05.21
2012

Matt and Meredith’s HUGE Kitchen Makeover
About a week and a half ago we traveled to southern Georgia to visit
Jon’s sister Meredith and her husband, Matt who is a pilot in the Air
Force. They moved here about a year ago when Matt got stationed here and
bought a beautiful home in a quiet little neighborhood full of lovely
houses all loaded with southern charm. I had seen before photos and some
during photos but I had not seen their finished kitchen so I was blown
away when we walked into this stunning space:
To get a full appreciation for what they did you need to see the befores:
 

One more before:
Now I will take you on a little tour through the space. (At the end of the post I will include all of the resource information).
When you walk through their side door from their driveway you go through this little hall. It is painted the same color as the kitchen so it feels kind of like an extension of the kitchen. A beautiful old mirror hangs on the wall.

Once you enter the kitchen you see a beautiful display of trays/serving pieces hung on the wall. They painted all of the trim and painted over the dated wallpaper. They also replaced the flooring.

Then you turn and see the gorgeous island transformation. They replaced the old fluorescent lighting with this new light/pot rack fixture. They painted the island and added a new gorgeous marble countertop and then added some large butcher block type cutting boards to give a nice little prep space and help protect the counters.

Here is the kitchen from the other side:
The basket at the end of the island makes for a great space to store baking pans and cooling racks (Lola spent about half her time there emptying everything out of that basket, the other half of her time was spent chasing their dog winter around and giving him kisses).

They moved the microwave to the cabinet out of site above the oven and
filled the open space with a little “coffee station”. I think that was
one of Jon’s favorite parts.

They removed the upper cabinet doors over to the back right to allow for open display space.

 
I love the dried wreath above the sink:

 

 

 

And in case you forgot here’s another before and after:
Time for all of the resources: 
Wall Color: Benjamin Moore’s Chelsea Gray
Trim Color/Cabinet Color: Benjamin Moore’s Simply White
Primer for the Wallpaper and all the Cherry Colored Trim: Kilz Latex Enamel Primer
Primer for all Wood Cabinetry: Zinsser Latex Primer
Pot Rack/Light Fixture: Lowe’s
Kitchen Table and Chairs: Wal-Mart
Light Fixture over Kitchen Table: Original Fixture Spray Painted Oil Rubbed Bronze
New Knobs on Top Cabinets: from Hobby Lobby and then Spray Painted Oil Rubbed Bronze
 New Pulls: from Target and Spray Painted Oil Rubbed Bronze
Bird Prints: from a 2011 Calendar by Cavallini and Co. – matted and framed
Wreath – Williams-Sonoma Fresh Bay Leaf from Christmas that dried beautifully
Butcher Block Cutting Boards – IKEA (just $10!!!)
Basket with Pans: Target 
Teacups – Antiques  

Stools – Target

And here is a little more of the technical type info that I know readers always like to know. Meredith, with help from her mom, Martha, painted all of the cabinetry and walls themselves. Meredith also put the subway tile backsplash up herself (for about $30!). By doing all of that themselves they were able to keep the cost of this makeover extremely reasonable. They didn’t need to do any sanding to the cabinets but they did prime all of the cabinets and woodwork. Because the wallpaper was on so tight they simply primed over it and then painted! (We did this in our last home and I have to say it is a HUGE time-saver if you have really old paper that is STUCK on there!) After now seeing her kitchen in person I can say that you would have absolutely no idea that there was wallpaper under the paint. The primer really does an amazing job!
They had someone come and install the marble countertops and the slate floor (which are 20 by 20 squares) and were very lucky that they were able to come within two days of Meredith calling them. The entire project took about 11 days from start to finish! Can you believe that?
Pretty impressive, wouldn’t you say?

Also, we have restocked our Love Is… Pillow Cover Sets!
I hope you all have a fabulous Monday!
Blessed Be...
Happy Sunday from Lola and Winter
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169 thoughts on “Matt and Meredith’s HUGE Kitchen Makeover”

  5. Absolutely beautiful! Meredith and Matt did an amazing job with their renovation – not only with their gorgeous design but also with their cost saving features. Everywhere I look there is something that inspires me. Thanks so much for sharing their new kitchen.

