36 Before-and-After Kitchen Makeovers

These before-and-after kitchen transformations will leave you speechless. See these kitchens go from dingy and dated to breathtaking beauties.

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December 16, 2021

By: Lauren Fansler

Related To:

Unbelievable Kitchen Transformations

We have pulled together 36 kitchen transformations that you have to see to believe. These renovations will leave you inspired and ready to completely redesign your own space.

See More Ideas: Our 25 Favorite Kitchen Makeovers From HGTV Pros

From: Bria Hammel Interiors

BEFORE: 1950s Mess

This kitchen is stuck in the past and lacks any style. In need of a desperate upgrade, designer Claire Paquin got to work to transform this space into a modern masterpiece.

From: Claire Paquin

AFTER: Light & Bright Delight

Joining the dining room and kitchen instead of keeping them separate allows light to flood into the new kitchen. Before, the kitchen was dingy and dark, now with the natural light and white walls, the space becomes a breath of fresh air.

From: Claire Paquin

BEFORE: Cramped & Cluttered

Without much room to move around, this kitchen did not function in the way desired by modern homeowners.

From: Claire Paquin

AFTER: Open Kitchen With Eat-In Island

This kitchen was totally gutted in order to bring in much-needed room and functionality to the space. The eat-in island makes this space multi-purpose and meets the needs of a family who likes to entertain.

From: Claire Paquin

BEFORE: Small & Outdated

Before renovations, this kitchen was quite an eyesore. The tiny space left no countertop room for cooking.

From: DiMauro Architects, Inc.

AFTER: Breath of Fresh Air

After renovations, the kitchen is completely open to its setting, with big windows looking out over the backyard to the ocean beyond. A door leads directly onto the back porch, and architects have added room for prepping and enjoying meals.

From: DiMauro Architects, Inc.

BEFORE: Midcentury Mess

This 1960s kitchen was dated, dingy and in disrepair. A full remodel opened it up, while keeping the soaring architectural window intact.

From: Natalie Myers

AFTER: Updated Midcentury Marvel

The designers removed a wall to open up this modern kitchen and took down the drapes to reveal a sweeping window. The renovation included an island topped with sleek, white Caesarstone quartz. White oak cabinets and wood floors bring an organic, earthy element to the space.

From: Natalie Myers

BEFORE: Grimy & Gross

This aged craftsman kitchen was in desperate need of repair. Lacking any charm, it'd be hard to find anyone willing to cook in this space.

From: Home Front Build

AFTER: Craftsman-Style Overhaul

Shaker-style cabinets and a white subway tile backsplash keep the Craftsman influence alive in this updated kitchen design. A large island shows off the black countertop against the white color scheme in the room. Contemporary bar seats bring an updated element to the room for a timeless design.

From: Home Front Build

BEFORE: Needs an Update

This past-its-prime kitchen was in need of a refresh. The colors and design were dated and underwhelming.

From: Lambert Home

AFTER: Light Remodel Makes a Big Difference

While no walls were knocked down, this kitchen remodel is still impactful. Light and fresh countertops and a new island give this kitchen an updated look.

From: Lambert Home

BEFORE: Dingy and in Need of a Redesign

Prior to remodel, this kitchen had mismatched tiles, dark cabinets and an unpleasant color scheme.

From: Blissful Design Studio

AFTER: White Farmhouse Kitchen

Post renovation, this kitchen rocks a farmhouse redesign. The white cabinets and countertops are contrasted by the natural wood floating shelves and island detailing.

From: Blissful Design Studio

BEFORE: Unappealing Kitchen Colors

With the unattractive kitchen tile and color palette, this was an unsightly kitchen.

From: Blissful Design Studio

AFTER: Clean & Classic

This home is located in a historical neighborhood where timeless and classic finishes are appreciated, so designers chose to embrace that design by painting it white. From the white and gray tile backsplash to the white kitchen island, the space remains clean and classic, with wood accents that bring warmth to the design.

From: Blissful Design Studio

BEFORE: Facelift Needed

Before renovation, this very traditional yellow kitchen was in need of a makeover.

From: Minhnuyet Hardy

AFTER: Classic & Refined

This renovated classic kitchen features gray cabinets, blue painted island, custom hood and modern pendant lighting, making it a space that truly shines.

From: Minhnuyet Hardy

BEFORE: Boring Beige & Brown

While this kitchen was functional, it was far from stylish. The space lacked any character or charm.

