The Makeover Takeover series focuses on helping my readers with bits of their own homes that are giving them challenges. Whether it is a room that they want guidance on styling, a floor plan that needs re-configuring, or they are stumbling with choosing an exterior color palette, I am happy to help. I offer solutions through virtual design and source links.

My first two Takeovers were both bathrooms – a modern Small Beachy Bathroom, and a Classic + Clean Bathroom remodel in a historic home. They were both met with wonderful reviews, and this time around I was excited to shift gears a bit and work on a kitchen remodel.

My friend Adell and her husband Ben live in a super adorable traditional home with their four young kids. Though the house has architectural features that really shine, the kitchen leaves much to be desired.

THE KITCHEN TODAY

The layout of the appliances is actually quite efficient. The sink/ DW, fridge and oven are arranged in the basic work triangle, which works well.  There is a portion of wall next to the fridge that juts into the space, but because of the way the floor steps down to meet the attached garage access, it needed to stay. For the most part, I wanted to focus on the cosmetic aspects of the room and on making it as organized as possible, finding a home for everything.

PROPOSED PLAN CHANGES

As you can see from the photos, this is one busy family! There are little reminder notes, and calendars on the cupboards, and the kids art projects are taking over the fridge. I wanted to streamline the organization of these bits, cleaning up the space.

I also wanted to maximize the work space, by finding a home for all of the small appliances and kitchen gadgets that are residing on the counter tops.

They have an open layout from kitchen to dining, and the counter extends so that there is space for seating on the dining room side. However, because of the position of the stove, it isn’t a safe place for the kids to sit.

There is a pantry that opens into the kitchen. The storage is nice, but it creates a bump out that leaves a strange little corner. The family has a small table positioned here, but as you can tell by the picture – it has become a bit of a drop spot. Again, I wanted to provide them with functional storage.

And last but not least, I wanted to clean up some of the strange finishes that the previous owners of the house have left – including the wallpaper border/ back-splash and the sheet linoleum floor that was PAINTED to look like individual ceramic tiles. What? Yes, it’s true.

 

FINISH INSPIRATION

Adell and Ben sent me images of kitchens and materials that they love – and based off of their selections, I would say that they have a very classic style, with traditional lines and a touch of rustic flair.

I was able to source a wonderful selection of products that I think would be amazing in their space. You can learn more about each product by clicking on the titles below.

SINK: This stainless steel apron sink will match the other appliances well.

FAUCET: In a simple black finish.

COUNTER TOP MATERIAL: Quartz in a simple white color (Arctic Lace)- a clean, fresh look to compliment the dark cabinetry.

RUG: Adds a splash of color to the space.

FLOORING: This beautiful porcelain tile looks like weathered wood. Set in a herringbone pattern, it adds a beautiful surprising detail.

LIGHT FIXTURE: A black industrial barn pendant set above the kitchen sink for extra task lighting.

BAR STOOLS: Simple and a bit industrial.

CABINETS: A custom cabinet maker can get specialty sizes, but this stock variety could save a bundle.

CABINET PULLS: These simple matte black pulls compliment the cabinetry without overpowering it.

CUTTING BOARD: A dose of natural walnut adds warmth and character.

WIRE BASKETS: These simple baskets are handy for storage, but because of their openness – don’t promote clutter.

ART: A fun kitchen is one you can dance in.

WALL COLOR: ‘Agreeable Gray’ from Sherwin Williams – the perfect neutral.

AND NOW FOR THE BIG REVEAL!

Can you see the changes? Even though the footprint of the room didn’t change – it seems so much more open! The colors are muted and neutral, which will blend well with the rest of the home decor. Just for reference, let’s take another look at the space pre-makeover.

Quite the difference, I think! Here are the details of what I did to achieve the casual rustic look that Adell and Ben love.

Obviously, all new cabinetry provides a fresh look. Because they are a darker gray stain that shows some wood-grain, I opted to go with a very simple quartz for the counters. Quartz is a wonderful low maintenance surface that is perfect for families with young children. The window above the sink was doubled in size, to allow a greater view of the backyard and let in more natural daylight.

The sink was replaced with a stainless steel apron variety. The large double bowls are very efficient. All corner cabinets in the kitchen have hinged doors that allow access to Lazy Susan storage.

Above the sink I hung a large industrial barn style pendant light. This will provide wonderful task lighting, and is also a focal point for the room.

I removed a window on the fridge wall, which allowed me to even out the counters and provide a more accessible spot for the microwave. The small shelf above the microwave is the perfect size for a cookbook or two.

Next to the fridge, I am proposing a framed piece of sheet metal that can be used to hang notes, calendars and even kid artwork. This wall isn’t as visible from other rooms in the house, making it the perfect location for those random bits.

Where the pantry used to be, I am proposing a more shallow base cabinet with pull out pantry drawers. This is efficient storage for canned and boxed goods, and it offers additional counter space. Because of it’s location to the entry from the attached garage, this area naturally becomes a drop spot.

There is no shame in that. Every house needs a drop spot! The key is to keep the space organized and efficient so that it remains useful and not cluttered storage. Baskets can be placed on the shelves for papers that need to be filed, bills that need to be paid.

The counter/bar seating near the range has been raised, for safety purposes.

With the addition of rustic wood corbels, this is now an attractive spot to eat an afternoon snack or do homework.

And immediately next to the bar, where a small cart used to reside, I am proposing an additional built in cabinet – to house the broom, cleaning supplies, and all of those fun kid craft materials.

The real masterpiece of the room though has to be the amazing wood-grain tiles set in a herringbone pattern. So beautiful and durable! Accented with a pop of color from a distressed bohemian style rug, these floors really come to life!

One last look at the completed space:

I’ve created a 3d animation of the kitchen makeover for a closer look. Click the play button below to view.

 

I think that this casual rustic kitchen design would blend very well with the rest of Ben and Adell’s beautiful home. Working on this project for them was a lot of fun!

Remember that this is a FREE digital home design consultation, which is available to anyone who subscribes to the Arrow Hill Cottage website. If you or someone you know could benefit from this service, simply email me with a few photos and a description of what issues you would like resolved.

If chosen, I will offer a solution + inspiration through 3d images and sourced items. Hurry though! I only have the ability to do one Makeover Takeover each month and the spots are filling up quickly! I have plans to eventually make this a paid service, so if you have been thinking of contacting me about a project and want to get in on the free deal, don’t hesitate!

 

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