Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      Kick-start your day by making habits out of these mood-boosting tips. Read More
    • Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      It's one of your favorite fruits, but does it belong on the counter or in the refrigerator? Read More
    • This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      A few easy-to-find ingredients are all you need to create a powerful formula that squashes weeds. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    Show your love of country by displaying these varieties on America's birthday.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    Make gathering with loved ones a priority.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We asked the experts to weigh in on this popular home design concept.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    Confused about when to do what to your favorite flowering shrubs? We have you covered.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Pillows

    How to Wash Pillows

    They're an essential element of a comfortable bed, so keep yours fresh and in their best shape ever with these expert-approved tips.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Get the traditional rules for who pays for the wedding details.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    Our easy melt-and-pour method saves the last bit of this home essential.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    This buzzy ingredient is a star player in many new-age hair care products.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. DIY Projects & Crafts
  3. DIY Home Projects
  4. Kitchen Makeover: See How One Couple Cooked Up a Stylish Family Space...On a Budget

Kitchen Makeover: See How One Couple Cooked Up a Stylish Family Space...On a Budget

August 26, 2015
Skip gallery slides
Pin
kitchen-transformed-01-d100607-0815.jpg
Credit: Andrew Bordwin
A year ago, this galley kitchen had a dated, awkward setup that didn't work for the couple and their two young daughters. The room is now dressed head to toe in fresh greens and whites, with nickel-plated hardware sparkling at every turn. See the before-and-after pictures.
Start Slideshow

1 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Kitchen Transformed

kitchen-transformed-01-d100607-0815.jpg
Credit: Andrew Bordwin
The Worst Kitchen Renovation Mistakes

Amy and Peter Sharpless still blink when they walk into their kitchen. The room is now dressed head to toe in fresh greens and whites, with nickel-plated hardware sparkling at every turn.

1 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Communal Effort

kitchen-transformed-02-d100607-0815.jpg
Credit: Andrew Bordwin

With hard work and a clear vision, Amy and Peter built the kitchen of their dreams. Stylishly executed and smartly organized, it's well equipped for both work and play. The whole family pitched in; Amy painted the cabinets under the supervision of her daughters.

2 of 19

3 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Cleaner Kitchen

kitchen-transformed-03-d100607-0815.jpg
Credit: Andrew Bordwin
More Good Things to Know Around the Kitchen

Amy loves soft, natural greens -- such as the hues of beach glass, ferns, and sea urchins -- and chose them as her color scheme. Pale-green cabinets and furniture; a creamy floor and walls; new white appliances and counters; and additional lighting brighten the kitchen, giving it a fresh, clean look. 

3 of 19

Advertisement

4 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Sink at the Center

kitchen-transformed-04-d100607-0815.jpg
Credit: Andrew Bordwin
See More on How to Choose a Kitchen Sink

To make it a focal point, the sink got the big splurge: an old-style polished-nickel faucet and a vintage cup holder for soap. A shelf with antique plates helps frame the area. 

4 of 19

5 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mail, Managed!

kitchen-transformed-05-d100607-0815.jpg
Credit: Andrew Bordwin

Keeping track of the mail is easy now that each family member has a slot. Hooks beneath the bins hold keys.

5 of 19

6 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Countertop Comfortable

kitchen-transformed-06-d100607-0815.jpg
Credit: Andrew Bordwin
What to Know When Choosing a Kitchen Countertop

New appliances and Corian counters make meal preparation much more pleasureable.

6 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Organized in Style

kitchen-transformed-07-d100607-0815.jpg
Credit: Andrew Bordwin

Linen-covered bulletin boards are an attractive alternative to the refrigerator door for posting children's art, family photos, schedules, and important reminders.

7 of 19

8 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

An Important Distinction

kitchen-transformed-08-d100607-0815.jpg
Credit: Andrew Bordwin

French doors have a windowlike effect in a windowless room. They also divide the dining room and the kitchen, useful for entertaining.

8 of 19

9 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Painting the Cabinets, a Step-by-Step!

kitchen-transformed-09-d100607-0815.jpg
Credit: Andrew Bordwin

Step 1

Empty the cabinets and drawers and organize their contents in labeled plastic bins so you can easily find things while the kitchen is under construction. 

