Hello beautiful friends! I have some exciting news to share today that involves our kitchen makeover!
We completely redid our super dark kitchen two Summers ago, exactly one year after moving in.
Here is how it started:
The bones were fantastic, but the dark color was just not my style. As soon as I could, I set out to transform this space into one that I love!
I took y’all through every project one at a time here on the blog until our kitchen transformation was complete!
I’m sharing our kitchen makeover again today because of my exciting news!
Our kitchen got a three page spread in Country Sampler’s special Farmhouse Style 2021 Kitchen Issue!
I was excited to have our kitchen included in this issue for sure, but it wasn’t until I opened the copy they sent me that I learned we made the cover!!
Woot woot! I know many of you watched and followed along as our kitchen makeover unfolded, and I just wanted to share this with all of you!
And in case your kitchen is in need of a little TLC, I’m recapping the 10 DIY projects that really pulled this kitchen makeover together!
I’ve included the links to each project throughout if you’d like to see more.
1. Paint the Cabinets
Painting the cabinets is by far the best bang you’ll get for your buck in a kitchen! I used my How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets the Right Way tutorial to paint this kitchen the very same way I did in our previous kitchen.
I knew from the start these cabinets would be painted.
The after is like a breath of fresh air compared to the before!
How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets (A Step-by-Step Guide)
2. Update the Hardware
This is an easy update anyone can do!
We started with simple brushed nickel knobs that weren’t all that interesting:
I decided to switch them out for a mix of knobs and pulls in chrome instead:
Our island and butler’s pantry got these pretty glass ones:
I believe we found these all at the Home Depot.
A quick peek at our Butler’s pantry just off the kitchen…
3. Beef up your existing kitchen island
There was nothing wrong with our kitchen island, other than it was a bit underwhelming for the space:
I beefed it up with the addition of a few 1x4s and bead board:
Then, I painted it in this beautiful blue, Sunken Pool by Behr:
Kitchen Island Makeover with Beadboard
4. Build a Cover for your Range Hood
One way to get a totally custom look in your kitchen is to build a range hood cover.
Here’s what we started with:
It had a basic stainless steel range hood and a funky stainless backsplash complete with what we believed to be a warming rack.
Luckily, all of the buttons for the range hood were on the bottom, so I was able to encase the rest of the hood pretty easily.
This is one of my favorite projects on our kitchen to-do list!
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I used.
DIY Range Hood Cover
5. Add glass to your existing kitchen cabinet Doors
I love the look of glass cabinets in a kitchen, but because most of the contents of our kitchen cabinets aren’t that visually appealing, just one cabinet with glass works for me!
This cabinet door started just the same as all the rest with raised panels:
Adding glass, or should I say “glass” to this one set of doors breaks up the cabinetry and adds a little something to this corner.
How to Add Glass to Cabinet Doors
6. Add or Replace Lighting Fixtures
Our previous pendant lights were exactly as I described the island in its before state, underwhelming:
Look at those dinky things!
My Hubby switched out the old pendant lights with these gorgeous ones I found on Amazon HERE.
They are so elegant and very reasonably priced! We used clear bulbs so the light is quite bright.
7. Replace the Faucet
Our old faucet wasn’t as functional as I would have liked:
I much prefer one that I can get my big pots under with ease, so my Hubby replaced the old faucet with this beauty that I also purchased on Amazon HERE:
I absolutely love our new faucet! It has a pull-down sprayer that is so much more functional than our old one. Plus, it has three different spray settings. And of course it is just pretty to look at as well.
8. Add/replace backsplash
Our new backsplash is probably my very favorite thing about our new kitchen!
Previously, there was no backsplash in our kitchen, other than the stainless piece at the back of the stove:
This gorgeous mother-of-pearl tile stole my heart the minute I found it!
It shimmers and sparkles and makes me happy just looking at it!
I purchased this beautiful mother-of-pearl tile from Amazon HERE.
