Dean J. Birinyi Photography, original photo on Houzz
Dean J. Birinyi Photography, original photo on Houzz

By Erin Carlyle | Houzz

Many people want to change their kitchen, whether it’s because it functions poorly, their taste has evolved or they purchased a home marked by someone else’s style. In fact, “can no longer stand the old kitchen” is the top reason homeowners choose to remodel kitchens, according to Houzz research. If you’re experiencing kitchen fatigue and are looking for inspiration, take a look at these kitchen transformations. Perhaps you’ll find your kitchen soul mate here. See More Kitchen Remodels.

1. Blue, Not Navy

Kitchen at a Glance

  • Who lives here: A couple and their two teenage boys
  • Location: San Carlos
  • Size: 209 square feet
  • Designer: Sabrina Alfin Interiors

BEFORE: A big concern before the renovation was that the kitchen looked small and cramped because it was dark. But the cabinet bases, appliances and countertops were in excellent shape. Their designer nudged the couple toward a two-tone cabinet scheme.

By Sabrina Alfin Interiors San Francisco – See more Home Design Photos

AFTER: Rather than replace the entire cabinets, the homeowners simply refaced them, saving significantly on cost. The designer helped the couple choose a blue that is neither nautical nor beachy; the lower cabinets are dressed in a grayish teal.

Paint by Sherwin-Williams: Refuge SW 6228 (lower cabinets) and Ice Cube SW 6252 (upper cabinets); bar pulls: Emtek

2. Moroccan Tile Accent Wall

Kitchen at a Glance

  • Who lives here: Martha Queiroz, a homemaker and stay-at-home mom; Mario Queiroz, an executive at Google; daughters Isabel, 19, and Julia, 16; and an English springer spaniel
  • Location: Los Gatos
  • Home size: 1,856 square feet; three bedrooms, 2½ bathrooms
  • Year built: 1892
By Dzinfreak – See more Home Design Photos

BEFORE: A wall separated the kitchen from the front part of the house, making it an impractical space for entertaining. The family decided on a full remodel for the kitchen.

Photo by Margot Hartford Photography – Browse kitchen photos

AFTER: The new kitchen is open to the rest of the home, creating a much easier flow for entertaining. The coffered ceiling had to go, because the coffers stopped where the wall separating the kitchen from the rest of the space had been. The couple chose a high-shine gray for the ceiling. The accent wall is composed of three Eastern Promise cement tile designs by Martyn Lawrence Bullard for Ann Sacks: Fez, Marrakesh and Tangier. Note also the blue-gray cabinets on the lower half, and white uppers.

Lower cabinet paint: Timber Wolf, Benjamin Moore

3. Warm Wood With Green

Kitchen at a Glance

  • Location: Alameda
  • Size: 260 square feet
  • Designer: Joy Wilkins of Custom Kitchens by John Wilkins

Photo here and below by Mike Kaskel

BEFORE: The oddest thing about the old kitchen was that it was made up of several separated, dark rooms, including this back entry and its unsightly water heater. The laundry room was connected to a dining area that included a range and the refrigerator. The kitchen sink was in its own separate room.

Photo by Custom Kitchens by John Wilkins, Inc. – Look for craftsman kitchen design inspiration

AFTER: The designer took down walls to open the laundry space to the kitchen.She hid the water heater inside custom Shaker-style cabinetry. Warm cherrywood cabinets, a creamy subway tile backsplash and beautiful wood floors make the kitchen feel fresh and new. The refrigerator preserves a retro note. When to Consider Engineered Wood Flooring.

Cabinetry: R.D. Henry & Co.; countertops: Caesarstone in Dreamy Marfil; paint by Benjamin Moore: Olive Branch (walls) and Navajo White (ceiling and trim); washer and dryer: Whirlpool

4. Wood to Gray

Kitchen at a Glance

  • Who lives here: Interior designer Danielle Perkins, her husband and their two small children
  • Location: Lake Murray
  • Size: 150 square feet
  • Year built: 1963; remodeled in 2015
  • Designer: Danielle Perkins of Danielle Interior Design & Decor
BEFORE: This kitchen came with a problem that doesn’t seem, at face value, like it would actually be a problem: The pantry was just too deep. But the pantry, to the right of the refrigerator, took up too much of the area that could be more counter space — and it was so deep that the family would often lose things in it.
Photo by DANIELLE Interior Design & Decor – Discover transitional kitchen design ideas

“After” photo by Taylor Abeel Photography

AFTER: The homeowner-designer moved the refrigerator to the right and installed a smaller and shallower cabinet to its right. She kept the old appliances and changed out the cabinets and range hood. The stools at the island are not upholstered and can easily be wiped down. Create a Focal Point With a Brand New Kitchen Island.

Stools: Crate & Barrel; hardware: Atlas Homewares; floor tiles: Regis in Tortora, Arizona Tile