Our Kitchen Transformation: From Drab to Dreamy

In the history of our home, no room reveal has been more anticipated or filled with more excitement than this one. Friends, our kitchen journey has been a long and challenging one. When we first saw this house, the kitchen was, to put it mildly, a disaster.

The “Before” Kitchen: A Culinary Catastrophe

The “before” kitchen remained in its sorry state for what felt like an eternity – fifteen long months, to be precise (though, in our defense, we only lived with it for nine of those months). Even the pictures don’t fully capture how truly awful the space was. In reality, it was mostly unusable. We had a grand total of 4 square feet of countertop space, no oven, no stove, and a kitchen sink that was a pathetic 4 inches deep. Adding insult to injury, there was a tiny, unreliable refrigerator whose freezer fluctuated wildly between deep-freezing everything and thawing everything, depending on its mood.

The Yellow Peril: Cabinets and Drawers from Hell

And how could we forget the two sets of cabinets (two uppers and two lowers) into which we somehow managed to cram all of our kitchen essentials? Then there were the five decrepit drawers, but only two of them actually opened – and when you did manage to open them, you had to wiggle them in a zigzag pattern, like navigating a giant slalom course. There was absolutely nothing charming about this kitchen, unless you happen to be fond of dirty lemon-yellow.

Planning Our Escape: The Kitchen Remodel Dream

Even before we moved into the house, we knew that the kitchen was in desperate need of a complete overhaul. In fact, we deliberately subjected ourselves to living with it in its terrible condition so that we would be highly motivated to start the remodel as soon as our bank accounts recovered from the initial phase of renovations on the house. The old kitchen was not only aesthetically displeasing but also highly inefficient, making everyday tasks a chore. The lack of storage space and adequate appliances made cooking and meal preparation a constant struggle. It was clear that a significant change was required to transform the kitchen into a functional and enjoyable space.

A Partnership with Aristokraft: Turning Dreams into Reality

After a few months of enduring the existing kitchen, we were beyond eager to begin planning our new culinary haven. We were fortunate enough to receive an incredible opportunity to collaborate with Aristokraft cabinetry, and through this partnership, we were paired with a fantastic kitchen designer named Jeannine. This collaboration was a game-changer for our renovation project. Aristokraft’s reputation for quality and design excellence gave us the confidence that our new kitchen would not only look beautiful but also stand the test of time. Jeannine’s expertise and guidance were invaluable in navigating the numerous decisions involved in a kitchen remodel.

Brainstorming with Jeannine: Crafting the Perfect Layout

We met with Jeannine several times at the beautiful Gerhards showroom in Minneapolis to brainstorm the optimal layout for the space and solidify our wish list. At the top of our priorities were ample storage, abundant counter space, and an island with seating. We also made it clear to Jeannine that we wanted to allocate space for a proper stove and a fully functional refrigerator. Thankfully, she was willing to accommodate these “extraordinary” demands. The design process was a collaborative effort, with Jeannine offering insightful suggestions and innovative solutions to meet our specific needs. We discussed various layout options, cabinet styles, and appliance choices, carefully considering both aesthetics and functionality.

The Grand Reveal: A Kitchen Transformed

Months and months later, after battling a particularly stubborn winter, the kitchen that we had obsessed over in 2D form was finally a reality, right there before our eyes. The amount of work that this space required was truly incredible, but it was undeniably worth every single effort. The transformation was remarkable, turning a cramped and outdated kitchen into a bright, open, and inviting space. The new layout maximized the available area, creating a more efficient workflow and enhancing the overall functionality of the kitchen. The careful selection of materials, finishes, and appliances contributed to a cohesive and visually appealing design.

Prepare for Picture Overload: A Visual Feast

And now, brace yourselves for a picture onslaught – more photos than a proud grandma can fit in her purse! Get ready to feast your eyes on the stunning results of our kitchen remodel.

Cabinet Bells and Whistles: The Special Features

As our kitchen design progressed, we found ourselves fortunate enough to incorporate some special features that have made a significant difference in the functionality and organization of the room.

Soft-Close Drawers: A Touch of Luxury

For starters, all of our drawers fully extend and feature a soft-close mechanism. It’s truly glorious – no more slamming drawers or rummaging around in the dark recesses of the cabinets. This seemingly small detail has had a huge impact on the overall usability and enjoyment of our kitchen. The smooth and silent operation of the drawers adds a touch of luxury to our daily routine.

The Super Pantry: Storage Dreams Come True

We have a super pantry, and it truly lives up to its name in every way. Just look at the fully-extended drawers and the tremendous storage capacity. Hello, perfect pantry of my dreams! The super pantry has transformed our ability to store and organize food items, making meal preparation and grocery shopping much more efficient. The pull-out shelves and adjustable dividers allow us to customize the space to suit our specific needs, ensuring that everything is easily accessible and within reach.

Baking Sheet Dividers: Organization Bliss

On both sides of the stove, we have lower cabinets that come with built-in dividers to house our baking sheets and cutting boards. This level of organization is precisely what my Type A personality was longing for (Aristokraft has a ton of interesting organization accessories that, frankly, make me lustful). The dedicated storage for baking sheets and cutting boards has freed up valuable space in our other cabinets and drawers, making it easier to find what we need when we’re cooking or baking. The dividers keep everything neatly organized and prevent items from sliding around or getting damaged.

