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Hi Sugarplum!

Before & After | The Kitchen Remodel Breakdown

September 14, 2015

Well, that weekend just flew by! We had a few days of unexpected pleasant temps…which means Little Miss’s closet didn’t get cleaned and organized. But I did get to legitimately wear my boots out (for a few hours anyway)! #priorities

As opposed to Friday’s {Now & Later} post…where I wore my boots, but almost lost my life in the process! #overlydramatic (I come from a long line of exaggerators.)


Last month I shared our full Kitchen Reveal…and was thrilled by your kind response. I design our house just for us, because, after all, we’re the ones living here…but that doesn’t mean I don’t feel a little anxious hitting the ‘publish’ button sometimes.

I know my style isn’t for everyone…I mean, hello statement tile…but I try to stay true to us and create a home that makes us happy. But regardless of our design choices, seeing the process can be helpful…so today I’m sharing the Before and After shots, along with a breakdown of our Kitchen remodel.


Hi Sugarplum  Before & After Kitchen Remodel

(Apologies for the jump, but this post is crazy long and photo-heavy!)




Remodel isn’t quite the right word, because while the transformation is shocking, it’s mostly cosmetic, and the majority of the expense was labor. We didn’t relocate appliances, replace countertops or cabinets, or make any structural changes. We did lay new floors, replace the backsplash, paint the cabinets, and update hardware, faucet, and lighting.

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Before

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel

Hi Sugarplum | Renovation Progress
Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel

The counters are Corian, which isn’t ideal because of their sensitivity to heat and cold, but I liked the solid white color, and thickness. The Kitchen is quite large (compared to our previous one anyway), so we decided to save the expense and keep the current counters.

We did have them sanded and buffed to remove any stains and scratches…and while that was the biggest mess of the entire process (picture a baby powder explosion), it made them look brand new! The only difference I’ve noticed from not having granite, is I now use a trivet for hot pans and frozen containers.

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel

There were some questions about the width of the bar, and if we considered altering it at all. It’s perfectly usable with a 15-inch width, and is standard barstool height. To change that would have meant replacing the counters, or relocating the sink. #budgetbusters

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel

The Kitchen lacked a focal point, so we created one around the stovetop and used the windows to frame it. And to break up the row of cabinets, create more usable storage, and further separate the area, we converted the bottom cabinets to drawers.

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Before

Hi Sugarplum | Renovation Progress

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel

We placed the tile higher than the usual backsplash level to show more pattern, and even considered taking it all the way to the ceiling on this wall (like our inspiration image), but with 10-foot ceilings, we worried it would be overkill. Not to mention buying a lot more tile!

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel

To give the windows more weight and definition, we had them framed and added marble ledges.

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Before

The cabinets were first brushed with two coats of primer, then sprayed with two coats of oil-based paint, mixed with a little paint thinner. By brushing the primer, it filled in the grains of the wood, and left a smooth, even finish.

They taped off the counters and insides of the cabinets, and painted with the doors on. It was by far the stinkiest part of the job, and I couldn’t imagine living in the house during that time.

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Reno Progress

The original vent hood remained, and a box was built around it.

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Before

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Before

The cabinet crown moulding was a little ornate for our taste (in fact, it was five pieces!), so we replaced it with a simple trim before painting. And converting cabinets to drawers is as simple as removing the cabinet doors, installing tracks and a box, and attaching drawer fronts.

Hi Sugarplum | Renovation Progress

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel

Between the top and bottom cabinets, the Kitchen was a row of doors.

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Before

Hi Sugarplum | Renovation Progress

Converting sections of cabinets to drawers helped to break it up, and doubled the storage.

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel

The higher backsplash on the right looks a little odd from this angle, but it’s the same height as the tile on the stovetop wall, so it makes sense when you see the Kitchen as a whole. (That was actually a reader tip, so thank you!!)

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Before

The cathedral doors wouldn’t be my first choice, but they are excellent quality wood, and replacing them seemed a frivolous expense. Paint and hardware gave them an updated look though.

