When we first moved into our home, the kitchen was… well, let’s just say it was functional. The orange-toned wood cabinets, vinyl flooring, tile countertops, and dated appliances all told the story of a bygone era—and not in a charming, nostalgic way. While we dream of a grand kitchen addition in the future, we knew we couldn’t live with the current setup much longer. So, we rolled up our sleeves, grabbed some paintbrushes, and embarked on a kitchen facelift that has completely transformed the space.

This wasn’t a complete gut job. There were no walls coming down or massive construction crews invading our home. Instead, we focused on updating the existing bones of the kitchen to make it more functional, beautiful, and in line with the character of our house. And the best part? We did almost all the work ourselves. Here’s how we turned our tired kitchen into a space we truly love.

Flooring: From Vinyl to a Stylish Statement

The first step in our kitchen transformation was addressing the vinyl flooring. It had seen better days (and probably better decades). We opted for peel-and-stick tiles—a budget-friendly option that’s as practical as it is beautiful. The process was surprisingly straightforward, and the results? Game-changing. The new flooring brings a modern yet timeless look to the space, grounding it in style and durability.

Wallpaper: Adding Personality and Charm

Next up: the walls. We chose a muted yet classic wallpaper that instantly brought the room to life. It’s amazing how a little pattern can completely transform a space. The wallpaper adds personality and ties the room together without overwhelming the traditional charm of our home.

Cabinet Makeover: From Orange-Toned to Elegant

Ah, the cabinets. These were perhaps the biggest eyesore in the kitchen. The orange-toned wood screamed “1990s,” and not in a fun retro way. A fresh coat of paint changed everything. We went with a soft, neutral color that feels both modern and timeless. It was a labor of love—cleaning, sanding, priming, and painting—but the end result is worth every sore arm and late-night painting session.

To complete the cabinet makeover, we replaced the old hardware with something a little more substantial than the little knobs we had before. This small change had a big impact, making the cabinets feel brand new.

Light Fixtures: A Bright Idea

The old light fixtures weren’t just dated; they were downright unflattering. We swapped out old spotlight lighting for a black and crystal fixture to match the other lighting we had in the house. We also found a vintage glass shade for the light fixture over our sink which absolutely brought the charm back to our space. Good lighting can make or break a space, and in our case, it made all the difference.

Appliances: Modern Meets Traditional

Our old appliances were on their last legs, so upgrading them was a no-brainer. We selected appliances that blend modern amenities with a look that complements our home’s traditional style. The new additions make cooking and cleaning a breeze while enhancing the overall design.

Countertops: A Professional Touch

While we tackled most of the updates ourselves, we left the countertop installation to the professionals. We chose a material that’s both durable and beautiful, adding a touch of luxury to the space. The new countertops are not only more functional for cooking and baking (hello, sourdough adventures!) but also serve as a stunning focal point.

Backsplash: Simple Yet Impactful

The backsplash was the cherry on top of our kitchen facelift. We chose a classic brick tile that ties everything together and adds just the right amount of texture and interest. In our last home, Carlton and I did A LOT of tiling – so tacking a tiling project in this house was like riding a bike again.

Art and Shelves: Finishing Touches

To personalize the space, we added open shelves and a few pieces of art. Carlton made the shelves to fit the space perfectly (I’m in love with them!).The shelves provide extra storage and display space for our favorite dishes and cookbooks, while the art adds a touch of personality. These finishing touches help the kitchen feel warm, lived-in, and uniquely ours.

A Labor of Love

One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was doing the work ourselves. Sure, there were moments when we questioned our sanity (like when we were Macklemore until 11:30PM on a week night trying to get the floor done before we had visitors), but the satisfaction of seeing our vision come to life made it all worthwhile. Each element of the kitchen facelift—from the peel-and-stick tiles to the freshly painted cabinets—reflects our dedication to creating a space that works for our family while honoring the integrity of our home.

Our main goal for this project was to make the kitchen more functional while breathing new life into it. Despite its small size, the updates have made the space feel larger and more efficient. Every element—from the new countertops to the open shelves—was chosen with both form and function in mind. It’s now a kitchen where we love to cook, gather, and make memories.

While this facelift has made a world of difference, it’s only the beginning. In the future, we plan to add an addition to the back of the house to create a larger kitchen. But for now, this updated space feels like a whole new room, and we couldn’t be happier with the results.

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Love of Luverne: Inspired by Home

At Love of Luverne, we believe in the power of thoughtful updates to transform a space. This kitchen facelift is a testament to that philosophy. By embracing the history and character of our home while incorporating modern conveniences, we’ve created a space that feels elevated yet approachable—a perfect reflection of our mission.

If you’re considering a kitchen update, know that even small changes can have a big impact. Whether it’s a fresh coat of paint, new hardware, or a bold wallpaper, every choice can bring you closer to a space you love. And if you’re tackling it yourself, embrace the imperfections—they’re part of the story.

Our kitchen is more than just a place to cook; it’s the heart of our home. It’s where we bake bread, share meals, and gather as a family. And now, thanks to this facelift, it’s a space that truly feels like us.