36 Before-and-After Kitchen Remodel Ideas for Your Renovation

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These amazing before-and-after kitchen remodel ideas will inspire you to start planning a kitchen renovation of your own.

See how these kitchens transformed from closed-off and barely functional to dreamy, bright rooms that easily handle the day’s tasks.

Make cooking, dining, and entertaining simple with a kitchen filled with style and amenities that fit your family’s needs.

Before: 90s L-Shape

A before shot of a small white kitchen from the Kraus home.

Designer Stephanie Kraus remodeled this 1990s-era kitchen, managing the budget with a “pull and replace” method that kept the existing electrical, plumbing, and structural elements (like the window) right where they were.

This allowed her to spend her budget on materials that elevate the look.

After: Modern Refresh

A white contemporary kitchen with black accent in the island and range hood.

Keeping the same footprint while removing dated elements were the keys to updating this kitchen.

The angled corner cabinets dated the kitchen’s construction to the 1990s when angles were in. You can create a timeless look by squaring off the lines.

Replacing all the upper cabinetry with a custom curio-style cabinet and a few open shelves gives the rooms some space. The range hood creates a focal point and while it looks like steel, it’s actually a custom wood cover painted a sooty black.

Other updates include a subway tile splashback right up to the ceiling, recessing the refrigerator into the wall (and paneling it along with the dishwasher), and new light fixtures.

Before: Dated and Disorganized

A dated design and lack of storage limited this kitchen’s potential.

The too-small island and basic cabinetry left little room for stylish organization.

This kitchen remodel idea included reworking existing features to boost storage without changing the layout.

After: Customized Kitchen Storage

Removing the doors converted two upper cabinets into open shelving, where plate racks organize dishes.

The enlarged island now features open shelves on one end that store and display serving pieces.

New appliances, a custom-built range hood, and a crisp white and gray color scheme modernize the space.

Before: Closed-Off Peninsula

Tan walls combined with orange-toned wood floors and cabinetry gave the kitchen a dated, monochromatic look.

A peninsula closed off the kitchen from the dining area, disrupting the traffic flow.

The homeowners embarked on a DIY remodel to give the dark, confined kitchen a brighter, more open feel.

After: Colorful Kitchen Refresh

Light blue paint now covers the dark wood cabinetry with playful color.

Adding open shelves and swapping the island’s granite countertop with a white quartz surface further lightened the room’s visual weight.

Moroccan tiles stretch to the ceiling for a bold dose of pattern.

Before: Builder-Grade Kitchen

This kitchen was outfitted with all the hallmarks of a lackluster builder-grade home.

Oak cabinets, laminate countertops, and basic appliances offered function but lacked personality.

However, an efficient layout that connected the kitchen to a breakfast area meant the floor plan didn’t need changing during the kitchen remodel.

After: Modern Kitchen Remodel Idea

A two-tone paint job is a kitchen remodel idea that adds modern contrast to the new wood cabinets, which include white upper units that stretch to the ceiling to expand the ceiling height visually.

Open shelves replaced one block of cabinets to reinforce the airy look.

Graphic porcelain floor tiles add a bold punch of pattern, while upgraded appliances and butcher-block countertops round out the kitchen makeover.

Before: Functional But Dated

before shot of Jennifer Smart-Abbey's kitchen

The existing floor plan of this 300-square-foot kitchen worked, but the rest of the elements needed an update.

Plaid wallpaper and ornate iron hardware were not in sync with the homeowner’s personal style.

Darkly veined countertops and wood cabinets created a heavy, dated look.

After: High-Style Kitchen

Kitchen with white counter and bar seating

Kitchen remodeling ideas were used to brighten the kitchen. The original cabinets were painted crisp white and a light blue-gray, and veined white quartzite replaced the dark granite countertops.

New hardware and glass pendants above the island introduce shiny brass accents.

Removing the old wallpaper made way for a sleek subway tile backsplash.

Before: Bland Neutral Kitchen

Neutral color schemes work well in kitchens, but too much white can leave the space feeling bland and impersonal.

This suburban kitchen went from boring to bursting with texture, pattern, and personality.

The kitchen renovation was all accomplished within its existing floor plan.

After: Brassy and Bright

Moving the sink to the window gave this kitchen a harder-working U-shape layout.

Mushroom-color cabinets contrast with white quartz countertops and a subway tile backsplash.

