Adding Interest to a Builder Grade Kitchen Before/After Pics

8 years ago

My retired parents purchased a new builder grade home several years ago that had some lovely features, but also felt a bit bland and came with bad laminate counters that really lacked any wow factor in the kitchen. My husband and I are experienced DIYers so we helped them punch up the drama and interest in their home with a small kitchen upgrade that included new 180fx laminate counters, since real stone or quartz was out of their budget. The small dual stainless sink was replaced with a large Blanco Silgranite gray metallic sink and a new faucet. We then added a real stacked stone backsplash that has a ton of sparkle and texture. We added retrofit pendant lights in place of the can lights above the island so there was no need for an electrician. The dining room lacked drama so I painted the ceiling inset a metallic aqua, and we replaced the typical builder grade chandelier with something with more shine and bling. Even small changes can make a large impact when dealing with a smaller, limited budget. They now feel they have a more modern, colorful, stylish home- not typical of a couple in their 70s. They love the younger, fresher feel to the space and it suits them, as they are not your typical grandparents.

As usual, we realize this won't be everyones cup of tea here, as we all have different tastes and likes. This post is to show what you can do to make smaller changes for a larger impact within a limited budget- especially if you can do some of the work yourself.

Before Kitchen:

After Kitchen:

Open Concept Living/Dining Room Decor:

Featured Answer

malabacat

8 years ago

Wow! The kitchen looks fantastic, and the painted aqua ceiling inset is a stunning dramatic element!

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Comments (18)

ilikefriday
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Wow you did an amazing job. There is nothing more satisfying than a successful DIY project. The stone backsplash looks amazing. So do the contertops and the sink.
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PRO
Mega Builders
8 years ago
Nicely done!
michelle41
8 years ago
That is so sweet that you and your husband did that. Good job!
My3dogs ME zone 5A
8 years ago
I used to love doing projects at my late parents home. I am sure that your parents are thrilled, and that by doing that for them, you are equally as thrilled as they are.
K R
8 years ago
Love it! Definitely more fun!
cooper8828
8 years ago
Looks great! Can you come do my house next? Please?
dan1888
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Very nice. Of course you'll have to give more info. How about on the dining room ceiling, please.
RenoGirl
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
dan1888- its in the post, but I can elaborate a bit =) its painted a metallic aqua. it was from Home Depot...brand was PPG, color was Charmed Life. about $50 for a gallon. I used about half a gallon for this space.

The lighting under the trim is LED Christmas Lights. They give a more random sparkle effect than straight LED strips. The ceiling just glows at night =)
bpath
8 years ago
Well, I love stacked stone so you had me right there. But then the dining room ceiling! Oh, my, that is stellar!
functionthenlook
8 years ago
Yinz did a fantastic job. I like it a lot better then a lot of the designer kitchens I see. Warm and inviting. Your parents must be thrilled to have such a nice and talented daughter and son in law. I researched a lot of counter tops and went with Formica fx 180 for my kitchen. They have be around for decades for a reason. Formica counters are work horses.
chrysalids
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Nice, I especially like what you did in the kitchen. Too often the advice here is that people should save up to rip out a perfectly functioning kitchen with solid cabinets instead of making incremental improvements like changing the backsplash, repainting the cabinets and installing new reasonably priced countertops. I love the new laminate countertops. They make a huge difference in that kitchen. I am not a fan of the stacked stone backsplash, but as long as your parents love it that is all that counts!
cat_mom
8 years ago
Lovely changes/updates!!!
PRO
MPT Enterprises, Inc.
8 years ago
Job well done.
just_janni
8 years ago
What a lovely gift for your parents! Good eye and well done. Love that paint color!!! FUN!
Tracey Kooros
7 years ago
@functionthenlook Yinz must be from Pittsburgh?
Suki Mom
7 years ago
You do excellent work - what a positive change in the kitchen!
gmp3
7 years ago
Beautiful!