Kitchen Island Makeover

So you've got a builder's basic kitchen? How can you update it without a full kitchen remodel? Maybe something that won't break the bank or drag on for months while you wash dishes in the bathtub and become friendly with the Chic-fil-a drive thru workers. We've got some ideas.

Builder basic kitchen update with new custom island

Makeover Your Kitchen Island

Our clients were looking for a way to add some updated design and functionality to their basic kitchen. They already knew they wanted to rework the island to make it bigger and accomodate six bar stools. We suggested they add the "X" design details on the end of the cabinets and on the island.

Cabinets updated with X details

Kitchen Before

The kitchen before was, well, basic. Basic flat panel sides. Dated tile and countertops. Notice how the cabinet color on the ends looks almost peach? Also notice that funky island layout? I have no idea why they did that, but it gave us the perfect motivation for an update.

Builder's basic kitchen before update

Kitchen Wish List

Rework the badly designed island
Add architectural details
Update the cabinet crown molding
Install new tile
Replace the countertops
Paint the cabinets
Update the hardware

We brought in our amazing carpenter to execute the modifications and he nailed the details.

Kitchen Makeover in progress

Leathered Granite

The client and I had many discussions about possible countertops. I suggested if she had the budget to replace all the countertops that a leathered granite would be fabulous. And I was right. These Negresco leathered granite countertops have a textured matte surface that mimics the look of soapstone but they are WAY more durable. I am in LOVE!!! I might actually do these same countertops when we eventually update our kitchen.

Black leathered granite was used in the kitchen update.

Painted Cabinets

After all the modifications were made by our carpenter, we went in and painted the cabinets to unify and update the look. The cabinets are painted Sherwin Williams 7005 Pure White with a subtle light gray glaze.

Cabinets were painted Sherwin Williams Pure White with a subtle gray glaze

For a subtle contrast from the cabinets we painted the island Glidden Candlestick Silver.

The island was painted Glidden Candlestick Gray

The island was painted Glidden Candlestick Silver

If you love those barstools, we found THESE SIMILAR ONES (affiliate link) for only $31 available in lots of colors.

The clients also updated the backsplash with a timeless white subway tile.

New white subway tile backsplash and Negresco leathered granite countertops

Changing the drawer hardware from knobs to pulls made for a beautiful functional update. Like those pulls? You can find them HERE. (affiliate link) For all my favorite kitchen cabinet hardware you should CHECK OUT THIS POST.

Before and After

Kitchen Island Makeover before and after

Before and After

We hope you love this update as much as we do. Remember you don't have to live with your boring basic kitchen. We aren't just a cabinet painting company, we are also a kitchen re-design company. We can help.