It's Kitchen & Bath Month over at our sister site Apartment Therapy. We'll be bringing you lots of extra goodies this month on kitchen renovation and remodeling, too, from eye candy to practical discussions of kitchen hardware. So we'll kick it off with this really inspiring renovation from Country Living — a small(ish) kitchen that was transformed without any demolition, and on a modest budget too!
This dramatic transformation of a small Connecticut kitchen looks like a total gut renovation, but it was done on a modest budget, and the owners did a lot themselves. In fact, they did no demolition at all!
They did, however, rearrange and paint the "solid but ugly" cabinets, replace the countertops with soapstone, and bring in new appliances. We love how they added countertop across the window, creating fresh workspace and an eating nook.
They also updated the cabinets with some glass doors, which suit the architecture of their whole house, and tie into the windows. Add in fresh hardware and some open shelving, and the kitchen looks entirely different — but without the large cost of new cabinets.
Two other details we love: The softer, gentler cork floors, and the new dining table area. Take a look at the full tour to see how the owners incorporated some hidden storage into the dining area!
• See the full tour: Do-It-Yourself Dream Kitchen at Country Living
Related: Kitchen Spotlight: Bright and Bold Cottage Kitchen
(Images: Keith Scott Morton/Country Living)






Comments (20)
That is a slightly smaller version of my dream kitchen. Wow.
WOW. Country cottage is not my style, but this kitchen is utterly charming. What a great update.
that's a fabulous renovation!
Beautiful! Heading over to the site to write down some ideas now...
I can't believe how a simple painting can change the atmosphere of a whole kitchen. WOW!
Everything is just wonderfully dreamy. I love the door as well.
Does anyone know where I can find/purchase the hanging shelf/rack in the main photo?
erinrebekah--looks like it's from IKEA, per the slideshow
Hey guys, I wanted to learn more about the floor, so I did an internal search. Looks like TheKitchn already posted this slideshow last summer and some people commented on the cork floor tiles. FYI: http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/roundup-magazines/update-from-black-and-white-patterned-cork-kitchen-floorcountry-living-093023
Does anyone have cork floor tiles in their kitchens? I love this idea but have had vinyl floor tiles in rental kitchens and hated how they slid out of place and dirt got stuck between the tiles. GROSS! Are these any better? Thanks!
Great budget reno! Love the look of the cork floor.
I thought this one looked familiar. Great job, though. Very nice and stylish without looking overly styled. I'd love a kitchen like this one.
this is a fantastic job!! see I knew one could hang an over-the-stove without putting in a cabinet. My kitchen is small and without a cabinet over the stove, I've been told time and time again that a shelf will not do. Now I have proof!!! Now all I have to do is find someone who will do this!!! but first I have to get that magazine!
poster child for kitchen renos on a budget! A any idea on the name of the wall paint color?
Soapstone is wonderful looking. Another thing on my wish list. Great job making this look much more expensive. Now this is decorating!
Great job guys! Really beautiful and efficient.
Love your pot rack, where would I find one simular?
What a lovely kitchen! I would also really like to know the name of the paint color.
This is very pretty- love the whole thing- though I doubt anyone living in NYC would call this a small kitchen :-)
I wish I had more windows in my kitchen! The white really enhances the brightness from the windows.
The Country Living Slideshow gives the paint color: "Atmosphere Blue" from Restoration Hardware.