This Dark, Dated Kitchen Feels So Much Brighter After a Green Makeover

"The original layout just didn't work. There was too much wasted space, not enough counter space, and a tiny pantry that could never hold what a family of six needs. Before, the kitchen was a dated galley style with a tiny pantry and mustard yellow walls. A large soffit dominated the space."

"The renovation involved removing the soffit thus making the space feel bigger and brighter, adding can lighting, building a new pantry, and refinishing the floors. The homeowners relocated the range to the back wall and added more countertops and counters there, plus a statement hood. They also added a washer and dryer to the kitchen."

"Susan says she learned time-saving tricks in the reno - like prepping and sourcing her materials before beginning - and she also learned budgeting tricks like reusing cabinets, hunting for secondhand matches."

Susan Rincon renovated her kitchen to better serve her household of six, which includes her husband, three children, and elderly mother. The original galley-style layout featured wasted space, insufficient counter area, and an inadequate pantry. The renovation removed a large soffit to create an open, brighter feel, relocated the range to the back wall with a statement hood, added substantial counter space, installed a new pantry, and incorporated a washer and dryer. The homeowners completed much of the work themselves, including demolition, cabinet installation, shelving, painting, and lighting, while professionals handled backsplash and countertops. The project taught valuable lessons about material preparation, budgeting, and creative reuse of existing cabinets.

Read at Apartment Therapy