In this Kitchen Makeovers themed post, we’ll consider a range of elements and inspiration you may want to consider. We started to consider a few smart ideas HERE. We’ve chronicled so many kitchen projects in stories on Hello Lovely over the years and considered my own DIY renovations (too many to name!) that certain patterns emerge. Pin to save ideas on a Pinterest board like mine for future reference!
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Kitchen Makeovers & Redesign Checklist
Would your kitchen benefit from a spruce up or a minor refresh?
A few of these design details may even offer that sort of help too.
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Wood Trim on Range Hood
If you are adding a custom range hood for your kitchen, there is a wide array of housing for those venting systems!
You can paint the wood, stain it, or include both:
Gold-Toned Hardware?
You need not limit yourself to polished brass since there are other warm metallic finishes these days…
Gilded iron is a favorite of mine. Also consider burnished brass or unlacquered brass.
Warm metals can offer beautiful contrast with cool tones.
We may as well add a fantasy kitchen moment (or five) here:
Reflective & Polished Finishes for Countertops
In recent years, honed surfaces and matte countertops have increased in popularity, but plenty of us still appreciate polished and reflective finishes.
In my experience, there is a forgiving quality polished stone and quartz possess that a matte surface may lack.
But whether it is quartz or stone, a reflective finish means the light will bounce around and keep the feel airy and bright.
Grey With White
I know, I know Grey is so 10 years ago and for the soul-less crowd…will the attitude of a few loud critics online really shape the choices you make for a kitchen in which you’re about to invest five figures?
Shaker Style is Still Popular for Kitchens
There is good reason Shaker style kitchens are common these days. This cabinet style seems to work beautifully for kitchens in homes across a range of architectural styles.
Prefer slab front drawers with the simplicity of Shaker cabinet doors? My eye seems to prefer the drawer profile to match the doors.
Notice how the same cabinetry style in kitchens with different styles works above and below:
A classic Shaker style feels as though it will always stay relevant.
Library Style Sconces
Here’s my take on whether they are too trendy…if they are classic in design, do we have to worry when they are suddenly having a moment or not having a moment? Let the trend pass. A more helpful question is this style sconce more interesting than recessed lighting or track lighting for your taste and kitchen?
If you ask me, you almost cannot think and plan enough as to the lighting for your kitchen makeovers! We spend so much time in our kitchens these days, and lighting needs vary from day to night.
When I say “lighting needs,” I’m not only referring to fixtures. Windows, skylights, and sources of natural light are so important to prioritize.
Old World Lanterns
They add so much personality and charm!
I wouldn’t hesitate to splurge on one you fall in love with.
They are beautiful over islands, dining tables, and in pantries.
Do you prefer a look with glass inserts or without? I typically prefer without since I don’t love dusting.
Here are some favorite fixtures:
Herringbone Pattern
It can be utterlyo chic to install hardwood in a herringbone pattern:
This pattern reminds me of Parisian allure, traditional French style, and a nod to a time gone by.
Broken record here, but pay no mind to whether herringbone is having its 15 minutes. If you love it, allow yourself to love the look. It’s another timeless element likely to move in and out of vogue.
Will we concern ourselves with fleeting fashion headlines or ageless sophisticated simplicity?
Wood Planked Ceiling
While it’s quite a lofty prospect, incorporating wood (reclaimed barn wood, beams, or new planks) on the fifth wall can create presence von presence.
Maybe you’re tackling a kitchen for a new build and desire to add add instant age?
Ceilings are an architectural feature most homeowners overlook. Pro designers never do!
It’s a bonus to uncover ceiling texture rather than pay for it!
You may appreciate the simplicity and beauty of this one:
Blue Cabinets
While the color below is Light Blue (Farrow & Ball), the effect with this particular lighting suggests a beautiful grey:
Better to use inspiration photos as a guide for choosing paint colors rather than strictly adhering to the exact same paint used for that project. Editing, various lighting conditions, and photograph filters all influence these photos.
Notice that although the window trim above is grey, the door trim is white…does this combo work for your kitchen?
French Ironstone Accents
Ironstone has been collectible for many years for good reason. It is useful and looks great everywhere.
This is one of those collections you could start to add age, texture, and charm to your kitchen’s decor.
Custom Cabinet & Counter Depth
This last kitchen is a teeny modern one in a Paris apartment near Notre Dame we booked through Your Haven In. Smart function is packed into a sleek, modern design with essentials including washer and dryer tucked beneath a cooktop!
Who says base cabinets must be 24″ deep?
I loved the contrast of the old windows with their cremone bolts and the minimal cabinet style. We don’t typically see minimal hardware installed horizontally like this in America.
Tour a Favorite Kitchen!
Make sure to visit more kitchen redesign wisdom HERE.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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