IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Organizing

Kitchen Remodel

When Erin Kelly purchased a 1930s home in 2013, she knew the kitchen needed some serious updating. With lots of DIY work between Kelly and her husband, they turned the dark, dated kitchen into a bright, inspiring space fit for the modern era.

/ 10 PHOTOS

Before-and-after pics: Couple transforms old kitchen with only DIY projects

When Erin Kelly purchased her Pittsburgh home with her husband last summer, she knew right away that the kitchen needed serious help. See how she and her husband used DIY projects to transform the dated space into a modern kitchen fit for this century.

Trapped by wood

“The old kitchen was dark, narrow and ‘60s in the worst way,” Kelly said, adding that the faux brick backsplash, butter yellow accent all and wall-to-wall cabinets were the biggest offenders.

“The wall-to-wall cabinets, albeit nice for storage, didn’t provide the open work space I craved,” she said about the uninspiring space.

White wonder

In February 2014, Kelly and her husband got to work. With approximately $1,500 and six weeks’ time, they transformed the mid-century kitchen into a modern, bright space that tied in the home’s history with today’s trends.

Modern magic

Kelly loves how the daylight works with the white cabinets to illuminate the room, and the mix of modern accessories with the kitchen's older features gives it an eclectic vibe.

Big payoff

The most labor-intensive part of the remodel came with painting the cabinets. “The different steps, deglossing, sanding, priming and painting, seemed to go on forever,” Kelly said. However, the cost savings made the extra effort worth it.

“Refinishing the cabinetry instead of replacing it was the biggest cost saver,” she said. “If you have high-quality cabinets that are worth preserving, this is always the way to go.”

Knick-knacks

Kelly loved applying the white subway tile backsplash in what was her first tiling experience. “It took our kitchen from looking to nice to looking professional and finished,” she said. “Now I keep looking for other places in our house to tile.”

For the open shelving, Kelly decided to loosen the pocket strings a bit, using Wisbhone Brackets from Anthropologie.

Personal touch

Kelly filled the open shelves with keepsakes given to her by her mother “who has the most impeccable knack for decorating.”

Keeping it fresh

Kelly likes to rotate objects regularly to keep the decor new and surprising.

Modern wood

The couple decided to skip expensive granite countertops and instead installed butcher block countertops from IKEA. “With routine oiling, it looks better and better over time as it develops a natural patina,” Kelly said about the look.

Gold accents

The couple also pocketed money with the cabinet hardware. “I really love the look of brass and gold modern hardware, but buying over 25 pulls can add up quickly,” Kelly said. She decided to buy IKEA cabinet pulls and spray paint them gold to get the look she loved at an affordable price.

1/10