In the vibrant world of home renovation, few transformations capture the imagination quite like a kitchen remodel. As enthusiasts of inspired living spaces, we are continually impressed by the creativity and dedication of homeowners. Lately, a surge of kitchen-related submissions has graced our inbox, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to dive into the heart of the home. Today, we’re spotlighting a truly captivating kitchen renovation from Jasmine and Sam, a project that expertly marries sophisticated aesthetics with practical functionality, offering a masterclass in modern kitchen design.
Their stunning kitchen remodel immediately drew us in with its masterful use of white on white, creating an expansive, airy feel that is both timeless and strikingly contemporary. This isn’t just a monochromatic scheme; it’s a symphony of textures and subtle variations that imbues the space with depth and character, culminating in an undeniably sleek and clean atmosphere. Beyond its visual allure, the renovation excels in functionality. The strategic addition of more upper cabinets, coupled with elegant details like custom molding and trim work, has not only literally elevated the visual height of the room but also figuratively raised its overall sophistication and utility. This project stands as a testament to thoughtful design and the power of DIY ambition.
We recently received an email from Jasmine and Sam, brimming with excitement about their newly transformed kitchen. Their journey began a year ago when they celebrated their first anniversary in their new home, and they were eager to share the fruits of their labor. “Hey guys!” their email began, “My family and I just had our one-year anniversary in our new house and I thought to send you some pics of our new kitchen. We actually did almost all of the projects in our house makeover on our own. Luckily, we are a handy pair.” This introduction immediately set the stage for a story of determination, resourcefulness, and impressive DIY prowess, proving that a dream kitchen is well within reach for those willing to roll up their sleeves.
Jasmine and Sam embarked on their kitchen transformation with a clear vision: to create a brighter, more cohesive space. Their original kitchen featured maple shaker-style cabinets. While shaker cabinets are a classic choice known for their clean lines and versatility, the maple finish often brings a warmer, sometimes dated, aesthetic that didn’t align with their desire for a crisp, modern feel. To achieve the desired white kitchen look without a complete overhaul, they decided on an ingenious solution. They ordered a second set of identical shaker cabinets from a local company, Summerhill Kitchens, specifically for the top row. This not only provided invaluable additional storage but also created a more imposing and elegant vertical presence, making the kitchen feel taller and more expansive.
The real magic happened when they tackled the color. Instead of replacing all the existing lower cabinets, they decided to professionally refinish them to match the new upper units. All the cabinet doors, both old and new, were sent to an automotive painter friend who expertly sprayed them in Benjamin Moore’s Simply White. This particular shade of white is celebrated in the design world for its clean, crisp quality that avoids feeling cold, making it a perfect choice for a bright and inviting kitchen. Jasmine took on the task of painting the gables, stretchers, and any other fixed elements with a foam roller, demonstrating their commitment to a comprehensive DIY approach. This combination of professional spraying for the doors and DIY painting for the fixed components allowed them to achieve a high-end finish while still saving significantly on labor costs.
Every renovation project has its areas for strategic investment, and for Jasmine and Sam, their “big splurge” was undoubtedly new appliances. “The big splurge was new appliances – all Vikings. Love them. A Lot,” Jasmine shared. Opting for a full suite of Viking appliances speaks volumes about their commitment to quality and performance. Viking appliances are renowned for their professional-grade durability, innovative features, and striking aesthetic, instantly elevating the kitchen’s luxury appeal. While these high-end appliances represented a significant investment, the couple smartly offset this cost. Sam, with his “handy” skills, took on the challenging task of installing all the appliances himself, turning a potentially costly professional installation into a valuable saving. “Not Sam’s favourite things to install, but totally worth it (we saved money by having him install them all),” Jasmine humorously added, highlighting the trade-offs and rewards of their DIY journey.
The details truly make a space, and the backsplash in Jasmine and Sam’s kitchen is a perfect example of how an affordable choice can deliver immense style. They selected a white beveled subway tile, a timeless and versatile option that adds subtle dimension and texture. The beveling catches the light beautifully, creating visual interest without overwhelming the serene white palette. What’s even more impressive is the cost-effectiveness: “They were a great bargain (around 60 cents each) from here.” This demonstrates that a stunning design doesn’t always require a hefty price tag, especially when smart shopping is involved. Subway tile continues to be a favorite among homeowners for its classic appeal, ease of cleaning, and ability to complement a wide range of kitchen styles, from traditional to modern.