From: Marie Flanigan Interiors

AFTER: Charming Cottage Kitchen

For a kitchen that's as practical as it is pretty, cabinets reach the ceiling and there is a very large island (countertops for days!). The refrigerator is integrated into the look with a white, seamless front.

From: Marie Flanigan Interiors

BEFORE: Lackluster, Narrow Space

Before its renovation, the kitchen of this Jamestown, Rhode Island, cottage featured dark red cabinets and a single small window. During the renovation, the design team lightened and brightened the entire home, embracing its coastal locale with a breezy, cool color palette.

From: DiMauro Architects, Inc.

AFTER: Radiant Remodel

The cottage's kitchen was once dim and closed off, with a narrow window. Post-renovation, it's light, bright and open, with integrated appliances, a petite island and crisp white cabinetry that extends to the ceiling for maximum storage.

From: DiMauro Architects, Inc.

BEFORE: Dull and Lifeless

This big kitchen had lots of cabinets and a central island, but lacked any defining style.

From: Marie Flanigan Interiors

AFTER: Brilliant in Blue

This formerly dark and uninteresting kitchen gets a whole new life, with beautiful blue cabinetry, delicate pendant lights and roman shades with a subtle graphic print. The backsplash is the star of the room: gray tiles laid in a herringbone pattern.

From: Marie Flanigan Interiors

BEFORE: Much-Needed Makeover

This outdated space featuring paneling, wallpaper and carpeting was ready for a much-needed makeover.

From: Lexi Grace Design

AFTER: White & Gray Open-Plan Kitchen

Designed for the whole family to gather around, the gray kitchen island centers the space and is clad in clean white countertops. Exposed bulb pendant lights illuminate the surface. The kitchen features an open floor plan that combines the breakfast nook and homework area.

From: Lexi Grace Design

BEFORE: Refresh Required

Builder basic cabinets and laminate countertops were ready to be modernized in this kitchen.

From: Caitlin Jones Ghajar

AFTER: Chic, Contemporary Kitchen

Soft gray cabinets pair with clean white countertops for a chic, contemporary kitchen. Stainless steel appliances complete the look.

From: Caitlin Jones Ghajar

BEFORE: Outdated Cottage

The outdated breakfast nook was destined to find new life as a chic cottage kitchen.

From: Jean Stoffer

AFTER: Heart of the Home

Exposed ceiling beams bring a rustic note to this bright-white cottage kitchen. The long center island adds more prep and storage space, and the kitchen is designed to be a gathering space for the whole family.

From: Jean Stoffer

BEFORE: Closed-Off Kitchen

This closed-off kitchen had outdated cabinets, countertops and flooring and was in need of a new look.

From: Ashley Ausland

AFTER: Open and Bright Family Kitchen

The vaulted ceiling expands the overall size of this all-white kitchen, designed to be the heart of the home. A large navy island accommodates the kids' baseball team and hides scuff marks, as well as adding color to the space. Tucked in the corner is a cozy banquette breakfast nook.

From: Ashley Ausland

BEFORE: Dated Disaster

This kitchen, before redesign, felt cramped and confined. The designers pushed the kitchen out an additional 3 feet and removed the stove wall entirely.

From: Ashley Ausland

AFTER: Beautiful, Open-Concept Kitchen

As the first view upon entering the home, the designers wanted this bright white kitchen to make an excellent first impression — to be quietly beautiful and not too assertive — and they succeeded. White, shaker-style cabinets and stainless steel appliances pair with a pale wood island and white countertops. White pendant lights with black hardware and white stools with black cushions give dimension to the room, and the elimination of upper cabinetry further contributes to the openness of the space.

From: Ashley Ausland

BEFORE: Dark and Drab

Before it was renovated, the dark cabinetry, tiles, countertops and floor in the kitchen felt oppressive.

From: Bria Hammel Interiors

AFTER: Classic Contemporary

The main level of this gorgeous home is truly open concept — with the kitchen, living and dining room in view of one another — so the designers addressed them together in the redesign. The millwork in the ceiling, walls and cabinetry present traditional lines finished in a light, contemporary palette, mixing modern and traditional to great effect. The gorgeous blue hues in the wall color and furnishings contribute both personality and depth. The designers explain the selections, "We made sure to select pieces that complemented one another and could withstand the test of time and stand up to little grandchildren on the move! Our clients were not afraid of color, so we really played that up in this space. Then, by layering in different patterns and textures, this room immediately had that lived-in and cozy feel."

