laid the tops in place on the island and on the perimeter cabinets.

Installation of Quartz Countertops

There was one area on the perimeter cabinets that needed a seam.  The process for connecting the seam was very interesting.  They used this neat gadget to level + tighten the joint to make a perfectly, unrecognizable seam.

Installation of Quartz Countertops

And then they were done + gone, and I was left with gorgeous new countertops that I could finally stop dreaming about and instead enjoy for many days + months + years ahead…

Silestone Quartz Lagoon

And here’s a peek at the kitchen and how it’s progressing…  It’s almost done.

How To Choose the Right Countertop for Your Kitchen! Pros + Cons + Advice for countertop materials by www.jennaburger.com

There are many other materials to consider for the kitchen, but our top choice was Natural Quartz!

Want to learn about other countertop materials for the kitchen? Check out this post with a breakdown of 10 countertop materials to consider for the kitchen + the pros & con for each. 

10 Countertop Materials to Consider for your KITCHEN! Round up of material choices at www.JennaBurger.com

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 LOWE’S USING KRAFTMAID CABINETRY.  ALL OPINIONS + SELECTIONS ARE MY OWN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF KRAFTMAID AND THE LOWE’S DESIGN TEAM.

Kitchen Progress: Staining Hardwood Floors

Kitchen Renovation: Patch, Repair, and Stain the Hardwood Floors

We are still full-force ahead with the kitchen renovation through Lowe’s.

Last week was equal to a roller coaster ride with lots ups & downs, but we kept chugging along and now another week is upon us.  I *think* I can say, I see the light…

Since I left off last, a lot of progress has been made.  Day one of Demo was very exciting + eye-opening.  It was amazing how we woke in the morning with a full working kitchen, but by the days end, it was completely taken apart with only the shell of the space remaining…

The remainder of week one was filled with patching and repairing the walls, moving electrical openings (in the walls + ceiling), and sanding the walls to prepare for the cabinet installation.

Demo Day: Steps to Demolishing an Existing Kitchen + Creating a new renovated space. Remodel by www.jennaburger.com

Once the vertical surfaces were complete, the next area of focus was the hardwood floor, which started out week two of renovations.

Because of the new cabinetry layout, there was an area of hardwood where the dishwasher used to sit that needed to be patched with new material. Once patched, it would all be sanded, then stained…

Kitchen Renovation: Patch, Repair, and Stain the Hardwood Floors

The major stresser started with locating material…  Our existing hardwood is 3-1/4″ wide maple and it was challenging to find material in a short amount of time – literally we had less than 2 days.

Hardwood should be in the home 3- 7 days before installation so it can acclimate to the setting.  After locating enough material at Lumber Liquidators, we were good to go.

It took about 3 hours to weave in the new hardwood material to patch the vacant area.

The new material is lighter than the existing, but no worries, because it would all be sanded down to bare wood…

Kitchen Renovation: Patch, Repair, and Stain the Hardwood Floors

At this point, we ‘moved out’ of the house because despite it smelling bad, all of our furniture was piled high in the family room & it was like walking through a maze in the foyer…

Next step for the floors, sanding…

We hired out for the floors through our Lowe’s independent contractor, who used an industrial sander to sand all the floors down to the bare wood.  When finished, the gorgeous maple shined through, but in my taste they had to go darker especially with the new white cabinets.

Kitchen Renovation: Patch, Repair, and Stain the Hardwood Floors

Here were a few samples of stains that they applied…

Kitchen Renovation: Patch, Repair, and Stain the Hardwood Floors

In the end, I chose a stain called COFFEE and it’s the 2nd board from the left. It was the perfect medium brown hue with no red or orange.

After the floors were sanded on day 2, they stained the floors, and applied a clear coat of oil sealer in a glossy finish.

Kitchen Renovation: Patch, Repair, and Stain the Hardwood Floors

It looked like a gym floor with the high-gloss finish but this wouldn’t be the final finish.  They apply this high-gloss finish (2 applications) because it is most durable.  Once dry (2 days later), the floors were lightly sanded again and the final coat of sealer in a satin finish was applied.

After 5 days we moved back home – yay – and this is how the floors look now…

Kitchen Renovation: Patch, Repair, and Stain the Hardwood Floors

I just can not contain my love for them…

The before & after is breathtaking.  It looks like a completely new space!

Kitchen Renovation: Patch, Repair, and Stain the Hardwood Floors

They are so rich + warm.

I’m in love.

The floors will take 30 days to fully cure, just like paint on a wall, so for now all the furniture is placed on blankets, craft paper, or felt.  I want to protect these bad boys!

