Kitchen remodel before & after: 1950s-inspired reno turns a boring space fab

This article highlights four regional architects who renovated five outdated kitchens in Pittsburgh, transforming them from functional spaces into designer areas. The architectural projects emphasize improved layouts, increased natural light, and enhanced aesthetics, focusing on the kitchen as the central hub of the home. Architect Mary Cerrone undertook two kitchen renovations. In Squirrel Hill, a 320-square-foot kitchen and deck addition aimed to improve the home's functional layout and views. The design incorporated durable materials such as linoleum over radiant floor heat, stainless steel, engineered stone countertops, stained maple cabinets, and porcelain tiles. A new deck connected to the kitchen expanded views and natural light. Cerrone maximized space by combining the kitchen with a small pantry, building out over the basement stair for a recessed refrigerator, and using a sliding screen door to eliminate door swings. In Upper Saint Clair, Cerrone transformed a 1,000-square-foot first-floor kitchen from a builder-style design into a streamlined, contemporary space. This involved redefining connections between the kitchen, eating area, laundry, and family room by adding windows and reorienting the kitchen workspace. The project featured end-matched walnut cabinets, aluminum and glass elements, Cambria countertops, and cork flooring. Storage was maximized by trading wall cabinet space for windows and installing an 8-foot length of full-height cabinets. The formal dining room was converted to a living room, and a generous eat-in area was created to accommodate twelve people. Fred M. Fargotstein focused on renovating a 1920s Pittsburgh home, changing its 1970s modern kitchen to a traditional style that aligned with the house's overall character. The renovation increased the kitchen size by 36 square feet by removing a servants’ stair. A colorful cast iron English import range became a focal point, featuring five commercial-style burners, two convection ovens, and a separate broiling compartment. Fargotstein improved efficiency by eliminating the problematic servants’ stair traffic pattern, creating a contiguous countertop work area, and ensuring the dishwasher did not obstruct access. A separate, fully functional work zone was incorporated in the pantry, complete with a prep sink and hot beverage station. Storage capacity was significantly increased by extending wall cabinets to the ceiling and incorporating glass doors for a sense of openness. Custom modifications included specialized storage for cookbooks and a nook for pet food bowls. Paul J. Levine revamped his own 1920s French Tudor home's kitchen in Point Breeze. His goals included aligning the kitchen with the home’s style, complementing existing Mexican Saltillo tile floors, increasing home value, and creating an eco-friendly space. The small kitchen, measuring 8 by 15 feet, was designed in a Craftsman style. He maximized island cabinet space and countertop surface for a bar-type eating area, using frameless cabinet construction to enhance interior space. Custom features included extending wall cabinets to the ceiling, using drawers instead of roll-out shelves, and a specific drawer for flatware. Levine self-performed the construction, using low VOC paint, water-saving fixtures, and Energy Star-rated appliances. He replaced a drafty back door with an energy-efficient wood door and restored a transom window. Gerald Lee Morosco led a kitchen remodel in Shadyside as part of a rehabilitation of a Dutch Colonial-style home. The existing kitchen, remodeled in the 1980s, lacked historical details. Morosco’s design aimed to reintegrate functionality with the home’s classic style. The kitchen was arranged into functional areas: a primary cooking area with a range and island, a cleanup area with dual dishwashers, a pantry with storage for a freezer and wine cabinet, and a breakfast space. Cabinet and drawer contents were meticulously planned for efficiency, with pull-out trays for pots and pans, and individual bins for garbage and recyclables. The island's non-working side included pull-up stools for guests, allowing them to engage without obstructing the cooking process. #KitchenRenovation #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #SpaceMaximization #SustainableDesign #FunctionalKitchens #PittsburghHomes #HomeImprovements

