An eco-conscious homeowner uses recycled materials to transform a 1970s kitchen nightmare into a dazzling dream space with custom cabinetry and a cozy breakfast nook.
When Gayle Christopher bought her Leeds, Alabama, home, she had a sneaking suspicion that there was a stunning space lurking somewhere within her homely kitchen.
Flooring Worth Overlooking
Figuring out how to release the kitchen's hidden beauty was another story. "The space was trapped in the ’70s with fake butcher-block plastic, dark wood, and years of accumulated schmutz," says Gayle.
A Fresh New Face
With a little imagination and a lot of elbow grease, Gayle turned her dreary 1970s kitchen into a bright, inviting space. From painting the cabinetry to installing floors and fixtures, she handled every bit of the labor herself.
Black and White Design
Recycled-paper countertops and a simple tile backsplash anchor the classic palette, and are among the many green materials Gayle selected for the kitchen.
Open Range
A new range and hood replaced the tired model that was in place when Gayle bought her home. The white and black appliance works in harmony with the surrounding color palette.
Frugal Framing
Gayle crafted cabinet doorframes out of ordinary garden stakes from a home-improvement center, a solution right in line with her tight budget.
Open Shelving
Gayle left the doors off the uppermost kitchen cabinets, which helps to expand the space visually and gives her a spot to display dishware and cookbooks.
Inviting Accents
Gayle chose cup-style cabinet pulls to lend a hint of vintage appeal.
A Bright Breakfast Nook
Gayle and her dog Cooper relax in the breakfast area, which got a facelift along with the kitchen. She replaced the eroded flooring and added white paint to brighten up the space. Simple honeycomb-style blinds allow ample sunlight to filter in.
