Step Into This Bold, Chef-Worthy Kitchen

A bland kitchen is transformed into a show-stopping space to serve up culinary delights. Discover our top budget-friendly fixes, high-tech additions and classic yet trendy material choices that make this kitchen a true masterpiece.

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August 21, 2015

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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A Bland Kitchen Gets a Fresh Start

In just one week, this eat-in kitchen is reborn as a sleek and vibrant place to prep and serve food in style. To stay on budget, the room's footprint is kept as is, while the existing cabinets are sanded, primed and updated with high-gloss, cranberry-red paint.

Cranberry + Blue-Gray Palette

The existing cabinets are covered with a cranberry-red paint that contrasts with the cool shade of blue-gray on the surrounding walls. When pairing reds, whites and blues, choose unexpected tones to prevent a thematic look.

Mixing Materials

Interior designers ensure a well-balanced kitchen by sticking with a perfect mix of materials. In this kitchen, the cabinets are glossy and rich, while the butcher-block countertop is flat and neutral. To help tone down the intensity of the red cabinet color, reflective blue tiles are installed from the top of the counter all the way up to the ceiling.

Classic Hardware

For a classic yet on-trend look, the basic hardware is replaced with high-end satin brass pulls that add warmth against the glossy red drawers and door fronts. To add a layered element, the brass hardware is paired with the stainless steel sink. To successfully mix metals in a room, choose no more than two different finishes.

Durable Sink

For an extra touch of metallic, the existing sink is replaced with a modern, drop-in stainless steel version that is as classic as it is durable.

Butcher-Block Countertop

To balance the cool Carrera marble countertop on the adjacent island, the countertops are replaced with a character-rich butcher block that's perfect for a hard-working kitchen. In fact, it's the only countertop material that can withstand slicing and chopping.

Kitchen Command Center

With so many gadgets used throughout the day, it’s smart to find a way to integrate smartphones and tablets into your kitchen design. This modular command center allows homeowners to keep electronics within reach yet off the counter, thanks to under-cabinet outlets and tablet/smartphone cradles.

Stay Connected

Teeming with outlets, lights and electronic cradles, this command center is also equipped with speakers that allow you to listen to your favorite music, watch tutorials or stream your favorite TV shows.

Accentuating Height

The kitchen stands just above 10 feet tall. To accentuate the ceiling, it is painted a flat shade color matched to the blue-grey tone of the wall tile. This continuation of color blurs the line between where the walls end and the ceiling begins.

Updated Appliances

For modern-day efficiency, the appliances are replaced with digital, stainless steel models. Although the appliances are silver, they pair well with the brass accents throughout the space.

Making Space

When space is at a premium, remove the island seating to create even more prep space on heavy cooking days.

Visible Storage

Turn storage into a decorative statement by using floating shelves to house vases, pitchers, ramekins and other charming kitchen essentials. Create a collection that appears purposeful but not cluttered.

Small Yet Smart

To maximize the kitchen at mealtimes, the existing island is reworked into a custom piece complete with a rounded marble top for additional seating options. Get 10 ways to customize your kitchen island >>