When Remodelista contributing editor Meredith Swinehart began planning a recent move across the San Francisco Bay into the East Bay condo of her cinematographer boyfriend, the pair agreed to make some aesthetic upgrades so his longtime home would feel more like theirs. They made a plan: First, they would redesign the laundry niche. (Why start there? See Before & After: A Pet-Friendly Overhaul for the Laundry Closet for the reason. Hint: Cats are involved.) And second, they would revamp the space that was most visually irritating to them both: the kitchen.
Their gripes: The cabinets had perforated metal panels that left cabinet contents exposed and served as effective catchments for cooking grease and grime. The glossy seal on the wood cabinet frames had been damaged by splashed water over time, and the charcoal gray tile backsplash looked downright purple in the wrong light. The cabinet pulls were decorative—in a bad way—and the overall look was sorely dated. But because their complaints about the circa 2002 kitchen were largely aesthetic, they sought to make big changes while keeping the same footprint and making relatively minor interventions. The game changer? An upgrade to the cabinet fronts, and, most important, a fresh coat of paint.
Photography by Mahyar Abousaeedi for Remodelista.
After
On the recommendation of a friend in real estate, Meredith and her boyfriend hired East Bay Custom Cabinet to do the refinishing. Owner Lupe Hernandez suggested replacing the cabinet fronts entirely instead of swapping the perforated metal center panels with wood.
Before
See Meredith’s laundry room overhaul at Before & After: A Pet-Friendly Overhaul for the Laundry Closet.
Frequently asked questions
What was the inspiration behind the kitchen makeover?
The inspiration behind the kitchen makeover was to give the dated kitchen a modern, sleek and darker look.
What color palette was used for the kitchen?
The kitchen was painted in a dark color palette, with the walls painted in Farrow & Ball's Railings and the cabinets in Benjamin Moore's Devonshire Green.
What other changes were made to the kitchen?
Other changes made to the kitchen include replacing the countertops and backsplash, adding new hardware, and installing new appliances.
How long did the kitchen makeover take?
The kitchen makeover took about 4-6 weeks to complete.
What challenges were faced during the kitchen makeover?
One of the main challenges faced during the kitchen makeover was dealing with the old cabinets and figuring out the best way to update them without replacing them entirely.
Who was responsible for the kitchen makeover?
The kitchen makeover was done by designer Nicole Hollis and her team, in collaboration with contractor Jason Langkammerer.
