Before and After Kitchen Countertops/backsplash

last year

last modified: last year

I looked all over Houzz for inspiration for older (2008) dark cherry cabinets and light colored countertops/backsplash and oak flooring. I didn't find many options, so decided to post before/after. We removed the old busy, brown, granite (very sad) and replaced both the countertops and the backsplash with Quartz MSI Miraggio Duo. We also installed hardwood flooring, updated the appliances by removing the OTR Microwave and installed new lighting. We still need the sink hooked up, but I love it! It made a huge difference in how much lighter the kitchen is!! I've only had granite countertops, so I hope that I won't regret the move to quartz, but we couldn't find a light granite that we liked. I'm now looking to accessorize the kitchen. Ideas welcome!

Featured Answer

eam44

last year

They were inconsistent with your light rails. It’s worth fixing that so you don’t see the sides of the ucl fixtures. If you want to fill the space above your upper cabinets consider doing that with more cabinets, perhaps with glass inset doors.

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Comments (18)

chispa
last year
Looks good!

Many people's first instinct is to want to paint the cabinets. Sometimes going lighter with the counter and backsplash will have a bigger impact.

I think you could lighten/brighten the kitchen even more if you could install a few 4" recessed lights.
AnnKH
last year
Lovely!

Be forewarned, however - quartz cannot withstand high heat, so it may scorch if you use the back burners.
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Theresa Peterson
last year
Before and after are equally nice -- just different.
PRO
CAGE Design Build
last year
Great work. Both are nice but the new white quartz counters add a lightness to the kitchen.
herbflavor
last year
Put a plant near window spot and a patterned runner or mat. thats all you need for the extras

a little greenery goes a long way
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Kendrah
last year
Love it. The space looks so much less confined, more open. Thanks for posting.
RedRyder
last year
The new countertop definitely lightens the area.
Kristin Daus
Original Author
last year
New photo. Should I decorate the top of the cabinets or leave empty?
Kristin Daus
Original Author
last year
@herbflavor - I love the idea of the plant, will do!
AnnKH
last year
Empty.
RedRyder
last year
Leave that space empty.
susan49417
last year
Leave empty.
littlemissdena
last year
Gorgeous transformation!!
Would you try larger hardware?
Agreed with lighting comments.
Those fixtures are causing all the light to shine on the ceiling….
PRO
Darya
last year
hmm. as for me, both are good
chispa
last year
I still think you need some more recessed lights in the space and the current lights are a bit too warm/yellow.
tracefloyd
last year
last modified: last year
A Master Class in how to incorporate existing cabinets with new floors and countertops and backsplash.
Catherine B
12 months ago
Looks great! Good choices. Agree that a plant or two will really make a big difference. A nice (washable) rug might also be a good add.