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My Big, Beautiful Kitchen Renovation – Before and After Photos

My big, beautiful kitchen renovation with before and after photos is finally here!My Big Beautiful Kitchen Renovation Before and After Photos - So Much Better With Age

Warning:  if you don’t like kitchens OR photos, this post is not for you.

I love my kitchen. I love kitchens in general. When I was house hunting, the first or only photo I would look at with online house listings was the kitchen. It’s the heart of the home but it’s also everything to me.

I have so many kitchen photos because it was the biggest renovation of my new house here at My Sweet Little Bungalow. With so many photos and changes to explain, I kept putting off sharing with you the whole process…until today!

After going through hundreds of photos and taking new ‘after’ shots, I’m finally sharing with you My Kitchen, before and after photo gallery.

Next week I’ll be sharing more kitchen posts with the renovation process, how my 6 x 8 foot island was installed and drawer organization.

For today’s post, I’ll share with you a before photo and match an after photo shot (or two) at the same angle.

Let’s get started!

Be sure to see the source list at the end of this post!

Glass and brass pendant lights over the kitchen island.

Okay, this 1980s kitchen had definitely seen better days.

The cabinets didn’t go to the ceiling and the ceiling is only 8 feet high, the cabinets were falling off their hinges and that backsplash had to go. The owners kept it clean but it was getting dated.

BEFORE

Before pictures of an old dated kitchen.

AFTER with bright white custom cabinets.

The renovated kitchen after picture of white cabinets and stainless steel appliances.
There is an Eiffel Tower on the counter and a wooden bread board behind the stove.

BEFORE 1980’s kitchen

A before picture with a dated sink and window.

AFTER A large white kitchen island.

The after picture of the white kitchen, white island and pendant lights over the island.
There is a wooden stool in front of the kitchen sink.

BEFORE

The before renovation picture of a dated kitchen table beside the window.

There was an eating nook in the kitchen that I had removed and I had the countertop extended past the big picturesque window. 

AFTER

The countertops butted right up to the window panes.

The after picture with open shelving.
There is a mixer on the counter.

BEFORE

Corner windows beside the dining room table.

Bye-bye eating nook!

AFTER

Hello baking centre!

All these cupboards and drawers contain mostly baking ingredients, utensils and dishes.

After picture of the white cabinets and plant on the counter.
Large windows in the kitchen.

BEFORE

Outdated backsplash in white and baby blue.

AFTER

The big Kohler sink was a must, I had the exact same one put in in my previous house.

After with white backsplash.

BEFORE

Corner upper cabinet was no longer needed. I opted for open shelving in between the two windows but wanted some closed upper cabinet space.

Before picture of blue and white backsplash and outdated counters.

AFTER

Instead of a corner unit, just a cabinet on the one wall was perfect to give the range hood lots of space around it to show off all that bevelled subway tile.

There is a glass cabinet filled with plates and wine glasses and an Eiffel Tower in the corner.
My Big Beautiful Kitchen Renovation Before and After Photos / White kitchen, subway tile, white range hood.

BEFORE

Two major walls came down separating the dining room and the kitchen. Once this wall was gone, I had the kitchen extended with a built-in counter depth refrigerator and a pantry right to that big window.

My Big Beautiful Kitchen Renovation Before and After / wall in kitchen.

AFTER

Renovation Before and After Photos / Kitchen renovation, gold accents, counter depth refrigerator.
My Big Beautiful Kitchen Renovation Before and After Photos / kids' drawing on fridge.
Plants on White Island in the kitchen.

Pantry area beside the fridge is the perfect spot for this wall.

The white pantry in the kitchen.
A kids play table is beside the window in the kitchen.

 BEFORE

The wall on the right was removed for a large 6 x 8 foot island. The fridge was then able to be moved to the stove wall.

Grey counters are in the kitchen.

AFTER

Because one of the two walls removed was load bearing, this post in the kitchen island had to be added. The joists running along the ceiling went one direction until it got to the wall and then they started to run in a diagonal pattern (no one knows why) so the only alternative would have been to add a large support beam and install the post on the outside wall. But that post and beam option would have meant losing my big picturesque window in the baking centre so I said forget it, I’ll keep the large window and live with this post.

White counters are now in the kitchen all replaced.
There are wooden stools tucked into the kitchen island.

BEFORE

Good-bye ugly wall.

Ugly wall in the kitchen.

AFTER

We moved the dining room and just made one large living area.

Looking from the kitchen into the living room.

BEFORE

The arrow in this photo is showing close to where the post is in the kitchen island.

Arrows pointing to the walls that have been removed.