The article details a kitchen renovation project that transformed a 1990s-era kitchen into a modern and vibrant space. The homeowners, Johnny LaZebnik and Jess Higgins, initially faced a common challenge with older homes: a dated kitchen featuring honey oak cabinetry and a closed-off layout. The original kitchen, while functional, lacked aesthetic appeal and felt disconnected from the rest of the house, which had already undergone significant upgrades. The couple lived with the original kitchen for two years before embarking on a renovation that aimed to modernize the space without a complete overhaul. The primary focus of the renovation was to update the cabinetry. Instead of replacing the existing cabinets entirely, which would have been a more costly and extensive project, LaZebnik and Higgins opted for a transformative paint job. They chose a bold, dark green shade, Farrow & Ball's Bancha, for the upper and lower cabinets. This decision dramatically altered the kitchen's ambiance, moving away from the light and airy trend often seen in modern design and instead embracing a rich, earthy tone that provided a striking contrast to the white walls and existing elements. Beyond the cabinet color, several other key changes contributed to the kitchen's revival. The original dark countertop was replaced with a light, speckled quartz, which brightened the space and provided a fresh surface. The existing kitchen island, a large L-shaped structure that further enclosed the area, was removed. In its place, a new, more compact and movable island was introduced, featuring open shelving and a butcher block top. This change significantly improved the flow and functionality of the kitchen, creating a more open and inviting atmosphere. To complement the new green cabinets and lighten the overall feel, brass hardware was installed on all cabinet doors and drawers. This metallic accent added a touch of elegance and warmth, contrasting beautifully with the deep green. The backsplash, which was previously a simple, perhaps dated, design, was updated with a new tile. While the specific style of the new backsplash is not detailed, it is implied to be a more contemporary choice that harmonizes with the refreshed aesthetic. The renovation also addressed the kitchen's lighting. Old fluorescent lights were replaced with modern recessed lighting, which provides better illumination and a more polished look. Additionally, a new window was installed above the sink, increasing natural light and enhancing the connection to the outdoors. A significant structural change involved removing a wall between the kitchen and dining room. This opened up the floor plan, creating a more cohesive living area and improving the overall spaciousness and flow of the home. The former dining room was then repurposed as a secondary living room, further optimizing the house's layout. The outcome is a kitchen that feels entirely new, despite retaining much of its original structure. The bold color choice for the cabinets, combined with strategic updates to countertops, hardware, lighting, and the removal of the enclosing wall, successfully transformed a dated 1990s kitchen into a contemporary, functional, and aesthetically pleasing space. The project serves as an example of how thoughtful design choices and a willingness to embrace color can dramatically modernize a home without requiring a full demolition. #KitchenRenovation #HomeImprovement #InteriorDesign #BeforeAndAfter #GreenCabinets #ModernKitchen #DIYRenovation #HomeDecor

The article details a kitchen renovation project focusing on a 143-square-foot space in a 1980s-built home that previously featured a small, dark kitchen with linoleum flooring and dated oak cabinetry. The homeowner, Margaret Rajic, desired a brighter, more functional space that could accommodate six people without altering the existing layout. The renovation aimed to transform the kitchen into a cottage-style area, prioritizing natural light, improved storage, and enhanced seating capacity. Key changes included replacing the original linoleum floor with a durable and aesthetically pleasing stone tile. The upper cabinets were removed and replaced with open shelving, which contributed to a more airy feel and allowed for personalized decor. New lower cabinetry was installed, featuring a lighter color palette to enhance brightness and complement the desired cottage aesthetic. The installation of a large, custom-built table served as the central feature for dining, successfully accommodating six individuals within the compact footprint. This table also provided additional workspace and a focal point for the room. Throughout the renovation, the design philosophy emphasized maximizing the perceived space and light. The chosen materials, such as the stone floor and lighter cabinets, were selected for their ability to reflect light and create an open atmosphere. The open shelving not only offered practical storage for dishes and frequently used items but also allowed for decorative elements, further contributing to the cottage charm. The deliberate decision to maintain the original layout meant that structural changes were minimal, simplifying the renovation process and potentially reducing costs. The project demonstrates how a small kitchen can be significantly improved in both functionality and appearance through thoughtful design choices and material selections, even when constrained by an existing layout. The successful integration of a large dining table into a modest space highlights effective space planning. The transformation resulted in a kitchen that is not only visually appealing and bright but also highly practical for a household requiring seating for six, embodying a classic cottage style. #KitchenMakeover #SmallSpaceDesign #CottageKitchen #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #KitchenRenovation #BeforeAndAfter

