my kitchen is done!!!! before and after pics

14 years ago

Thank you all for your help! I can't count how many times I checked this site for ideas and solutions for my kitchen dilemas.

All the old posts with pictures were so helpfull that I decided to return the favor, and add pictures of my newly remodeled kithen with some details of the things that really took me a while to figure it out if I wanted or not... or if I should or not.

Overall my kitchen costed 16.000, I know that our kitchen had a lot of potential, but our budget mas very short, and at the end we were 1000 over budget,because we decided to replace our cabinets in the laundry room too, but we were very happy, we were able to get all wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, lazy susan, pull out drawers in the pantry, got rid of some walls that I disliked and got the granite that I dreamt for so long! I hope my pictures could help someone else in the future. Me and my husband LOVE our kitchen!!! Now we are ready to remodel our 2 bathrooms!

"To save money, we decided to keep almost the same layout, we extended the peninsula by few inches so we could add a garbage pull out."

"We had a mix of black and stainless steel appliances, we decided to make them all stainless. The fridge door could not be open without the the fridge handles hitting the peninsula, so we decided to switch the pantry position with fridge(best decision)!"

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"I do a lot of cooking and counter space was very important to me, so could we put the microwave over range and got rid of this wall that was making the kitchen very small, the pocket door was also very outdated so we remove and build a arch on its place, unfortunatelly we could not afford a vent, but the microwave above range is working just great for me!

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"This the old pantry, now we have the fridge on its place"

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"The wall beside the fridge is now gone and the wall by the pantry is gone too, and since we were doing all that "removal" we decided to replace the laundry room door for a nice one, and the awfull lighting is now gone"

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"This is our peninsula... we enlarge it a little and the soffit is gone (never like it!), now we have nice recessed lighting!

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"My new fridge placement, this is one of our best decisions, we had a little space that we didn't know how to use, so we added this small spice drawers that we can remove and place wine bottles, and the drawers are 30" and I LOVE THEM! The crown molding was a challenge but our contractor did such a great job."

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"The soffit is now gone, and we put cabinets up the ceiling, they 36 inches tall."

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"George boy also loves the kitchen"

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"Garbage pull out is right beside the dish washer"

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"The back splash is tumbled travertine, country deige without space between the tiles, once you grout the the space between the tiles really shows and we are pleased with the results"

I hope someone will find this pictures helpfull. Thanks you all sooooooooooo much!

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Comments (45)