From: Bria Hammel Interiors

BEFORE: Stuffy and Stifling

The honey-toned wood on the floors and cabinetry in the original kitchen stifled the space.

From: Natalie Myers

AFTER: Graceful Galley

Pale wood floating shelves offer open storage against a white shiplap backsplash. A pair of windows, French doors and vaulted ceiling keeps this galley kitchen bright and open.

From: Natalie Myers

BEFORE: Underwhelming Space

Before redesign, the kitchen appliances were not well-integrated and the space lacked personality.

From: Lauren Clement

AFTER: Blue and White and Filled With Personality

The kitchen is now a fun mix of classic beauty and modern chic, with function to boot. An Italian glass chandelier lights the white kitchen island. Black and white leopard print stools service the marble-topped bar. The fridge is now paneled to disappear behind beautiful custom millwork in a baby blue.

From: Lauren Clement

BEFORE: Sterile and Boring

The original kitchen was not efficiently laid out and lacked any character, making the space very unwelcoming.

From: Laura U Design Collective

AFTER: Warm and Welcoming Design

The newly designed kitchen is perfectly positioned within the home, connecting to a butler's pantry on one side and a colorful mudroom on the other. Shaker-style cabinetry is a timeless design choice, and the light wood finish is a nod to a more modern aesthetic.

From: Laura U Design Collective

BEFORE: Beige and Boring

Before the redesign, this kitchen featured a mustard yellow wall color paired with honey-toned cabinets, making for an unsightly combination.

From: Kimberly Horton

AFTER: Classy & Colorful

A bold black island topped in white is paired with bamboo stools with black and white seats in this fun and energetic kitchen. The pantry door is painted black, as are the window frames, lending contrast to the white millwork and white Shaker-style cabinetry, keeping the room open and bright. A trio of subtle frosted-glass pendants attend the island.

From: Kimberly Horton

BEFORE: Good Bones, Bad Design

Before the remodel, this kitchen featured gorgeous vaulted ceilings and lots of natural light. The only thing needed was a light refresh to the cabinets and lighting to make it a true showstopper.

From: Vernich Interiors

AFTER: Black and White Beauty

The expansive kitchen now has enormous personality with a pair of metallic pendants overlooking an oversized island that is topped in gray marble. White Chippendale barstools line the island, giving the space a graphic, yet timeless edge. Black doors break up the white walls and the attractive range hood in black and gold is a great focal point for the space.

From: Vernich Interiors

BEFORE: Dull & Out of Date

This kitchen was very dated and boring before designer Zoe Feldman worked her magic in the small space.

From: Zoe Feldman Design

AFTER: Pizzaz With Pops of Pink

Stunning marble countertops and a subtle gray backsplash join white Shaker-style cabinetry and black stainless appliances. The range hood surround is painted the same pale pink that is seen on the walls, and a cute midcentury globe light in frosted glass and gold is a lovely accompaniment to the gold cabinet pulls. This adorable kitchen sacrifices no style because of its small size.

From: Zoe Feldman Design

BEFORE: Unimpressive & Underwhelming

This kitchen lacked any personality or appeal before the designers at Three Salt Design began its transformation.

From: THREE SALT DESIGN Co.

AFTER: Cool & Contemporary Chef's Kitchen

Mercury glass pendants attend the large, renovated kitchen island with stunning tufted wingback stools in gray. A tiny marble subway tile adorns the range wall with its white cabinetry, complementing the white island top and black countertops that provide contrast to the black island.

From: THREE SALT DESIGN Co.

BEFORE: Orange & White Disaster

The kitchen, before the redesign by Michelle Gage, featured an unappealing orange and white color scheme.

From: Michelle Gage

AFTER: Peaceful in Blue

A white gas range with polished brass hardware and antique sensibilities joins an understated stainless refrigerator and dishwasher in this soothing blue and white kitchen. Stark white walls, face-frame cabinetry and narrow-plank flooring make for a timeless space.

From: Michelle Gage

BEFORE: Unappealing Finishes

The kitchen before redesign was uncomfortably enclosed and featured a green and brown color palette that was not pleasing to the eye.

From: North Fork Design Co.

AFTER: Welcoming in White

A pair of elegant brass carriage lanterns oversee the large marble island in the client's new dream kitchen. Woven fabric on the barstools and a light-wood island base make natural contributions to this gorgeous white kitchen.

From: North Fork Design Co.