  7. Stunning! They did a beautiful job.

    What camera do you use? What were your camera settings for these pictures? You take such lovely photos.

  8. Jennifer, what a gorgeous transformation. Love the colors they used and so glad to know someone else who painted over wallpaper because we did, too in our kitchen and master bath. Just too hard to remove.

  11. Isn't it amazing how paint and hard work can completely transform a room? This is a stunningly beautiful makeover! And Simply White is my all time favorite white… I first used it on my kitchen cabinets and walls and now use it all over the house. GREAT job!

  12. There are so many beautiful details to take in that I feel a little dizzy! What gorgeous kitchen inspiration. Thanks to you and your family for sharing this beautiful room! I pinned several things 🙂

  13. Wow! Stunning! They did such a professional job without spending a lot. Most kitchen renovations cost a fortune. I especially love the light fixture over the island, the floor, the coffee station and the wreath. I have a basket like that at the end of the island. Mine came from Target. It is a Smith and Hawken and I found it on sale for only $32. I love it!

  14. That is my DREAM kitchen right there! So beautiful. I do have a question though…. I'm kind of swooning over those black and white teacups (and their coffee station for that matter!). Do you know where the teacups are from? If not, that's okay… I'm a total nut for teacups, toile, and tea sets in general, so definitely fell in love with these. 🙂 Happy Monday

    1. Thanks, Kerri! I checked with Meredith and the teacups are a antique hand-me-down from her mom. She looked on the bottom to see if there was a company name or something but it just said "made in England". Sorry!

    2. I'm pretty sure the pattern is "Asiatic Pheasant" in black from Johnson Brothers.
      I have this set and love it! A wonderful Craigslist find!
      Also, I LOVE the kitchen re-do – have been struggling to make the final decisions on ours and this one gives me the inspiration of what to do. Plus the coffee bar area with *my* fav china seals the deal!
      Beautiful – just beautiful!

  16. I love all the white woodwork. Are the trim and cabinets oil based paint? I always seem to get brush marks when painting. Were they able to get a smooth paint finish? If so, what steps did they take to accomplish this? Thanks for the great post!

    1. I checked with Meredith and this is what she said, "The paint isn’t oil-based. I think it went on particularly smooth because of the zinsser. I had read on blogs before that this is like the miracle primer, the little built-in area counter is actually just the original countertop painted with the zinsser primer first, so it sticks to everything and makes it smooth. Also, I would have to say it’s the use of a really good small roller- use a paint brush to get into the nooks of the cabinets, then go back with a fine nap roller to smooth it all out."

      I definitely would second that about getting a good small roller. The last several furniture pieces I painted I did that and the difference is amazing! NO brush marks at all!

  18. wow now that is a makeover…loved it all…..i see they painted over wallpaper…they were lucky that paper wasn't peeling or that any overlaps showed….i was wondering did she do the subway tile right over the wallpaper also?

    1. Hey Chris! I checked with Meredith and yes, she did do the subway tile over the wallpaper, but that area was primed and painted first, too.

  23. What an incredibly gorgeous job! I love everything! Did they spray paint the hinges on the cabinets and doors too? I want to do this but I am afraid they will squeak. Also, how did they hang the silver trays on the walls? I have been wanting to do this. Thanks!

    1. I checked with Meredith and she did spray paint the door handles and hinges on the doors, but the cabinet hinges don't show on the outside (luckily) so she didn’t have to spray those!

      For the silver trays on the walls she just used standard plate/tray hangers found in hobby lobby or any craft store.

      Hope that helps!

  24. I am so impressed by this kitchen! I'm a sucker for kitchen makeovers anyway (because mine needs one so badly!), but this one really caught my attention because of the style. I totally assumed it was high-end and expensive, then started to read your source list and my jaw just dropped! Even more impressive that it was done on a budget and so quickly! One of my favorite makeovers in the blogosphere. Thank you so much for sharing! (pinning!)

