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January 29th, 2009
before & after: angela’s kitchen


this beautiful kitchen remodel comes from d*s reader angela in boston. she bought an old victorian house (circa 1880) with an unfortunate 70’s style kitchen stuck on the back. so last year (pre-recession) she decided to update the room. using google sketch up during her afternoons off from work at harvard medical school, angela designed the new kitchen to make the most of affordable open shelving and lighting from design public. i love all of the new wooden molding- everything looks so clean and fresh. you can click here to see pictures of the renovation process. thanks, angela!

[have a before and after you'd like to share on d*s? just send me an email right here with your images]




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81 comments
Shashi said:
January 29th, 2009 - 12:05 pm

Wow, really pretty. I love all the light. It seems like a soothing and organized place to cook. Great job!

lucinda said:
January 29th, 2009 - 12:08 pm

That poster, good lord when will it die?

tawn said:
January 29th, 2009 - 12:10 pm

perfection. i love it and i am in the process of doing something similar (though my kitchen is much smaller and won’t be as nice).

coyca said:
January 29th, 2009 - 12:12 pm

I love this kitchen, would love to see more but the click here link isn’t working?

January 29th, 2009 - 12:13 pm

Great job! Love it.

January 29th, 2009 - 12:15 pm

Wondering where the cabinets are from!

pam said:
January 29th, 2009 - 12:17 pm

i spy a mudroom! i’m jealous. seattle rains and a puppy soooo require a mudroom. beautiful job!

sue said:
January 29th, 2009 - 12:20 pm

Lucinda: I thought it was just me who was getting totally bored with seeing that poster in every post.

erin said:
January 29th, 2009 - 12:22 pm

wow you did a beautiful job! i love white shaker cabinets!!!

Ashley said:
January 29th, 2009 - 12:23 pm

Love it! Especially the bright white and also the “mud room” area by the door!

Melissa said:
January 29th, 2009 - 12:27 pm

Beautiful – would love to know where the lighting fixture over the eating nook came from?

grace said:
January 29th, 2009 - 12:29 pm
January 29th, 2009 - 12:39 pm

i love black and white design. That before floor was horrendous. Open shelving is def popular

January 29th, 2009 - 12:41 pm

I would love to know the paint chips.

kerry said:
January 29th, 2009 - 12:42 pm

so pretty ,tiddy,functional.great job. the open shelving is fantastic an looks great. silly question where can i find that tea kettle?

Joanna said:
January 29th, 2009 - 12:45 pm

Angela did an incredible job remodeling! I could so live here.

Fin said:
January 29th, 2009 - 12:47 pm

Fabulous.
I would love to know what kind of countertops those are.
Does anyone have any idea?

Alexandre said:
January 29th, 2009 - 12:47 pm

I’m confused, what happened to the fridge? Is there no fridge in the new kitchen?

Alex.

danny said:
January 29th, 2009 - 12:48 pm

this is gorgeous, but where’s the fridge?

james said:
January 29th, 2009 - 12:52 pm

what company are the cabinets by?

Chelsea said:
January 29th, 2009 - 12:59 pm

I would love to know that main paint color please?? Looks fab!

Avril said:
January 29th, 2009 - 12:59 pm

This is wonderful. I wasn’t able to open the process link, but I’d be interested to know if those floors were hiding beneath the faux brick….and if she had to really edit her dish collection to accomodate the loss of upper shelves & exposure. (I’m thinking about it myself).

Personally, I’m not getting sick of the poster…it’s timeless. What I’m a little sick of is the design-enthusiast snobbery and nastiness. Fine, comment that you think it’s become a bit ubiquitous, but let’s show some consideration and respect for for this woman who sent in her pictures to brighten our day a bit.

Isa said:
January 29th, 2009 - 1:10 pm

To all the people who drone on and on and on about that poster. Have you noticed what it says? “Keep Calm and Carry On”. Maybe you should read it and take it’s advice. It’s a poster. If someone wants wants to put it in their house, then that’s their business. Seriously, get over it.

