My big, beautiful kitchen renovation with before and after photos is finally here!
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.
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!
Okay, this 80s 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
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE
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.
BEFORE
Bye-bye eating nook!
AFTER
Hello baking centre!
All these cupboards and drawers contain mostly baking ingredients, utensils and dishes.
BEFORE
AFTER
The big Kohler sink was a must, I had the exact same one put in in my previous house.
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.
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.
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.
AFTER
Pantry area beside the fridge is the perfect spot for this wall.
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.
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.
BEFORE
Good-bye ugly wall.
AFTER
We moved the dining room and just made one large living area.
BEFORE
The arrow in this photo is showing close to where the post is in the kitchen island.
AFTER
This is where the dining room was moved to, beside the kitchen in the old family room. So much better use of this space.
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.
AFTER
I love the big open living space now. So much better than the previously closed-off kitchen.
BEFORE
This corner of the two walls is where the post is today in the island.
AFTER
This cabinet was in the area of the previous dining room.
I just love all this custom cabinetry and you can now see all the big open windows.
BEFORE
Here is the living room when I first toured the house.
AFTER
The living area is now one big space rather than a closed off tiny living room.
BEFORE
Tiny living room before.
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.
This is the space where the old family room was located. It’s now the dining room.
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 color – Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117
kitchen island color – Benjamin Moore Gray Owl OC-52
Danske Hardwood
Monterey Wire Brushed , Weathered Saddle
Source List:
- wall color – Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117 (Regal matte)
- hardwood (manufactured wood) throughout – Dansk Hardwood Monterey Wire Brushed Weathered Saddle (Oak)
- cabinetry color – Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117 (Regal semi-gloss)
- island cabinetry color – Benjamin Moore Gray Owl OC-52 (Regal semi-gloss)
- custom cabinetry
- apron-front sink – Kohler 30″ Whitehaven
- faucet – Delta Faucet Touch20 Champagne Bronze
- counter-depth refrigerator – Jenn-Air Model JFC2290VEM
- gas range 30″ – Jenn-Air Model JGS1450DS
- dishwasher (came with house) – Bosch
- drawer microwave – Sharp
- 3×6″ beveled subway tile with white grout
- bronze cup pulls – D. Lawless Hardware
- glass octagon knobs – D. Lawless Hardware
- pendants – Restoration Hardware
- countertop -Quartz Vico Stone BQ8220 Carrarra eased edge but ogee edge on island
- counter-height stools – Restoration Hardware, Madeleine Burnt-Oak, leather seats
- flooring – Danske Hardwood, Monterey Wire Brushed, Weathered Saddle (see photo above)
- for dining room sources, click here
Click in Case You Missed:
Kitchen Cupboard & Drawer Organization
Not-So-Rustic-Cabin-in-the-Woods Kitchen
To see all my renovation posts, click here
Shop the Kitchen
You did a great job, Jamie. I love the open and new bright space.
Thanks so much, Mary!
Hugs, Jamie
Dear Jamie, you truly have the “MAGIC” touch!!! What a terrific change!
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!
Thanks Jeannie! That’s my favourite part too! It’s such a treat to bake at.
Hugs, Jamie
I NEED that baking center!! Love this renovation. Perfection.
Thank you so much, Linda. I love that part of the kitchen too.
Big hugs, Jamie
This is such a wonderful, well-planned renovation! It is so beautiful…and so functional now!
Thanks so much, Linda. Yes, so much more functional!
Hugs, Jamie
Absolutely stunning, Jamie! I love everything about it!
Thanks so much, friend!
Hugs, Jamie
So Beautiful!!! Can you source your dining room chandelier for me, please.
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
This might be my favorite kitchen ever, well done, my friend!! I could look at this all day!
Thanks so much, Sarah!
Hugs, Jamie
Holy crap, Jamie!! You did such a gorgeous job!
Thanks girl 😉
WOW! You already know I absolutely love this kitchen, and the renovation in general. But this post is kick ass!
Thanks babe!
Hugs, Jamie
Stunning!! Well done Jamie. You must be so pleased. Not everyone can do this.
Aww, thanks so much, Sharon!
Hugs, Jamie
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.
Thanks so much, Sandee.I just posted details about the kitchen island today.
Hugs, Jamie
I love your kitchen table and 6 cane chairs. Could you please advise where I can purchase?
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
LOVE IT! WE JUST KNOCKED OUT 1/2 WALL BETWEEN DINING AND KITCHEN FOR THE WINDOW/LIGHT. LOVE IT! NEED BARSTOOLS NOW! LOVE LOVE LOVE! FOLLOWING ON BLOGLOVIN
LAURA
That sounds awesome, Laura! Thanks so much for following me!
Hugs, Jamie
This is so, so great Jamie! I’m sitting here at my beach house kitchen making plans to renovate and you have really inspired me. Kudos!
Sounds dreamy, Janet! So glad I’m giving you some inspiration.
Hugs, Jamie
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?
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
Amazing job! I loved everything you picked out! I must get the details on your fabulous couch, too!
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
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!!!
Thank you Shirley. Yes, I cannot live without the drawers now! A must.
Hugs, Jamie
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!
Hi Debbie, my cabinet maker got those corbels but they are very similar to this one: https://www.osbornewood.com/8023.aspx
Hope that helps!
Hugs, Jamie
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!
Thank you so much, Lisa! Ugh, these 80s houses lol.
Hugs, Jamie
Lovely home! The transformation is more than perfect.
Thank you!
Hugs, Jamie
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.
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
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! ♥♥♥
Thank you so much, Michelle.
Hugs, Jamie
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!
Thanks so much, Lisa! Good luck on your renovation.
Hugs, Jamie
It is indeed beautiful! Excellent layout and removing those wall…a fabulous decision!
Thanks so much, Elena.
Hugs, Jamie
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 🙂
Thanks so much, Jelica. I really love the faucet too.
Hugs, Jamie
Oh my word Jamie, what an amazing transformation. It looks like a dream kitchen. All that light and space. Stunning
Thanks so much, Michelle.
Hugs, Jamie
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
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
I love your afterwards. Nicely done.
Thanks so much, Ivory.
Hugs, Jamie
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!
haha, Rebecca, it is like baking outside! It’s really a beautiful place to bake. Thank you!
Hugs, Jamie
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
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
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.
That looks so stunning, the whole interface is very clean and soothing. Appreciate your hardwork.
An amazing renovation, thanks for sharing these photos and article. Nice job.