  25. It's beautiful Jennifer. Clearly good taste runs in the family! I've been obsessed with your blog since finding it last week on Kim's blog and I've gotten so much inspiration from you. Just wanted to thank you. Also gave you a little shout out on my post today that you might find amusing.
    Have a great week!
    xoxo,
    Kim

  28. Wow! Wow!! Wow!!! That is fantastic! I would have never thought to paint over the wallpaper! What a stunning transformation!

  29. Ohhhh My God, That is hands down, one of the best makeovers i have EVER seen. My mouth is hanging open… It's just so simply gorgeous, it dosen't even look like the same kitchen in any way… that's incredible!

    Cindy

  30. It's amazing what a little paint and elbow grease did! Of course, gorgeous counters, pretty floors and some fantastic styling always help too! That really inspires me to get cracking on my kitchen! Thanks for sharing!

  33. Amazing! Especially the 11 days part. This kitchen is a stunner! I adore the wall color with all the white. I love a good kitchen redo and this is one of the best. I also love a kitchen redo done for little money…again this one is one of the best.

  34. Ahhh-mazing! Such an unbelievable job! Beautiful colors, beautiful style!

  37. What an inspiring makeover…. I thought they were brand new cupboards then I did a double take what a difference a bit of paint can make. It has been decorated so tastefully, I absolutely love the grey walls against the white cupboards, I'm definitely considering this for my kitchen!

    Once again thanks Jennifer for sharing.

  38. The kitchen looks fabulous. Two favorite things…the coffee station is awesome and love love love the butcher block and how it hooks on to the end of the counter. Genius!!

    1. I checked with Meredith and the blue plates are from Southern Living at Home- now Williow House, but she scrolled through their website and it doesn’t look like they have them anymore. =(

    1. I love it too! It's from Williams-Sonoma. It was a fresh bay leaf wreath that she got it this past Christmas and it dried beautifully!

  45. Where did they buy the tile? Also, what is the color of the tile? I'm in love!

    4. Do you know the details for the slate flooring? I'm building a house right now and having been looking for this flooring!!!!

  47. Gorgeous…. I am loving this kitchen. I am contemplating redoing my kitchen and painting the cabinets. You said that they did not sand and wondered how they got by without doing that. That is the one step that keeps me from moving forward with the redo. If I could get by with just priming and painting, I would be thrilled.

  48. That is one of the be most beautiful kitchen transformations I've ever seen! I absolutely love it! I can't pick out a favorite in the photos because it is all so beautiful!

  49. What an absolutely BEAUTIFUL kitchen, I can't believe this transformation!!!! This is one of the most beautiful kitchens I've ever seen! I love that wall color! I'll be pinning lots of these for inspiration!!! Just beautiful!

  55. Beautiful!!!! How lucky that (even if it didn't look like it) that the kitchen had good bones to work with instead of having to gut it. Love, love the colors.

    Andrea

  56. The old kitchen is very much like mine in my home here in Atlanta. I am going to redo it this summer and will be using this kitchen as inspiration. Where did the floor time come from. I think it ties it all together beautifully!

  57. WOW WOW WOW… I had to look close because I am in disbelief they are the same cabinets, the power of paint is just amazing. They did an increadible job and on a budget. Thank you for sharing with us, I just shared it on FB hope you don't mind.
    XO
    Kristin

  58. What a beautiful makeover! Oh, and my table runners arrived yesterday and they are stunning! They are actually long enough, and the workmanship is wonderful, of course! Thank you so much!

  59. I am completely and utterly in love with this kitchen. I am inspired to do a few updates to my kitchen and this update will definitely be used as my inspiration! Do you happen to know where she got the placemats on the table? I have a round table too and always struggle to find placemats that fit (can't use rectangular ones because they overlap). These are so pretty!