How to install a mother-of-pearl backsplash
Just look at how the tile glistens when the light hits it…
9. Replace cabinets with open shelving
Another project on the to-do list for this kitchen was to remove this lone, skinny cabinet:
It was too skinny really to be functional, so I replaced it with open shelving:
I used the same brackets that I used on our kitchen island from the Home Depot. Luckily there were studs behind each bracket, so I was able to drill screws in between tiles and right into the studs to hang these.
I used stair treads that I cut down for the shelves.
They don’t hold a ton, but they definitely hold more than the odd cabinet that was there!
You can see what I made from that cabinet door HERE!
10. Update your barstools
The vinyl tops to our kitchen barstools were looking a bit ragged before:
It wasn’t too hard to update them at all with brand new white vinyl:
I replaced the nailhead trim with chrome ones to tie in with our hardware and faucet:
Barstool Update
We were very fortunate that we were able to use our existing cabinets!
I hope you enjoyed seeing all the projects that came together to recreate our kitchen!
I was very lucky to start with a great kitchen, but even the most dated of kitchens can be transformed with a few DIY projects!
You have to see how my sister and I transformed it! You can see it all HERE!
Denise Cox says
I’m absolutely thrilled for you, Christy!! And, a well deserved honor… 👏🎉🥳!!!!!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Denise! XOXO
Vicki says
Congratulations Christy! You and your kitchen are definitely magazine cover worthy! So Beautiful as are all your projects!
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Vicki! Thank you!! XOXO
Pam Walsh says
Congrats!!! Double Wow… on making the cover page ! What an honor to be recognized for your hard work and creativity ! It is a beautiful kitchen !
Have a great weekend!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Pam! I was super surprised!! Enjoy your weekend too!! XOXO
Dawn Shelley says
Congrats Christy!
That is a huge honour…..watch your online followers multiply! Thats so amazing! Enjoy the glory….you deserve it! Great job!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Dawn! It is a huge honor and I am truly humbled! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
Wow, how exciting!! I can’t believe they didn’t give you the whole magazine! They could give you a whole magazine because all your transformations are magazine worthy my friend. You should do a book, I would buy an copy of that! You are the best and others would also like a book from you as well. Congratulations for the magazine article!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Mary! I would love to publish a book for sure! I just wish there were more hours in the day ha ha! Thank you as always for your support, my friend, it is so appreciated!! XOXO
Dianne says
Congrats!! I loved looking at your kitchen makeover again. It is beautiful and front cover worthy.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Dianne!! XOXO
Catherine ten Hertog says
Congratulations. Your kitchen is truly magazine worthy. I followed along on your blog eagerly anticipating all the changes you were making to it. We were in the process at the time of looking for pendants for our new kitchen island and I fell hard for yours. I found them at Wayfair Canada. I added some chandelier crystals to the bottom of them to go with the chandelier in the adjoining di ring space. Love them and our white kitchen. You are such an inspiration. So glad you made the cover. I will be looking to see if I can purchase the magazine here in Canada.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Catherine! Aren’t those pendants so pretty?? I love the idea to add crystals to them… I bet that is gorgeous! XOXO
Claudine says
Congratulations on the spread and on the cover! So exciting! The recognition is well deserved. 🙂
Christy says
Thank you so much, Claudine! XOXO
Rebecca - NC says
Gorgeous! Did you replace your ovens or paint them? If you painted, what did you use? 💕😊
Christy says
Thank you, Rebecca! They are the same ovens…maybe the light reflecting makes them appear different? XOXO
Janice Holt says
Wow congratulations. This is an honor and you well deserve it. I love your kitchen of course but this beyond great. I tell my friends all the time when they ask about painting to watch you on youtube or subscribe to your site. I will definitely get a copy.
Christy says
I appreciate you so much, Janice, thank you!! And thank you for sharing me with your friends!! XOXO
Carolyn Price says
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
No surprise, though … you are a make-over Rock Star!!
