The Very Best Before & After Kitchen Makeovers We Saw in 2020
Can you ever get enough before-and-after photos? If you’re reading this post, we’re guessing that answer is no! We agree with you. There’s something about the instant gratification of seeing a space transformed without having to do any of the waiting or heavy lifting that is just oh-so satisfying. And inspiring!
Here at Kitchn, we saw a lot of before-and-after kitchen makeovers this year. These are our 10 favorites from the entire year. Each one is as stunning as the last, with loads of design inspo and even a few budget ideas. Let’s take a look.
1. A Brown Kitchen Gets a Farmhouse-Style Redo
This now-ultra-airy, vintage-inspired kitchen is a world away from the all-brown-all-the-time space the homeowners started out with.
See the transformation: A Very Brown Kitchen Gets a Cute Farmhouse-Style Redo
This dated brown kitchen gets a dramatic new look and feel at a fraction of a typical kitchen reno. We’re not sure what we like best: the cabinet color, the shiplap, the woven accents … the list goes on.
See the transformation: This ’90s Kitchen Turned into a Scandi-Boho Dream for Just $2,000
A gut-job reno in only eight weeks and for $10,000? This determined homeowner made it happen, swapping a cramped and run-down kitchen for a timeless, super-functional one.
See the transformation: A 1920s Home Finally Gets a (Gorgeous) Functional Kitchen
4. A ’90s Builder-Grade Kitchen Gets a Boho Upgrade for $100
Paint and creativity go a long way in freshening up a dark ’90s kitchen. You would never guess from looking at this before photo, but the after is totally something we’d stop to like on Instagram!
See the transformation: This Dark ’90s Kitchen Turned into a Boho Dream for Less than $100
5. A Builder-Grade Kitchen Gets Amazing Flooring and a Smart Paint Job
On only $3,000 (with a lot of elbow grease) a roomy — but not functional — dated kitchen got a whole new life. And a lot more usable space!
See the transformation: This Brown Builder-Grade Kitchen Is Unrecognizable After a $3,000 Makeover
6. A 1970s Texas Home Gets a Sleek, Modern Kitchen
This 1970s Austin home needed a lot of work all throughout. The kitchen probably needed the most attention and, now, it looks like a totally different space. It’s so sleek and modern now!
See the transformation: A Dated 1970s House Got a Jaw-Dropping Modern Remodel and the Kitchen Is the Best Part
7. A Splurge Reno That’s Worth Every Penny
A design blogger’s 1930s kitchen reno mixed traditional and modern for a deliciously luxe farmhouse appeal. It wasn’t cheap, but it was worth every penny.
See the transformation: This Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Remodel Wasn’t Cheap (but It Was Totally Worth Every Penny)
8. An Airbnb Kitchen Gets a French-y Boho Makeover
The unsightly mash-up of mid-century and mid-’80s in this ranch got a dramatic transformation for its new life as an Airbnb.
See the transformation: This Kitchen with “Endless Knotty Pine” Gets a Gorgeous Refresh
9. DIYers Use IKEA Cabinets for a New Budget-Friendly Space
Thrifty DIYers transformed a kitchen with IKEA cabinets and a lot of creativity. And they did it all for just $3,000.
See the transformation: A $3,000 Kitchen Redo Featuring IKEA Cabinets and a New Farmhouse Style
10. A Dated Kitchen Gets a Trendy Update for $400
Fun fact: There is one color that’s extra-trendy for 2021 … and this updated kitchen features it prominently.
See the transformation: A Dim, Dated Kitchen Gets a Gorgeous DIY Makeover for $400