Since we’re in a kitchen mood, we had to share Kacie and Kyle’s recent remodel. With help from their parents, they transformed an awkward, closed-off kitchen into an open, inviting space that’s both beautiful and highly functional — perfect for cooking family meals and hosting friends. Here’s Kacie’s note about the project:
My husband and I just finished our first remodel! When we moved into our house one year ago we knew we were going to redo the kitchen and the flooring. The kitchen was completely closed in and all of the cabinets were poorly placed – there was only one usable drawer! I absolutely love to cook and this was not a cook’s kitchen.
The goal was to really open the kitchen up and make it the first thing you see when you walk in the front door. With our in-laws’ help we spent a month and a half remodeling.
We sourced our cabinets, countertop, island, sink, floating shelves, and hardware from Ikea.
The new flooring is Lumber Liquidators’ Westminister Rosewood laminate, and we found our Kenmore appliances at Sears.
Our faucet is from Costco, and the paint colors we used were Benjamin Moore Providence Olive and Richmond Gray from Home Depot. The chandelier above the island is from Anthropologie (we picked up the bulbs online).
We’re beyond thrilled with how it turned out. We can’t wait to really get cooking in here. You guys were a huge inspiration for us. I hope you enjoy the photos! – Kacie & Kyle
This remodel is a great example of how a clear plan, a modest timeline, and family help can turn a cramped, impractical kitchen into a welcoming, functional heart of the home. They focused on opening the layout so the kitchen is visible the moment you enter the front door, improving flow and sightlines. Removing barriers and reconfiguring cabinetry made room for more usable storage and a large island — a game changer for meal prep and casual dining.
Practical selections played a big role in the success of this project. Choosing Ikea for cabinetry and hardware kept the look clean and cohesive while staying budget-friendly. The floating shelves add visual lightness and easy access to frequently used dishes and glassware. A durable laminate floor complemented the overall color scheme while providing a sensible surface that can handle everyday family life.
Paint choices—Benjamin Moore Providence Olive paired with Richmond Gray—helped define zones and add subtle contrast without overpowering the space. The mix of warm and neutral tones creates a cozy, lived-in feeling that works well whether the couple is preparing a simple breakfast or hosting a dinner party. The chandelier over the island provides a stylish focal point that also improves task lighting, while the faucet and sink selections emphasize function.
Beyond materials and finishes, the timeline is worth noting: roughly six weeks from start to finish with help from family, showing that a focused effort can deliver meaningful change in a relatively short period. The remodel demonstrates how combining thoughtfully chosen, affordable components with a clear design intent results in a kitchen that looks polished and performs well.
Kacie and Kyle’s enthusiasm is contagious. Their experience reinforces how thoughtful planning, a prioritized wish list, and practical sourcing can produce a kitchen that’s efficient, attractive, and enjoyable to use. If you’re planning a similar project, consider the value of opening sightlines, maximizing usable storage, and balancing style with durable, budget-conscious materials.
If you have a before-and-after story of your own, feel free to share it. We always enjoy seeing how people make their homes work better for them — and there’s real inspiration in the details of successful remodels like this one.