Look how beautiful the front room looks with the new floors (ignore the bright red blankets, lol)…

Kitchen Renovation: Patch, Repair, and Stain the Hardwood Floors

And there you have it.  Walls complete. Wood complete.

Next up cabinets + appliances!  They will be arriving in the coming days…

RECAP

Before I leave you, here is a recap for staining hardwood floors:

Staining hardwood floor can be quite an undertaking.  It’s not difficult, but time consuming and involved.  A good sander + high-quality product is key!

THE PROCESS FOR STAINING HARDWOOD FLOORS

– 1 –  Clean + Clear out the room(s)

– 2 –  Sand floors to bare wood – coarse grit sandpaper to fine grit sandpaper

– 3 –  Stain floors (a roller works best)

– 4 –  Polyurethane floors (3 times using a roller)

– 5 –  Let the poly cure for at least 48 hours

– 6 –  Move back in!

>>> Polyurethane takes 30 days to full cure, so no shoes.  Be Remember to place furniture down, don’t drag!

Steps to Staining Hardwood Floors to achieve a beautiful new finished floor! www.JennaBurger.com

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 LOWE’S.  ALL OPINIONS + SELECTIONS ARE MY OWN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LOWE’S DESIGN TEAM.

Stunning Stained Kitchen Reveal

While I am in the midst of renovating my own kitchen, I’ve been immersed in designing + project managing a few client renovations as well. One that just wrapped up is this stunning stained kitchen…

Stunning Stained Kitchen REVEAL: before & after of a kitchen renovation by www.jennaburger.com

As of late, I am seeing that 90% of new kitchens have painted cabinetry – 85% of which are white – so when this client was adamant about wanting stained cabinets for their new kitchen, I happily obliged. For this project, the client had a clear vision & many decisions were already made when we started working together. It made my job easier + my role less than typical compared to working with clients that need more ‘hand-holding’. With my assistance, I was able to steer / direct them in making design choices that suited their style to achieve the kitchen they envisioned.

Before I share more of what the kitchen looks like now, you’ve gotta see what it looked like prior to demo…

Like I always say, you have to see the before to really appreciate the after. And the kitchen before really needed some TLC.

BEFORE

Kitchen Before

The construction of this kitchen was a bit unique and easier than most because the renovation took place before the clients moved in. This home was a new purchase for them and during the time before the closing, the design process was started. Yes, a bit risky in case “the deal” fell through, but once they closed on the home, construction began the following day. All the prep work + purchases were complete and we were ready to move forward.

The client had about a month before they needed to move in, so everything was scheduled on a tight timeline. Aside from some hiccups with waiting for the countertops to be installed, demo + repair + installation of the new cabinets went fairly smoothly.

Kitchen Before

Aside from the old kitchen being worn + dated, the space was also not being utilized to it’s maximum potential.

As the new plan evolved, there was no question that first to go was the soffit above the existing cabinets. The new upper cabinets would be taller and continue to the ceiling, then be finished with a decorative crown moulding.

The next area of focus was the island – a larger, more substantial island with lots of storage + space to eat-at was a must.

Kitchen Before

Following that, the refrigerator area needed updating to maximize storage.

THE VISION

Upon working through the updates that were needed to create a better flowing space + listening to the clients desires, I created the proposed plan + Vision Board…

Stunning Stained Kitchen REVEAL: before & after of a kitchen renovation by www.jennaburger.com

Stunning Stained Kitchen REVEAL: before & after of a kitchen renovation by www.jennaburger.com

CONSTRUCTION

After months of designing, fabricating, and building, construction began…

In-Progress of Kitchen Renovation

In-Progress of Kitchen Renovation

In-Progress of Kitchen Renovation

In-Progress of Kitchen Renovation

And then it was complete. The result…

AFTER

Welcome to this stained stunner…

Stunning Stained Kitchen REVEAL: before & after of a kitchen renovation by www.jennaburger.com

This is the view as you walk into the kitchen from the entry foyer and it’s gorgeous. Light shines in from the exterior and the space feels bright & fresh.

The cabinets are a mix of a few stains, which took a several tries to get just right. The hue we wanted to achieve was a light-medium brown with no orange or red undertones. In the end, the result is rich and warm.

The cabinets are a full overlay door style (which means the door sits proud of the frame instead of being inset) with a recessed panel door. The door itself has a decorative edging on the outer perimeter + at the recessed panel.

Stunning Stained Kitchen REVEAL: before & after of a kitchen renovation by www.jennaburger.com

The lighting was chosen by the clients and even though I had suggested other fixtures, these look great.