    1. Hey Cheryl! How are you? I checked with Meredith and she said she got them at Williams Sonoma but is pretty sure they are discontinued. =( Maybe you could look on Ebay?

  60. Wow, what an inspiring kitchen remodel! I love that so many of the items in their kitchen are found at big name stores, but that they totally added their own personal touch and made it look much more expensive! Wonderful makeover!

  61. THANK YOU FOR SHARING SUCH A WONDERFUL MAKEOVER! THERE ARE SO MANY IDEAS THAT I MIGHT JUST STEAL LIKE THE BAKING SHEETS IN THE BASKET, OR THE ACCESSORIES SPORTING THE CHALKBOARD PAINT. ONCE AGAIN I AM IN AWE OF HOW TALENTED YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE. THANK YOU AGAIN, D.

  62. I have mentioned to my husband that we should spray-paint our pulls to save $$ for our kitchen make-over, but he's not sure about the prep. Did she buy brand new pulls and then paint them, or paint old ones? Ours are old and dirty, and should probably be cleaned prior to painting. Any ideas on how to clean them?

    2. I sprayed my existing knobs Oil Rubbed Bronze and they turned out great! I fixed up some ammonia water and wiped them down before I sprayed.

  63. Absolutely stunning! This is one of the most beautiful kitchen transformations I have seen! They need to be featured in a magazine. Each detail is just beautiful. I am now inspired to paint one of our bathrooms which has ugly wallpaper from the 70s and paint right over the paper. Not sure what glue they used back then but it is glued like you wouldn't believe. I never knew you could paint right over wallpaper! Love their wall color – so striking with white subway tile. That basket is a fabulous idea for pots, pans and cookie sheets! Gorgeous kitchen! Thanks for sharing it with us!

  64. Thank you for showing this! 1) I have pretty much the same tile in my kitchen and have been really bummed lately that I didn't do hardwood, but this looks so good, I may start liking MY tile again. 2) I've been eyeing a potrack like this at a local gourmet store, but now that I know Lowe's is carrying one, I'm going to see if I can get it at a better price–yeah me!!– AND 3) How SAD am I that I got here too late for your pillow covers?!?! I'm redoing my teenaged daughter's bedroom right now and she would LOVE these!!!!!! She is leaving next week for Europe and will be gone for 2 weeks. If another pair goes on sale I would really, really, really LOVE to get them for her while she is gone!!!!!!!!!

  66. Absolutely gorgeous! I'd love to see photos of the rest of their house – I'm sure it's all just as stunning!
    Does Meredith have a blog? Monique xx

  67. So beautiful! I really love the grey walls. It is stunning against the white trim. Now I'm looking at my home and trying to think what wall could be painted grey! Thanks so much for sharing this kitchen – wow!

  68. forgive me for not reading all the post, but what is the name of the tile that was put down?
    amazing job! just beautiful!!!
    thanks for posting all the little details too 🙂

  69. I am obsessed with this makeover! I can't stop starring at it! I am stealing so many ideas! I love your blog too! So much eye candy. Thank you for the inspiration!

  70. Love your blog! I am so impressed with this makeover. Do you know where the lantern on the table was purchased?

  72. Jennifer, thank you for sharing this makeover with us. I have just found my dining room chairs!!!! The kitchen must have lots of light because that colour seems very dark. It looks soooo good. I would also liketo know where the lantern was purchased? All the woman in your family seem to have similar taste. Beautiful!

  73. Beautiful! So inspiring in fact .that I have spent the last two days repainting my kitchen in…..you guessed it, Chelsea Grey and Simply White!! Thank you for posting the pictures of Meredith's kitchen it was just the "kick in the pants" I needed to update my kitchen….well, that and my husband has been\ out of town for a couple of days! lol….I'm just taking down the last of the dreaded blue painter's tape and starting to clear off counter tops and add some cute accessories…..again, can't thank you enough!,,,,,,,btw….my stainless steel pot rack will be getting a coat of oil rubbed bronze tomorrow and I'll be sitting in my "new" kitchen enjoying the fruit of my…..well, maybe the fruit of Meredith's labor! hahaha! Thanks again!

