Seven months. SEVEN MONTHS! That’s how long my DIY Kitchen Makeover took from start to finish.
Last year I painted my oak kitchen cabinets and did a whole bunch of other stuff to update my 1990s oak kitchen (I’ll walk you down that memory lane later in this post).
Once those projects were completed, I outsourced things like electrical, countertops, and tile work, serving as my own general contractor/project manager. Also more on that later in this post.
But now the second phase of my kitchen remodel without a renovation is complete, and I am so glad this project is finished. (*Almost complete. More on that later, too!)
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The Kitchen Before: Golden Oak Cabinets, Brown Countertops, and Glass Mosaic Tile Backsplash
Any good reveal post is incomplete without the before photos! So let’s have a flashback to what this kitchen looked like when we purchased the home in late 2019.
The kitchen was in great condition, but it wasn’t really our style, so I set out to make it look more like us in the late summer of 2020. I got a crazy idea to paint the kitchen tile backsplash to tone down the look. The painted tile held up great and gave me the calmer look I was after.
Kitchen Makeover Part 1: Disguised Soffits, Converted Kitchen Desk, and Painted Oak Cabinets
Then, in the fall of 2020, things really got moving in my 1990s-style kitchen.
Kitchen Soffit Makeover
First, my husband and I gave the kitchen soffit a makeover, and attempted to help blend the soffit with the cabinets by adding lots of trim to them. You can read more about that project and how to disguise a kitchen soffit in the post I wrote about it.
Kitchen Desk Conversion to Trash
Then, we converted the kitchen desk area to pull-out trash, which was a better use of that space for our family.
DIY Painted Cabinets
Once those projects were finished, I got to work painting the oak cabinets. I painted, and painted, and painted. It took me weeks of work because I only had a little bit of time each day to devote to the project, but I got it done.
I painted the cabinets Hampshire Taupe by Benjamin Moore, and you can read more about my process for painting oak cabinets in that post.
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The first part of this DIY kitchen makeover made a huge difference in my family’s enjoyment of our home, and we were glad to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas in our refreshed kitchen!
Kitchen Makeover Part 2: New Electrical, New Tile Backsplash, and New Countertops
Once the New Year hit, it was time to get back to work on this kitchen makeover!
Kitchen Remodel Electrical
First up, we had new LED recessed lighting installed in the ceiling, and we eliminated the large light fixture that once hung in an odd spot in the middle of the kitchen. The recessed lighting added so much light to the kitchen – it was amazing! The kitchen was very dark prior to this.
We also swapped the can light over the kitchen sink for a cute little semi-flushmount light. I wanted this change for cosmetic purposes only. Since I have recessed lighting throughout the rest of the kitchen, I wanted there to be a cute light fixture somewhere.
Previously I added wireless under cabinet lighting (you can read about it in that post), and I still loved it so I didn’t feel like adding the expense of hardwired under cabinet lights.
Painted Tile Backsplash Removal
Once we started shopping for countertops, it became clear to us that we were also going to need to replace our tile backsplash. The painted tile backsplash was holding up great, but it would be damaged during the countertop removal and installation process.
Because of that, it made sense to rip it out before the new countertops went in, and replace with a new backsplash once the countertops were installed.
We did the tile backsplash removal ourselves, and honestly – it was a horrible job. It was such a mess! I’m sure there are better ways to remove a backsplash, but we did the best we could.
Once that was out, I hired drywall professionals to hang new drywall. I’ve tried drywall in the past and it did not go well. Ha!
Countertop Installation
At the beginning of March, our new quartz countertops, sink, and faucet were installed. We chose MSI Blanca Statuarietto quartz because the creamy white shade with the subtle veining in browns, creams, and grays was perfect with the taupe cabinets.
We also chose quartz because of its reputation for durability and ease of care. I will be writing a post on my experience with quartz countertops so far because I think there’s a lot of false or misleading information out there about this product. I love the look of these countertops in my kitchen, but I feel a bit deceived.
Check Out All of the Posts in This DIY Kitchen Makeover Series
New Tile Backsplash Installation
Finally, in mid-April we were able to get our new backsplash installed! Since everyone in the world is renovating right now, it was hard to find a professional who could do this job for us in a reasonable timeframe! Thankfully we found a great company and they did amazing work.
I chose a very simple and inexpensive white rhombus ceramic tile, which we laid in a chevron pattern. The second I saw this tile I knew it was what I wanted!
