When Alexis sent photos of her stunning kitchen makeover, we were thrilled to share them. Here’s the note she included about the transformation:

I love your blog and read it daily. My husband and I bought our house a year ago and are redoing nearly every room. You’ve been a huge inspiration. I wanted to share our kitchen before and after. We’re still working on the adjoining family room around the fireplace, so that’s next!

Before the update, dark wood cabinets, traditional knobs, and chair rail molding made the kitchen feel much smaller than it is. The “before” picture I sent already had the maroon wallpaper removed, which helped, but the space still felt heavy. We painted the cabinets, replaced the appliances, added a backsplash, and installed new countertops. One of my favorite additions was inexpensive and simple: I bought cork squares and hot-glued them to the old laminate in the desk area to create a custom corkboard. It keeps lists, invites, and reminders off the desktop while staying visible. Below is a quick source list for anyone curious:

Paint: walls painted in Butter from Restoration Hardware; cabinets finished in semi-gloss White by Benjamin Moore. Hardware: knobs and pulls from Restoration Hardware. Flooring: we removed mixed flooring (carpet, vinyl, oak) and installed vertical bamboo throughout the first floor. Appliances: new stainless-steel Kenmore appliances. Countertops: Silestone from Home Depot with butcher block on the island. Backsplash: classic white subway tile over the counters. Pendant: from West Elm, rewired to hard-wire in place.

Thanks for the inspiration and for sharing so many great ideas. I hope you enjoy the transformation as much as I enjoy following the blog. — Alexis

We absolutely love it. Here’s the dramatic before shot that shows how much darker and more closed-in the kitchen felt before the makeover:

And here’s the bright, airy after that shows how paint, lighting, and a few smart updates can transform a space:

This makeover highlights several effective strategies for refreshing a kitchen without a full gut renovation. Painting dark cabinetry in a crisp white opens the room instantly and lets natural light travel. Replacing mismatched flooring with a single, durable surface—like vertical bamboo—creates continuity and visually enlarges the area. Swapping dated hardware for simple, modern knobs and pulls updates the look with minimal cost. New stainless-steel appliances streamline the aesthetic while offering improved function.

Practical, budget-friendly touches also make a big difference. The DIY corkboard is a perfect example: inexpensive cork squares repurposed into a pinboard keep clutter off the desk while adding texture and personality. Installing a white subway tile backsplash brightens the counter area and provides an easy-to-clean surface. Combining Silestone countertops with a butcher-block island balances durability with warmth and character.

Light fixtures and small styling choices finish the space—replacing or hard-wiring a pendant light can transform the dining or prep area, while thoughtful lamp selection adds glow and atmosphere. In short, this kitchen shows how paint, consistent finishes, a few new appliances, and simple DIY projects can create a fresh, functional, and welcoming heart of the home.

Fantastic job, Alexis—we love the modern, airy result and the clever corkboard detail. Now it’s your turn: what’s your favorite part of this renovation?