Countertop and Backsplash: The Perfect Pair

Selecting a countertop was another critical decision we had to make during our kitchen planning phase. Once we’d settled on white cabinetry, our inclination was to go with something darker on the countertops. We initially envisioned a soft gray or cement finish. However, after exploring dozens of options, we struggled to find the perfect match. The countertop plays a significant role in the overall look and feel of the kitchen, so we wanted to ensure that we chose a material that complemented the cabinets and backsplash while also being durable and easy to maintain.

Caesarstone Frosty Carrina: Marble-ous Beauty

We visited a Caesarstone showroom, and both Bruno and I were immediately drawn to the marble-like appearance of Frosty Carrina. We loved how subtle veins of gray gently flowed through the white base. If you ever find yourself shopping for new countertops, do yourself a huge favor and find a showroom that stocks the countertop you love. Seeing it in person on a real-life, large scale makes a world of difference. The Caesarstone showroom we visited was conveniently located within a Best Buy(!), and seeing the countertops in action made us fall even more deeply in love with our selection; and thus, our kitchen countertops were born. Plus, Bruno almost bought the new Taylor Swift CD on the way out (ok, no he didn’t, but only because I stopped him).

Olympia Tile: The Perfect Backsplash

Once the cabinet and countertop decisions were finalized, we needed to select a backsplash. This was by far the most challenging decision for us. We spent weeks searching for a backsplash that was both interesting and timeless. I was leaning toward a stainless steel penny tile, which was definitely interesting. Bruno, however, worried that it would be too shiny and bold in our bright white kitchen. He was advocating for a classic white subway tile, and while I do love a subway tile, I feared it would be too predictable. The backsplash serves as a focal point in the kitchen, so we wanted to choose a design that would complement the other elements while also adding a touch of personality.

Kate Lo Tile: Love at First Sight

On the very last stop of our backsplash hunting marathon, we stopped by a local tile distributor, Kate Lo, and the moment we walked through the door, we spotted this little gem called “Boutique Oriental White Echelon” by Olympia Tile. We both loved it instantly. We didn’t have any countertop or cabinet swatches with us, so ordering it was risky. But, we like living on the edge and ordered it on the spot. The unique pattern and subtle texture of the tile caught our eye, and we knew it would add a touch of elegance and sophistication to our kitchen. The risk paid off, as the backsplash turned out to be the perfect complement to our cabinets and countertops.

Fixtures & Lighting: The Finishing Touches

We were thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Kohler again on this project (remember we teamed up last year for our first bathroom makeover?). Not only are their products beautiful, but they are also incredibly well-made. The fixtures and lighting play a crucial role in the functionality and aesthetics of a kitchen. We wanted to choose products that were both stylish and durable, and Kohler’s reputation for quality and design made them the perfect partner for this project.

Kohler Sink and Faucet: Form and Function

For our kitchen sink and faucet, we chose the Indio sink and the Sensate faucet. The Indio sink has a farmhouse aesthetic but without the apron front. It’s quite large and comes with a stainless steel grill that prevents pots and pans from scratching the porcelain. It also has a custom cutting board that fits directly over the sink; it’s the most convenient, brilliant accessory ever. No sink should be without one. Period.

Quorum International Pendants: A Statement Piece

We debated back and forth over the look and size of our pendant lighting. In the end, we chose the Hinge Pendant No. 804 by Quorum International (on sale at Lumens.com). The pendants are large, and we love them because they make a bold statement in the room.

Task Lighting: Can Lights and Cabinet Lighting

For task lighting, we installed can lights and under-cabinet lighting. We were completely sold on the idea of doing under-mount cabinet lights when we realized everything would be concealed by this pretty light rail at the cabinets’ base.

Work Area: A Functional Nook

We debated whether or not to include a work area in the kitchen, but ultimately decided to go for it because we liked the idea of having a place for our kids to work and have computer time in the future. The space has turned out to be a sweet little nook with a small work surface and a beautiful display of glass cabinetry that I dream of filling with pretty things.

Final Thoughts: A Kitchen We Love

Overall, we are absolutely thrilled with how the kitchen turned out. All the planning and luck that went into it resulted in a simple, airy space that feels like the perfect place for our family to gather. The kitchen has become the heart of our home, a place where we can cook, eat, and spend quality time together.

Complete Source List:

• Cabinets: Winstead Maple in White from Aristokraft
• Pulls & Knobs: H314 Pull and H316 Knob from Aristokraft
• Paint: Sherwin-Williams Aloof Gray SW 6197 (walls) and Sherwin-Williams Pure White SW 7005 (trim)
• Sink: Kohler Indio Under-mount single bowl kitchen sink in white
• Faucet: Kohler Sensate Touchless Kitchen Faucet
• Countertops: Caesarstone Frosty Carrina
• Shades: Laura Ashley Flat Fold Roman Shades from Blinds.com in Casualle Milk Sugar
• Pendant Lights: Hinge Pendant No. 804 by Quorum International
• Runner: Indo Hand-Knotted Kilim runner from Overstock
• Stools: Tabouret Charcoal Grey counter-height stools
• Planters: Threshold Stoneware Geo Print Utensil Holder from Target
• Wall Herb Planters: Arcadia Round Wall Planter from Wayfair

Appliance Warning: Avoid Thermador!

Appliances: Oven and dishwasher are from Thermador, and they’re terrible – don’t buy a Thermador appliance! We’ve had nothing but trouble from them in the six years since we remodeled, and their customer service has been rude and unhelpful. Looking forward to buying another brand as soon as we can justify it.

Note: This post was sponsored by Aristokraft, and we received product donations from Sherwin-Williams, Kohler, Blinds.com, and Caesarstone. All opinions are our own. Thanks for supporting the partners that make these posts possible!