AFTER

A white kitchen island, with pendant lights and wooden stools.

This is where the dining room was moved to, beside the kitchen in the old family room. So much better use of this space.

Wooden floors in the kitchen.
Wooden stools beside the white kitchen island.
A chandelier is in the kitchen by the dining room table.

BEFORE

Who needs a wall separating the kitchen from the tiny dining room and living room?

The dining room was moved to the other side of the kitchen.

The kitchen before the wall is removed.

AFTER

I love the big open living space now. So much better than the previously closed-off kitchen.

After with a wide open space.
White kitchen island with plants on the island.

BEFORE

This corner of the two walls is where the post is today in the island.

My Big Beautiful Kitchen Renovation Before and After / arrow pointing to wall removal.

AFTER

This cabinet was in the area of the previous dining room.

There is a wooden cabinet in the kitchen.

I just love all this custom cabinetry and you can now see all the big open windows.

Custom white cabinets in the kitchen.

BEFORE

Here is the living room when I first toured the house.

Maroon door in the entryway.

AFTER

The living area is now one big space rather than a closed off tiny living room.

A peek into the living room.

BEFORE

Tiny living room before.

The living room before picture.

AFTER

With the dining room located to the other side of the kitchen where the family room used to be, it makes for one large open living area.

My Big Beautiful Kitchen Renovation Before and After Photos / open area living room.

This is the space where the old family room was located. It’s now the dining room.

Large gilded mirror in the dining room.
Succulents on the kitchen island.

Phew! That was a long one! Make sure to pop by next week for more kitchen posts!

(I picked #6 and #7 from these choices, source list below)

Cabinet pulls.

cabinet color – Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117

kitchen island color – Benjamin Moore Gray Owl OC-52

My Big Beautiful Kitchen Renovation Before and After / Benjamin Moore Simply White, Gray Owl- So Much Better With Age

Danske Hardwood

Monterey Wire Brushed , Weathered Saddle

My Big Beautiful Kitchen Renovation Before and After / Flooring choices - So Much Better With Age

Affiliate links added

Source List:

Click in Case You Missed:

Kitchen Renovation & Planning graphic.

Kitchen Renovation & Planning

Kitchen Cupboard & Drawer Organization

Kitchen Cupboard & Drawer Organization - So Much Better With Age

Industrial Vintage Kitchen

Industrial Vintage Kitchen - So Much Better With Age

Not-So-Rustic-Cabin-in-the-Woods Kitchen

To see all my renovation posts, click here

Shop the Kitchen

My Big Beautiful Kitchen Renovation poster.

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70 Comments

  2. You definitely have a flair for design in general, and kitchens specifically, Jamie. I love all the kitchens you’ve designed. What I love most about this kitchen is your decision to extend the kitchen to incorporate a baking center. How wonderful to have that beautiful window and all that light. And that island – WOW!

    Reply

    1. HI Kimberly, I totally forgot some sources as I was up late doing this post last night! Okay, I found two places online that still carry the same chandelier. It’s now updated in the source list at the bottom of this post. Thanks for the reminder!
      Hugs, Jamie

      Reply

  11. I can only imagine the sleepless nights, obsessing over all the small details. Totally shows though! Beautiful space. I really want to see next week’s post regarding layout of kitchen island.

    Reply

    1. Hi Carole,
      I bought them at a local shop but I’m doing a post soon on where to find them online (still trying to find them!)
      Hugs, Jamie

      Reply

  15. Love the stunning new kitchen. Great job. I am planning to change the floors of my open kitchen and wanted to ask you if its good idea to put hardwood in the kitchen?

    Reply

    1. I love my hardwood floors! It looks amazing with the continuity from the living room and throughout the whole main floor. It’s also softer on the feet. Hope that helps!
      Hugs, Jamie

      Reply

    1. Sara, I just found the pamphlet and order forms on my couch. I bought it second hand but I had to buy a new right-arm chair for it as it was too big for my living room. I love that this couch can be purchased in pieces. Since I was buying that one section, I bought a whole new slipcover for it as it came in cream and I was constantly washing it. I’ve just updated this page with the details: https://somuchbetterwithage.com/shop-my-house/
      I haven’t advertised this page yet as I’ve been just putting it together this week. You’ll find all the info on my couch there under ‘living room’. Hope this helps!
      Hugs, Jamie

      Reply

  17. Such an amazing transformation Jamie!!! We are currently pouring over house plans etc for our future downsized home and I see lots of great ideas such as having lots of drawers. You must love spending lots of time in your gorgeous kitchen!!!

