Before and After: 4 Kitchens Updated in White, Wood and Gray
Discover how neutral tones and natural finishes create spaces that are both elegant and practical
If you’re looking for a kitchen that’s stylish, timeless and endlessly adaptable, white, wood and gray is a winning combo. This classic trio creates a neutral backdrop while letting textures and accents shine, delivering a look that’s both sophisticated and welcoming. Check out four before-and-after transformations to see how this versatile palette turns dated kitchens into beautiful, functional spaces perfect for family meals and entertaining.
After: The design team stripped the kitchen down to just two keepers: the red oak flooring and the beverage fridge. It replaced everything else with custom perimeter cabinets in a soft blue-gray specially matched to Benjamin Moore’s Boothbay Gray, a nod to the wife’s Maine roots. Depending on the light, the cabinets can read more blue or more gray, giving the space subtle, shifting depth.
A new paneled refrigerator flanked by pantry storage and matching cabinets creates a seamless, symmetrical wall that’s both beautiful and practical. The wet bar got its own spotlight, ideal for entertaining.
A new paneled refrigerator flanked by pantry storage and matching cabinets creates a seamless, symmetrical wall that’s both beautiful and practical. The wet bar got its own spotlight, ideal for entertaining.
A striking black walnut island now anchors the kitchen, bringing warmth and seating for six. It’s topped with a sleek Super White quartzite countertop that’s great for prepping, homework or casual gatherings. Oversize white metal pendant lights with antique brass accents hang above.
On the sink wall, two upgraded casement windows frame a large picture window, extending to the concrete-look gray quartz countertop and highlighting views of the lush yard. Painted nickel-gap shiplap and a plate rack add classic touches.
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Before and After: 4 Revamped Kitchens in 150 to 250 Square Feet
On the sink wall, two upgraded casement windows frame a large picture window, extending to the concrete-look gray quartz countertop and highlighting views of the lush yard. Painted nickel-gap shiplap and a plate rack add classic touches.
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Before and After: 4 Revamped Kitchens in 150 to 250 Square Feet
“After” photos by Bob Fortner Photography
2. From Cramped to Connected for a Family of Eight
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple with six kids
Location: Wake Forest, North Carolina
Size: 211 square feet (20 square meters)
Design-build firm: Richard and Monica Ryder of Clearcut Construction
Before: This North Carolina kitchen was stuck in a sea of oak, laminate and beige — bland, cramped and closed off from the living room. A tight breakfast nook was squeezed into the corner, while a deck peeked through the living room windows.
With six kids and a household that thrives on busy meals and big gatherings, the homeowners needed a kitchen that could keep up. They hired design-build pros Richard and Monica Ryder and opted for a full-scale overhaul with an addition to maximize space and storage.
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2. From Cramped to Connected for a Family of Eight
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple with six kids
Location: Wake Forest, North Carolina
Size: 211 square feet (20 square meters)
Design-build firm: Richard and Monica Ryder of Clearcut Construction
Before: This North Carolina kitchen was stuck in a sea of oak, laminate and beige — bland, cramped and closed off from the living room. A tight breakfast nook was squeezed into the corner, while a deck peeked through the living room windows.
With six kids and a household that thrives on busy meals and big gatherings, the homeowners needed a kitchen that could keep up. They hired design-build pros Richard and Monica Ryder and opted for a full-scale overhaul with an addition to maximize space and storage.
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After: The Ryders turned the former deck into a bright new living room, opening walls to expand the kitchen into a breezy, open-plan hub that flows effortlessly into the dining and living areas. Rich red oak flooring ties the spaces together.
Behind the white sofa, a sleek black-framed glass door leads to a brand-new deck with stairs down to the pool, patio and outdoor entertaining zone.
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Behind the white sofa, a sleek black-framed glass door leads to a brand-new deck with stairs down to the pool, patio and outdoor entertaining zone.
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
Expanding into the former breakfast nook added 37 square feet, making room for an extra-large island that seats six in comfort. Woven counter stools and hand-hewn wood ceiling beams bring texture and warmth, while a crisp white stucco hood (Extra White by Sherwin-Williams) with a matte finish frames a marble-look quartz backsplash behind the 36-inch cooktop. Vertical ivory porcelain tiles with light gray grout complete the backsplash with subtle sophistication.
Two-tone cabinetry keeps the palette fresh: Soft white upper cabinets and refrigerator wall storage balance light gray lower cabinets and island base. Marble-look quartz countertops tie the whole look together for a bright, airy and effortlessly stylish space.
Read more about this kitchen makeover
Two-tone cabinetry keeps the palette fresh: Soft white upper cabinets and refrigerator wall storage balance light gray lower cabinets and island base. Marble-look quartz countertops tie the whole look together for a bright, airy and effortlessly stylish space.
Read more about this kitchen makeover
Before Photo
“After” photos by Kiera Slye Photography
3. Renovated Farmhouse With Modern Flair
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple with two young boys
Location: Dover, Massachusetts
Size: 320 square feet (30 square meters)
Designer: Jeanne Barber of Camden Grace
Before: This 1800s farmhouse in Dover, Massachusetts, had a generously sized kitchen, but much of it went unused. The space was split in two: a prep and cooking zone off to the right and, as seen here, a side dominated by a desk with low counters that mostly collected clutter. An eat-in area was to the left.
The homeowners — parents of two young boys — wanted a kitchen that fit their busy, modern lifestyle. They brought in interior designer Jeanne Barber to rework the layout, blending everyday functionality with timeless farmhouse character.
