Before & After: Sparkling White Kitchen
See a so-so kitchen transform into a culinary masterpiece that truly shines.
Photo: Design Elements LTD
Not much had changed in this 1970s kitchen. With the help of Sherry Smith and her team at Design Elements LTD, this dated kitchen got a clean, yet warm makeover.
This closed off kitchen use to have a plethora of problems; everything from the lackluster cabinets, outdated appliances, a humdrum sink, and time-worn counters needed to be removed. The only item that remains in the new kitchen today is the peach-colored flooring. New flooring wasn’t in the budget, but Smith and team made the homeowners’ dreams a reality without breaking the bank.
Design: Design Elements LTD
The design of the new kitchen is a total transformation, from the curved island and stainless appliances to the fresh white cabinets with brand new hardware. Smith explains, "The first and simplest fix is updating your kitchen’s hardware. While shopping for new knobs and handles, think equal parts function and fashion. You want to upgrade your current hardware without totally throwing off the style of your kitchen. If your kitchen is country classic don’t opt for modern, contemporary handles and vice versa!"
The long, sleek cabinet handles highlight the new spacious cabinets. A select few cabinets feature custom accented lead glass and diamond-framed doors, which lend an airy feel to the space and show off special occasion dinnerware. Shiny new granite countertops and appliances complement the freshness of the white cabinets.
Design: Design Elements LTD
Previously, the kitchen’s single boring bowl pendant didn't provide enough light for an at-home chef. An arrangement of exposed-bulb pendants illuminates the entire space. The grouping is both functional and stylish—two over the island provide task lighting and three clustered over the seating create a focal point.
Design: Design Elements LTD
Not everything in the space is shiny and white, though. The backsplash tiles are a similar enough hue to the floor tile was left because of budget reasons, while also introducing new, deeper tones. Accents and barstools complement the natural hues and the fresh whites, shimmery stainless steel, and (lest we forget) the pink floor tiles. So as not to distract from the beautiful backsplash detailing, Smith hid unsightly outlets under the top cabinets.
Design: Design Elements LTD
