We’re still finishing drywall for our new opening, but while we wait and get photos ready, here’s an inspiring kitchen makeover to keep the momentum going. We got especially excited when we read “1948 ranch style house” and “kitchen renovation” — and the before-and-after photos sealed the deal. This renovation proves that regardless of budget, one or two bold, unexpected choices can transform a space and give it real personality. The playful touches, like the yellow floor and the chalkboard pantry door, pair beautifully with highly functional upgrades such as large glass-front cabinets and a glossy white backsplash. Below is Kathryn’s note about the project:
We had a very outdated kitchen in our 1948 ranch style house. We bought our house in 2009 knowing that we’d have to do something about the kitchen – the overhead light didn’t work, the stove worked about 50% of the time, and it was claustrophobic.
We used the first-time homebuyer’s tax credit plus savings to redo the kitchen, and ended up updating everything to make the layout work better and eliminate the dark, dated feeling. We removed a soffit and installed new flooring, new cabinets, new counters, new lighting, new backsplash tile, new appliances, and a new sink and faucet. Hope you like it as much as we do! – Kathryn
Isn’t that a dramatic change? Many thanks to Kathryn for sharing her project. She has more after photos on her blog and a step-by-step set of in-progress images if you want to see the process. The room feels completely different and not just because of surface updates — thoughtful cabinetry choices make a big difference. Notice the clean lines, the glass-front cabinets that extend to the ceiling after removing the soffit, the large pull-out drawers designed for everyday use, and the open bookcase at the end of the counter for cookbooks and display. Those details make the kitchen both more attractive and more functional, so cooking becomes more enjoyable.
So, what’s your favorite part? Some highlights here are the glass cabinets, the oversized drawers, and the pendant light over the sink — but the bright floor and the chalkboard pantry door show how a touch of personality can turn a practical renovation into something delightful.