In the last year or so, I’ve completed a number of kitchen remodels. Some of them have been complete “gut jobs,” but a couple have been “facelifts” – where we keep the existing layout of the kitchen, but update the finishes and fixtures. I almost find those “facelifts” to be more satisfying than a complete renovation … because I love to see what an enormous change in look we can make without the expense of new cabinetry. So are you ready to see the first reveal? This kitchen belong to a beautiful Foxcroft home that — when purchased by its new owners — had great bones … coupled with some unfortunate design choices.
High on the list of unfortunate design choices was the existing paint. The house has lots of beautiful millwork — which was all painted a peachy cream … or so it looked. To repaint the millwork — crown moulding, baseboards, wainscoting, window casing, window mullions, shutters — would have been a lengthy and very expensive process. Instead we changed the wall colors to complement the existing trim color.
See, the problem was more that the undertones clashed and less that the trim was actually peach. Now the main color in the house is Sherwin-Williams Whole Wheat (SW 6121) … and the trim doesn’t read “peach” at all. Hallelujah. The living room — now painted Sherwin-Williams Whole Wheat — is open to the kitchen and breakfast room … so Whole Wheat became the starting point for the “new” kitchen’s color scheme.
What did we change? As I mentioned above, the existing layout remained the same — as did the appliances. The majority of the cabinets were beautifully painted in a creamy white with a light glaze. The island was painted in a darker wood finish. In the hands of an amateur, I would be nervous about these finishes and their durability … but my cabinet painter is incredible. I don’t trust anyone else!
Let’s go ahead and take a look at the “before” photo. Do you recognize it as the same kitchen?
The existing countertops — a solid surface on the perimeter and a black granite on the island — absolutely had to go. Can you see how peachy the perimeter countertops look? Blech. The natural stone backsplash had already been torn out by the time this photo was taken, but trust me on this: It was just more peach. New granite countertops — using the same on the perimeter countertops and the island — and a creamy beige subway tiled backsplash made an incredible difference. If you compare the “before” and “after” photos, you’ll also notice that we added a lip to the island countertop — to give the somewhat undersized island a little more presence and allow room to pull up a backless bar stool.
The existing kitchen was lit only by recessed cans, but pendant lights over the island defined the space and added “jewelry” to the kitchen. New barstools and Roman shades completed the transformation.
What do you think about the changes?
Traci Zeller Designs believes that beauty is created when you make the ordinary, orderly. With this philosophy in mind, Traci and her team daily seek to empower families to live harmonious lives, full of style and grace. As a busy wife and mother to exuberant twin boys, Traci understands the challenges of today’s active lifestyles and creates solutions that are both beautiful and functional. Twice named one of Charlotte’s 25 Most Stylish People, Traci employs a clean, sophisticated mix of classic and modern pieces to create elegant, yet comfortable interiors. In 2013, she introduced a line of textiles and home accessories in order to offer her growing audience simple solutions that bring joy and spirit to the everyday. Traci’s polished style has brought recognition from House Beautiful, Charlotte Urban Home, QC Exclusive, South Park Magazine, Multiplicity, The Nest and The Bump. 
Wow! Beautiful job, Traci!
Wow, what a difference, looks great and I adore the cabinet colour, works perfectly, what an uplifting reno, congrats! PS love the lighting as well! Jil
Those are some lucky homeowners to have you as their designer!
Love it!
What do I think about the changes? Fabulous, beautiful, magazine-worthy gorgeousness!!!! Amazing job, Traci!!!
Gorgeous, Traci! I am sure the owners are so thrilled with the result. Having a quality and meticulous painter is a must for cabinetry. Love the new lights, too!
Traci the owners must be so excited about their ” new ” kitchen. Bravo to leading them in the right direction!
I hope you will Come and enter my amazing Cross Bottle Guy Giveaway!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Love the roman shades!
Absolutely gorgeous, Traci! Have you ever figured out what the cost difference is between an re-do like this vs. a remodel with new cabinetry etc?
I think it looks awesome! I love the cabinet color and the backsplash is so simple and clean. The space looks very refreshing!
Great job!
C2D
http://www.concept2designstudio.wordpress.com
What a fabulous after! I am sure you helped them save SO much money. Isn’t it amazing what paint can do! I am sure you are grateful you took Maria’s class. I hope I will be able to take it someday!
Annie
http://houseonrene.blogspot.com/
YOWZA! Looks so great! Beautiful job, Traci!
At first I thought your first photo was the “before” and I was really puzzled because I was thinking how great it looked, and then I scrolled down….whoa. You did a beautiful job Traci. You’re right those before counters do look very peachy in the photos, and the kitchen is so much brighter now with the painted cabinetry, new backsplash, paint, and those beautiful window treatments. I really love those pendant fixtures too. I love seeing your work!
Love!!! Think the painter might come to the lake?!
Beautiful job Traci!! Love it! I am saving this post for a round up on my blog! Thanks for the link to my store
xo
Maria
What a difference! Nice job Traci!
Wow! You did an incredible job. I love the pendant lights. That is something that I want to do in our kitchen.
Gorgeous! You are so talented!
Oooooo, Traci! What a fantastic job you did! I love the updated look. All the undertones are perfect now, and as stated above, I love the Roman Shade and pendant lights as well.
Smiles,
Tawna
I love it! But I’m feeling a little biased as it’s almost identical to my own kitchen!!
That’s an amazing before and after, Traci! And, I love facelift projects b/c they do show what a little bit of creativity and usually paint can do!
xo Elizabeth
Huge difference!! I love cream & white kitchens!
Traci,
I’m beyond impressed! I’m in love! I even saved these images. Stunning transformation!
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Wow, this looks great, Traci ! It’s realllly making me want to paint mine.
Traci- that is beautiful! What an amazing transformation. It looks like an entirely new kitchen. It also looks very timeless and classy. Can’t wait to see more!
Traci I just found you on pinterest! I’d love it if you followed me as well. http://pinterest.com/rene1227/
Gorgeous Kitchen! The window treatment fabrics is one of my favorites!
Oh my GOSH! This is a stunning transformation. Not only am I so impressed with your changing the wall color to minimize the peach, I am just totally taken aback that this is the same kitchen! Is this the styling project you were talking about? If so, love how the eye moves!
Camille
Whoa!!! This kitchen not only look a heck of a lot better, but it appears larger! Great job, Traci! You really did a terrific job!