Well, it’s finished. I was beginning to think it would never happen, but my kitchen is finished. And it only took three years. Or was it four? Heck, I’ve lost count by now. And I still have a couple of projects to finish for the dining area, so I really am just going to show you the kitchen today. Hopefully I’ll have the dining area completely finished this week, so that’s coming soon. But let’s get on to the before and afters, shall we?
The kitchen was pretty pathetic when we moved in. These condos were built in the 80s, and it didn’t look like a single thing had been updated between then and when we bought the place in July 2006.
It definitely looks a little different now.
You can see the before and after by hovering your pointer over the picture below.
It originally had a very old-looking built in stove…
…so I did end up replacing the lower cabinets on the stove side of the kitchen. I just used stock cabinets from Home Depot. They’re not a perfect match, but close enough.
And again, you can see the quick view before and after by hovering your pointer over the picture below.
.
I actually did manage to clean off the countertops for the “after” picture, though.
Matt’s favorite thing about the whole kitchen is the tree painted on the wall. I painted it freehand, but it actually started out looking a little different than it looks today. Fortunately, my artistic mom offered her advice on how to fix some of the problem areas on my original tree to make it look better.
And another quick view before and after for you. Just hover your pointer over the picture below.
But now it’s pretty and functional…
And one last quick view before and after. Hover your pointer over the picture below.
Here are just a few more…
My waterproof artwork above my sink is one of my favorite things. No matter how wet or dirty it gets (and I’m pretty messy at the sink), all I have to do is wipe it off with a sponge and it looks good as new.
I actually get quite a bit of use out of my magnetic spice board. I guess you can tell, since a couple of them are empty. Ha!
And one last view of my “new” countertop. I wish I had done them like this way back when I first installed them. I love the way they look when they’re freshly oiled, and the medium brown color is just perfect. I didn’t always think that. I was convinced I wanted dark stained countertops, but I really do love the natural medium brown color.
And one last before and after:
Here are a few details about the kitchen:
- Cabinet color: Hallowed Hush by Behr (Home Depot), color matched in Kelly Moore interior oil-based paint in a satin finish,
- Wall color: Rich Cream by Behr,
- Cabinets: mostly original, but I remade the doors, changing them from raised panel to recessed panel. On the lower side of the stove side, I did use stock cabinets from Home Depot.
- Ceiling: I used 1/4″ plywood, cut into 4″ wide strips, and then cut into lengths of four feet. Then I attached them to the ceiling with 1/4″ spacing between,
- Backsplash: plain white subway tile from Home Depot,
- Wall mural: I drew the tree and birds freehand, and then filled in with leftover paint,
- Flooring: peel and stick, groutable vinyl tiles from Home Depot,
- Countertops: Numerar oak butcherblock countertops from IKEA
I think that covers everything, but if you have any questions, let me know!
There were a lot of projects that went into this tiny little kitchen. Some of them aren’t around anymore, but you can see all of them here:
![framed-magnetic-spice-rack_thumb[2]](http://www.addicted2decorating.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/framed-magnetic-spice-rack_thumb2-200x200.jpg)
![hand painted floor cloth 22_thumb[1]](http://www.addicted2decorating.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/hand-painted-floor-cloth-22_thumb1-200x200.jpg)
Hey there! Thanks so much for visiting! :-)
I'm an interior decorator-turned-blogger, and a DIY fanatic. My blog is where I share 
What a great transformation! I love the counter and the cabinet color, and the stenciled wall. Very inspiring, all of it! ~ Angie
Thanks so much, Angie! It’s actually not a stencil. I painted the design freehand.
Beautiful!! cabinets, counter… and odd as it seems… I had your original floor under my fooring when I had it pulled to lay tile… They must have loved that in the 70s-80s….