Couldn’t have happened to a sweeter, more talented person!!
Again, congratulations on the recognition! So well-deserved, Christy!!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, my friend! I truly appreciate that!! XOOX
Debbie Mealus says
Wow! Congratulations! Professional recognition of your absolutely phenomenal kitchen makeover is so wonderful to see!
Christy says
Thank you SO much, Debbie!! It was quite a nice surprise!! XOXO
Stacey says
Congratulations!!! How exciting!!!🤗
You and your kitchen deserve that spread and cover!! It’s a fabulous makeover that has inspired me!! So thankful for all of your “how-to’s”, and so happy to see you being appreciated this way, it is well deserved!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Stacey!! I really appreciate that!! XOXO
Christina says
CONGRATULATIONS CHRISTY!!! Wow, I am so thrilled with and for you with the magazine cover and 3 pages of your beautifully recreated kitchen!! Love the work (and I know it was a lot of work) you did. Pure artistry! Loved the walk through again. Wonderful ideas as well. (Love that backsplash!)
Have a wonderful, creative weekend!!!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Christina!! This was truly the most rewarding work I think I’ve done!! I hope you have a lovely weekend too!! XOXO
Angee Cox says
That’s amazing! Congratulations on your feature and cover story in the magazine! Thanks for being so inspiring!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Angee!! XOXO
Helen Schmidt says
Congratulations. I just saw that magazine at Michaels yesterday and recognized it! Well done.
Christy says
Thank you, Helen!! Oh yay…I haven’t been anywhere to see it on display ha ha! XOXO
Kira says
I’m so happy for you Christy! I got all teary hearing that you were featured in the magazine!!! It’s been a great journey following you. I’m finally getting to my kitchen this summer and will be painting the orange oaks!! Can’t wait!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Kira! You are the sweetest! I’m so honored to get to share this with my blog family!! Thanks for following along with me and lots of good wishes for a smooth kitchen makeover!! XOXO
Rita says
Congratulations. You must be over the moon. You definitely deserve all the accolades.
I definitely pinned your makeover how could I not.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Rita!! I am beyond excited for sure!! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
That is incredibly exciting, Christy! How gratifying to see all your hard work in print. I’d actually forgotten where you started, I’m so used to seeing the light, bright house in your blog. My favorite has to be the backsplash, but there’s so much to love about the whole space. Congratulations and enjoy the spotlight!
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! Yes, it was a tall, dark hole of a kitchen ha ha! At least that allowed me to make it my own, and yes…the backsplash…my favorite too! Have a great weekend! XOXO
Joni Gonzales says
Omg! I’m so happy for you. You deserved this – your house is definitely magazine worthy! Congrats Christy!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Joni!! I appreciate that!! XOXO
Cecilia says
Congratulations on the magazine feature! It’s well deserved as your kitchen just looks fabulous. I need to give my upper cabinets a fresh coat of paint so this was very timely! 🙂
Cecilia
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! XOXO
Cynthia says
You have the most beautiful kitchen. Everytime I see it I’m so jealous. The back slash is also my favorite, but the color on the island comes in second.
Congrats on being featured on the Farmhouse Magazine. You deserve it! 💗
Christy says
Aww thank you so much Cynthia! I really appreciate that! XOXO
Gloria Wyssbrod says
Congratulations!!! your kitchen is beautiful and you deserved front cover of the magazine. I enjoy following your blog.
Gloria
Christy says
Thank you so much, Gloria! XOXO
Wendy Somerville says
Congratulations Christy. This is Wonderful News to be featured in a magazine and then to be on the cover. You and your family must feel so proud. 😉
Christy says
Thank you, Wendy! At least if my hubby had any doubts about my choices (the blue island), he doesn’t anymore lol! My Mom was the most proud ha ha! XOXO
Lorrie Royce says
Whoot Whoot, way to go Christie. Congratultations and thanks for all the inspiration….
