Before and After: Kitchen Remodels – Better Homes and Gardens

Before: Tiny and Tired

The kitchen's dated white appliances and orangey-oak cabinets stuck out in this well-appointed home.

For less than $9,000, the kitchen now sports dramatic painted-black cabinets and granite veneer countertops. Creamy white walls, brushed-nickel cabinet hardware and glossy new appliances add to the kitchen's elegant face-lift.

From the stenciled yellow walls to the oak cabinets and faux-wood countertops, this kitchen was stuck in the 80s.

Renovated in 2 stages, the kitchen was first brightened up by painting the cabinets two different colors - green-gray on the lower cabinets and a rich cream on the uppers. Next, a new sink, dark laminate countertops and a glazed ceramic tile backsplash created a kitchen the homeowner is proud to show off.

This 13x13 kitchen didnt fit with the rest of the charming Colonial homes interior. To save money, the homeowners kept the appliances in their original locations, and then added loads of charm to create a welcoming space for their young family.

Removing the island was the number one priority in this kitchen remodel; a close second was replacing the builder-grade cabinets with semicustom cabinetry. The island was replaced with a peninsula, giving the homeowners better traffic flow and a casual seating area. A colorful yet subtle backsplash adds personality and charm to this kitchen remodel.

For an executive chef and a wine representative, this cramped and closed-off kitchen didnt work for two people who loved to cook and entertain friends and family. The renovations main goal was to turn this dreary 10x13 kitchen into the hub of the home where the hosts could interact with their guests.

The kitchen was opened up on two sides, which brightened the space and created a breakfast bar while still allowing for plenty of cabinetry and counter space. Main features, such as the flooring, countertops, and backsplash, are neutral, letting the homeowners add and change out colorful accents when the mood strikes.

The galley kitchen in this 1920s home needed to be brought into this century. While the homeowners wanted to keep the original step-saving design, knocking out a wall between the kitchen and the dining room drastically changed how the space is used -- in a positive way.

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Before and After: Kitchen Remodels - Better Homes and Gardens