The article details a significant kitchen renovation undertaken by Kara Harms, transforming a 1970s kitchen in an A-frame house in Washington state. The original kitchen was described as drab and outdated, featuring olive green countertops, beige backsplash, honey oak cabinets, and a general lack of personality. The space felt dark due to the extensive use of wood and a brown linoleum floor. Harms envisioned a bold, vibrant, and fun kitchen that would reflect her maximalist design style, moving away from the previously planned neutral color palette. She decided to embrace color and pattern to achieve a dramatically different look. The renovation began with the removal of the old linoleum flooring, revealing unexpected dark green sheet vinyl underneath, which was also removed. To address the dark wood paneling, Harms opted to paint it a playful pink shade, a decision she initially second-guessed but ultimately found to be a defining success of the project. The honey oak cabinets were given a fresh coat of green paint, providing a striking contrast with the pink walls and adding a touch of whimsy. These color choices were pivotal in shifting the kitchen's aesthetic from dull to dynamic. A key design element introduced was a floral peel-and-stick wallpaper applied to the upper wall space. This wallpaper, featuring a vibrant pattern, further enhanced the maximalist theme and contributed to the kitchen's unique character. The original countertops were replaced with new white laminate countertops, which brightened the space and provided a clean backdrop for the colorful walls and cabinets. A white subway tile backsplash was installed, offering a classic yet contemporary feel that complemented the new design elements. Several functional and aesthetic upgrades were also made. The outdated appliances were replaced with new white appliances, maintaining a cohesive and bright look. A new, more modern sink and faucet were installed, improving both usability and visual appeal. Lighting was upgraded with a contemporary light fixture, which helped to illuminate the once-dark kitchen more effectively. Open shelving was incorporated, allowing for the display of decorative items and adding a personalized touch to the space. Additional details like updated hardware on the cabinets and drawers, and carefully selected decor further contributed to the kitchen's transformation. The overall cost of the renovation was kept modest, largely due to Harms' DIY approach and the strategic use of more affordable materials like peel-and-stick wallpaper and laminate countertops. The final result is a kitchen that is almost unrecognizable from its original state, now boasting a cheerful and inviting atmosphere that perfectly aligns with Harms' bold design preferences. #KitchenRenovation #HomeImprovement #InteriorDesign #DIYProject #MaximalistDecor #PinkWalls #FloralWallpaper #1970sKitchen #BeforeAndAfter

The article details a significant kitchen renovation project transforming a 1970s kitchen into a vibrant, modern space. The homeowners, Kara and Drew, purchased their 1977 ranch-style home in 2021, and while many elements were intact, the kitchen was particularly dark, cluttered, and outdated, featuring olive green countertops, dark wood cabinets, and brown linoleum flooring. Kara, known for her colorful and maximalist design style, saw potential for a dramatic transformation. The renovation began with addressing the kitchen's layout and functionality. The existing space was enclosed by walls, making it feel cramped and disconnected from the rest of the house. The couple decided to remove a wall separating the kitchen from the living room to create an open-concept living area. This structural change immediately brightened the space and improved flow. They also removed a soffit and a pantry cabinet to make the kitchen appear taller and more spacious. While the original flooring was linoleum, the entire house had oak hardwood floors underneath, which they decided to refinish for a cohesive look. For the aesthetic overhaul, Kara chose a bold and cheerful color palette. She opted for pink paint for the walls and introduced a floral wallpaper with a pink background and green accents. This choice was a significant departure from the previous drab interior and aligned perfectly with her maximalist vision. The existing dark wood cabinets were replaced with new white Shaker-style cabinets from Cabinets.com, which provided a clean, classic base for the colorful elements. They also installed new quartz countertops that mimic marble, adding a touch of elegance and brightness. New appliances, including a counter-depth refrigerator, were installed to modernize the kitchen's functionality and appearance. The lighting was also updated with recessed lighting to further brighten the space. Unique design elements were carefully chosen to complement the new aesthetic. This included whimsical mushroom-shaped pulls for the drawers and cabinets, and a deep green tile for the backsplash, which harmonized with the green accents in the floral wallpaper. Throughout the renovation, Kara and Drew faced challenges such as learning to install new subflooring and dealing with an old cast iron sink that was difficult to remove. Despite these hurdles, they managed to complete most of the work themselves, including painting, wallpapering, and installing the new flooring. The total cost of the renovation was approximately $15,000, a testament to their DIY efforts and careful material selection. The completed kitchen is now almost unrecognizable. It features light hardwood floors, white Shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, a green subway tile backsplash, and the distinctive pink walls adorned with floral wallpaper. The open layout, combined with the bright and cheerful design, has transformed the kitchen into a welcoming and functional space that perfectly reflects Kara’s personal style. The project demonstrates how strategic design choices and DIY dedication can dramatically update an outdated space. #KitchenRenovation #HomeImprovement #DIYProject #InteriorDesign #BeforeAndAfter #MaximalistDecor #FloralWallpaper #PinkWalls #1970sHome