Christy says
Thanks so much, Lorrie! XOXO
Sharon L Austin says
CONGRATULATIONS!! That’s so awesome you made it into a magazine, and the cover! It’s so well deserved. I’m excited you shared this again, as I’m getting my cabinets painted next week (white of course!) and this just calmed my anxiety over it and confirms I’m doing the right thing. And OMG, who knew there were soooo many whites to choose from?! Just choosing the color was stressful in itself. And hardware!? I’m going from none to knobs and pulls, also.
Christy says
Thank you, Sharon! Oh girl, you definitely made the right choice!! You are going to love it!! XOXO
Becky says
YAY!!! Congratulations!!!! It’s about time the rest of the world discovered our favorite “kitchen girl”!! 😊 You did a beautiful job!
Christy says
Aww you are the sweetest, Becky, thank you!! XOXO
Teresa says
This is so beautiful. I’m inspired! I am curious as to where you got the counter top iron calendar with the little bird on top? I’ve seen it before and it always draws my eye. Thank you for continuing to inspire us with your amazing transformations.
Christy says
Thank you, Teresa! I found that calendar at Stein Mart several years ago. I just had to have it! It’s made by Creative Co-op if that is any help! XOXO
LISA BROWN says
CONGRATULATIONS!! Your kitchen is absolutely beautiful!! You did a fantastic job!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Lisa!! XOXO
Jan Gibson says
That is so exciting! I’m so happy for you!
Christy says
Thank you, Jan! It is very exciting for sure! XOXO
Meg Habasevich says
Wow!!! Congratulations on the magazine cover! That’s invaluable publicity. Since I’m late to the remodeling party, I’m so impressed with your vision and talent! I’m so blessed to have found you as you inspire me everyday day.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Meg! I really appreciate that! XOXO
Roberta says
Congratulations! So well deserved!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Roberta! XOXO
Rose Arroyo says
Congratulations my sweet lady, your work always looks amazing.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Rose! XOXO
vicki says
Christy, Congratulations!!! You definitely deserve it. I agree with others who said you should write a book with all of your DIY projects and tips. I love your kitchen and all of the other projects you do and always look at your blog first on Tuesdays and Thursdays! Your style and careful attention to detail are spot on!! Can’t wait to get my copy of the magazine. PS, could you share where you got your calendar with the little bird on top…love it!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Vicki! I would definitely love to write to a book…maybe one day when the kids are grown! I found that calendar at Stein Mart several years ago. Isn’t it so cute? It’s made by Creative Co-op if that is any help! XOXO
Terry P says
Congratulations! Loved seeing your kitchen makeover as it progressed and it is definitely magazine worthy!!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Terry!! XOXO
Denise - Denise - Salvaged Inspirations says
Woot woot… CONGRATULATIONS… front cover and 3 page spread is so impressive! So well deserved, your kitchen is gorgeous! XOXO
Christy says
Thanks so much, Denise!! I was so surprised when I opened the package beacuse I wasn’t told my kitchen would be on the cover! Very exciting!! XOXO
Biljana says
So so happy for you! That’s super exciting news! Your kitchen looks fabulous and all other pieces you do!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Biljana!! I appreciate that!! XOXO
Teresa Ann Marks says
Christi – Your kitchen is beautiful. Going all white will not work for me. We invested in a granite counter top with colors and a light colored ceramic floor only 5 years ago, so I am locked in. Would you offer “warm” color recommendations given my situation? Thank you – Terry
Christy says
Thank you, Teresa! It might help to see photos. Feel free to email me or message me on FB with them if you like, and I’ll help if I can! XOXO
Marilyn says
Congratulations, Christy! Your kitchen is beautiful. I can see why they chose it for the cover!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Marilyn! XOXO
Debbie in TX says
Your kitchen makeover is truly amazing, and I’m glad that you are being recognized for all your hard work! The island and the backsplash are my favorite parts because they add so much to the area. How cool is it to be featured on the front cover? Congrats!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Debbie! Those are my favorites too!! XOXO
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
That is amazing, Christy – congrats!! xo
Christy says
Thank you so much, my dear friend!! XOXO
My Crappy House says
Your kitchen looks beautiful. Congratulations on your magazine feature! Every blogging girl’s dream…
Christy says
Thank you so much!! It was a wonderful surprise! XOXO
Michele M. says
WOW WOW WOW WOW WWWWOOOOWWWWW!!!