BEFORE: Cramped & Compact

Before redesign, the kitchen was small and separated from a formal dining room by a dividing wall.

From: Martha O'Hara Interiors

AFTER: Open & Airy

A window was eliminated to relocate the stove, so the designers kept the kitchen selections bright — white subway backsplash, white quartz countertops and white upper cabinetry. The crowded mop closet at the rear entrance is now a luxurious and spacious pantry. A sleek, black pendant over the bar mimics the painting on the back wall in this totally reimagined space. The client's original artwork provided the inspiration for the designers' lighting selections throughout the home.

From: Martha O'Hara Interiors

Before: Bland, White Kitchen

Before renovations, this kitchen needed an update and a big dose of charm.

From: WINN Design + Build

AFTER: Charming in Blue and White

Once a bedroom and bathroom, the old space is now this beautiful open-plan kitchen, pantry closet and powder room. A variety of blues are a pretty contrast to fresh white cabinets and countertops.

From: WINN Design + Build

Kitchen: Bad Flashback

This kitchen before was dark and dated, feeling like a bad flashback.

From: Natalie Myers

AFTER: Modern Kitchen With 1970s Charm

A bright, updated kitchen features vaulted ceilings and large windows that let ample light into the space. A large kitchen island, topped with black and white marble, sits in the center of the room and creates the perfect workspace. Light wood cabinets ensure the kitchen feels bright and looks modern with a 1970s vibe.

From: Natalie Myers

Before: Outdated & Out of Style

Unattractive wooden cabinets and plain tile floors were just part of the problem in this outdated kitchen.

From: Etch Design Group

AFTER: Dazzling in White & Navy

The designer went with an elegant navy for this kitchen's lower cabinets. The dark shade becomes a foil for the gold accents and interesting shapes. The backsplash features a timeless and stunning gold and white geometric pattern.

From: Etch Design Group

BEFORE: Rustic & Plain

This kitchen, prior to renovations, featured a rustic cabin mood with simple wood cabinets and a huge copper sink. Designer Kim Stoegbauer wanted to infuse the space with more style and drama.

From: The TomKat Studio

AFTER: Striking Black & White Combination

The original layout of the kitchen was not changed, but the new black and white color palette adds drama and a modern edge to the space.

From: The TomKat Studio

BEFORE: Multipurpose Mess

Playroom, music room, bar — this living room served a jumble of purposes with no clear style.

From: Kimberlee Gorsline

AFTER: Airy & Open Chef's Kitchen

Leafy green views are as much a part of this airy kitchen's decor as its artwork, tastefully mixed in with cookbooks and other supplies on the open shelves. Deep navy lower cabinets are paired with white walls and white floating shelves above.

From: Kimberlee Gorsline

BEFORE: Too Much Tile

Prior to the renovation, this kitchen featured a white and maroon tile backsplash and maroon countertops, making for a very unattractive space.

From: Amy Carman Design

AFTER: Classic, Eat-In Space

Sitting in the middle of this bright kitchen, a large blue island is topped with marble countertops and houses leather barstools, creating the perfect dining spot. Classic cabinets with chrome hardware line the space, giving the renovated room an updated look, while maintaining its traditional charm.

From: Amy Carman Design

BEFORE: Glum & Gloomy

Prior to renovations, this kitchen lacked any charm and was a glum and gloomy outdated space.

From: studioHEIMAT

AFTER: Beautiful With a Bold Backsplash

This black and white contemporary kitchen is full of charm, from the geometric print on the backsplash to the orange leather dining chairs. White kitchen cabinets marry with dark gray countertops in the kitchen and on the kitchen island. Nearby, a round, wooden dining table with retro flair is paired with orange leather chairs for guests.

From: studioHEIMAT

BEFORE: Cramped & Confined

Before this kitchen was updated, it featured black cabinets with a small galley-style layout.

From: Ashley Ausland

AFTER: White With Wood Accents

Two white bar chairs rest near the island in this contemporary kitchen. Black cabinet hardware and neutral, wooden accents combine to create contrast in the all-white space. The marble countertops extend up to the backsplash in the kitchen and reflect the light from the kitchen window and skylight.

