Dream Kitchen Reveal
Remember those cringe-worthy chipped cabinets and dark, mismatched countertops? Well, they are officially gone!
If you’ve been following along on my kitchen renovation journey, you know this project has been a long time coming! Our old kitchen was a 90s time capsule, complete with dated finishes, old appliances, and a lack of functional storage. It felt dark, cramped, and anything but inviting, even on the sunniest of days. I wanted a space that screamed “me” instead of “help me!” A space that was functional, organized, and reflected our personal style.
So, did we nail it? Absolutely. From the gleaming quartz countertops to the custom white oak hood vent (seriously, it’s the showstopper), every detail feels intentional and perfectly me! The dark cabinets were replaced with fresh white ones, which instantly brightened the space and made it feel larger. Much need electrical outlets were added to the island, extending my food prep space! We also added pot lights and moved the chandelier to centre it over the island, creating a warm and inviting glow that makes the kitchen feel like the heart of our home. Let’s dive into my favourite details, shall we?
Drawer Power
First up, the lower cabinets. Gone are the days of crouching and digging through dark caverns for pots and pans. We installed mostly drawers instead, and it’s a game-changer. Everything is organized, accessible, and honestly, it makes me happy to open those drawers and see everything neatly in its place. If there is ONE thing you do in your own home renovation, let it be installing drawers!
Quartz Countertop and Backsplash
Another major upgrade is the white quartz countertop and matching slab backsplash. Not only is it gorgeous and durable, but it also creates a seamless, modern look that I absolutely adore. No more clashing colours or dated tile!
Pantry Paradise: So Long, Counter Clutter!
Now, let’s talk about my favourite feature: the full wall of pantry cupboards. It has space for everything, from small appliances to snacks to bulk food storage. It’s a dream come true for someone like me who loves to cook and entertain. Plus, it keeps all those bulky items off the countertops, creating a clean and inviting space.
New Appliances
Of course, no kitchen is complete without appliances, and we went all out with a new Café induction range, refrigerator, and dishwasher. The range is sooo easy to cook on (not to mention the double oven is a DREAM), the dishwasher is whisper-quiet, and the fridge with the ice and water dispenser? Oh, baby. It’s the simple pleasures in life, folks. The drawer microwave in the island is also a game-changer. Not only is it hidden from view, but it’s easily accessible for all our family members (specifically the little one!).
Giving Back to the Community
One thing I’m really proud of is how we tried to be mindful of our environmental impact during this renovation. We donated our old kitchen to Habitat for Humanity Restore, so it’s getting a second life with someone who’ll appreciate it. It felt good to know that even though we were upgrading, we weren’t just adding to the landfill.
Sometimes You Have to Go Back to Go Forward
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Remember that powder room we just renovated? Yeah, we had to rip out those floors to match the new ones in the kitchen. Let’s just say my husband wasn’t thrilled about re-doing a room we just finished, but hey, sometimes you gotta embrace the chaos for the dream, right?
The Heart of Our Home: More Than Just a Kitchen
This kitchen isn’t just a place to cook; it’s where life happens. It’s where my toddler “helps” me bake (read: makes a glorious mess), where we gather for family dinners, and where I sip a glass of wine after bedtime. It’s the heart of our home, and it FINALLY feels like it.
If you’re thinking about tackling a renovation, my advice is this: do your research, find a team you trust, and don’t be afraid to embrace the unexpected. And most importantly, have fun with it! It’s your home, your canvas, your chance to create something truly special.
SHOP THE KITCHEN
Sources and Credits
- Design: Amanda Cromwell
- Cabinetry: Kitchen Appeal
- Countertops: Stonex Granite
- Tile: Tilemaster
- Electrical: Todd Eby
- Reveal Photography: Nicole Gingrich