9 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Step 2

kitchen-transformed-10-d100607-0815.jpg
Credit: Andrew Bordwin

Remove the doors and drawers. Use good screwdrivers to prevent stripping heads. If reusing the hardware, keep it in labeled plastic bags. 

10 of 19

11 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Step 3

kitchen-transformed-11-d100607-0815.jpg
Credit: Andrew Bordwin

Label the drawers on the underside and the door on the inside where a hinge will be attached with masking tape; write the location on each strip of tape as you remove the pieces. Before you do any patching, priming, or painting, wash the surfaces. 

11 of 19

12 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Step 4

kitchen-transformed-12-d100607-0815.jpg
Credit: Andrew Bordwin

Fill unwanted holes and crevices. Use a putty knife to fill each hole with wood or auto-body filler; let dry. Mound wood putty over the hole. Let dry; sand flat. If you replace the handles with knobs, fill in one of the two holes in each door.

12 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Step 5

kitchen-transformed-13-d100607-0815.jpg
Credit: Andrew Bordwin

Sand all surfaces, covering appliances, counters, and open doorways with plastic sheeting and lining the floor with kraft paper. Use a random orbital sander on flat surfaces, following the wood's grain; sand grooves and edges by hand with fine-grit sandpaper. Work on drawers and door in the garage or basement to keep dust out of the kitchen. 

13 of 19

14 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Step 6

kitchen-transformed-14-d100607-0815.jpg
Credit: Andrew Bordwin

Wipe down all surfaces with a tack cloth, which is treated with a sticky varnish to remove dust and other particles.

14 of 19

15 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Step 7

kitchen-transformed-15-d100607-0815.jpg
Credit: Andrew Bordwin

Prime all surfaces to create a uniform base for the paint color. Start with the cabinet frames (the sooner they're done, the sooner you can use them again). Make long, steady brush strokes going with the wood's grain. Run a wide, dry brush over the wet surface to even out brush marks. For doors and drawers, prime grooves first, then flat surfaces. Finish with the edges (horizontals then verticals). Let dry, and prime the doors' backs.

15 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Step 8

kitchen-transformed-18-d100607-0815.jpg
Credit: Andrew Bordwin

Add molding to the cabinets for a finished look. Amy attached a cornice at the top and 1-by-2s and shelf-edge molding along the bottom. When all of the molding is in place and primed, the cabinet frames are ready for printing. 

16 of 19

17 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Step 9

kitchen-transformed-19-d100607-0815.jpg
Credit: Andrew Bordwin

Design a built-in shelf to create additional storage or display space under the smaller cabinets typically found over the sink. Amy added a recessed shelf over her sink. 

17 of 19

18 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Step 10

kitchen-transformed-16-d100607-0815.jpg
Credit: Andrew Bordwin

Paint the doors, drawers, and cabinet frames. Amy used an oil-based formula. It takes longer to dry than water-based paint, but it wears well and is easy to clean. Apply two coats, using the same technique that was described for priming in step 7.

18 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Step 11

kitchen-transformed-17-d100607-0815.jpg
Credit: Andrew Bordwin

Dry and touch up the doors, resting them top-down (on their least visible surface when reinstalled) on two strips of wood and leaning against a wall. Once the cabinets are painted, reinstall the doors and drawers with their new hardware. Empty your storage bins, putting everything back where it belongs.

19 of 19

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 19 A Kitchen Transformed
    2 of 19 A Communal Effort
    3 of 19 A Cleaner Kitchen
    4 of 19 A Sink at the Center
    5 of 19 Mail, Managed!
    6 of 19 Countertop Comfortable
    7 of 19 Organized in Style
    8 of 19 An Important Distinction
    9 of 19 Painting the Cabinets, a Step-by-Step!
    10 of 19 Step 2
    11 of 19 Step 3
    12 of 19 Step 4
    13 of 19 Step 5
    14 of 19 Step 6
    15 of 19 Step 7
    16 of 19 Step 8
    17 of 19 Step 9
    18 of 19 Step 10
    19 of 19 Step 11

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Kitchen Makeover: See How One Couple Cooked Up a Stylish Family Space...On a Budget
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.