The reasonably priced backsplash tile was taken up to the ceiling for an added sense of height.

Brass cabinet hardware and vintage columns on the breakfast bar add history without dating the look.

Before: Narrow Kitchen Layout

This cramped kitchen lacked a logical flow, causing traffic to stop.

A poorly placed peninsula blocked the path between the kitchen and dining room.

A kitchen remodel gave it an open layout to make the space more functional.

After: Open and Airy

floor-to-ceiling cabinets and blue kitchen island

To improve the flow of the room, the sink and faucet were moved from the peninsula to the exterior wall beneath a new, smaller window.

The peninsula was also replaced with an island. The refrigerator is now near a breakfast and coffee station closer to the dining room to simplify morning routines.

Covering the entire wall, the porcelain tile backsplash mimics the look of Carrara marble to save money without sacrificing style.

Before: Impractical Kitchen Design

vintage contemporary kitchen before window view

Dated track lighting and lackluster cabinets created a kitchen design that appeared stuck in the past.

Plus, the dishwasher was nowhere near the sink, causing dirty dishes to leave a trail of water as they went from sink to dishwasher.

This before-and-after kitchen remodel idea reconfigured the layout and added cottage-style charm.

After: Efficient Cottage Charm

A smart kitchen renovation made better use of the kitchen’s footprint.

To make the kitchen feel less secluded, the homeowners opened a wall, moved a hallway door two feet towards the windows, and rotated the island 90 degrees, which helped expand the kitchen throughout the entire space.

White shiplap, painted cabinets, and open shelves infuse the kitchen with farmhouse flair. With the dishwasher now tucked into the island, dirty dish drips are a thing of the past.

Before: Ready to Remodel

outdated kitchen corner with flower stepstool

This kitchen was cramped and isolated from the rest of the first-floor rooms.

Drab finishes imparted no personality, and clunky appliances were eyesores.

Thanks to a kitchen remodel idea that included tearing down a wall and reviving the surfaces, the kitchen is now a sleek spot to cook and gather.

After: Modern Kitchen Update

green modern kitchen with soft wood tones

After knocking down a wall, this townhome kitchen remodel created an L-shaped layout with a spacious island that offers space to entertain, gather, and cook.

To save on remodeling costs, the range, sink, and dishwasher remained where they were.

Gray wood base cabinets, glossy white upper cabinets, and wood-look tile floors set a warm, modern style, which is continued with the soft sage tile backsplash.

Before: Room for Improvement

This original kitchen was too small and separated from the living room by a tiny dining area.

Dated yellow appliances and a matching sink aged the room, as did fading dark cabinetry and beige floor tiles.

Clever kitchen remodel ideas, including a more functional floor plan and a ceiling lift, helped update the space.

After: Bold Kitchen Style

Removing walls was a kitchen remodel idea that helped reconfigure this layout to create a sunny, open space.

The homeowners used drywall, lattice strips, and metallic paint to make a focal-point range hood.

The home’s black-and-white palette continues in the kitchen, along with bold accent fabrics to tie it to the rest of the living areas.

Before: Boxed-In Kitchen

The boxy design of this 1943 home needed a kitchen remodel idea that would remove the wall between the kitchen and dining room.

During construction, the original 12×10-foot kitchen, which housed only one small window, was opened to an adjacent room, creating a 26×12-foot space.

While updating the paint, hardware, cabinetry, and appliances, the homeowners added three large windows, further expanding the visual appeal.

After: Contemporary Kitchen Makeover

Revved up with red, this space now lives large with smart kitchen makeover ideas including DIY concrete countertops and an efficient U-shape layout.

The concrete counters add a rough, industrial feeling to the contemporary kitchen, which combines a sleek stainless-steel backsplash and laminate cabinetry.

The counter-depth refrigerator has the appearance of a built-in model but is more affordable.

Before: Green and Narrow

Five years in a too-small space gave these homeowners a clear vision of their kitchen remodel idea.

An addition at the back of the circa 1920s house gave them the area they needed to bring their vision to life. With a tiny island but no room for a table, a true eat-in kitchen wasn’t an option.

A total kitchen makeover revamped the space with a sophisticated, clean-line aesthetic and high-performance features.

After: Industrial-Style Kitchen Makeover

Inspired by a favorite restaurant, this family kitchen becomes a sophisticated, industrial-style hangout.