Huge congrats and omg your kitchen looks amazing.
It actually LOOKS happy, if that makes any kind of sense, lol.
Well done, Christy – it is so awesome in every way, shape and form!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Michele! It’s hard to feel angry in there, I’ll admit ha ha! XOXO
Terry Moore says
Not only is your kitchen awesome but getting the front cover of a magazine is even more congratulations.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Terry!! XOXO
Mandy says
Congratulations! Your kitchen turned out so beautifully. Although the Cherry cabinets were nice, I’m like you, I like a light airy space. Your choices in textures and colors are perfect!
We are in the process of redoing our kitchen. My house was built during the big “golden oak” era of the early 90’s so everything has that orangey oak tint. 😝
So happy your makeover was featured in a magazine spread! That has to be exciting and validating!
Great job!
Christy says
Thank you, Mandy! Yes, nothing like a light, bright space! Good luck with your kitchen!! XOXO
Carol Karl says
Congratulations. Your kitchen makeover was wonderful and a great example of how you can spend a little but make a huge impact.
Christy says
Thank you, Carol! Yes, absolutely!! XOXO
Addie says
WOW!!!! Congrats!!!! That kitchen makeover was “Time” magazine worthy!!!!….”Kitchen of the year!!!” OR…..”People Magazine” sexiest kitchen alive!!!!……Good job!!! Frame that copy!!! xoxo
Christy says
Thank you so much, Addie!! You are the best! XOXO
Mary King says
So exciting!! Congratulations Christy!!! I am thrilled for you!! Been in awe of your work for years and love that you are so nearby. After our connection this last year I am even more in awe of you and so proud of all you have done for me my friend.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Mary! You were a shining light in my 2020 for sure!! XOXO
Cathy Merrick says
Congratulations Christy, a well deserved honor! Thanks for sharing the incredible news with all of us. Please continue to do what you do as you are such an inspiration to myself, and to the many, many others out there worldwide! Congrats to your hubby too! : )
Christy says
Thank you, Cathy! I appreciate your sweet words so much!! XOXO
Edna says
Congratulations Christy, your kitchen looks beautiful. It certainly deserves to be in a magazine. Great job, as always.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Edna!! XOXO
Robin says
A hearty CONGRATULATIONS on being THE feature in a decorating magazine! It’s quite an accomplishment and a compliment to your efforts for transforming everything and anything in a spectacular fashion.
Christy says
Thank you, my friend! It was a real treat for sure!! XOXO
Jackie C says
I’m happy dancing for you! 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻
I remember when you did the kitchen. MAN! Has it really been 2 yrs?? How is the cabinet paint holding up? The backsplash was my fave too! ❤️
I still haven’t ever seen any I like better than yours. Did you put up a backer board or install it on drywall?
Congrats again sweet girl on your magazine spread! Well deserved!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Jackie!! Yes, can you believe it’s been that long already?? The paint has held up great…I have touched up just a couple of areas, but overall, very well! I did install backer board, but only because when we removed the 4″ granite backing that was there, there was a gap in between the counter and the wall in some areas, and the mother of pearl tile is thin, so we had to bring the wall out just a smidge. Otherwise, this tile can be hung right on the drywall. Thanks again, my friend! XOXO
Carroll Xavier says
Congrats on your magazine spread! Not surprising your kitchen made the cover; it’s so gorgeous and welcoming 🙂 Thanks for sharing your news and a recap of your kitchen project. I’m starting mine this month and I love some of your ideas!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Carroll! I was excited to share with my blog family!! Good luck on yours! XOXO
Cheryl says
Congrats, you deserve it!! Your kitchen is very beautiful!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cheryl! XOXO
Rose Lefebvre says
Your kitchen makeover is wonderful! I love the color of the island. Congrats on the article and cover!
