We’re always ready for a kitchen refresh, and Erin and Zach’s do-it-yourself remodel of their 1950s kitchen is especially inspiring. Their thoughtful, hands-on approach transformed a dated space into a bright, functional room without a full gut renovation. Here’s the story in their own words, revised for clarity and detail.
We wanted to share the redo of our 1951 kitchen (take note of the sweet before lamp and the heavy-duty ceiling beam disappearing act).
When we lifted the old laminate flooring and removed the plywood subfloor, we were thrilled to find original wood planks underneath. The floors were damaged in places, but the original boards extended into the middle of the kitchen. We tracked down matching red oak pieces and repaired the missing and worn sections so the restored floors look cohesive with the original material.
One practical solution we used was to buy two premade cabinets and place them side by side to form a breakfast bar. To make the two cabinets read as one continuous piece, we filled one of the cabinet openings with wood, creating a seamless front. It was an affordable way to add seating and workspace without custom cabinetry.
Rather than replace every cabinet, we chose to reuse what was already in place. We updated all of the hardware and painted the cabinets and doors. Painting that many surfaces required patience and three coats of paint, but the result was worth the effort. We chose Behr Primer + Paint in the shade Clear Pond with an eggshell finish, and the new blue color changed the mood of the room entirely.
Thanks so much for checking out our kitchen. We love it!! ~ Erin & Zach
The transformation is impressive. What began as a modest mid-century kitchen now feels refreshed and intentional, proving that careful repairs and thoughtful cosmetic updates can have a major impact. A few points stand out from their process and might help anyone considering a similar project:
- Preserve what you can: Discovering and restoring original materials, like the wood floors, can add character and authenticity to a renovation without the expense of full replacements.
- Work with what’s available: Using premade cabinet units as a base for a breakfast bar is an inventive, budget-friendly solution. Small modifications—like filling a cabinet opening—can make off-the-shelf pieces appear custom-built.
- Plan for patience: Painting cabinetry is time-consuming. Multiple coats, proper drying time, and attention to surface prep make a dramatic difference in the final finish.
- Hardware matters: Switching out handles, knobs, and hinges updates the look immediately and is one of the easier, cost-effective changes to make.
Erin and Zach’s remodel also underscores the emotional payoff of completing a home project. The room now reflects their style and feels updated while honoring its 1950s roots. It’s a helpful reminder that thoughtful DIY work can yield professional-looking results if you take the time to plan, source appropriate materials, and commit to the details.
We congratulate them on a job well done. Their kitchen doesn’t just look refreshed—it feels like a different room entirely, and that kind of transformation is always motivating when you’re starting a renovation of your own.
PS: We’ve announced the winners of this week’s giveaway. Check the original announcement page to see if you’re one of them.