WOW! It looks so gorgeous. Of course I’ve been following along with your other projects and got a sneak peak at the gorgeous cabinet color, but seeing it in it’s entirety is awesome. Beautiful work. Looking at all your DIY projects in the space, I’m still contemplating whats my favorite… Great work Kristi! xo Jenna
wow!! Your new kitchen is fabulous! The cabinets and counters are beautiful! Enjoy your new kitchen.
FABBY
Excellent transformation Kristi, well done. I agree with Matt, the tree mural is very special.
Scotty’s Latest Post..Autumn Treasures
Screaming with excitement for you…It is amazing!! I love it and it may have been a long process but so worth the beauty!!
denyse@crazy beautiful life’s Latest Post..A Little Fall Decor’
Wow! Amazing transformation. That blue color looks so good with the natural color on the counters! The painted tree is the cherry on the top . Love it all!
Cristina’s Latest Post..Adding Crown Moulding to the Top of Bookcases
love the make-over! what is the backsplash … at first i thought painted brick … is it tile?
It’s just plain ‘ole white subway tile from Home Depot.
Wow! What a difference! Love the new look and the new cabinet color!
Olga@StardustDecorStyle’s Latest Post..Girl’s Bedroom Reveal! (how I created polka dots on the wall)
The place looks amazing!!! Somebody is going to snack that baby up when it hits the market!!! Keep at it Kristi!!! I’m excited for you!!
Oops I meant snatch!!! :/
Awesome!!!!!!!!!!
It look so, so , so good. Kudos, Kristi! An amazing transformation.
Western Warmth’s Latest Post..Exterior colors
YAYYYYY!!!!!! What a great feeling that must be, and it turned out fantastic! Every detail looks wonderful and so creative. It’s beautiful.
WooHoo!! You did it! And it’s gorgeous. I’m with Matt….the tree is fabulous and makes the room. But…so do the ‘new’ countertops. I really think they breath life into your sweet space. Can’t wait to see how the adjoining area comes together.
Diane | An Extraordinary Day’s Latest Post..{31 Extraordinary Days} Organize the Nest for Fall
Love the color on the cabinets and absolutely love the tree!
Recreate and Decorate’s Latest Post..Cha cha cha changes
Wow! What a transformation, you did an amazing job.
I have to ask, did you get rid of the microwave? I love the look, but sure hope it doesn’t take me that long, lol!
Matt and I haven’t used a microwave in nine years, so yep…I got rid of it.
Maybe it’s just me, but I think the ceilings look higher without the microwave above the stove. Good choice! Makes the kitchen look bigger! Beautiful!
WOW. That is an unbelievable transformation! Great job Kristi! I’m in LOVE with your cabinets and flooring.
Erin @ How to Nest for Less’s Latest Post..Cupcake Themed Birthday Party with FREE Printables
Amazing!! It looks beautiful. And how awesome that you did it all yourself!!
This looks AMAZING!! I swear the kitchen looks bigger like this too. You have an excellent eye for color. I would definitely consider this worth the wait!
Mrs Mike’s Latest Post..Catching Up
Love the beadboard ceiling too!
WOW! So cool to see how much it has progressed, and that you did it all yourself. You should be so proud of yourself!
Lindsey@BetterAfter’s Latest Post..The Shelf Help Section
Gorgeous! I love to see makeovers that use the old cabinets…cant always afford new ones. Great job!!!
Cheryl’s Latest Post..Finishing Fall Touches
Kristi – that is an amazing transformation! I love the mural and the painted cabinets. Beautiful!
Mary@athomeonthebay’s Latest Post..Pillow Shams
Your kitchen is beautiful!!! You did an amazing job!
So Beautiful!! Love it!! I have to ask, and I may have just missed it, but what is the color you used on your cabinets? I love it!
Rebekah, the paint color on my kitchen cabinets is a Behr (Home Depot) color called Hallowed Hush, but I had it color matched in Kelly Moore interior satin oil-based paint.
You did a beautiful job! It is such a pretty makeover! – not over the top and not one bit less than it could be – just perfect!