The grout, on the other hand, was a totally different story. I could not, for the life of me, make a decision. Choosing between white grout, off-white grout, brown grout, and more was making my head spin! Thankfully my mom came with me one day to pick something. I chose Laticrete Permacolor grout in River Rock. It is slightly darker than the cabinet color, and really helps that chevron pattern pop!
I was nervous to pick something that would stand out, but in the end, it’s what made me happy so I went with it. I’m really glad I did because it gives my kitchen a little personality and doesn’t look like everything else on Pinterest.
DIY Kitchen Makeover Reveal
It feels so good to finally be FINISHED with this DIY kitchen makeover!
Doing the work yourself and finding/managing professionals to help you with the parts you can’t (or don’t want to) do yourself is a lot!
We have one issue left to resolve surrounding some scratches on our new quartz countertops, but once that’s taken care of with the installer, I will be glad to consider this project totally done!
I hope this project shows you that you can update spaces in your home without a gut renovation.
It may take you a lot of time, but you’ll get there eventually! And when you do, you’ll be very proud of yourself! And . . . you will have saved yourself a lot of money over a gut renovation or hiring out all of the steps.
Please let me know what you think of this makeover, and also let me know if you have any questions at all! I’m always glad to help.
Trisha says
Your kitchen makeover here is truly TRULY beautiful – wow!!! It all looks so calm and cohesive. The colors blend so well together and the soffit update was the cherry on top. 10/10. Incredible.
Bre says
Hi, Trisha – thank you SO much!!! Your sweet comment made by day. I am so grateful you took the time to leave me this note. Thank you!
Catherine says
We have these same nasty overhanging soffits and I’ve spent 16 years looking at Pinterest, home improvement magazines, etc to find something that will either somehow easily open the siffits so they look good or blend them in with our current cabinets as new cabinets have not been an option. Finalky, after seeing your article I have an option that I actually like! I would love to use that extra space but the work involved makes that option unrealistic. Your layout is almost identical except that last the stove I have a fridge which will be moving to the opposite wall, currently an open pantry. This will give me 5′ of counter which I’m thinking butcher block for a great work space. I’ll be painting my uppers a light duck egg green and staining the lower cabinets a darker walnut on oak which gives oak an antique look. Countertops will be porcelain tile that mimics obsidian snowflake black granite (I actually thought it was that granite until I inspected it better!) with a French inspired mosaic backsplash. New flooring is in darker green and browns tying all the colors together. Fingers crossed my kitchen turns out as lovely as yours!
Bre says
Hi, Catherine! OH, that sounds lovely!!!!! I am sure it’s going to turn out gorgeous! Also, thanks for your kind words on the soffit idea. I’m really glad it was helpful to you!
ELANA WILKINS says
I came here to see if you commented yet on your impressions of the quartz counters. I’m glad you did. I also wanted to say that we have run a successful painting and design business for over 40 years and your remodel is one of the best we’ve ever seen. The soffit update is fabulous and we are using it on our present home. Of all the soffit updates I’ve seen yours is hands down the winner. Great job!! and thank you for posting you saved us from ripping those things out.
Bre says
Elena, thank you so much! I really appreciate your kindness! I hope your project goes amazingly well. It sounds like you’re total pros so I know it will be fantastic!
Bre says
Also, I’m sorry I misspelled your name in both of my replies! Elana!! 🙂
Beth says
Hi Bre! Love you kitchen renovation. I love the paint color on your cabinets. When I look at Hampshire taupe though, it seems so much darker. Did you use it at full saturation? Also, what is your wall color please? Thanks!
Bre says
Hi, Beth – thank you!! I did use Hampshire Taupe at full saturation. Colors always look different depending on your lighting (both natural and overhead), so it’s really good to sample in your space! :-). As for the wall color, it is Arctic White by PPG. It is what the previous owners had on the wall and I’m too lazy to change. I used Dove White by Benjamin Moore for the trim, and that’s a great white color if you are thinking white walls.
Kristina Duran says
Your kitchen is stunning! I love the backsplash.
Can you point me in the direction of your post about the quartz countertops and your thoughts on that decision?
Bre says
Hi, Kristina – thank you!! Ugh, I am so sorry but I never wrote the post!! I still need to do that! Essentially, my issue with these countertops is that there is no set standard for the manufacture of quartz countertops. So, depending on where in the world they’re manufactured and by which company, you could get a really shoddy product that is not as indestructible as they make it seem on tv. Since they’re manmade with a resin compound, if you scratch them (which our installer did), they have to buff out the scratches. But unlike with natural stone, the buffing of quartz removes the top layer of resin, which leaves a dull spot on the countertops that’s really visible when the light hits. It’s really annoying! Plus, the resin can yellow with heat or age (again depending on quality of manufacture). If I would’ve known all of this, I would’ve picked natural stone. I hope that helps!!
