Step 4: Countertops -- For the countertops we used Carrara marble, a surprisingly affordable option. I know opinions vary widely when it comes to Carrara as a surface, but here’s what I’ve found: First, a honed finish is more forgiving than a supershiny surface. Because our kitchen is far from formal, I think the lower sheen works well. Second, sealing your marble really does protect it, and it’s simple to do. You just wipe on the liquid sealer and let it dry. The directions say to apply the sealer two or three times a year, and that’s what I’ve been doing. Even though we’re not at all precious with the surface I haven’t had any issues with scratches or stains. Photo by Manuel Rodriguez

The lost counter top space from the peninsula was made up for by removing the pantry and double oven and replacing them with additional cabinets, drawers, and counters, which extended around to the fridge. Cabinetry was also built around the fridge for a modern, built-in look, and the cabinets above the fridge were extended – proving great storage space for large pots and pans, cookie sheets and crock pots! Photography by Todd Ramsey, Impressia

Brent Rivers Photography
Mid-sized elegant u-shaped and wooden straight dark wood floor, brown floor and mixed material railing staircase photo in Atlanta with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Blue and white kitchen cabinets in this updated, sophisticated modern farmhouse kitchen. We painted the lower cabinets in Sherwin Williams "Anchors Aweigh" and the upper cabinets in Sherwin Williams "Pure White".

Comprehensive kitchen remodel that was motivated by the homeowner's desire for a more modern and vibrant cooking area.
Large transitional u-shaped ceramic tile and beige floor open concept kitchen photo in Los Angeles with a double-bowl sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island and beige countertops

Tip: Even if you’re not up for a whole kitchen renovation, painting cabinets, making a decorative shelf, or incorporating some vintage pieces as storage are all simple ways to update the look of a tired kitchen. Photo by Manuel Rodriguez

Note how the new cabinets complement to heirloom hutch.
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped vinyl floor enclosed kitchen remodel in San Diego with an undermount sink, light wood cabinets, quartz countertops, subway tile backsplash, raised-panel cabinets, white backsplash and no island

This side yard shows the early stage condition prior to renovation, with exposed soil, scattered rock ground cover, and an unstructured layout. The area lacked proper grading, plant organization, and usable space, making it ideal for a full landscape redesign including turf installation and modern planter integration.

Don't throw away perfectly good cabinets if you can use them elsewhere~
Example of a small transitional vinyl floor, brown floor and coffered ceiling laundry room design in Omaha with raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, green walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer and black countertops

This elegant and serene master bedroom retreat utilizes neutral tomes in grey, white and ivory. Photo by Fernando De Los Santos
Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal master dark wood floor and brown floor bedroom remodel in Dallas with gray walls and no fireplace

Large transitional l-shaped gray floor eat-in kitchen photo in Chicago with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Bright transitional kitchen remodel featuring new LED lighting, Schrock cabinetry, Blanco Silgranite Kitchen Sink, Cambria quartz countertops, mosaic backsplash and a new dining area with bench storage. Photos by Shane Michaels

Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped gray floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Chicago with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Eat-in kitchen - large transitional l-shaped gray floor eat-in kitchen idea in Chicago with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless master beige tile and porcelain tile linoleum floor corner bathtub remodel with an integrated sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, laminate countertops, a one-piece toilet and beige walls

Light, bright and updated at last! The light maple cabinets complement the antique oak hutch on the other side of the room. The traditional cabinets still have a more transitional feel. Use of slab front drawers makes clean up easier. Patricia Bean

Example of a large minimalist u-shaped light wood floor and orange floor eat-in kitchen design in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, cement tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and white countertops

We had a tight timeline to turn a dark, outdated kitchen into a modern, family-friendly space that could function as the hub of the home. We enlarged the footprint of the kitchen by changing the orientation and adding an island for better circulation. We swapped out old tile flooring for durable luxury vinyl tiles, dark wood panels for fresh drywall, outdated cabinets with modern Semihandmade ones, and added brand new appliances. We made it modern and warm by adding matte tiles from Heath, new light fixtures, and an open shelf of beautiful ceramics in cool neutrals.

Eat-in kitchen - large transitional l-shaped gray floor eat-in kitchen idea in Chicago with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops