Before and After: 10 Stunning Kitchen Remodels

There’s something deeply satisfying about a kitchen makeover — not just the fresh countertops or updated cabinets, but how the space suddenly feels alive again.

I’ve seen so many kitchens that looked stuck in the past. And when you see how they’ve been turned into modern, functional spaces, it’s hard not to feel inspired to pick up a paintbrush yourself.

I put this post together to show just how dramatic a kitchen remodel can be. You’ll find real-life examples from dated and dark to bright and bold. Some used clever layouts, others focused on color and lighting, but all prove that thoughtful design pays off.

Let’s dive into the transformations.

1. From Cramped to Open Concept

Before: This kitchen was boxed in with upper cabinets that made it feel tight and dated. The dark wood finishes soaked up all the light.

After: They knocked down a wall and replaced the upper cabinets with open shelving. White oak accents and soft gray tones brought it into the present, and now it feels twice the size.

2. Outdated ’90s to Sleek and Minimal

Before: Honey oak cabinets, laminate counters, and fluorescent lighting made this kitchen feel like a time capsule.

After: Matte black cabinets and quartz countertops created a bold, modern feel. They added under-cabinet lighting and a sleek tile backsplash that made the entire space glow.

3. Basic Builder-Grade to Bold Personality

Before: Everything was beige — cabinets, walls, even the floor. There was no contrast or design character.

After: Navy lower cabinets and brass hardware added depth. Patterned floor tiles and a bright white upper section brought this space to life.

4. Small Galley to Airy Showpiece

Before: This tiny galley kitchen felt tight, with no natural light reaching past the sink.

After: They extended the kitchen slightly into the dining area and added a large window. Light woods and reflective surfaces now make it feel expansive and fresh.

5. Country Cluttered to Clean and Contemporary

Before: A mix of different cabinet styles and bulky appliances made it feel cluttered.

After: Flat-panel cabinets and built-in appliances streamlined the layout. A continuous stone countertop added polish, and now the space looks high-end without being cold.

6. Closed-Off and Dark to Bright and Functional

Before: This space had limited counter space and no seating area. It also lacked any natural flow.

After: They added a large island with seating and dropped in pendant lights to define the space. The pale color palette made the room feel bigger and more inviting.

7. Dated Coastal to Modern Rustic

Before: The kitchen had whitewashed cabinets and seashell wallpaper. The layout wasn’t bad, but the materials felt cheap.

After: Reclaimed wood shelving, natural stone backsplash, and matte fixtures created a grounded, rustic charm. Everything feels thoughtful and warm now.

8. Budget Rental to Boutique Look

Before: Cheap laminate counters and white melamine cabinets gave it a “rental unit” vibe.

After: Peel-and-stick backsplash tiles, upgraded lighting, and painted cabinets gave it a designer finish, without changing the footprint or going over budget.

9. Confused Layout to Chef’s Dream

Before: Appliances were scattered, and storage was limited. It wasn’t functional or comfortable.

After: A full redesign put the sink, stove, and fridge into a proper working triangle. They also added a pot filler and a hidden pantry, making it practical and luxurious.

10. Plain White to Warm Modern

Before: It was all white — and not in a good way. The kitchen felt sterile and cold.

After: Wood accents, creamy taupe cabinets, and bronze fixtures brought in warmth. The island became the centerpiece with a waterfall edge that elevated the entire room.