Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Inspiration
  3. Style
  4. News

Kitchen remodel before & after: A few changes brighten up this space

Check out this Redditor's very own kitchen remodel

Doing a kitchen renovation can seem like a daunting task, especially if you are tackling it yourself and not hiring a contractor. But since the kitchen is where most of us congregate to cook, eat, work, and entertain, it’s one room that deserves to look and feel bright and warm. If you’ve not spent any time on Reddit, it’s a great place to go to get inspired and see real kitchen before and after pictures posted by others. One Redditor posted a stunning kitchen remodel that they’ve done, and seeing what it looked like before and now gives you perspective on how small changes can add up to big improvements.

Redditor kitchen remodel

“It’s not perfect or even esthetically pleasing but I love the progress we’ve made!” Redditor Hairy_Opportunity_11 said in the subreddit page r/Home Decorating, next to a picture of their kitchen before. The kitchen was dark, with not a lot of light coming into the room. The cabinets, flooring, and even the rug and curtains were darker, making the space feel closed in and not very welcoming.

During the remodel, the homeowner replaced the doors and trim, painted the cabinets a vibrant cream color, and added new countertops. They also replaced the old vinyl flooring with a lighter wood, which also made a big improvement. Finally, they swapped out the outdated curtains for lighter drapes and replaced the kitchen table with a darker version to give it more depth. Still to go, according to the comments, are some lighting changes and decor.

The feedback is in!

People were quick to comment about all the changes and what an improvement the homeowner made to the feel of the room. “Love the flooring! This is great progress. I would be very pleased with this makeover,” one person commented.

“So much improved! Bravo,” another added.

Another agreed, adding, “Absolutely love the flooring! The kitchen cabinets look great, and I love the shiplap. So much lighter and brighter!”

They also seemed to inspire others to take on a kitchen renovation of their own: “Wow, what a huge difference! Makes me think about doing something similar for my kitchen!”

While it can be an expensive endeavor to tackle a kitchen remodel, it can add so much enjoyment to the space (not to mention more money if you decide to sell). If you don’t have the money or ability to make big changes like flooring or countertops, giving the room a new, lighter paint color, replacing light fixtures and decor, and adding new curtains, rugs, or painting old cabinets can go a long way to improving the feel of your kitchen. If you need inspiration, look no further than Reddit to give you some new ideas.

Julie Scagell
Former Author
7 Things Every Well Designed Home Has in Common
Architecture, Building, Housing

Beautiful homes come in every size and style. Some are modern, others are traditional. Some embrace bold color while others rely on soft neutrals. Despite their differences, professionally designed homes often share many of the same underlying principles.

It is often as simple as creating balance, comfort, and cohesion. Whether you are decorating a new home or refreshing a single room, these seven design elements can instantly make your home feel more polished and intentional.

Read more
New book opens the gates to America’s most spectacular Gilded Age gardens
Architecture, Building, House

In Gardens of the Gilded Age, garden designer and author Jana Milbocker invites readers inside America's most lavish historic estates, revealing the extraordinary landscapes that once served as the ultimate symbols of wealth, artistry, and ambition.

Interest in America's Gilded Age has experienced a resurgence thanks to shows like HBO's The Gilded Age, which returns for its fourth season this fall. The series has renewed fascination with the turn of the century, from its lavish entertaining and larger than life personalities to its opulent mansions and richly decorated interiors. But, while the architecture and fashion often steal the spotlight, a new book argues that some of the era's greatest masterpieces were found just beyond the front door.

Read more
Why Everyone Wants a Nancy Meyers Home Right Now
Home Decor, Architecture, Building

There is one name that keeps popping up in interior design conversations lately, and surprisingly, it does not belong to an interior designer or home decorator. It belongs to a filmmaker.

Nancy Meyers is an American writer, producer, and director best known for beloved films such as The Holiday, Something's Gotta Give, It's Complicated, The Parent Trap, and The Intern. While her films are celebrated for their memorable characters and warmhearted stories, they have also become famous for something else: the homes.

Read more