Btw, I love pretty much everything about this kitchen.

tasha said:
January 29th, 2009 - 1:11 pm

What’s in the ceramic trash can on the counter?

donna said:
January 29th, 2009 - 1:13 pm

I think we need that poster now more than ever!

Kate said:
January 29th, 2009 - 1:15 pm

Actually, I would like to know where the poster is from???? Any ideas?

Circa9172 said:
January 29th, 2009 - 1:23 pm

I love the crispness of the kitchen. The cabinets and their metal handles are lovely. The paint colour is fantastic. What I am curious about is the amount of work it must have taken to move around all the gas/water sources to accommodate the new layout. THAT must have been a feat in an old house. But, it was all worth it. While I love open shelving for the endless disply options, I only love to LOOK at it in other people’s houses. People who must have excellent cleaning habits, no pets, a central air filtering system! :) Wonderful kitchen make-over – and we have the same colour KitchenAid mixer!

Ashley said:
January 29th, 2009 - 1:30 pm

Totally agree with the comments about how calming this kitchen seems. I love the paint color! Was also wondering where they tucked that fridge away…

Circa9172 said:
January 29th, 2009 - 1:31 pm

Tasha – That container on the counter is probably enamel, like mine – it is a kitchen composter.

Cala said:
January 29th, 2009 - 1:34 pm

Tasha– My guess is that the ceramic trash can is actually a countertop compost bin, if she uses it for the same reason I do!
I love the pendant light–very pretty and cheerful in this space.

leslie said:
January 29th, 2009 - 1:52 pm

The Flickr link doesn’t work. Can that be fixed?

jamie said:
January 29th, 2009 - 1:57 pm

Gorgeous! What about the lighting fixture over the sink? So cool!

Katy said:
January 29th, 2009 - 1:58 pm

Love the color scheme! I’m also wondering where the fridge is and if there is a link that works to the other photos? Would love to see more! great job!

Sara said:
January 29th, 2009 - 2:02 pm

How lovely and perfectly in keeping with an old house. What considerate design. Can I come over for tea and sympathy?

north said:
January 29th, 2009 - 2:03 pm

Nice re-do, but who really needs a refrigerator in the kitchen taking up all that space.

That is to say… Hey? Where’s the fridge?

holly said:
January 29th, 2009 - 2:14 pm

A fabulous job! The fact that the eating nook wall does not go all the way up to the ceiling is a great way to share the light! I am so impressed at how they made this ‘modern’ and yet still fit the look and feel of the house.

Laura said:
January 29th, 2009 - 2:17 pm

I like the simplicity of the design, but I’m madly in love with that stove. We’ll file that away as a “maybe one day” purchase.

Jen said:
January 29th, 2009 - 2:19 pm

I love the open shelving!

January 29th, 2009 - 2:28 pm

Perfect combination of girly and masculine

Vicki said:
January 29th, 2009 - 2:29 pm

Fin – these counter tops look very similar to the black granite ones we have in our kitchen.

Catherine said:
January 29th, 2009 - 2:44 pm

Love it! The white. The clean lines. The windows.

But I’m sad to see the original brick floors go. They are phenomenal.

Jessie said:
January 29th, 2009 - 2:45 pm

Poster can be found here… poster is cute.

http://tinyurl.com/cspe6f

Melissa said:
January 29th, 2009 - 2:51 pm

I love this kitchen, I want this kitchen.

I am wondering though, how those open shelves work out. I love the look, but is it really practical?

January 29th, 2009 - 3:00 pm

just beautiful! lovely architecture.

January 29th, 2009 - 3:07 pm

that was just fanfreakintastic

trish said:
January 29th, 2009 - 3:13 pm

For the love of god leave the damn poster alone. Maybe she likes it.
Peace

January 29th, 2009 - 3:29 pm

This is our new inspiration for our upcoming kitchen re-do. I love it!