Wow!!! You did such a great job. Who cares if took 3/4 years, you did it all by yourself and you should be so proud. Cabinet color is gorgeous. You deserve a big pat on the back.
GREAT choice for the color of your cabinets. Beautiful. I also love your choice of wall art–trees!
That is truly a night and day make-over. I love how much of the bones of the old kitchen were re-used, and I don’t think most people would look at the before and think there was a single thing left from the old kitchen. You really did an incredible job of it!
Mark E Tisdale’s Latest Post..Abstract Photography – What’s in A Name?
You rocked it!! It looks so amazing – from the counters to gorgeous color cabinets to that fun tree, you turned an 80s nightmare into a stylish pad!
4 years – but worth the wait! Pinning that tree – it’s fabulous (your moms tips paid off)!
Kelly
Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage’s Latest Post..Watch Your Fingers – I’m a “Fan” of Halloween
And what about that ceiling? What did you do there? Awesome space btw!
Belinda Baggett’s Latest Post..Lady bug skirt
looks fantastic! and so roomy. GREAT job!
amy’s Latest Post..who needs the electric slide?
Lovely! And can I ask where you got the pig from?
Ha! That cute little pig came from Marshall’s about a year ago.
You did it!!! Looks absolutely beautiful. Hope to see the dining area next week to get a feel for the whole area.
Wow–what an incredible transformation! Really a testimony to the power of paint. We just finished a long-in-th-works bathroom reno, so I know how much work your kitchen was and how good you must feel to have it done. Love that cabinet color!
Rita@thissortaoldlife’s Latest Post..Our master bathroom reveal!Our Vintage Northwest Forest Baroque-ish retreat
Terrific space… worth the wait!! Love the colour you’ve chosen for the cabinetry
Victoria
Impressive! Looks like a custom home!
Heather’s Latest Post..James’ New Room
Kristi…amazing renovation! Everything is just beautiful! I know your goal is sell it before long for the house you’re planning on buying. It should sell quickly with all you’ve done. Great job!
Susan (Between Naps on the Porch)’s Latest Post..Make a Crow Tree Centerpiece for Halloween : The 194th Metamorphosis Monday
Beautiful transformation! You’ve added style, whimsy and made it a wonderful selling feature in your home. Be proud!
Such a lovely kitchen! I really like the metro feel of it. Great job.
What a beautiful transformation! It all takes so much time, but, in your case, so worth it!!! Congratulations and thanks for inspiration. We are going through the same process, but with a whole house!! Yikes! 2 1/2 years and counting. The painted cabinets with the wooden countertops are just wonderful!
Eileen’s Latest Post..I’m a Winner!!!!!!
Congratulations on finishing the kitchen! It looks great.
Your kitchen is absolutely beautiful. A wonderful improvement on the old one. I love the color of the cabinets. BEAUTIFUL! Enjoy! ~Linda
Linda @ Home is Where My Heart is’s Latest Post..A CORN MAZE
It turned out fantastic! You’re well on your way outta there and into a new place with that redo.
Bliss
Bliss’s Latest Post..Ghost Gang
Really came out beautiful. So tastefully done & the colors are just so lovely together.
Gina’s Latest Post..10 Reasons I Love My Kit Lens
I am so glad you mentioned the ceiling because I would have missed this amazing transformation! hate those popcorn ceilings and the plywood idea is genius. The whole kitchen is remarkable.
Kim@reposhture.blogspot.com‘s Latest Post..Chic Door Table – Two Ways
Awesome Job!! Love the colors.
Kristi, your kitchen looks amazing, from the new ceiling all the way down to the floor! The cabinet color is fresh and updated, and I want to put in those same wooden countertops when we redo our kitchen. I am in awe of your tree on the wall, too! Gorgeous!
Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads’s Latest Post..Fall Garden Update
Love your kitchen and I have to say LOVE the cabinet color!~ You did a fantastic job Kristi.
debbiedoos’s Latest Post..Recycled can ideas {such a cute little anyone “can” do project}!