Christy says
Thank you, Rose!! My hubby wasn’t so sure about the island when I did it, but now he can’t say anything ha ha! XOXO
Teresa W. says
I have been with you since waaay before your move to your current home. I remember how exhausting this project was for you, but I never thought for a second that you regretted it! Now your work is being showcased in a magazine! How exciting is that??? And on the COVER! Gosh, I am so happy for you! It must have been difficult for you to keep this all under wraps until the issue came out! As excited as I am for you, I am not surprised in the least. Congrats, girl!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Teresa, and thank you for sticking with me for so long!! I actually didn’t know our kitchen would be on the cover until I received a copy in the mail. It was an exciting surprise for sure! Just enjoying our light bright kitchen has been such a reward, but this was very nice as well! XOXO
Mary says
Congratulations Christy!!! I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor 🙂 You work SO hard and do such a beautiful job on all your transformations! So very very happy for you! Well done talented lady, well done!
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Mary! Thank you!! XOXO
Julie says
Your kitchen transformation is beautiful. I dream of a kitchen that is light and airy like the one you’ve created. Thank you for the inspiration, however,
I wish I had the courage to paint our orange oak cabinets and replace our back splash.
Christy says
Thank you, Julie! I linked to how I painted our cabinets in the post…step by step! You can totally do it! Proper prep is key..cleaning/deglossing/sanding. You can practice on a bathroom cabinet first. I believe Rustoleum has a kit that you can use to paint tile too if that is an option for your backsplash? Sending a little courage your way! XOXO
Julie Briones says
Congrats, girl! I’m thrilled for you! Your kitchen deserves to be in a magazine!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Julie!! You are so sweet!! XOXO
Heidy says
That is so cool!!! Wow, congratulations and you totally deserve it. I followed and loved that makeover. It was just beautiful and I still drool over that backsplash! So happy for you. ❤️
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Heidy! Thank you!! I enjoyed getting to share it with ya’ll as I went and truthfully, that is what kept me on track to get it done ha ha! XOXO
Micah says
Congratulations!!!
Christy says
Thank you, Micah!! XOXO
Phyllis says
Well deserved recognition.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Phyllis! XOXO
susan says
What an honor! Congratulations on the magazine publication! Your beautiful kitchen and all your hard work deserved to be on the cover!
Christy says
I appreciate that so much, Susan! Thank you! XOXO
Jewels says
Congratulations, Christy. My Pin of your kitchen island redo has had my most repins ever!
Christy says
Thank you, Jewels, and yay! I love that!! XOXO
Teri says
I’m just starting on our new kitchen. I sent a picture of your backsplash to my sister and asked her if she thought it would go with my new cabinets and countertop. Of course, she LOVED IT too. She wanted to know where you got the mirror. Soooooo pretty. Thanks for sharing your beautiful kitchen makeover with us.
Christy says
Thank you, Teri! I found the mirror at HomeGoods! Good luck with your kitchen! XOXO
Christy Simoncini says
Christy it looks fabulous! Congrats on being featured, you have the best ideas and are so creative.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Christy! I really appreciate that! XOXO
Olga Kosynska says
Congrats! When i saw the issue first time, i was like… hmmm… it looks familiar 🙂 Great project Christy!!!
Christy says
Oh funny! Thank you so much, Olga! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hey Christy!! I must have missed this blog post. Congratulations girlfriend!! Your kitchen is beautiful ❤️❤️❤️
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cheryl! XOXO