5 Amazing Kitchen Makeovers

See impressive before-and-after photos, and get inspired to remodel your own space with our kitchen makeover tips.


basic white and wood kitchen
basic white and wood kitchen

Before: Clean But Basic

When a pipe burst under the sink, this homeowner knew it was time to remodel. Outdated appliances, dark wood cabinets, and a boring light fixture were swapped out to brighten and lighten up the space.















Plus: Try these 12 quick makeover projects»


After: Unified White

To ensure that the new bottom cabinets matched the old upper units, the homeowner painted both with Benjamin Moore's Linen White -- a move that lightened up the whole kitchen.

Laminate countertops were removed in favor of Ikea's affordable oak option -- which cost just $800 total and can be sanded down when cooking blunders occur.












Before: Uninspired Space

The counters and cabinets in this kitchen needed a chic update, but the vintage stove had too much charm and potential to get rid of.








Plus: Fantastic deals! Check out these 50 finds for less than $50 »


After: Bright White

The homeowner kept the kitchen's old Chambers stove and cabinets -- now improved with new fronts and a coat of Benjamin Moore's Patriotic White -- but jettisoned the Formica counters and dark backsplash in favor or marble and white subway tiles.














Before: Dark and Cramped

This kitchen's heavy, wood island and dark brick backsplash created the feeling of cramped quarters.







Plus: The ultimate guide to kitchen decorating »


After: Open and Airy

Designed Sara Story and her sister, Lisa, share a laugh in Lisa's much-improved Connecticut kitchen.

Sara banished the awkward upper cabinets -- and dated wooden valance -- from the wall with a pass-through window. She replaced the rest with sleek custom units and got rid of the hulking island. Sara also scrapped the bricks and installed plain Sheetrock painted white.



Before: Needs Some TLC

The owner of this Pennsylvania home, Mary Jane McCarty, planned a "kitchen de-modernization" project that included replacing dated linoleum with stock tile from Home Depot, laid at an angle to achieve the charming look of an old pharmacy.






Plus: 100+ bedroom design ideas you'll love! »


After: Updated Vintage-Look

McCarty also hung custom cupboards above a vintage basin, installed a teakwood countertop around the sink, and added a marble backsplash. The flower-shaped table belonged to her grandmother.















Before: Unfinished Shell

This unfinished kitchen was basically an empty shell and needed a lot of work. The renovation team started from scratch.
















Plus: 40 more incredible before-and-after home makeovers »

After: Finished Favorite

"Now the kitchen's my favorite place in the house," says owner Sacha Dunn, who updated the space with stainless-steel appliances and custom maple cabinets with butcher-block tops.












See more from CountryLiving.com:

Our Ultimate Guide to Kitchen Decorating »
40 Amazing Before-and-After Home Makeovers »
10 Ways to Design a Colorful Bedroom »
20 Easy Ways to Update Your Kitchen »

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Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.