This “Lifeless ’80s” Kitchen’s Makeover Is One of My Favorite Transformations Ever (I Can’t Get Over the Painted Wood Cabinets!)

Cullen Ormond
Cullen OrmondHome Associate Editor
Cullen Ormond is a writer based in New York City. When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up with a book (always open for recommendations, too!) or pushing her rescue pug, Peanut, in a stroller. In her dream apartment, there’ll be a conversation pit and lots of framed, vintage band posters.
published Jul 30, 2024
pinterest
comments
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
80s style kitchen with wood cabinets before remodel
Credit: Samantha Mitchell

As a writer who covers how people transform their spaces in incredible, unbelievable ways, I’ve come across some gorgeous spaces. Regardless of design background, budget, or time, homeowners (and renters!) never cease to amaze me. All home projects are so special, but some stick with you. And one that I can’t get off my mind is this kitchen renovation in this colorful Sydney home.

Heath and Samantha Mitchell described their original kitchen as “very ’80s and a bit lifeless.” However, some features, like the stained glass cabinets and windows, added character and charm to the room. So, they set out to give the space a bit of a refresh. What makes their experience so impressive is that it looks like a completely new room — without any construction taking place. 

Credit: Samantha Mitchell

And that’s thanks mainly to a couple of coats of paint and some elbow grease. It wasn’t just the cabinets that got a refresh (which are colored in British Paints’ “Webster Park”); it was also the walls and the floors. Paint has always been powerful and can make a room look and feel entirely different, but in this case, it brought a dated-looking room out of the past and into the colorful present. (Check out some of the most colorful kitchen renovations we’ve ever seen here!). 

Credit: Natalie Jeffcott

This colorful transformation made me think of my own home — I live in a small NYC apartment, and I don’t have a ton of room for extra furnishings to add color or decorate the space. However, I do (obviously) have walls that can be drenched in color — and after seeing this remodel, it inspired me to drench my bedroom walls in blue. Paint isn’t a new idea, by any means, but seeing a good makeover reaffirms the power of paint (albeit the Mitchells did put a lot of DIY work into their home). And trust me — it made all the difference in the vibe in my home.

It should be no surprise that the rest of the Mitchell’s home is gorgeous, too. To see more, visit the full home tour on Apartment Therapy. 

Filed in:
Before & After