How beautiful the outcome turned out to be. I love how the kitchen come to live with the paint you put on it, I also love its design, so unique!
It looks fantastic Kristi! I especially love the ceiling light!
Melissa-TheHappierHomemaker’s Latest Post..Treat Yourself at Kirkland’s
It look great!!
Runt’s Latest Post..One Year
Absolutely stunning kitchen makeover! You’ve given me hope that mine can be done.
Alex @ northstory’s Latest Post..Thrift Store Round Up
Congrats on completing your kitchen, Kristi. It is truly phenomenal!
Suzy @ Worthing Court’s Latest Post..Fall on the Front Porch
Wow what a reveal Your kitchen is beautiful!
xx
Anne
Beautiful! I love the ceiling most of all!
Kim (TheMoney-Pit)’s Latest Post..Master Bathroom Inspiration
Wow, I can’t believe you painted that freehand, it looks amazing! I love unique and distinct designs like this. It’s what I try to do for customers who are looking for interior decorators because they don’t have the time or vision to do it themselves. Really cool that you can do it yourself!
I love this so much! My husband and I are about to move into a house that definitely needs some updating , so I am excited to try some of your tips!
Lauren’s Latest Post..Thursdays.
Holy smokes it’s gorgeous! I love everything you did. It truly is dramatic. You must love waking up to this every morning
jessica@fourgenerationsoneroof’s Latest Post..DIY multipurpose mudroom reveal
Love your makeover soooo much, stunning !!!!
Wow you kitchen looks incredible! I found you through the texas group on Facebook! Super cute–amazing job!
-meandmr.com
melanie’s Latest Post..A Vineyard In Napa
How did you apply the paint to the cabinets? Did you use a paint brush, roller or spray gun?
What a beautiful makeover! I found you from the Texans Who Blog group, so glad I did, you have so many great project ideas. My favorite part is the color combination of the cabinets and countertops. I pinned this to Pinterest.
Cynthia’s Latest Post..Friday Quick Tip Using Group Boards
AWESOME re-do. The magnetic spice board is great too! Love it.
Sally’s Latest Post..Starry, Starry Night
I loved your kitchen so much I went to Home Depot the same day I saw it. the man in the paint dept was able to locate the paint on their machine, said it was not a Behr color, and made a sample that was almost white. definitely not your beautiful blue.
He must have been confused, or typed in the wrong color. I just went to the Behr website (http://www.behr.com), typed in the name, and found it right away. Hallowed Hush 500F-6
Thanks for follwoing up! My husband and I rarely agree on colors,. I saw your reveal, showed him, and we both said, what color- let’s get it! I will head back to HD with this info.
Your kitchen is just darling! It has given me inspiration to start decorating my new condo I just moved into! The color on your cabinets is such a beautiful color. Cute cute!
Beautiful Kitchen! Where did you get your sink? I’d like to keep my original cabinets in my kitchen, but the sink base is only 20 inches deep from front to back…so I have been having issues finding a sink that would fit there, but yours looks like it might. Thanks!
Beautiful! The color you chose is stunning and the pantry cabinet came out fantastic
jayne’s Latest Post..Mid-century finds
Absolutely gorgeous. The ceiling is beautiful–what a creative idea to get that look! NICE!!!
Diane Kukich’s Latest Post..Jack-OBX-Lanterns
Somehow I missed the big reveal. So glad to see all of your hard work come together. I love your blue cabinets with your wood counter tops. Your kitchen looks absolutely amazing.
Brandi’s Latest Post..12 Egg Frittata
How much did thiys whole remodel cost roughly?
LOVE your kitchen makeover. All of the colors are beautiful together. I really like the tree and the spice board. Oh yes, and the cabinets, the wall color, the ceiling, etc. Great job!
What a great makeover. I love the redo of the cabinets. I have always liked a wonderful painted cabinet. Here is a link to our article about how to paint kitchen cabinets for your readers if they would like to try.
