Cozy Cottage: Renovating a 1960 Rancher Kitchen - Before and After

The starting point for this kitchen isn't different from many we see.....dark walls, oak cabinets and dated appliances.  Combine that with the low ceilings and it's a pretty boring space.

 

Our goal was to change all that.  By ripping out the wall between the kitchen and living room - and opening up the ceiling, the space is transformed.

  The tall ceilings give the kitchen a lot of drama.  And these pendants accentuate the high ceilings.  
The new layout also has a lot more functionality for a serious cook.  We doubled the storage space with a lot more cabinetry (in a great color called Oat!), as well as providing seating at the peninsula.

And do you love the reclaimed wood?  Adding it to the back of the peninsula not only looks good - it's great for durability.  Kids can kick it all day long and it only looks better!  

Justin custom built the reclaimed wood stove hood - 

and it was the wow item that everyone loved at the Open House.

I wanted something traditional for the backsplash, but with a twist.  So I chose this subway that incorporates plain and textured tiles. 

And of course the new windows and door welcome the morning sun, flooding the room with light.  BTW, remember the antique items I found at the Brimfield Antique Market (see story here)?  Look how great they are used in the house!  

Brimfield Antique Market Finds - Leaded Glass Window and Well Dog planters

Well Dogs from Broomfield Antique Market

So what's the verdict?  Were we able to add a little drama to this tired, boring kitchen?   It's quite a change from our starting point!!

Sources: 

Cabinets:  Thomasville, color Oat

Countertops:  Viatera Quartz, Snow Storm

Tile:  Horus Soho, color Latte (locally at Paul G White)

Paint Color:  Sherwin Williams Wall Color  Downy, Trim Extra White

Appliances:  LG

Drinking Glasses in wire caddy & window treatment fabric:  Home Remedies

Fish Plates:  Crate & Barrel

White Canisters:  Williams Sonoma

Copper Canisters:  Pottery Barn

Calendar:  Alan Claude

Pendants:  Restoration Hardware 

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