Before and After Photos of Incredible Kitchen Remodels
Kitchen remodels hold an undeniable allure. Seeing those dramatic before and after photos gives us a glimpse into what's possible for our own homes. We love seeing dated, dysfunctional spaces transformed into fresh, contemporary kitchens that better suit the homeowners' needs.
You'll see how small changes like new cabinet knobs or a fresh coat of paint can make a big impact. And you'll see complete gut renovations that open up walls, expand footprints, and create chef's dream kitchens.
Reasons Homeowners Remodel Their Kitchens
Many homeowners decide to remodel their kitchens for both aesthetic and functional reasons. An outdated kitchen with worn countertops, dingy floors, and poor lighting simply doesn't meet most families' needs anymore. Even if the layout works well, outdated finishes make the kitchen feel drab and uninspiring.
Here are some of the top reasons homeowners take on a kitchen remodel:
- To update worn or outdated finishes like cabinetry, countertops, backsplashes, and lighting fixtures
- To improve kitchen workflow and storage capacity
- To accommodate changing family needs and preferences
- To increase resale value and make the home more desirable to potential buyers
In addition to practical factors, style also motivates many kitchen remodels. Homeowners want their kitchens to reflect current trends and their own design aesthetics.
Planning Your Kitchen Remodel
Careful planning is crucial for a successful kitchen remodel. Rushing into a project without setting goals and making decisions upfront can lead to missteps along the way. Here are some key tips for planning your kitchen remodel:
- Set your overall budget and allocate funds to priorities
- Research the latest kitchen design trends and ideas
- Make a wishlist of must-have features like an island or walk-in pantry
- Decide on any layout changes like knocking down walls
- Choose finishes for cabinets, countertops, flooring, and lighting
- Select new kitchen appliances based on your needs
Planning doesn't have to take months, but you should dedicate quality time upfront to nail down the vision and scope for your remodel. This prevents last-minute changes mid-project that can derail timelines and budgets.
Biggest Changes in Kitchen Remodels
While every kitchen remodel is unique, most focus on improving these key elements of the space:
Layout and Cabinetry
Does your current kitchen layout support good workflow? If not, changing it should be a top priority. Consider how you utilize the space and what's not working. Other common changes include adding more cabinetry for storage, opting for custom or built-in features, and installing open shelving.
Countertops
Countertops see a lot of abuse. New countertops like quartz, granite, or solid surface can modernize the whole look of your kitchen in one move. But don't stop at the counters - upgrade your backsplash too for a fresh new look.
Backsplash
While you can keep your existing backsplash, many homeowners swap it out during a remodel. New backsplash tile provides personality through color, texture, and pattern. It also protects your walls from splashes and stains behind the range and sink.
Lighting
Proper kitchen lighting might be the most underrated game-changer. Well-placed lighting illuminates tasks and transforms the vibe of the space. Consider pendant lights over islands and bars, under-cabinet lighting, and accent lighting.
Sinks and Faucets
Does your sink and faucet show their age? A new sink paired with a gleaming faucet brings function and style to your kitchen. There are so many sink and faucet options today that work with any design aesthetic.
Flooring
Kitchen flooring endures heavy foot traffic and spills galore. That's reason enough to replace worn floors with more durable and attractive options like luxury vinyl plank or porcelain tile.
Paint Color
Even a fresh coat of paint goes far in any kitchen update. White and light gray remain popular, but don't overlook deep hues like navy and emerald that bring drama into the space.
Windows
More natural light is almost always a win in kitchen remodels. Some homeowners resize existing windows or add new ones. Upgrading window styles and hardware refreshes the look too.
Tips for Remodeling Success
While kitchen remodels take planning, they inevitably involve surprises too. Follow these tips to keep your project on track:
- Hire an experienced and trusted general contractor to oversee the remodel
- Communicate your style, needs, and goals clearly to the project team
- Be prepared for unexpected issues like wiring or plumbing challenges
- Splurge on high-quality finishes and materials that will last
- Add more lighting than you think you need for ambiance and function
- Budget extra time for delays related to backorders, permit approvals, etc.
Kitchen Remodel Cost Breakdown
Kitchen remodels range widely in cost based on factors like size, layout changes, and material selections. But most remodels include these expenses:
- Demolition and prep work - includes safely removing old materials, redoing electrical, plumbing, etc.
- Cabinetry - potentially one of the biggest remodel expenses for custom or semi-custom cabinets
- Countertops - material costs plus professional fabrication and installation
- Appliances - can be a splurge for high-end ranges, fridges, etc.
- Flooring - durable and attractive options run $5-20 per square foot installed
- Plumbing and electrical - costs quickly add up for moving fixtures or upgrading electrical
- Drywall, paint, trim - includes prep, priming, multi-coat paint application, and new trim
Before and After Kitchen Remodel Photos
Now let's look at some incredible before and after kitchen remodels. You'll see dated and dysfunctional spaces transformed into light, open, contemporary kitchens.
Dark and Dated to Light and Open
This 1950s kitchen was cramped and closed off. The remodel opened it up by removing upper cabinets and a wall. New quartz counters, open shelving, and a large island finished the light and airy look.
Small and Cramped to Spacious
Knocking down walls opened up this tiny galley kitchen dramatically. New Shaker-style cabinets, subway tile, and peninsula seating maximize the newfound space.
Outdated to Contemporary
Dated oak cabinets and a compartmentalized layout made this kitchen feel stuck in the 80s. Trading that for white shaker cabinets, marble counters, a huge island, and open floor plan brought it into the 21st century.
Drab to Dramatic
This nondescript kitchen got a dose of drama with bold black lower cabinets and brass hardware. Marble countertops, metal bar stools, and accent lighting finished the striking new look.