This “Tuscan Cottage” Kitchen Got a Modern Makeover

This kitchen has a few of the same issues that my own kitchen has — mismatched countertops, dated details, cabinets stained a color I don’t care for — so I was so curious to see how it was improved. Perhaps there would be a few ideas I could steal!

Alas, the makeover is so totally incredible that it’s a level of transformation to which I can’t currently aspire. But perhaps something this dramatic is more attainable for you? Read on to check out the gorgeous transformation!

If it weren’t for the arched doorway, I would never guess that this is the same room! Simply stunning. Here’s what Brianna Michelle Design, who did this renovation, had this to say about the project.

A break from the classic all-white kitchen can be refreshing. We LOVED that our clients embraced the idea of adding in an aged copper hood, open shelves, and a stunning bronze wrought iron pendant.

The open shelving allows the residents to use beloved pieces as the room’s adornment, while the cabinets below and in the island provide plenty of practical storage. The marble countertops work so well with the white walls (while not being plain all white), and the combination of black cupboards, dark brown beams, and bronze/iron pendant is some advanced level color work.

As with many of the “befores” we feature here, there doesn’t appear to be anything functionally wrong with this kitchen. The finishes are in great shape and the appliances look high-end. However, it is dated, and in a dream world I would definitely would have also wanted to remodel it. The juxtaposition of the reddish wood and the yellow walls a little too “Tuscan,” the cutouts and cabinet details are a bit “cottage-y,” and there are far too many lampshades — and they’re all too teeny.

This is a rare example of beams being added, and they look perfectly at home in the space. They definitely emphasize the height of the ceiling and add warmth to a room full of stainless steel appliances. At the same time, the cool hue of the stainless stove, ovens, and fridge prevent the room from feeling old-timey.

In the images before, the arched doorways add a whiff of cheese, another bit of overwrought styling. Now, with the opened-up space, clean white walls, and classic beams, the arches have an organic sophistication. As a bonus, the rounded corners of the breakfast bar echo the doorways curves. As a super bonus, a glance at the other images from this home revealed that the sink is positioned so that it’s possible to watch TV while washing dishes using the professional-style faucet sprayer. That’s total win!

This post originally ran on Apartment Therapy. See it there: Before & After: This “Tuscan Cottage” Kitchen Is No More