When Barbara sent us her striking before-and-after photos, we couldn’t wait to share the transformation. Below is her note describing the project and the choices she and her husband made during their kitchen remodel.
I have been enjoying your blog and thought I would send over my most recent remodeling project. My parents bought a home that was built in the 70’s and gave me and my husband the project of remodeling it. Here are the before and after pictures of the kitchen. As you can see this home stayed in the 70’s until about a few months ago. Dark seemed to play a theme in the entire house. And wanna know what was hiding beneath all that brown carpet? Beautiful wood floors. We were so excited! Here are a few things we did to get the room into this decade:
- Cabinetry was semi-custom. We had a budget to work within so we went with cabinets from a company called HQ Cabinets.
- Countertops are Premium Black Granite from Contempo.
- Paint color is Glidden’s Lemon Ice.
- Barstools are the Ingolf model from Ikea.
- Clock is from Ikea.
Thanks so much for the great site! I hope you enjoy these before and after photos — it was a lot of work but well worth it! – Barbara
Before: The original kitchen and much of the house carried an unmistakable 1970s vibe: dark finishes, heavy wood tones, and wall-to-wall brown carpet. While the look was consistent with the era, it left the rooms feeling closed-in and dated. The dark cabinetry, outdated hardware, and lack of natural light made the space feel smaller than it actually is.
What they found: Removing the carpet revealed beautiful, solid wood floors that had been hiding beneath for decades. That discovery became the central inspiration for the whole renovation — the homeowners chose to highlight the wood floors and brighten everything else around them.
After: The kitchen now feels light, open, and contemporary while still honoring the home’s original character. New semi-custom cabinetry replaced the dated units, and the Premium Black Granite countertops give the space a sleek, durable surface that contrasts nicely with the warm wood floors. The Glidden Lemon Ice paint brightens walls and trim, reflecting more light and creating an airy atmosphere. Affordable Accents: Ikea barstools and accessories add practical, stylish touches without blowing the budget. The end result is a welcoming, livable space that looks far more expensive than the actual dollars spent.
This remodel is a great example of how a few thoughtful updates can dramatically change a room. They prioritized a few high-impact elements — flooring, paint, and countertops — and supplemented those choices with budget-friendly furniture and accessories. The combination of revealed wood floors, light paint, and contrasting dark counters reads polished and intentional rather than piecemeal.
Design highlights worth noting:
- Revealed wood floors: Preserving and showcasing original wood adds authenticity and long-term value.
- Neutral, bright paint: Choosing a fresh, light color like Lemon Ice opens up sightlines and maximizes natural light.
- Contrast from countertops: Black granite anchors the space visually and provides a durable work surface for everyday use.
- Smart budget choices: Semi-custom cabinetry and stylish, affordable pieces from mainstream retailers keep costs down while achieving a cohesive look.
- Lighting and finishing touches: Pendant lamps and glass-front cabinet doors add visual interest and a modern touch.
Isn’t that an amazing makeover? Barbara and her husband took a fearless, hands-on approach and were rewarded when they uncovered those beautiful wood floors. By combining budget-friendly finds with a few quality upgrades, they transformed a dark, dated kitchen into a bright, contemporary heart of the home. Thanks for sharing your photos and process, Barbara — this remodel is inspiring for anyone considering a practical, high-impact kitchen update.