I love before and after articles and this is one of my favorites. Keep up your beatuiful designs.
What a transformation, the kitchen looks amazing now.
Lomr’s Latest Post..Bon Appétit Detroit! It’s Detroit Restaurant Week!
What a stylish remodel, nice job!
what kind of paint for cabinets that will not chip
I use interior oil-based paint in a satin finish. But I always sand first, then use an oil-based primer (Zinsser), and sand again. Then I paint.
Great! you really wonderfully transform the old kitchen into a modern style.
Selena Mini’s Latest Post..19 Adorable Baby Nursery Decor Concepts
I have been back here numerous times..Its beautiful..great job, so inspiring. I looked all over (i think) what is the color you used on the walls?
Thank so much, Jennifer! The light yellow on the walls is called Rich Cream. It’s a Behr (Home Depot) color. It’s the perfect shade of light, creamy yellow.
Thank you for sharing..I live in a mobile home and will be using this color. I love them all!!!
Kristi, you are AMAZING! Your creativity and talent leaves me speechless! I LOVE what you’ve done with your condo, and it has give me a lot of good dreamin’ for our old house. Thank you! I’m so glad I’ve found your website!
Lea
Thank you so much, Lea! I’m so glad you found some inspiration here on my little ‘ole blog.
What size is your subway tile? 3 x 6 or 4.25 x 8.5? I am about to do my backsplash too, and I was wondering what size you used? It looks stellar!
Hi Jordan~
My tiles are 3″ x 6″. They’re the ones that they carry in stock at Home Depot. Nothing fancy.
are your kitchen cabinets a charcoal gray?
Nope, not gray. They’re teal.
It’s a color called Hallowed Hush by Behr.
Stumbled upon your site, just love your kitchen make over
Looks like you made your baseboards taller in the after photos. Did replace?
I LOVE everything about this kitchen. I am looking for new stainless steel appliances and really like the ones here. Can you tell me the brand and/or models that they are?
Hi Valerie~
They’re a much less expensive, fake stainless steel version called Silver Mist by Frigidaire. We bought ours at Best Buy.
My appliances actually aren’t stainless steel.
Thank you so much for sharing your butcher block counter saga. Our Ikea wood counters arrive tomorrow and I was pretty sure I really wanted them darker and was contemplating all kids of options until I read your blog. I think you just saved me lots of time and frustration. They do look nice natural by the way! Now if my hubby and I could just agree on a backsplash…
Love, love, love. Beautiful transformation. I have a question…did you just paint the outsides of the cabinets and the doors or the inside of the cabinets and shelves, too?
First of all, your kitchen is beautifully transformed and so warm/inviting. Next, I think you need to make and sell some of these things! I do not enjoy making these types of things, but I love to buy unique things for my house!! I would love to buy both the spice rack and the tree (made as a wall decal!) There — I just started a business for you, and I would be your first customer:)
Wow this is beautiful, Kristy! Great job! I absolutely love everything about it!
<3 …. I love everything about the kitchen.
That is an amazing makeover. I have been debating for some time what to do with the late 80′s oak cabinets in my kitchen.
Great job!
Rick’s Latest Post..Smells Like Someone’s Cooking Out!
I just wanted to say that I happened upon your picture of the chalkboard door on pinterest and was blown away. I have a HVAC door like that and its one of the first doors you see when you walk into my house. I have been trying to figure out what to do to make it look better and now I know what I am going to do! CHALKBOARD! Then I kept looking through your blog and saw your kitchen and was amazed! Because I painted my kitchen cabinets a similar color! What good taste we have! Glad I found your blog!
Kristi,
Your kitchen makeover turned out so well! What an incredible before-and-after! I would love to pin this to The Home Depot’s Kitchen pinterest board, if you don’t mind!
Cheers,
Caroline
Senior Editor, The Home Depot
Thanks so much, Caroline! Please feel free to pin anything of my room makeovers and project that you like!