  74. me again…..if anyone wants to make the "chalkboard" bon appetit silver tray but not have to paint over good silver….a little trick i used was to put black contact paper on my tray….I used a razor blade to cut it to fit and then wrote on the contact paper (which looks exactly like black chalkboard)…voila….I can always take the paper off later if I need to use the tray for something else!

  75. FYI: for those with questions about the oil rubbed bronze pulls on the drawers….. I just returned from a trip to Lowes….Rustoleum brand spray paint makes an oil rubbed bronze with primer already in the paint! Oh Happy day!…..be sure to spray several very very light coats of paint on your fixures to get a finish that doesn't have drips and spots!

    1. I checked with my sister-in-law and she said that the sink is Kohler, and is from Lowes and the faucet is from Lowe's as well, but she doesn't remember the name and doesn't see it anywhere on it.

      Hope that helps! Have a lovely week!

  81. The kitchen looks incredible. May I ask what finish she used on the cabinets and whether she applied a coat of poly? I'm curious to see how the white is holding up, whether it's easy to wipe down and if it's peeling. Thank you!

  82. I have removed alot of wallpaper in my day and I think that 999 times out of 1000 is it acceptable to paint over wall paper. I would never ever do it. For the person who doesn't like brush marks in her trim there are two things to not have them. One – you could be over brushing, or brushing into paint that is already drying. Second – the best way to not see brush strokes is a light sanding of primer, wipe down with tack cloth, paint first coat, then lightly sand after dry. Wipe down with tack cloth. Then final coat.

  83. This transformation is amazing. When I look closely, I can see that she has a popcorn ceiling in the kitchen as do I. I am also going to be removing a large box-like florescent light. Is she going to patch or paint the celing where there is a color and finish difference or just let it go? I could be convinced either way. Thanks, in advance, for your advice!

  85. This is stunning, amazing! I love the style and the colors, they blend very well opposed to your former design. Not to say that was a terrible thing; but change is inevitable. Great job!

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  91. This kitchen is absolutely stunning, and it is just the inspiration I needed to get my but in gear to redo my kitchen. My hubby and I have been planning to renovate the kitchen, but we did not want to spend an arm and a leg! With tips like this, it looks like we might actually be able to get it done. I am heading to Lowes tomorrow to find the spray paint for the drawer pulls and knobs, and also the subway tile! I am excited and ready to get started!

  92. I painted my cabinets white, replaced all of the pulls with oil rubbed bronze, and had a slate tile floor put down about a year ago. Last weekend, I decided it was time to rip down the green//cream striped wallpaper. I've been trying to decide what color to paint the now bare walls, and this just sealed the deal! Amazing and beautiful!

  93. Hello! I'm looking at the Lowe's site, and I don't see the pot rack/light with that color that she has in her kitchen. Did she also spray that with something?

    Thanks! Megan

  94. I love this makeover. Truly amazing.

    Where is that tan pitcher/vase from ? I noticed you have white one very similar in some of your other blogs and I am dying to have one.

  95. Do you know if Meredith took the cabinets down before she painted them, or did she paint them while they were hung on the walls? I am considering painting mine, but I am worried I will get paint drips if I leave them up.

  96. This is true inspiration for my kitchen remodel. SIMPLY GORGE! Where did she purshase the oil rubbed bronze spray paint?

  97. With a kitchen that ugly, I think I could have completed it in 11 days, too! She was sick of looking at it, I am sure! GREAT job! I love it! The value of that home just increased massively!
    Thanks for sharing!
    Trish

  99. Is there a source for the slate floor in the kitchen? We are renovating a home and I've not even considered slate, but I love this floor? I've never actually known anyone with a slate kitchen floor either. Is it durable? Is it "low" maintenance.

    Thanks so much! This was a big FIND for me! Love your blog!!!

    Susan from GA

  100. So sorry!!! Just reread the comments….Got the slate link!

    Thanks!