monicakm_gw
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Bravo! Fantastic transformation :)
You'll probably get a lot questions so you might want to make a list of floor tile, granite, cabs, stain, etc :)
Very nice!
Monica
writersblock (9b/10a)
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Wow, what a difference! Details, please.
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Thank you justgotabeme! It is true, we find ourselves in the FRONT of the house quite often! The first evening, we poured cocktails and just sat out front and stared. We are very pleased! CEfreeman-Ohhh, what a long, peaceful country driveway that is! I wouldn't want it to look too "maintained!" Hi Lyfia! I posted quite awhile ago, I was very gung ho on the faux wood grain...as a matter of fact, I wanted to do a faux carriage door look, adding the rustic hardware. Most people were against it...and this was when I was planning on painting my house a dark color. Now that my house is so light, I don't want a big dark expanse that takes up such a huge chunk of the front. If my house were bigger, or the paint darker,I would consider it. I do love that look, just not for this house at this time. birdlover-yes, we are thinking two big black pots on either side of the arch...and maybe on the far side of the garage...with bougainvilla or some flowering vine set on a trellis just a bit off from the house walls so they don't actually grow on the walls! The reason we are thinking black pots is...when you drive to our house, you first see the south side of it...with a row of windows with black awnings over each window. So we feel the big black pots will tie the side and the front together. lukkiriish-thank you, I just love those california spanish homes! Thanks for comparing my home to one of those! Ok, again, I really appreciate every single comment. It has been so much work and money and as much as my hubby and I enjoy it, it is nice to see it be well received here!
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lyfia - Thanks. Even my mood is brighter when working in my new kitchen : ) mab1964 - I'm really glad we added the glass on the cabs above the peninsula. To save money, we only did glass on 4 of the 8 doors. We chose to do glass on the 2 outer doors on the outside portion of the cabs (facing the family room). We did glass on the 2 inner doors for the portion facing the inside of the kitchen. See pics below. I feel like the glass adds a nice dimension and gives variety and lightens up the feel a lot so your eye doesn't only see wood. Another modification we made from the original over peninsula cabs...the new cabs are not quite as tall & a little less in length as well. This modification opened up the area a little and I still feel the cabinet space is sufficient. Now, when standing in the kitchen and talking to someone who's standing on the outside of the peninsula, I don't feel like the cabs are such a distraction like the old ones were. hisgal - Thanks. I like my faucet with one handle very much! My old faucet had one handle, although it wasn't exactly the same as this new one. So, it didn't take much getting use to. Below is a pic of my old faucet...so sad looking. I learned from people on this site that ceramic disc valves and solid brass construction are important features to look for when buying a faucet. drarc - Any ideas about what kind of backsplash you may want to use in your kitchen? Dal Tile has a nice showroom in Anaheim. The public can look, but they sell to contractors. Will your kd be involved with the backsplash? If not, you might want to check out Anaheim Stone Works (2020 E. Howell Ave, Suite F). They use Dal Tile and are located right across the street from them. Anaheim Stone Works did our granite and they probably do backsplashes, as well. We were very pleased with them. ngng - Thanks for the nice comments : ) I was finally able to view the slideshow of your beautiful new kitchen! When I picked on your link, I got a black screen (even after waiting a few minutes). Then, I tried picking directly onto one of your pics in your post...and I got it!! All of your colors go so well together. I especially like the message center, granite & backsplash & the decorative plate displayed in the corner..so pretty : ) You did an amazing job on everything! Old Faucet : ( New Faucet : )
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Comments (33)
Epressler - all I did to figure out which hardwood to get was learn which floors were the hardest (on the Janka scale), decide which colors I liked best, and then ask the owner of the hardwood store which brand he loved the best. He said that all the installers LOVE Owens Flooring, and it has a really thick face to it, so it can be re-sanded three times. It was a good choice, because out of 24 boxes, only two smallish pieces were not straight. Anyway, you asked about how many samples I looked at to get the right color - just two. Brazilian cherry has so many colors to it anyway, that the samples you get may be vastly different than what will be in the boxes. It's hard to believe that one type of tree can produce all those colors! But my goal wasn't to match the cabs to the floor - it was just how it happened, because I guess I really love that color of wood! Chitown_remodel - here is a picture of the backsplash without flash, and the mother of pearl tile is made by Olympia. Dianalo - your idea is brilliant. That is EXACTLY what we will do. Now here's a question, if you happen to ever read this (or anyone who has an opinion) - we already have a very pretty mirror above the fireplace in the great room. Should we move that to the mudroom and put a painting above the fireplace, or is it OK to have two mirrors? Msmagoo - I designed the kitchen myself, and I was helped out quite a bit because I used ideas I learned here on the kitchen forum. For instance, we have a cell phone charging drawer. It's nothing fancy, but it wouldn't have occurred to make one - I read about them on this forum. My ceilings are eight feet... and you might get sick if I told you how much we spent. I will say that I got great prices on the appliances and wood floor, and fair prices on other stuff. Here is a link that might be useful: Olympia's Boutique Collection, which includes the Mother of Pearl tile I used
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annie.zz
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Lovely! I love the detailing on your cabinets - what are they?

You did all that for 16K? WOW!

