How To Create a Stylishly Glam Kitchen - On a Budget!

This is a tale of how to renovate a kitchen on a budget and learning to appreciate some dark chocolate. Cabinets that is. 
When our client Stephanie called for help with their new home, she admittedly hated the kitchen even though it had been renovated. It was just felt dark and claustrophobic to get, and it had that dreaded builders grade granite which designers swear is sold in granite world for ten cents a slab hence its developer love fest. 

Now let's be clear. This was a beautiful kitchen, but not our client's taste. So although I know it looked fine as it was, your home should reflect you because you are kinda paying the bills. 
Anyway, as much as ya'll know I love a full kitchen gut job, budget and practically dictated  that we find a way to make her love the kitchen, with some modern updates in key areas. 
The cabinets would stay - they are solid wood and in great condition. 
But the granite and backsplash had to go because, I mean, just stare closely and you'll see why. 



Definitely not our client's taste and she needed to love the kitchen. 

Stephanie telling us her wish list and moi with a damn head scarf trying to write it all down! Yes, my handbag must make an appearance in all before pictures

The fixes: 

1. Expand the depth of the island by adding 12' deep cabinets in white to brighten things up a bit on the seated side since she had loads of room - see that for the win? Extra storage!
2. Add new quartz countertop on the expanded island with a waterfall edge for the added modern touch
3. Add more stylish/glam pendant lights 
4. Soften up the backsplash
5. Update the cabinet pulls
6. Fresh paint for the entire first floor of the home
7. New floors for the win

And so here's where we are after tackling our must do list. 

That backsplash is LOVE!

Ditto the new gold cabinet pulls. Tip: you have to source replacement pulls that are the same size - hole to hole, not just length - to avoid making holes in the existing cabinets. 

And that's that folks. Swanky updates and on a budget. 
Huge thanks to our design assistant turned stylist, Amanda for her styling genius. And to Ricardo our photographer for making it all look so good. 

~Get the Look~

Pendant Lights

Bar Stools

Brass Handles

Kitchen Faucet

Back splash

Floor Tile

Stainless Steel Sink, Farmhouse Option

White Cabinets

Espresso Cabinets