From 1950s Drab to Dream: Our Ultimate Kitchen Remodel Before & After Transformation

Embark on a captivating journey through our complete kitchen renovation, meticulously documented from the moment we knocked down load-bearing walls to the installation of cutting-edge smart appliances and the design of a magnificent 12-foot island! Discover the challenges, triumphs, and every detail that brought our vision to life.

The day we’ve been eagerly anticipating is finally here! After countless hours of planning, demolition, and construction, our extensive kitchen remodel is complete, and we’re thrilled to share every detail of this incredible transformation. Since closing on our 1950s house on August 5, 2017, my husband Kurt and I have poured our hearts and souls into renovating this home, and the kitchen stands as the crown jewel of our efforts.

Our Journey to a Dream Home: The Backstory

The story of this house began long before we officially owned it. Early in our relationship, Kurt introduced me to a charming three-block street, sharing his dream that we would one day live there. The panoramic views from this street are truly breathtaking, and though housing options are scarce, fate intervened. Just five months into our house search, a property on this very street appeared on the market!

I distinctly remember the moment I told Kurt; his initial reaction was disbelief, thinking it was an April Fool’s joke. But it was no prank – our dream plot of land, complete with an incredible view, was finally available. We knew we had to make it ours. The path to ownership wasn’t without its hurdles. A lengthy and challenging escrow period saw us dealing with significant mold and termite damage. However, on August 5, 2017, the house officially became ours, marking the true beginning of our home renovation adventure.

Before the Transformation: A Glimpse into the Past

With a massive dumpster permanently parked in our driveway, the demolition phase commenced. It was time to say goodbye to the old and make way for the new. Here’s an honest look at what our kitchen looked like before the extensive remodel. Characterized by dark, dated aesthetics and an inefficient layout, it truly was a relic of its time.

One particular oddity that still puzzles us was what appeared to be a trash compactor to the left of the sink. Upon closer inspection, it was merely a decorative door leading to absolutely nothing! This baffling design choice perfectly encapsulated the many questions we had about the house’s original layout and previous renovations.

The kitchen was practically drowning in wood paneling, creating a dark and enclosed atmosphere. Our vision was an open-concept space, meaning many of these obstructing walls had to go. The biggest challenge lay with the wall adorned with the most wood paneling – it turned out to be the original exterior wall of the house before an addition in 1976. This meant it was a load-bearing wall, a significant structural obstacle in our plans for an expansive kitchen.

Demolition & Overcoming Structural Challenges

And so, the real work began. The initial demolition involved stripping out all the old cabinets and appliances, revealing the bare bones of the kitchen. It was a messy, dusty, but incredibly satisfying process.

The load-bearing wall presented our first major structural challenge. To achieve the open-concept design, this wall needed to be completely removed. The solution? A massive steel beam, now proudly integrated into the ceiling, replaced the wall and ensures the structural integrity of our second story. It was a complex, but absolutely essential, part of our kitchen remodel.

During the intense demolition and remodeling phases, my daily attire consisted of work clothes, goggles, and a sledgehammer. This was real life, far from the polished scenes of HGTV, but every swing of the hammer brought us closer to our dream kitchen. The breathtaking views from our windows and Kurt’s unwavering support made every bead of sweat and speck of dust worthwhile. It truly was a labor of love.

The constant reminder of the incredible sunsets and the emotional connection we share with this home fueled our determination. We even placed a “love rock” in the concrete channel dug for our new gas line, a small, personal testament to the foundation we were building for our future.

Rebuilding the Dream: The Renovation Process

Slowly but surely, the kitchen began to take shape again. Drywall went up, transforming skeletal studs into solid walls, and the tedious but critical process of mudding and sanding followed, creating a smooth canvas for our new design. Each step, from the framing to the finished walls, was a visible sign of progress and incredibly motivating.

The installation of the new kitchen cabinets was a pivotal moment. The sleek, white cabinetry immediately brightened the space, setting the stage for the elegant finishes to come. Our vision for a bright, open, and highly functional kitchen was rapidly becoming a reality.

Welcome to Our New Smart Kitchen: Design & Features

And now, after months of hard work and dedication, our kitchen is a true beauty! The transformation is astonishing, creating a space that is not only visually stunning but also incredibly functional and efficient. This modern kitchen design reflects our lifestyle, seamlessly blending aesthetics with smart technology.

Since the kitchen remodel’s completion, I’ve gladly traded my construction tools for cocktail shakers, baking sheets, and cheese boards! This space has quickly become the heart of our home, perfect for entertaining, cooking, and simply enjoying life.

A huge thank you goes to my incredibly talented bestie and photographer, Stacy Keck, for capturing these stunning images of me in our new kitchen!

Smart Storage Solutions: Obsessed with Organization

One of my absolute favorite aspects of this kitchen remodel is the focus on organization. I am genuinely obsessed with creating an organized kitchen to simplify cooking (and trust me, I do a lot of it!). I spent hours researching Pinterest for the most ingenious ideas, ensuring every cabinet and drawer served a purpose. Our kitchen is now a model of efficiency and smart storage solutions.

I installed these incredible Sliding Undersink Organizers myself after the cabinets were in place. They make finding cleaning supplies and soaps effortless, eliminating the need to dig through a cluttered under-sink abyss. These wire racks are a universal game-changer and can easily be integrated into any existing kitchen, not just new remodels!