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Before

My dream tile was cost-preventative given the amount I needed, so I was thrilled to find this fabulous Look for Less! We used dark grout to not disrupt the pattern, and I sprayed the switch plate and outlet covers dark charcoal. Can you believe I almost wasted this statement tile on the Laundry Room floors?!

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel

Moving over to the fridge wall…more drawers, backsplash, paint, and a counter-depth fridge (from our last house).

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Before

Hi Sugarplum | Renovation Progress

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Reno Progress

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Before

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Before

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel

Next up, the sink and breakfast bar area…

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Before

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Before

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Renovation Progress

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Renovation
 I spy Maggie

Given that the faucet is so visible, we updated it to coordinate with the shiny chrome hardware on the cabinets and doors.
Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Renovation

Hi Sugarplum | Final Kitchen Renovations

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel

Hi Sugarplum | Breakfast Room Befores

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Renovation Progress

We added the pendant lights to define the bar area, and create visual separation from the adjoining breakfast and family rooms. I’d prefer three barstools, but mine are no longer available, so we’ll eventually replace them.

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel

And finally…the butler’s pantry was updated with new moulding, paint, and backsplash.

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Before

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Reno Progress

We went with a darker cabinet color to separate it from the main Kitchen, but used the same backsplash for unity. To make the space more than just extra storage, we installed a drink fridge in place of a cabinet. This area will be great for parties. I’m guessing anyway, seeing as how I’ve never had a butler’s pantry!

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Renovation Progress

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel

Sure there are a few things we’d change and do differently if budget weren’t a factor, but I’m thrilled with the new room, and feel it reflects us perfectly. Sometimes a space just needs a little love, not a lot of money, for a complete transformation. And a rocking contractor.

Whew, that was a doozy of a post! I hope you enjoyed the Before & Afters…and thank you for following the remodel along with me! If you have additional questions, feel free to leave them in the comments and I’ll answer them there. Now, on to the next room! Happy Monday, lovebugs!

P.S. If you’re in the Dallas area and looking for a reliable, honest, hard-working, fairly-priced contractor…shoot me an email, I’m happy to share his contact info!

{SOURCE LIST}
// Main Kitchen Elements //
Backsplash Tile | Home Depot
Cup Pulls | Build.com
Cabinet Knobs | Build.com
Lantern Pendants | World Market
Faucet | Moen Weymouth
Drink Refridgerator | Home Depot
Hardwood Floors | Lumber Liquidators
Main Cabinet Color | Sherwin Williams ‘Mindful Gray’
Butlers Pantry Cabinet Color | Sherwin Williams ‘Iron Ore’

// Decor //
Woven Bar Stools | World Market
Persian Runner | eCarpet Gallery
Stove-side Basket | Target
Oil & Vinegar Bottles | Crate & Barrel
Measuring Spoons | Anthropologie
Cutting Boards | World Market
Tea Pot | HomeGoods
Marble Vase | HomeGoods
Pineapple Tea Towel | Waiting on Martha
Striped Tea Towel | West Elm
Coffee/Cream/Sugar Pots | HomeGoods
Silver Tea Set | Wedding Gift
Cake Stand | HomeGoods
Striped Wooden Bowl | World Market
Wood Bread Bowl | HomeGoods
Monogrammed Silver Julep Cups | Mark & Graham
Rustic Ivory Planter | World Market
Miss part of the Kitchen Renovation? Start here:
We Bought a House!
The Kitchen: Befores
The Kitchen: Plans
The Kitchen: Inspiration & Direction
The Kitchen: Renovation Progress
The Kitchen: More Renovation Progress
The Kitchen: The Renovation Continues
The Kitchen: We Have Floors!
The Kitchen: Bling & Hiccups
The Kitchen: To Paint or Not To Paint
The Kitchen: The Final Bits
The Kitchen Reveal!

Make sure you follow me on Facebook here for daily sales & sign up for my weekly newsletter here for sneak peeks, special Q&As, & Sugarplum Picks!

by Cassie 
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About Cassie

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