From: Ashley Ausland

Shop This Look

Photo By: Spacecrafting

Photo By: Claire Paquin

Photo By: Regan Wood Photography

Photo By: Claire Paquin

Photo By: Regan Wood Photography

Photo By: DiMauro Architects

Photo By: Warren Jagger Photography

Photo By: Phoebe Chuason

Photo By: Cristopher Nolasco

Photo By: Lambert Home

Photo By: Rennai Hoefer

Photo By: Mali Azima

Photo By: Julie Soefer Photography

Photo By: DiMauro Architects, Inc.

Photo By: Nat Rea

Photo By: Marie Flanigan Interiors

Photo By: Julie Soefer Photography

Photo By: Lexi Grace Design

Photo By: Rennai Hoefer

Photo By: Caitlin Jones Ghajar

Photo By: Aubrie Pick

Photo By: Jesse Loftis

Photo By: JEAN STOFFER

Photo By: Ashley Ausland

Photo By: Marisa Vitale

Photo By: Lauren Pressey

Photo By: Spacecrafting

Photo By: Jessica Alexander

Photo By: Dustin Peck Photography

Photo By: Michael Hunter

Photo By: Allegra Anderson Photography

Photo By: Paige Rumore Photography

Photo By: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Photo By: Chad Mellon Photography

Photo By: Rebecca McAlpin

Photo By: Kyle Caldwell

Photo By: Spacecrafting Photography

Photo By: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Photo By: Marisa Vitale

Photo By: Rennai Hoefer

Photo By: Ryan Hainey

Photo By: John Merkl

Photo By: Jessica J Alexander

36 Before-and-After Kitchen Makeovers

Related To:

Unbelievable Kitchen Transformations

BEFORE: 1950s Mess

AFTER: Light & Bright Delight

BEFORE: Cramped & Cluttered

AFTER: Open Kitchen With Eat-In Island

BEFORE: Small & Outdated

AFTER: Breath of Fresh Air

BEFORE: Midcentury Mess

AFTER: Updated Midcentury Marvel

BEFORE: Grimy & Gross

AFTER: Craftsman-Style Overhaul

BEFORE: Needs an Update

AFTER: Light Remodel Makes a Big Difference

BEFORE: Dingy and in Need of a Redesign

AFTER: White Farmhouse Kitchen

BEFORE: Unappealing Kitchen Colors

AFTER: Clean & Classic

BEFORE: Facelift Needed

AFTER: Classic & Refined

BEFORE: Boring Beige & Brown

AFTER: Charming Cottage Kitchen

BEFORE: Lackluster, Narrow Space

AFTER: Radiant Remodel

BEFORE: Dull and Lifeless

AFTER: Brilliant in Blue

BEFORE: Much-Needed Makeover

AFTER: White & Gray Open-Plan Kitchen

BEFORE: Refresh Required

AFTER: Chic, Contemporary Kitchen

BEFORE: Outdated Cottage

AFTER: Heart of the Home

BEFORE: Closed-Off Kitchen

AFTER: Open and Bright Family Kitchen

BEFORE: Dated Disaster

AFTER: Beautiful, Open-Concept Kitchen

BEFORE: Dark and Drab

AFTER: Classic Contemporary

BEFORE: Stuffy and Stifling

AFTER: Graceful Galley

BEFORE: Underwhelming Space

AFTER: Blue and White and Filled With Personality

BEFORE: Sterile and Boring

AFTER: Warm and Welcoming Design

BEFORE: Beige and Boring

AFTER: Classy & Colorful

BEFORE: Good Bones, Bad Design

AFTER: Black and White Beauty

BEFORE: Dull & Out of Date

AFTER: Pizzaz With Pops of Pink

BEFORE: Unimpressive & Underwhelming

AFTER: Cool & Contemporary Chef's Kitchen

BEFORE: Orange & White Disaster

AFTER: Peaceful in Blue

BEFORE: Unappealing Finishes

AFTER: Welcoming in White

BEFORE: Cramped & Compact

AFTER: Open & Airy

Before: Bland, White Kitchen

AFTER: Charming in Blue and White

Kitchen: Bad Flashback

AFTER: Modern Kitchen With 1970s Charm

Before: Outdated & Out of Style

AFTER: Dazzling in White & Navy

BEFORE: Rustic & Plain

AFTER: Striking Black & White Combination

BEFORE: Multipurpose Mess

AFTER: Airy & Open Chef's Kitchen

BEFORE: Too Much Tile

AFTER: Classic, Eat-In Space

BEFORE: Glum & Gloomy

AFTER: Beautiful With a Bold Backsplash

BEFORE: Cramped & Confined

AFTER: White With Wood Accents

Shop This Look

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