Just completed a DIY update on my kitchen and am very pleased with the result. Thought I'd post the before and after pics as I got a ton of ideas from the community and site.

Before: Kitchen was dark and dysfunctional. Microwave installed so low that back burners of the stove were inaccessible. Lighting consisted of a pot hanging light (now over the window) and a ceiling fan (who puts a ceiling fan in a kitchen??). When I cooked, the whole house would frequently fill with smoke and would in turn set off the smoke detectors and security system.

After: Now I've got a bright, functional and great space for cooking and entertaining. Installed new granite, 6 LED can lights, new slide in range and hood so powerful (950 CFM's) you can "suck a turkey off the range and deposit it in the yard" (thanks random reviewer- that's why I bought it), painted the cabinets and doors (though I'm building some new shaker style doors with 1/8" overlays, and added a new backsplash (using floor tile which saved big $$ and I think looks really unique.

So how did I do? Not bad, right? Total cost was around $6,500 (which I still think is ludicrous, but very happy with the result).

Cabinets: Farrow and Ball Great White

Backsplash: American Olean Historic Bridge - Old Forge (floor tile)

Granite: Fantasy Brown

Wall Color: Light Grey (called ash something, can't remember)