Laura said:
January 29th, 2009 - 3:31 pm

what a gorgeous space!! I love that siding and the keep calm print…very cool

Sadie said:
January 29th, 2009 - 3:31 pm

This is the perfect inspirational kitchen for my up-coming re-do. I love white cabinets with black/dark countertops. Could you please share your sources? Is that honed granite? I like that it doesn’t look too shiny.

January 29th, 2009 - 3:49 pm

what a transformation!!! very calm and looks very english!! I may copy some ideas for my new kitchen.

Stephanie said:
January 29th, 2009 - 4:02 pm

I love how everything is on display without the doors of the cabinets, but I doubt I would be able to live in a kitchen like that.

Kristina said:
January 29th, 2009 - 4:08 pm

Jessie thank you for the link. I’ve been in love with that poster for a while. Now I can buy one for MY kitchen!

I love all the white in this kitchen and the countertops and floors are BEAUTIFUL!

angela said:
January 29th, 2009 - 4:24 pm

Hi everyone – thanks so much for all of your comments! It’s really good fun to share the results of such a big project. Here are some answers to the questions that I’ve seen…

The cabinets are from Kraftmaid from Home Depot – the finish is “canvas”. They’ve been pretty durable so far – even with our three cats pawing them at dinner time.

The countertop is Dupont Zodiaq in Marrone Emperador. It’s a really dark brown with black veining. It’s pretty but shows everything – I guess that’s good if you want to know whether it’s clean!

The fridge is actually opposite the island on a wall leading to the butler’s pantry. It’s a huge wall that we put big cabinets on to serve as a pantry and small closet for the vacuum, broom etc. You can see a picture of the layout on flickr : http://tinyurl.com/cxr6ym.

The wall color is Benjamin Moore Coastal Fog. It’s a fantastic color – a very warm light grey that changes with the light.

Ceramic trash bin is indeed our intermediate food scrap holder for the compost heap. We can compost in the summer, but haven’t figured out how to manage it in the winter yet!

Lighting fixture over the sink was also from design public, but it doesn’t look like they stock it any more. You can find it here at gus design : http://tinyurl.com/acdjb3

The electric tea kettle was a birthday present from my husband (who is English – which is part of the reason why we have the Keep Calm poster. We have also have bunches of other pieces of British design – like Penguin classic book cover mugs and old British bus signs around the house. We both love the simplicity of the UK information design aesthetic.)

The old brick linoleum didn’t hide any floor worth saving, so the new hardwood floor is actually sustainable walnut – which wasn’t nearly as expensive as we thought it would be – and is the first thing most people notice when they come in. It’s a very rich brown – again a little hard to keep clean, but lovely.

The open shelves haven’t been an issue at all. I think having a powerful hood over the stove really helps. We haven’t noticed any grease accumulating on the dishes. And someone asked about culling the dishes – we were lucky that most of ours were white or taupe. But we did have to corral the coffee mugs into a corner because they’re way more chaotic visually. They live over by the tea kettle (out of frame, I think).

Sounds like there are lots of kitchen remodeling projects underway – good luck to everyone!

Jill said:
January 29th, 2009 - 4:25 pm

The link seems to be missing the ‘h’ at the beginning of http, I just stuck it in and it worked. Well worth looking, there’s a whole bunch of hard work in there. What an absolutely delightful kitchen.

Kristan said:
January 29th, 2009 - 4:28 pm

Love the transformation. It’s not like a complete makeover, but a definite face lift and improvement. :)

And you know, I don’t begrudge any individual the right to have that poster, but I am *surprised* to see it everywhere!

January 29th, 2009 - 4:32 pm

GORGEOUS! I love the transformation. The clean, crisp colors are so fitting. I love it.

January 29th, 2009 - 5:54 pm

So charming. I love the colors and textures. Very inspirational!

