Before & After - An Island Inspired by a Pot Kitchen Remodel
There really is nothing better than a before and after, am I right? Not only is it fun to see a space transformed but I feel like it really helps get the wheels turning in all of our minds for what could be for our own homes.
A few weeks ago I posted about this kitchen:
I went through the details and thought process behind a lot of the decisions, but one thing I didn't have were before photos. As much as I know you all like looking at a pretty kitchen, I know it can sometimes be more helpful to see where spaces started before they were re-imagined and improved. So, today I thought I would share the before photos of this project with you.
Before we dig in, let me refresh your memory. This whole kitchen remodel began because of the island. The initial plan was to redo the island ONLY. However, over time one thing let to another and it was decided the whole kitchen would be renovated. I say all of this not only to bring you up to speed or refresh your recollection if you read the original post, but also to convey that the project was not just screaming for a makeover when I first met it. In fact, it had a lot of nice features already, like granite countertops, nice appliances, etc...BUT once the door was opened to improve the overall function and aesthetic, I jumped at the opportunity.
Before:
After:
The layout of this wall remained pretty much the same, but the cabinets were switched from painted to stained and the countertops and finishes (lighting and plumbing fixtures) were lightened up in color.
Before:
After:
This side of the kitchen received the most reworking design wise. It's hard to see in the first picture but there was a desk in the corner between the oven stack and the refrigerator. The desk was removed and a series of tall pantries were put in its place. Again, the majority of the perimeter cabinets were switched from paint to stain and those cabinets were taken all the way to the ceiling.
Before:
After:
The original glass door cabinetry was switched to paint and really designed to look like a piece of furniture. This area of cabinetry was held off the ceiling to give it more of a hutch look. Wood countertops and a fun custom backsplash really bring life and interest to this piece.
Before:
After:
As you can see from the before photo the island definitely transformed. Not only did the color change but the bulky two-level surface (the original nemesis of the kitchen) was removed and the island was made to be one level. While the overall size of the island didn't change that much the actual continuous workspace quadrupled!
The floors were updated as was the wall color and the lighting fixtures. All of these changes both big and small really came together to make for a bright and happy space that I would be happy to hang out in any day!
To read the original post with with all of the material details as well as some more behind the scenes reasoning click here.