While Kurt playfully calls it a “waste of space,” I consider my pull-out organizer for plastic storage containers and their matching lids an absolute lifesaver! If you’ve ever spent precious minutes (or what feels like hours) rummaging for the right lid, you’ll understand my excitement. This simple addition saves me valuable time daily, a small victory that makes a big difference in a busy kitchen!

My appliance pantry is another organizational triumph. Given my extensive collection of kitchen gadgets—14 crock pots, an Instant Pot, two food processors, a meat grinder, sausage maker, three juicers, two coffee makers, a toaster, soda stream, indoor grill, and more—a dedicated appliance pantry was not just a luxury, but a dire necessity! It keeps everything neatly tucked away yet easily accessible, maintaining a clutter-free countertop.

For our corner food pantry, I utilized deep wire baskets to hold fruits, vegetables, plastic cups, and paper napkins. Shallow wire baskets were perfect for tortillas, bread, plastic silverware, and straws. To complete the coffee station, I added a 3-drawer K-cup organizer, which conveniently stores 54 K-cups for our morning brew.

Choosing the Perfect Finishes: Countertops, Sink, and Backsplash

For the countertops, we selected the stunning New River White granite. Its subtle pattern, infused with delicate purple flecks, adds a unique pop of color and personality to the kitchen. Our island, affectionately nicknamed “the continent” due to its impressive 12′ x 6′ dimensions, required two slabs of granite, with a third slab used for the perimeter countertops. This expansive island is a true focal point and gathering place.

To complement the white cabinetry, I opted for Modern Flat Black Cabinet Handles. I wanted something distinct and a departure from traditional silver, and the black hardware provides a sleek, contemporary contrast.

The sink was another crucial element. I chose a large, deep Blanco Super Single Bowl Sink in anthracite, made from 80% solid granite. Its depth and easy-to-clean surface make dishwashing a breeze. Paired with it is the Kohler Touchless Pull Down Faucet, a feature I absolutely adore. Its touchless activation is incredibly convenient for tasks like washing hands or filling pots, enhancing hygiene and ease of use.

For the tile backsplash, I desired a clean, bright aesthetic but with an engaging pattern. The Retro Soho Chevron 1.75″ x 7″ Porcelain Tile perfectly delivered this vision, adding a subtle yet sophisticated design element to the kitchen.

Embracing Smart Technology: Our GE Appliances

To truly elevate our kitchen into a modern marvel, I partnered with GE Appliances. Our new kitchen is fully equipped with WiFi-enabled smart appliances, making daily tasks more convenient and enjoyable. From the refrigerator that brews coffee to an oven that can be preheated remotely, these smart devices have revolutionized our cooking and living experience.

Each appliance offers unique features that seamlessly integrate into our smart home setup. The refrigerator, for instance, has a built-in Keurig K-Cup brewing system, delivering fresh coffee on demand. The French door oven can be controlled via any WiFi-enabled device, allowing for remote preheating or temperature adjustments. And our dishwasher sends alerts to my phone when a cycle is complete, optimizing my time and workflow. These smart kitchen appliances are not just gadgets; they are essential tools that simplify modern living.

For a deeper dive into the specific smart features and benefits, be sure to check out my dedicated post: Top 10 Smart Home Devices for the Kitchen!

Here’s the complete line-up of our new Stainless Steel GE appliances:

• GE Café Series French Door Refrigerator with Keurig K-Cup Brewing System
• GE Café Series 30″ Built-in Double Convection French Door Wall Oven
• GE Profile Stainless Steel Dishwasher with Hidden Controls
• GE Café Series 36″ Gas Rangetop
• GE Café Series Countertop Convection Microwave Oven
• GE Profile Series Wine Center

To see these smart appliances in action and understand how they integrate with our smart home, watch this informative video:

Heartfelt Thanks: The Community Behind Our Remodel

This kitchen remodel, and indeed our entire home renovation, would not have been possible without an incredible network of support. We owe a huge shout-out to our parents, Muffet, Bill, Dave, and Judy, who traveled all the way from Oklahoma and Arizona. They were there from day one, helping us demolish the old house, assisting during the build, and even helping us move in. Their willingness to spend weekends ripping out old toilets and making trips to the dump (truly the worst place ever!) speaks volumes about their love and dedication. We are the luckiest people in the world to have such supportive families.

Our friends also played an invaluable role. They helped us lay subflooring (a job I can confidently say you should ALWAYS hire out!), stuffed walls with insulation, and even bravely hung out of windows to strip off old siding. Rachel, Josh, Mitch, PK, Ryan, Matt, and Ketty – your unwavering assistance after work and on weekends will never be forgotten. You are our heroes, and we are eternally grateful for your incredible generosity and hard work.

And to our new neighbors across the street, you are truly a jackpot! You brought us food and drinks, let us use your bathroom when our plumbing was non-existent, helped install light switch covers, cleaned paint off windows, and were always ready to lend a hand. We couldn’t ask for better friends and neighbors.

Conclusion: Your Dream Kitchen Awaits

Having navigated every step of a major kitchen renovation, I’m happy to share my experiences and insights. If you have any kitchen remodel questions, please don’t hesitate to ask! I’m eager to help anyone embarking on their own renovation journey.

What’s your favorite part of our new kitchen? We’d love to hear your thoughts on this incredible transformation. Comment below and let us know what you think!

Happy cooking to all, and if this post inspires you to tackle your own kitchen, happy remodeling!