A month ago, Carla and her husband Evan contacted us for ideas to update their wood-on-wood kitchen. They wanted a brighter, more modern, and youthful look, so we suggested several possibilities: paint the cabinets and chairs white while painting the table black to echo the backsplash, add lively green curtains and coordinating accessories, and place a round jute rug under the table for texture. After our consultation we eagerly awaited the after photos — and they arrived sooner than expected. Below is their note about the transformation.
We couldn’t wait to send the kitchen after pictures to you just one short month after our consultation. All we can say is WOW! We honestly cannot believe the transformation — it’s like a brand new kitchen and we absolutely love it. As you can see, we followed a lot of your advice. I convinced my husband to let me paint the table, chairs, and cabinets; he was skeptical at first, but after a little persuasion and my promise to do most of the work myself (I even took a day off work!), he got on board and helped. We still can’t believe how different the room feels. The whole project cost about $800, including primer, paint, curtains, rugs, plants, pots, accessories, and dishtowels. Working with you was inspiring, and the best part is that our house feels more like home. Thank you! — Carla & Evan
Here are the before pictures for reference:
And here are the impressive after photos achieved with paint and carefully selected accessories:
The result is a dramatic and uplifting kitchen makeover. The space now feels lighter, cheerier, and more cohesive. This project is a great example of how strategic paint choices and thoughtful textiles can completely transform a room without a full renovation. Previously, the room was dominated by similar tan tones — the floor, cabinets, blinds, and table all blended together. Painting the cabinets, table, and chairs created contrast and renewed visual interest. Painting the table black ties it into the sleek black backsplash, which gives the dining area a more contemporary, cohesive feel.
The bright green curtains add an energetic pop of color and help frame the window beautifully. The round jute rug brings in texture and warmth, grounding the table area and creating a more intimate dining space. Small details — like coordinating towels, plants, and accessories — complete the look and make the room feel polished and lived-in.
Below is the list of sources Carla and Evan used for the makeover. These are the items they purchased after the consultation and that helped pull the whole room together:
- Paint for cabinets and chairs: Valspar Ultra White; table: Olympic Black Magic; walls: Benjamin Moore Ashen Tan
- 3 Curtain panels: Crate & Barrel — using three panels creates fuller, more impactful window coverage
- Table & chairs: repurposed from their home and painted black & white
- White placemat on table: Pottery Barn
- Decorative fruit bowl: Anthropology
- Window “M”: Urban Outfitters, painted black
- Round jute rug: Pottery Barn — adds texture and anchors the dining area
- Coral decor: Pottery Barn — a subtle coastal accent
- Dishtowels and stove rug: Crate & Barrel
This kitchen makeover proves that meaningful change doesn’t always require a major remodel or a large budget. Thoughtful paint choices, layered textiles, and a few well-chosen accessories refreshed the entire room for roughly $800. Simple updates like painting cabinetry and introducing contrasting colors can modernize and personalize a space quickly and affordably.
One of the best parts of this project is how it reflects the homeowners’ style while improving functionality and visual interest. The black-painted table ties into the backsplash for cohesiveness, while the white chairs and cabinets brighten the layout. The green curtains and jute rug add personality and texture, turning a once-muted room into a lively, welcoming kitchen.
Great work, Carla and Evan — this transformation is inspiring for anyone considering a budget-friendly kitchen update. If you’re thinking about your own kitchen makeover, start with paint, then layer in textiles and accessories to create a fresh, cohesive result.
Update: We no longer offer commissioned mood boards, but we continue to create general inspiration boards and will announce any service changes if they return.