3. Renovated Farmhouse With Modern Flair
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple with two young boys
Location: Dover, Massachusetts
Size: 320 square feet (30 square meters)
Designer: Jeanne Barber of Camden Grace
Before: This 1800s farmhouse in Dover, Massachusetts, had a generously sized kitchen, but much of it went unused. The space was split in two: a prep and cooking zone off to the right and, as seen here, a side dominated by a desk with low counters that mostly collected clutter. An eat-in area was to the left.
The homeowners — parents of two young boys — wanted a kitchen that fit their busy, modern lifestyle. They brought in interior designer Jeanne Barber to rework the layout, blending everyday functionality with timeless farmhouse character.
After: Barber swapped the underused desk and eat-in nook for a hardworking prep and cooking zone. A centered range alcove now anchors the wall, while a spacious walnut island — with a 36-inch sink and a dishwasher — doubles as both a prep station and casual dining spot. Teak stools with woven backs, faux leather and performance fabric add family-friendly comfort. Black pendant lights with mirrored interiors bring a midcentury vibe, giving the space a collected look.
Inset Shaker-style cabinets in a warm greige (Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore) honor the home’s classic roots. A tall walnut cabinet, styled like a freestanding piece, echoes historic kitchens while coordinating with the island.
10 Dos and Don’ts When Designing a Kitchen Island
Inset Shaker-style cabinets in a warm greige (Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore) honor the home’s classic roots. A tall walnut cabinet, styled like a freestanding piece, echoes historic kitchens while coordinating with the island.
10 Dos and Don’ts When Designing a Kitchen Island
The range wall now features a striking Vermont Danby marble backsplash framed by tongue-and-groove paneling, a subtle nod to classic country houses that lets the marble shine. Handy niches tucked beside the range keep oils and spices within arm’s reach, while brass grilles on the flanking cabinets add warmth and character.
Soapstone countertops feel right at home in this 1800s farmhouse, their dark tones offering rich contrast to the lighter cabinetry and walls. The result is a kitchen that fits a modern family’s lifestyle yet feels as though it’s been part of the house all along.
Read more about this kitchen makeover
Soapstone countertops feel right at home in this 1800s farmhouse, their dark tones offering rich contrast to the lighter cabinetry and walls. The result is a kitchen that fits a modern family’s lifestyle yet feels as though it’s been part of the house all along.
Read more about this kitchen makeover
Before Photo
“After” photos by Maverick Studio Photography
4. Tiny Cottage, Big Style
Kitchen at a Glance
Location: Canyon Lake, Texas
Designer: Lauren Lowry
Before: Designer Lauren Lowry and her husband, Joel, bought this 700-square-foot Texas Hill Country vacation cottage knowing it needed a makeover. The home had great bones and big windows with sweeping views of the tree canopy and rolling hills. But nothing had been updated since 1972.
The galley kitchen felt cramped, with a dark-beamed popcorn ceiling and a peninsula with upper cabinets that blocked the view to the family room. Lowry envisioned opening up the space to improve flow and make the kitchen feel bigger, brighter and more connected.
4. Tiny Cottage, Big Style
Kitchen at a Glance
Location: Canyon Lake, Texas
Designer: Lauren Lowry
Before: Designer Lauren Lowry and her husband, Joel, bought this 700-square-foot Texas Hill Country vacation cottage knowing it needed a makeover. The home had great bones and big windows with sweeping views of the tree canopy and rolling hills. But nothing had been updated since 1972.
The galley kitchen felt cramped, with a dark-beamed popcorn ceiling and a peninsula with upper cabinets that blocked the view to the family room. Lowry envisioned opening up the space to improve flow and make the kitchen feel bigger, brighter and more connected.
After: Lowry opened the kitchen to the family room, carving out a cozy two-person dining spot topped with a striking light fixture of brass bands and netted fibers. A soft, neutral palette keeps the focus on the stunning views. Walls, ceiling and trim are a warm off-white (Oyster White by Sherwin-Williams). Painted beadboard now covers the former popcorn ceiling.
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
With the kitchen now fully in view of the family room, it needed to look as good as it functioned. Lowry embraced open shelving to work with the angled ceiling and make everyday dishes and glassware easy to grab. She layered in vintage ceramics and art for personality and charm.
Smart, budget-friendly choices like ready-made cabinetry, butcher block countertops and gray backsplash tiles kept costs in check, while brass hardware and curated vintage finds give the space style and flair beyond its budget.
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Smart, budget-friendly choices like ready-made cabinetry, butcher block countertops and gray backsplash tiles kept costs in check, while brass hardware and curated vintage finds give the space style and flair beyond its budget.
Read more about this kitchen makeover
More on Houzz
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Browse photos for ideas
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1. Bright and Open With a Walnut Island
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple with three daughters
Location: Groton, New Hampshire
Size: 255 square feet (24 square meters)
Designers: Jackie Friberg of Granite State Cabinetry and interior planner Shayne Mitchell of Orchard Hill Interiors
Before: When this New Hampshire couple with three daughters bought their Grand Cape-style home, they knew the dark, dated kitchen would eventually need an overhaul. While the layout worked, the aging wood cabinets felt heavy, and the two-level island seated only three. A tall pantry blocked natural light and the large stainless steel refrigerator dominated the opposite side, with cabinetry wrapping around the corner to a wet bar.
Wanting a brighter space — but specifically not a white kitchen — they turned to designer Jackie Friberg of Granite State Cabinetry and interior planner Shayne Mitchell of Orchard Hill Interiors to reimagine a kitchen that’s both functional and inviting.