    Susan from GA

  101. Unbelievably gorgeous. Although during house hunting, if I saw a kitchen like the before photo, I would have run the opposite way really fast. Who knew with such vision and taste (and hard work) that the ugly duckling could become The White and Grey Swan!!! Bravo!!! A job well done!!

  102. im in love with this transformation. I ve been trying to convince hubby for YEARS now to paint our 1980' s oak cabinets and he just won't budge. I'll keep this pinned and just dream about it lol!!

  103. I really love the work done here. Every detail is just perfect for this kitchen. I have to say, the old one looks like an old fashioned coffee shop with those floral wallpapers but now it absolutely is a chic kitchen. The white cabinets are perfect for the dark shaded floor. Thank you for sharing this amazing post.

  104. I first saw this beautiful kitchen in Consumer Reports Kitchen issue and your pictures show how really amazing it is. Meredith is very talented and has a wonderful eye! I'm trying to replace the cooktop in my island and I wondered what brand hers was with the built-in exhaust and whether she is happy with it.

  106. Do Matt and Meredith have a blog? I'd love to see more!!! I'm so inspired by this kitchen and I want to know how it ties in with the rest of the house!

  108. What type of hardware did she use to hang her trays up with? I've bypassed several at thrift shops… No longer!

  110. Not sure if previous comment went through. I love this kitchen make-over! Could you please let me know which paint finish she used on the cabinets and the walls. Was it a flat finish, satin, gloss? I never know which to select. Love this site. Thank you.

  111. How did they manage to get by without sanding the cabinets? I think that is what has kept me from redoing my cabinets in my kitchen. Thanks

    2. Do I need to sand silver tray before painting black chalkboard? I haven't experienced painting on any silver tray or plate etc.

      Ginger

  113. I love the coffee bar idea, but I don't see a microwave anywhere. Did they do away with it completely?

  114. Hi! This makeover just rendered me shocked. I am amazed about the newly transformed with the cabinets and the walls! I couldn't believe it when u said it was painted over! Amazing and stunning! It is going to help me feel better about the makeover I plan to do in near future without moaning or groaning about some certain things I hate like removing wallpapering or redoing the cabinets. You have brought a new light in my eyes! Now I saw the trays hanging on walls. How do u do that without showing the holders? I have a antique one but do not want to put screws or holes in it. It would be a big no no for me. I want to put it on the walls without shelving. Any tips or suggestions would help. Thank u for sharing. 🙂

    1. Thanks! I checked with Meredith and for the silver trays on the walls she just used standard plate/tray hangers found in hobby lobby or any craft store.

  115. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful space. I have never heard of painting over wallpaper. Can you talk about that!! Maybe i am just behind, I guess i thought you had to remove it.

  116. Stunning! Beautiful. Would love to see a post on the rest if the house. Coming soon I hope 🙂

  119. WOW, I'd love to do this for my kitchen. I also have an island stove (gas) but my question is where is the vent for the stove top? Can you have a stove in a kitchen without a ventilation system? I've always wanted a cooking rack over my stove so if I don't need a vent out my old vent goes!!

  123. I didn't see this question above but I must ask? Where did you relocate your microwave? I have a similar setup and would love to get my coffee maker off my counter top! I love everything about this kitchen well done.

  124. Thanks for this post! My wife and I have been considering designing our own new home, and we couldn't be more excited about it.

  126. WOW, I am trilled to find your "detailed" makeover. I have to tell you, I have been reading and searching the proper method to redo my kitchen cupboards. The are the same as your "before". I am thrilled to know I don't have to sand them and that a primer first will do the trick. I am a big fan of Benjamin Moore so that is a plus. I truly can not thank you enough for sharing. I am inspired with confidence, and now excited to start my cupboard. Jennifer, THANK YOU.
    Darlene in Nova Scotia, Canada

  127. Love the gray walls!! I want to paint my kitchen the same color. What finish did she use? Semi gloss, satin, egg shell??

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