Stunning Stained Kitchen REVEAL: before & after of a kitchen renovation by www.jennaburger.com

Cream colored counter stools beautifully compliment the stained cabinets.

Stunning Stained Kitchen REVEAL: before & after of a kitchen renovation by www.jennaburger.com

The home is a combination of hardwood, carpet, and tile. The tile for this kitchen continues from the foyer and it’s a 18 x 18 ceramic with a staggered layout. It’s lighter tone is the perfect backdrop to the darker cabinets.

Stunning Stained Kitchen REVEAL: before & after of a kitchen renovation by www.jennaburger.com

Stunning Stained Kitchen REVEAL: before & after of a kitchen renovation by www.jennaburger.com

When it came time to choose the countertop and backsplash, it was important to select something that enhanced the beauty + tones of the stained cabinets. We decided on a granite that has flecks of caramel, black, and taupes – it’s so rich with lots of depth. For the backplash, a mosaic with varying-sized square glass pieces was what suited the clients style best.

Stunning Stained Kitchen REVEAL: before & after of a kitchen renovation by www.jennaburger.com

Stunning Stained Kitchen REVEAL: before & after of a kitchen renovation by www.jennaburger.com

Stunning Stained Kitchen REVEAL: before & after of a kitchen renovation by www.jennaburger.com

The cooktop is set into the counter and 3 roll-out drawers were added underneath which gives ample storage for pots, pans, and cooking utensils.

Stunning Stained Kitchen REVEAL: before & after of a kitchen renovation by www.jennaburger.com

Stunning Stained Kitchen REVEAL: before & after of a kitchen renovation by www.jennaburger.com

A double oven sits to the left of the cooktop. Above is full-depth vertical dividers for large trays and platters.

Stunning Stained Kitchen REVEAL: before & after of a kitchen renovation by www.jennaburger.com

Vertical cabinet storage above a refrigerator or oven in a kitchen

Where the non-functioning refrigerator space was before, a new refrigerator + pull-out pantry storage was added.

Stunning Stained Kitchen REVEAL: before & after of a kitchen renovation by www.jennaburger.com

These slide-outs with adjustable shelves have been a wonderful update and the amount of storage is incredible!

Stunning Stained Kitchen REVEAL: before & after of a kitchen renovation by www.jennaburger.com

Taking a step back, this is another view of the overall newly revamped kitchen.

Stunning Stained Kitchen REVEAL: before & after of a kitchen renovation by www.jennaburger.com

I am so smitten over the island legs!

Stunning Stained Kitchen REVEAL: before & after of a kitchen renovation by www.jennaburger.com

Stunning Stained Kitchen REVEAL: before & after of a kitchen renovation by www.jennaburger.com

This new space doesn’t only stop at the kitchen cabinets, but a desk was also added. With a combination of open & closed cabinetry, this desk space is the command center for this family.

Stunning Stained Kitchen REVEAL: before & after of a kitchen renovation by www.jennaburger.com

Another hidden gem + must-have in the kitchen, a trash bin pull-out! This is a double for trash + recycling and in the island was the perfect placement.

Stunning Stained Kitchen REVEAL: before & after of a kitchen renovation by www.jennaburger.com

And there you have it. The before & after of this kitchen renovation is pretty incredible!

Stunning Stained Kitchen REVEAL: before & after of a kitchen renovation by www.jennaburger.com

Stunning Stained Kitchen REVEAL: before & after of a kitchen renovation by www.jennaburger.com

It was such a wonderful job to be a part of. Another project complete!

Do you like stained cabinets or do you prefer painted?

Demo Day: Steps for Demolishing the Kitchen

Demo Day: Steps to Demolishing an Existing Kitchen + Creating a new renovated space. Remodel by www.jennaburger.com

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.

Demo Day: Steps to Demolishing an Existing Kitchen + Creating a new renovated space. Remodel by www.jennaburger.comDemo Day: Steps to Demolishing an Existing Kitchen + Creating a new renovated space. Remodel by www.jennaburger.com

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.

Demo Day: Steps to Demolishing an Existing Kitchen + Creating a new renovated space. Remodel by www.jennaburger.com

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…

Demo Day: Steps to Demolishing an Existing Kitchen + Creating a new renovated space. Remodel by www.jennaburger.com

Demo Day: Steps to Demolishing an Existing Kitchen + Creating a new renovated space. Remodel by www.jennaburger.com

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.

