Kitchen Cabinet Makeover: Before and After

We were excited to share Kim’s freshly painted cabinets after helping her choose a tailored color palette a few weeks ago. Below is the note she sent along with photos of the transformation.

I couldn’t wait to get home today and send you the pics of my new kitchen! It took me a week from start to finish (with a full time job, 2 kids and 2 dogs) and I can’t believe the transformation. It feels like a totally new kitchen. Since I really didn’t like this room when we moved in 2 years ago, I never displayed any of my cherished belongings. And now I have pulled out my creamware pitchers and my sugar and creamer sets to line the counters. Your suggestions were spot on and we did it all for under $200 (including new hardware for all the doors and drawers). And yes I did one coat of tinted oil based primer and one coat of latex paint in semi-gloss just as you suggested.

Thanks again for your help! I would have chosen warmer beiges and then it would have been a big adobe mess, so you were right on to go with the green/gray undertone. I used Behr paint color matched to the Glidden swatches you recommended after reading your comments on quality of paint. The pictures don’t do it justice— it looks great! —Kim

Before

To jog your memory, here is the original look of the kitchen before the update:

After

And here are the fabulous after photos showing the refreshed, more cohesive space:

Colors, Process, and Why It Works

At our suggestion, Kim painted the base cabinets Le Chateau by Glidden and selected Stonington Beige for the upper cabinets. We recommended Stonington Beige in a shade slightly darker than the Sand Beige we initially suggested because of the kitchen’s lighting. The combination of a green-gray undertone on the base cabinets with warmer, muted beige uppers creates balance and prevents the space from feeling too warm or too cool.

The finished result reads as a unified kitchen rather than mismatched elements, and it allowed Kim to bring out treasured items she had previously hidden. The new palette highlights her creamware pitchers and small collections, giving the room a personal, lived-in feel while remaining clean and updated.

Practical Notes and Tips

Kim followed a simple, effective painting process that many DIYers can replicate. She used one coat of tinted oil-based primer followed by one coat of semi-gloss latex paint. Tinted primer helps the topcoat cover more evenly, especially when changing from a darker or uneven surface to a lighter color. Semi-gloss is a practical finish for cabinets: it cleans well and reflects just enough light to show architectural details.

She kept the project budget-friendly, completing the work for under $200, which included new hardware for doors and drawers. Replacing hardware is an inexpensive way to elevate a cabinet refresh and complete the overall look.

Final Thoughts

We’re thrilled with how Kim’s kitchen turned out. Thoughtful color selection—considering undertones and room lighting—paired with straightforward prep and painting made a big difference. If you’ve been postponing a refresh for budget or time reasons, this is a great example of how limited resources and simple steps can produce a dramatic change.

Thanks to Kim for sending the speedy after photos and for sharing her process. If you’ve completed a makeover after a consultation or a color recommendation, we’d love to see your results—your photos make our day.