Judy says
It doesn’t matter how hard you try and cover that soffit up it still looks terrible. because your cabinets still sit in too far from the top. It doesn’t really change anything; it still looks like it did before except you added some boards to it. It would have been nice if your cabinets came out even with the soffit then it would have really made a big difference.
Bre says
Hi, Judy – I can’t even imagine being the type of human to leave this type of comment on a post meant to celebrate hard work, creative thinking, and budget home improvement. I sincerely hope that whatever is bothering you in life resolves itself soon so that you can spread positivity toward others instead of spewing trash online.
ELANA WILKINS says
Holy Toledo I can’t imagine leaving a comment like yours either. I came to comment on those soffits because we intend to do the same with ours and we have a well respected 40 year old design and painting company and we think this idea is amazing.
Bre says
Thank you, Elena! 🙂
Amber Senn says
I love your kitchen! I was looking on how to update my soffit above my cabinets! I love the way you updated yours! I will definitely be trying this in our kitchen! Thanks for the ideas!
Bre says
Hi, Amber – that is awesome!!! Thanks and good luck with your project. 🙂
Arlene says
Great makeover! Have you made the post about the quartz countertop? Really interested in that because we are currently trying to decide on a new countertop for our 90s kitchen! I searched your site but didn’t see it. Thanks
Bre says
Hi, Arlene! Oh my goodness – thank you for the reminder! I haven’t done that yet, but I’m adding it to my list of things to do very soon. I did just post a TikTok video about it if you’d like to watch that in the meantime – I think it will be helpful to you. https://www.tiktok.com/@averagebutinspired/video/7075080895383883054?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1&lang=en
Karen Lindell says
Hi Bre- what a transformation and can you come to my house? I love what you did with all of it. My 1989 house has those same golden oak cabinets and a busy similar blacksplash to what you had. We have been here 4 years and I have gone around and around about what to do with the kitchen because we don’t want to put too much $$$ into it. Your post really demonstrates the transformative power of paint and I love the color. I have white tile floors though and I feel like I would have very little warmth left if I paint all the cabinets – any suggestions? Also my island cabinets were stained espresso. My countertop is corian a pretty non-descript beige.. Anyway, this has gotten me thinking that I just need to make a decision on the paint and consider changing the countertops and flooring, maybe paint the backsplash for now….
Karen says
I couldn’t help but notice your window and door trim is stained. So is mine and about the same color as yours. My home was built in the early 90’s with the same type and color of oak cabinets, crown moulding, window frames, door and baseboards. My kitchen also has oak flooring with a slight contrast between the cabinets. My question is how do you feel about painted cabinets while leaving the trim color as stained? There is just too much trim and doors to paint all of it and my husband prefers the stained trim. Thanks for you opinions.
Bre says
Hi, Karen! Well, I do like the warmth that natural wood brings to a space, so I think painted cabinets with stained trim is just fine! I’d say to paint the cabinets and live with it for a while. If, after a long time, you are really really wanting to paint that trim, then you could go for it. :-).
Anna says
I am in the process of picking paint colors. I am not able to afford countertops at this time, so i want to choose a paint color that will go with both like you did above. We are choosing Alabaster, what would you suggest painting the tile? Same as the cabinets? Thank you so much, it looks beautiful!!!
Bre says
Hi, Anna! You might want to pick a color that’s in your current countertops, that will go with the Alabaster paint but be slightly different from it! That is what I would try to do. Good luck – I am sure it will be AWESOME!
Riley says
Your kitchen transformation is by far one of the best I’ve ever seen! I was shocked by the before picture. Cabinet painting really does work wonders!
Bre says
Thank you!
Jay says
Kitchen looks great! Thank you for sharing. I had a question about the painted glass backsplash. I am getting ready to take that on myself but am concerned about the choosing a paint that will withstand the heat – behind the cooktop…Did you have any issues with peeling or bubbling? Any other advice you can share? Thank you – J
Bre says
Hi, Jay! I had no issues at all with bubbling or peeling, and my husband’s quarantine hobby was cooking on that stove all the time! :-). Good luck with your project – I hope it turns out amazing!!