Congratulations and enjoy!
morton5
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
WOW! What a wonderful transformation! Even though it's the same footprint, I can't believe it's the same space. It is very fresh and contemporary-looking. Fantastic job! And George is so cute, too!
darbuka
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Wow, gorgeous! Everything goes together perfectly. Great job on the backsplash (abutting, no space), lovely tiles. Enjoy!
lmalm53
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Zecchini your new kitchen is FABULOUS! Love your beautiful cabinets with the crown molding. The layout looks so spacious and open. Your color scheme is warm and inviting, your backsplash and granite is gorgeous! Great Job!

I love your bar stools. Where did you get them? Do they swivel? I am trying to find a similar pair for my kitchen island.
rhome410
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Really rich and elegant! The cabinets are particularly beautiful. I love how the vertical detail from the 5-panel drawers and doors go up through the slab drawer fronts. So great with the soffit gone!
country_smile
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
The kitchen is gorgeous and little George is cute. Is the granite Giallo Veneciano?
tntwalter
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Great job. The fridge placement is great now too! Looks incredible!

Trish
lisaslists2000
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
It is beautiful. I need to know how you did it so inexpensively. It certainly does not look inexpensively done! Please do post details - I can use all the help I can get keeping costs down.
Lisa
boxerpups
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Amazing Transformation Zecchini,
The rich deep dark cabinets with your tile
floor and beautiful granite truly changes this room.
The backsplash blends perfectly. The hardward and
the stainless appliance are awesome. The elements
look great. I love your can lights much nicer than
the dated fixture from before. The stools/chairs look
better in this dark elegant space.
Love it all. Pat yourself on the back this kitchen
is a work of art.
I especially like your sweet little dog.
That makes the room even more inviting. ;)

~boxerpups
theanimala
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Great job, looks excellent!
cotehele
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Congratulation on a beautiful kitchen. The cabinets' color and design are striking. The crown molding is a very nice finish. I like the refrigerator in the cooking run of cabinets. Enjoy!
lovesbirds_2009
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
WOW!! What a transformation. Love your cabinets. The color is so rich looking and really transforms the space. You have a beautiful kitchen and should feel really proud of the results.
olga_d
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Wow, that is a huge change from the before pictures! Looks very nice!
natenvalsmom
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I think moving the refrigerator was such a great idea. It sort of stuck out before and created that tiny cabinet before turning the corner to the sink. Lovely, spacious kitchen! I wish you wonderful times and delicious meals in your new space.
prill
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
That looks wonderful. You did a great job.
sjblick
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Wow, how did you do all that on 16,000? Looks great, very nice.
sunnny
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
What a wonderful kitchen. I especially like your backsplash and your cabinets. They seem to fit the area so well, not over powering just perfect. When you moved the fridge it made a huge difference. Seems to flow better now.
Great job,
Sunny
marybeth1
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
WOW! What a transformation! Such a great use of space! Very well thought out and very classy. Enjoy your beautiful new space!
Tucker Zoey
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Wow! That is an incredible transformation and a beautiful new kitchen. Also, George is definitely a cutie.
biochem101
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Great job! Looks beautiful. Isn't it amazing how taking down those 3 tiny walls helped? (What were they doing there anyway?!) The counter to the left of the range is so much more accessible AND you can see the beautiful cabinets in that corner. It makes the kitchen look bigger because you are seeing MORE cabinets now.

Boxerpups quote: "The stools/chairs look better in this dark elegant space."

I noticed the stools too in the before/after and thought "she decorated around those stools!" I suspect you bought those stools knowing how the kitchen would look in the future. ;)
donnakay2009
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
How warm and welcoming this kitchen is! Beautiful job!
dr_nik
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Absolutely gorgeous!!! Love those beautiful cabinets!
tracie.erin
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Absolutely beautiful! I'm envious! I'm contemplating a very similar kitchen in both layouts and look. Seconding the request for details on your gorgeous materials, plus room dimensions & ceiling height. Thanks!
susie1010
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Your kitchen looks beautiful and well planned. You were so smart to extend your peninsula. I was afraid to do that and am now sorry. We could have used another 12 - 24 inches.