CP said:
January 29th, 2009 - 6:00 pm

Why are there so many “before” pictures? *kidding* I love it, bc!

Amy Hoff said:
January 29th, 2009 - 6:21 pm

I love a light bright kitchen:) What a awesome before and after! Please come do mine:)

the.mediatrix said:
January 29th, 2009 - 7:14 pm

Sorry, but I still love that poster. As someone else said, definitely timeless. (It *is* from the 40’s, right?)

As for the kitchen, love it too. Beautiful job!

dg said:
January 29th, 2009 - 7:25 pm

angela, your remodel really is beautiful. i really like the choices you made. they all work together so well. and it was fun to browse through the whole process on your flickr account. thanks for sharing!

jenrc said:
January 29th, 2009 - 7:47 pm

lovely & livable. good job!

Jessica said:
January 29th, 2009 - 8:13 pm

Great job Angela! I love your floors. Where did you get your kitchen table?

Jennifer said:
January 29th, 2009 - 9:09 pm

OMG!! I’m saving these picts for future reference. Love this kitchen!!

angela said:
January 29th, 2009 - 10:22 pm

Thanks! Kitchen table is from Room and Board : http://tinyurl.com/d3yrpv

Christina said:
January 29th, 2009 - 10:57 pm

Love it! So beautiful, simple & clutter free!

Candice said:
January 29th, 2009 - 11:05 pm

Beautiful job, love it!

Where did the open shelves & brackets come from?

January 29th, 2009 - 11:34 pm

wow. i loved seeing the whole process on flickr. i’ve been remodeling for 5 years all DIY, after photos give me hope!
great job, nice clean choices that fit the house’s architecture. gives a warm feeling!

Lynne said:
January 30th, 2009 - 4:40 am

I love this – looks very simple and stylish and I love open shelves.

Jane said:
January 30th, 2009 - 5:44 am

If I see another Keep Calm and Carry On poster on this site I’m going to SCREEEEEAM.

Amy said:
January 30th, 2009 - 10:06 am

I agree with all the comments about the Keep Calm poster…….and now it can be seen in pastel colors???? TOO MUCH!

But the rest of the space is lovely!

lindsay said:
January 30th, 2009 - 10:11 am

beautiful and inspiring! where are the drawer pulls and handles from? thanks for such a lovely post!!

Tanya said:
January 30th, 2009 - 10:34 am

Every time I see that poster it makes me shudder. Design copy, paste.

Chelsea said:
January 30th, 2009 - 1:49 pm

I love this kitchen. Very sunny and bright. I also really like the layout and the stainless appliances. lovely and fresh. I do keep seeing that poster everywhere which is just funny now. Wow, it’s something like when an underground band goes ridiculously mainstream and loses its old fanbase.

February 1st, 2009 - 1:08 pm

Excellent transformation. I’d move in – poster and all. (Those of us fired up all day, need subtle reminders.)

I especially love the use of beadboard, wainscotting and open shelving.

Also dying to know about the fridge.

chelsey said:
February 1st, 2009 - 3:07 pm

Oh my gosh! That is a dreamy kitchen. Awesome makeover.

Jan's camera said:
February 7th, 2009 - 8:56 pm

Hi,

I love the open shelves. Can I ask where you got them? They are beautiful.

Chris R said:
April 3rd, 2009 - 12:06 pm

I don’t typically go for that particular style but I appreciate the fantastic and artful transformation.

Nice, nice job

liz said:
April 22nd, 2009 - 9:47 am

love this redo… im drooling!

Mary Ann said:
May 4th, 2009 - 8:21 pm

love the open shelves and bracket. Where can I get them?

Lisa said:
June 26th, 2009 - 5:33 pm

perhaps it’s time for those squawking at the poster to actually look up the history of the poster and I dunno maybe appreciate the sacrifices that were behind the reason for the poster! Love the reno!

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