    Reply

  18. Your kitchen is beautiful! We’re building a house and I’m planning a white kitchen with green accents as well. I’m a big fan of open shelving and have had it for 8 years. I like the way it looks so much that the extra plate washing is worth it. I’d love to know where you found your corbel/brackets? Thanks!

    Reply

  19. Jamie, your new kitchen is absolutely beautiful. I love all the choices you made – the floors, cabinet style, hardware, counters, lighting, and extending your cabinetry along the windows. We downsized to an 80s fixer upper about the same size as yours and it’s taking us a lot longer than anticipated to get to the major renovations like the kitchen and bathrooms. So glad I came across your reno before we tackle ours someday! Thanks for sharing all the details!

    Reply

  21. Your kitchen is absolutely beautiful! I’ve been looking for cabinet hardware and I love your pulls and knobs. I’ve been eyeing them and wondering if the different finish (pulls are brass and knobs have a brushed nickel?) bothers you at all? I really want some glass knobs but they are hard to find. I would love to hear your feedback on this.

    Reply

    1. Hi Heidi,
      Sorry I missed your comment! I like mixing different metals so it doesn’t bother me at all. Everything matches when you think of it. My silverware is silver of course and my pendants are brass. There’s lots of white and natural wood tones. I think the different textures are beautiful together. Hope that helps!
      Hugs, Jamie

      Reply

  22. OH. MY. WORD! That is an amazing transformation! WOW!

    BRAVO in every way – absolutely stunning! Very very well done – love every single decision.

    Thanks for the inspiration! I need to win the lottery so I can redo mine! ♥♥♥

    Reply

  23. Your kitchen just turned out beautifully. I love that you ran the subway tile all the way up to the ceiling. And the pendant light fixtures are gorgeous. We are beginning to plan a remodel of our master bathroom and your kitchen has inspired me!

    Reply

  25. Your kitchen renovation is an absolute dream, Jamie! What a gorgeous layout and aesthetic. You have impeccable taste! Thanks for the source list, too. I had been wondering about where to get the lovely faucet 🙂

    Reply

  27. I just love your site. Everything is so well organized, and your source list is absolutely the best anywhere! I so appreciate not having to send an email asking “what color is the paint, where did you get the hanging lamp,” etc etc. Your kitchen renovation is gorgeous. Love everything about it. Looking forward to pictures of future before and afters. You have great taste and I’ve already copied a few ideas for my kitchen. After all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery! 😊
    Roberta Herget
    Portland, Oregon

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Roberta! That’s great feedback. I take a lot of time to add the sources so I’m glad it’s helpful. And I’m glad you were able to ‘copy’ some of my ideas.
      Hugs, Jamie

      Reply

  29. Beautiful! I’m in love with that baking area! The windows surrounding it are just fantastic. It’s like cooking outside minus the bugs! Lucky you!

    Reply

  30. Hi, Jamie! I just discovered your blog! Absolutely love your aesthetic and ideas! And great job on the kitchen! 💗
    A few questions:
    – It would be helpful if you could source the name of the Restoration Hardware kitchen pendants. I can’t seem to find them!
    – How did you arrive at choosing Ben Moore Simply White for the kitchen? I’m currently struggling with choosing white paint. I have found (using poster board samples) that sometimes in certain light the Simply White can read too creamy or even a tad dare-I-say “chartreuse-y!” Ben Moore Super White is much purer and whiter, but a bit stark.
    Do all the white kitchen elements (sink, subway tile, etc) seem to blend with the Simply White? Help! So many whites, so little time!
    Marti

    Reply

    1. Hi Marti,
      Thanks for following along! Unfortunately, RH doesn’t sell those pendants anymore 🙁
      I LOVE Simply White and would use it again. It’s not too white and not too cream, it’s really perfect. I have it on my cabinets and walls.
      Hugs, Jamie

      Reply

  31. What a beautiful space! Great job!! So crazy how much of a difference the dark paint on the cabinets and the new counter top make. The whole kitchen looks so bright and inviting.

    Reply

  34. We’re currently looking at re-doing and designing our kitchen, so this post is fab, as it isn’t all that big. I’m looking to completely change the styling and these are right up my street! Thank you so much for sharing so many amazing ideas.

    Reply

  35. I have got to say.. I loved what you did with the kitchen. The bright white look looks so good! Wooden flooring looks really really nice. I am thinking of renovating my kitchen and i want it to look like yours.

    Reply

  36. Hi, I can’t seem to find the link for the backsplash ?
    I have just installed simply white cabinets with a calcatta nuvo countertop and my kicthen guys are waiting on the tile
    Choice!
    Are they bright white or do they have warmth! It’s hard to tell thank you

    Reply

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