Your backsplash also looks good w/o the grout.
homey_bird
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Congratulations! I'm sure you feel the difference and never miss your old kitchen! It was fantastic transformation! You did manage to completely turn the space around. Enjoy!!
ritamay91710
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Very Nice!!!

And your fur baby is adorable!!!
shelayne
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Holy cow, what an amazing transformation! It is really warm, rich, and wonderful! It is so welcoming. Your stools look sooo good in this new space. Great idea to swap the fridge and pantry, and extend your peninsula to add a trash pullout!

All this for $16K? Are you kidding me? FABU!

(And your little dog, too! *cackle, cackle*)
melisande
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Nice. I like your floor - it's hard to get a neutral floor in the first place, but this one actually adds subtle texture while still allowing those cabinets to pop.

Good job all around.
mamalynn
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Astounding transformation! You REALLY did a great job! It's so elegant and it looks so much larger than before. Your cabinets look like fine furniture. And that's a beautiful color of granite! Congratulations and Enjoy!!
smiling
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Oh wow, it just looks fantastic! What a beautiful transformation. Your decisions to take out those small pieces of walls, move the fridge, extend the penninsula, and lose the soffit were all great, successful decisions. The dark, rich cabinets (love the spice drawers!) and the just-right granite make it so inviting. I cannot imagine how you did all this on $16K, it looks like you spent three or four times that amount! Congratulations on such a wonderful finished kitchen, may it give you many happy years!
zecchini
Original Author
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Hello everybody! I got a lot of good compliments on my kitchen. Thank you so much! It was so much work, but at the end it was worth it!
zecchini
Original Author
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Some people asked about the bar stool and here is the info
Manufactor: PASTEL FURNITURE
Syle: Magnolia Swivel with arms
the color on mine is Autumm Rust
They are heavy and very well made, really good quality.
zecchini
Original Author
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Here is the bar stool

Here is a link that might be useful:
zecchini
Original Author
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
bar stool

Here is a link that might be useful:
kitchennewbie2009
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Can I ask what is the granite that you got? I really like it and would love to know what it is. The kitchen is georgeous and I am so impressed that you did it for $16,000.
zecchini
Original Author
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Floor: Rectfied porcelain 20x20 TREVI NOCE, grout bone
Cabinets: Shaker in cabernet 36"
Ceiling is 8ft heigh
Kitchen is 14x13'
granite is Santa Cecilia
Faucet is Moen
The size of the pantry is 30'
The drawers are also 30'
I hope this info can be helpful for somebody!
Thank you!
tracie.erin
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Totally helpful! Our measurements are nearly the same. This gives me a lot more confidence in going w/ darker cabs because I thought it may be too much for my space, but now I can see it can come out gorgeously!

I hope you enjoy your fantastic new kitchen!
starpooh
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
What an awesome transformation!

Can I archive your kitchen in the Finished Kitchens Blog?
If so please submit the FKB Checklist to give your permission.
Thank you!

Here is a link that might be useful: FKB Category Checklist
susanlynn2012
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Zecchini, I love your kitchen renovation so much from the color of the cabinets, to the hardware, to those big beautiful floor tiles on the diagonal, to that gorgeous backsplash, to those counters are stunning and that little doggie really enhances the pictures. Thanks for sharing some information about the kitchen to give me ideas.
gabbygirl_2001
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Gorgeous kitchen!
msrose
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Did I miss the brand of cabinets somewhere? I can't believe this was a $16K remodel. This gives me hope that I may be able to afford new cabinets one day.

Laurie
threegraces
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
What a transformation! It's like a major facelift for your house. Gorgeous and I canNOT believe you did that for 16K. That gives me such hope for our remodel. I adore the crown molding, very rich.
jb1176
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Please share the brand of cabinets. They are beautiful and the porcelain floor is a great color with the cabinets. You have done an outstanding job. Great idea to move the frig and take out the walls.

my kitchen is done!!!! before and after pics

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