Kitchen & Dining Room Swap: Before and After Photo Reveal

Kitchen before and after, a cottage kitchen renovation

Kitchen before and after photos of our renovation

I wanted to close the year by sharing a collection of before-and-after photos from our kitchen and dining nook renovation.

Even small spaces can change dramatically in a short time. Our cottage was charming from the start, but when we added the Tiny Cottage addition we had to rethink the floor plan. That gave us the chance to redesign how we use our limited square footage and improve functionality throughout the main floor.

Swapping the locations of the kitchen and dining area made a big difference in flow and storage. The new layout feels more open and practical for day-to-day life and for hosting family gatherings.

We tested the new plan over Christmas with both families here, and it worked beautifully. Below are the after photos followed by the corresponding before shots taken from the same angles. I’ll share more details in 2024.

We moved into this well-loved cottage overlooking the Salish Sea just a little over two years ago. Since then we’ve made it our own and added a cozy Tiny Cottage for my parents. It’s become a warm, welcoming place for family to gather, and we plan for it to be our forever home.

With a new baby on the way in a few weeks and more adventures ahead, we’re excited for what’s next for our home and family in 2024. Thank you for following along — happy new year!

Small cottage kitchen with dining nook, soapstone counters
Kitchen before and after, removing peninsulas and raising headers to open up a small space
Kitchen before and after photos
Kitchen before and after
img 163035 6 1
img 163035 7 1
Cottage kitchen before and after, swapping the location of the kitchen and dining area to open up a small floor plan
Sources: Patterned Rug (Ocean/Gold color) // Rattan Dining Chairs // Blue Striped Slipcovers // Parsons Dining Chairs // Jute Wrapped Chandelier with Shades // Rattan Serving Cart
Cottage kitchen before and after, swapping the location of the kitchen and dining area to open up a small floor plan in a coastal home
Cottage kitchen before and after, swapping the location of the kitchen and dining area to open up a small floor plan in a coastal home
Cottage kitchen before and after, swapping the location of the kitchen and dining area to open up a small floor plan in a coastal home
Cottage kitchen before and after, changing the location of the kitchen and dining area to open up a small floor plan in a coastal home
Cottage kitchen before and after photos of a renovation swapping the location of the kitchen and dining area to open up a small floor plan in a coastal home
Cottage kitchen before and after, swapping the location of the kitchen and dining area to open up a small floor plan in a coastal home
Sources: Blue Range Stove (30 inch, Blue Gray)
Cottage kitchen before and after, swapping the location of the kitchen and dining area to open up a small floor plan in a coastal home
Cottage kitchen before and after, swapping the location of the kitchen and dining area opened up a small floor plan
Sources: Leather Sofa Armchair Version // Blue Plaid Throw // Jute + Cotton Rug // Wicker Trunk // Brass Wall Sconce // Wildflower Pillow Cover // Gingham Pillow // Reversible Throw Blanket
Cottage kitchen before and after, swapping the location of the kitchen and dining area in a small floor plan
Cottage kitchen before and after, swapping the location of the kitchen and dining area to open up a small floor plan in a coastal home
Cottage kitchen before and after, swapping the location of the kitchen and dining area to open up a small floor plan in a coastal home
Cottage kitchen before and after, swapping the location of the kitchen and dining area opened up a small floor plan in a coastal home
BEFORE: Swapping the location of the kitchen and dining area to open up a small floor plan in a coastal home
Cottage kitchen before and after renovation photos -- swapping the location of the kitchen and dining area to open up a small floor plan in a coastal home
Our cottage kitchen before and after renovation photos -- swapping the location of the kitchen and dining area to open up a small floor plan in a coastal home
Cottage kitchen before and after, swapping the location of the kitchen and dining area opened up a small floor plan in a coastal home  creating more storage and functional space
BEFORE Cottage kitchen before swapping the location of the kitchen and dining area to open up a small floor plan in a coastal home
Cottage kitchen dining nook after swapping the location of the kitchen and dining area to open up a small floor plan in a coastal home
Cottage kitchen before removing the peninsulas and swapping the location of the kitchen and dining area to open up a small floor plan in a coastal home
Cottage kitchen before and after, swapping the location of the kitchen and dining area to open up a small floor plan and add storage in a coastal home
Cottage kitchen before swapping the location of the kitchen and dining area to open up a small floor plan in a coastal home

You can see the kitchen reveal and tour post with all sources and details in the original reveal post.

Read more posts about this remodel in the remodel category on the blog.

I have so much I’m excited to share with you in 2024!

Subscribe to the newsletter to receive tips for making a house a home, decor recommendations, room inspiration boards, and blog updates delivered to your inbox.

img 163035 30 1