The flooring was another area that underwent a dramatic transformation, fundamentally altering the flow and feel of the entire main floor. “The floor was a combination of birch hardwood and the ugliest shag you’ve ever seen. Not only was it ugly, it really broke the space up,” Jasmine recounted. This common issue of disparate flooring types can fragment an open-concept living space, making it feel smaller and less cohesive. Their solution was radical and highly effective: “After ripping it all out, we laid an engineered walnut floating floor on top throughout the whole main floor.” Engineered hardwood offers the beauty of solid wood with enhanced stability and is suitable for floating installations, simplifying the DIY process. The choice of walnut adds a rich, natural warmth and sophisticated contrast to the crisp white kitchen, grounding the design. Their savvy purchasing skills shone once more, as they sourced the flooring from an auction that sells flooring a few times per year, snagging an unbelievable deal at “$1.50/sq ft (including underlay).” This kind of strategic sourcing is a gold standard for budget-friendly kitchen renovations.
Completing the stylish picture are the kitchen stools, which provide both comfort and a touch of contemporary elegance. “Oh and the stools are from Crate & Barrel,” Jasmine noted. Crate & Barrel is known for its modern, well-designed furniture, and the stools perfectly complement the kitchen’s sleek aesthetic, inviting guests to gather and socialize in this beautiful new space. Thoughtful selection of furniture pieces, like these stools, can significantly enhance the overall design and functionality of a kitchen, providing practical seating while acting as stylish accents.
The interplay of wall and cabinet colors further refines the kitchen’s palette. “The wall colour is Antique White and the cabinets and trim are Simply White by Benjamin Moore matched to Home Depot’s Behr Paint & Primer in One paint,” Jasmine detailed. Choosing Antique White for the walls creates a subtle, warm backdrop that complements the brighter Simply White cabinetry and trim without creating a harsh contrast. This careful selection of a slightly warmer white for the walls ensures the space feels inviting and soft, preventing the all-white scheme from appearing stark. The practicality of using Home Depot’s Behr Paint & Primer in One is a smart DIY choice, offering excellent coverage and durability, streamlining the painting process.
No renovation is without its challenges, and Jasmine and Sam faced a common one: an immovable structural element. “There’s a post in the middle of the kitchen that we really really wanted to remove, but apparently since it holds up the entire house, they told me it had to stay,” Jasmine explained. This kind of architectural constraint can be a significant hurdle in kitchen design, often disrupting desired open layouts. However, their creative problem-solving turned a potential drawback into a design opportunity. “So we tarted it up with moulding and called it a day.” By enhancing the post with decorative molding, they transformed it into a more intentional architectural feature rather than an eyesore. While Jasmine admitted, “We’re used to it, but I still wish it was gone,” their approach offers valuable inspiration for homeowners encountering similar structural limitations. It demonstrates that with a bit of creativity, even immovable obstacles can be integrated into a cohesive and stylish design.
Jasmine and Sam’s kitchen renovation is a remarkable example of how strategic DIY efforts, smart sourcing, and a clear design vision can culminate in a truly stunning and functional space. Their ability to blend budget-friendly choices with strategic splurges on key items like Viking appliances, alongside their commitment to doing much of the work themselves, offers invaluable lessons for anyone considering a home renovation. The transformation from maple cabinets and disparate flooring to a cohesive, white-on-white sanctuary with elegant details is inspiring. Their project showcases the power of a unified design strategy, where every element, from the professional paint finish on the shaker cabinets to the bargain-found engineered walnut flooring and the stylish Crate & Barrel stools, contributes to a harmonious and sophisticated whole. It’s a testament to their dedication to creating a beautiful home that perfectly reflects their style and meets their family’s needs.
We are absolutely captivated by Jasmine and Sam’s renovation and can’t help but think they need to start a blog so we can learn more about their incredible home improvement adventures! Their keen eye for style and their impressive DIY skills make them quite the stylish and resourceful duo. And speaking of style, we especially love the way the kitchen design flows into adjacent spaces, including that chic coffee table we spotted nearby, hinting at a beautifully curated home throughout. We’re crossing our fingers that Jasmine and Sam might drop in and answer any questions you, our readers, might have in the comments section below. In the meantime, let’s play the classic “what’s your favorite part?” game. We’re personally digging the genius addition of those extra upper cabinets, which not only boost storage but also enhance the room’s elegant verticality, along with those perfectly chosen, cool stools. Our team member, Sherry, is absolutely drooling over those shiiiiny counters and that gleaming backsplash – truly a feast for the eyes!
Their story is a powerful reminder that with careful planning, a bit of elbow grease, and a smart approach to budgeting, anyone can achieve their dream kitchen. Whether you’re considering a full overhaul or smaller, impactful updates, take inspiration from Jasmine and Sam’s journey. What elements of their white kitchen remodel resonate most with you? Share your thoughts and your own kitchen renovation tips in the comments below!