Pale gray perimeter cabinets, a deeper blue-gray island, and steel shelves flank the range while delivering a bistro-like impression.

The kitchen’s large scale allowed the homeowners to reorient the island and forgo hanging cabinets for sleek metal shelves.

Before: Bland and Awkward

The awkward layout of this 1980s kitchen demanded an update.

During the kitchen remodel, the homeowners shifted appliances and a doorway to create an efficient work core and improve flow.

To allow space for a banquette, they moved a partial wall a few feet into the family room and shortened its length.

After: Bright, Beachy Kitchen

White cabinetry and whitewashed oak flooring give this kitchen a beachy feel.

The double-wide island, which is more than a foot wider than the original, provides a focal point as well as a storage boost.

Subway tiles in seafoam green (instead of the usual white) add a boost of color. The smooth, glossy tiles run to the ceiling, providing a textural changeup from all the wood.

A built-in fridge lines up with the island, allowing a straight path from the mudroom to the breakfast area.

Before: Too Much Wood

To break this dated kitchen out of its style rut, the homeowners needed a brighter, fresher look with added function.

Painting the broad expanse of wood kicked off this kitchen remodel.

Other much-needed updates included opening up the kitchen’s layout to capitalize on natural light, shifting appliance placement for better efficiency, redesigning the island, and installing a banquette breakfast area.

After: Bright White Kitchen Remodel Idea

Bright white paint on the cabinets rescued this open kitchen from its sea of same-color wood finishes.

A contrasting paint job on the island introduces a favorite color that might be too bold for perimeter cabinets. Outfitted with seating and storage, the new island brings high function to the space.

Moving the cooking appliances to the island during the kitchen renovation made room for an over-the-sink cutout facing the sunny dining room, which helps bring in natural light.

Before: Brick and Stone

This kitchen needed some serious polishing but no significant structural changes.

To update the space, layers of laminate flooring were removed to make way for cork.

The brick that encases the lower cabinets was painted satin-finish white to provide a crisp border around the wood doors.

After: Vintage-Modern Merge

Homeowners installed the tile backsplash, while professionals handled the cork flooring and quartz surfacing.

The quartz countertops, which are typically less expensive than granite or marble, were picked for practicality (it’s essentially stainproof) and because of their modern feel.

The new open layout was fully painted and updated except for the custom hood, original to the midcentury modern house.

Before: Untapped Potential

This small kitchen needed a big expansion to fit a family of six.

Taking over the space of an unused porch allowed these homeowners to create a kitchen and breakfast nook that accommodates everyone.

After deciding against pricey custom cabinets, the homeowners were able to save thousands of dollars by adding custom touches to stock cabinets to achieve the look they wanted.

After: Family-Friendly Kitchen

Barely-there gray cabinets create a neutral kitchen with a sophisticated style.

The granite countertops and gray subway tile backsplash pair perfectly with the color scheme for a timeless, soothing space.

Kitchen makeover ideas such as turned legs on the island and a bespoke vent hood create a kitchen that feels high-end and custom, but the durable granite counters and hardwood floors are perfect for this busy family’s daily use.

Before: DIY-Ready

The kitchen in this charming Cape Cod home needed a lot of work, but that didn’t scare off the DIY-savvy homeowners.

To create a space large enough for their family, they knocked down the wall between the dining room and kitchen.

They then installed reclaimed wood floors and assembled and finished the stock base cabinetry.

After: Modern-Traditional Kitchen

The kitchen remodel idea showcases the mix of modern and traditional elements found throughout the rest of the home.

The island was built from stock cabinetry and topped with concrete and butcher-block countertops.

Stainless-steel shelves replace upper cabinets, creating a kitchen that is bright and open.

Before: ’80s Kitchen Remodel

This space was renovated in 1980, but it didn’t make good use of the room’s size and shape.

A dated color scheme and checkerboard wood floor left the kitchen looking tired.

A variety of kitchen remodel ideas helped lighten and brighten the space and create a more sophisticated kitchen.

After: Bright and Spacious

Traditional style kitchen with white cabinetry

New floor-to-ceiling cabinets take advantage of the room’s vertical space.

One window was replaced by two to bring more light into the room, while the white cabinets, countertop, and backsplash make the narrow room seem bigger.

An island adds seating and prep space to the center of the room.