Demo Day: Steps to Demolishing an Existing Kitchen + Creating a new renovated space. Remodel by www.jennaburger.com

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…

Demo Day: Steps to Demolishing an Existing Kitchen + Creating a new renovated space. Remodel by www.jennaburger.com

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!

Demo Day: Steps to Demolishing an Existing Kitchen + Creating a new renovated space. Remodel by www.jennaburger.com

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 LOWE’S.  ALL OPINIONS + SELECTIONS ARE MY OWN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LOWE’S DESIGN TEAM.

Kitchen Remodel: Before + Plan of Action

THE KITCHEN DESIGN PALETTE: The plan of action for the proposed kitchen by www.jennaburger.com

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’).

Current Kitchen

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…

Wonderful White Kitchens + How To Decorate them so they're anything but VANILLA! White Kitchen Round-up @ www.jennaburger.com

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.

Kitchen flow space

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…

3D Image of Proposed Kitchen

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).

3D Image of Proposed Kitchen

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.

THE KITCHEN DESIGN PALETTE: The plan of action for the proposed kitchen by www.jennaburger.com

– 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

kitchen palette

 

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…

Storage Solutions inside cabinets

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!

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 LOWE’S.  ALL OPINIONS + SELECTIONS ARE MY OWN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LOWE’S DESIGN TEAM.

Eclectic Style Kitchen + Living Room Tour

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.

Eclectic Kitchen + Living Room House Tour! A before & after kitchen makeover that is a MUST SEE!

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’…

BEFORE kitchen makeover

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…

BEFORE kitchen makeover

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…

Mood Board for Kitchen Makeover

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.

during constructionThe 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!

during construction

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…

Eclectic Kitchen + Living Room House Tour! A before & after kitchen makeover that is a MUST SEE!

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’…

Eclectic Kitchen + Living Room House Tour! A before & after kitchen makeover that is a MUST SEE!

Eclectic Kitchen + Living Room House Tour! A before & after kitchen makeover that is a MUST SEE!

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.

Eclectic Kitchen + Living Room House Tour! A before & after kitchen makeover that is a MUST SEE!

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.

Eclectic Kitchen + Living Room House Tour! A before & after kitchen makeover that is a MUST SEE!

Eclectic Kitchen + Living Room House Tour! A before & after kitchen makeover that is a MUST SEE!

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.

Eclectic Kitchen + Living Room House Tour! A before & after kitchen makeover that is a MUST SEE!

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.

Eclectic Kitchen + Living Room House Tour! A before & after kitchen makeover that is a MUST SEE!

Eclectic Kitchen + Living Room House Tour! A before & after kitchen makeover that is a MUST SEE!

The view from the dining room looking into the kitchen…

Eclectic Kitchen + Living Room House Tour! A before & after kitchen makeover that is a MUST SEE!

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.

Eclectic Kitchen + Living Room House Tour! a MUST-SEE transformation!!

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.

Eclectic Kitchen + Living Room House Tour! a MUST-SEE transformation!!

Eclectic Kitchen + Living Room House Tour! a MUST-SEE transformation!!

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.

Eclectic Kitchen + Living Room House Tour! a MUST-SEE transformation!!

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!

Eclectic Kitchen + Living Room House Tour! a MUST-SEE transformation!!

Eclectic Kitchen + Living Room House Tour! a MUST-SEE transformation!!

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

Eclectic Kitchen + Living Room House Tour! a MUST-SEE transformation!!

Eclectic Kitchen + Living Room House Tour! a MUST-SEE transformation!!

Eclectic Kitchen + Living Room House Tour! a MUST-SEE transformation!!

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 😉

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.

Before and After Kitchen Makeover by @Jenna_Burger, SASinteriors.net

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

Before and After Kitchen Makeover by @Jenna_Burger, SASinteriors.net

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

Before and After Kitchen Makeover by @Jenna_Burger, SASinteriors.net

Before and After Kitchen Makeover by @Jenna_Burger, SASinteriors.net

Before and After Kitchen Makeover by @Jenna_Burger, SASinteriors.net

Before and After Kitchen Makeover by @Jenna_Burger, SASinteriors.net

Before and After Kitchen Makeover by @Jenna_Burger, SASinteriors.net

Before and After Kitchen Makeover by @Jenna_Burger, SASinteriors.net

Before and After Kitchen Makeover by @Jenna_Burger, SASinteriors.net

Before and After Kitchen Makeover by @Jenna_Burger, SASinteriors.net

Before and After Kitchen Makeover by @Jenna_Burger, SASinteriors.net

Before and After Kitchen Makeover by @Jenna_Burger, SASinteriors.net

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.