Last month, Melissa asked the Apartment Therapy readers to weigh in on whether she should paint her kitchen cabinets. She got 80 comments to consider and went ahead with a full on makeover. We were thrilled that she sent us fantastic "after" photos to enjoy. Jump below for the full gallery and all the details …
Here is Melissa's post-project, wrap up:
A couple of weeks ago you graciously posted a Good Question about my budget kitchen makeover, and here are the results! I got lots (and lots and lots!) of input from AT readers and I'm so thankful. The whole thing cost around $450 and took just a few messy, chaotic weeks. I have two young kids, so I just had to fit in a half hour here, an hour there, hoping that no one would smudge the paint, and eventually it got done.
My kitchen is so much brighter now even though I did nothing to the lighting (I'll deal with that after the holidays). I simply painted everything (including the wood-trimmed countertop edging), replaced all the nasty hinges and knobs with shiny new hardware, used a little fabric here and there, made a rug from FLOR carpet tiles, and framed some illustrations from my Charley Harper calendar. My table and chairs no longer fit in very well, but I think a couple coats of paint and another well-placed FLOR rug will fix that. :)
Again, thanks for all the advice! Especially to the commenters who suggested that I go dark on the lower cabinets - they were dead right!
Thanks, Melissa!
ORIGINAL POST:
• Should I Paint My Dark Kitchen Cabinets?
Apartment Therapy's Sofa Shopping Guide
Nikki’s Sweet and Cheery Print Studio
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Stanley Console by ...
5 Things Paris Taught Me About Travel
Recipe: Ham, Cheddar & Chive Egg Bakes
Wow! Great job! Such a big bang for so little bucks. Kudos!
Wow, what an inspirational before-and-after. It looks GREAT! Awesome job, Melissa.
I think you did a great job, it looks wonderful! And thank you so much for sending in your after!
What an INCREDIBLE transformation on a budget!! Congrats on the 'new' space. Cooking in there must be a joy! It reminds me of when my boyfriend's mom transformed her kitchen by painting the dated wood cabinets.
I imagine it would look lovely with grey slate tiles if you plan on doing the floors in the future.. but that rug does a fantastic job of taking the attention off the laminate(?).
Great budget-friendly makeover indeed!
Amazing job on the reno, thanks for the update.
Your chairs are great as is, just paint your table white!!!!!!!
Absolutely terrific! It's really lovely. Would love to know what colors you used. Also, have you had a problem with grease and dust on the open shelving?
I love it!
holy crap that is spectacular!!!!!!!!!!!
Great job! I would say leave the table and chairs (don't paint them!)... they warm the space up a bit. :)
It is amazing what a can of paint can do!
You really did a great job. That is really inspiring! The Flor tile rug adds a great pop of color.
This post really should be an ad for paint! Great job.
Where did you get the large clock?
Budget, quick and fabulous redo? I'm all about it!
Yep, really inspiring. The cabinet hardware makes such a difference!
fantastic! and really proves the point that if you have something you want to hide -- that big honking black fridge kind of hanging out in space -- paint what's around it the same color and it all disappears.
pam h
howtorunyourlife.blogspot.com
Hi all - Melissa, here - my heart skipped a beat when I saw this posted today! Thanks for the comments. I'm really happy about how it turned out!
Kay: here are my colors - all are Sherwin-Williams latex: walls and backsplash, Willow Tree (matte on walls, semigloss on backsplash); upper cabinets and trim - Westhighland White semigloss; lower cabinets - Urbane Bronze semigloss. And no grease/dust yet on the open shelving -- we use a lot of that stuff every day, so it hasn't been a problem so far. And I LOVE the open shelving more than I ever thought I would (I am a bit messy, and it's forcing me to be tidier).
Ralapack - the clock is Target - I got it 6 or so months ago, I think they have something similar now.
Really, REALLY amazing job! Super jealous now! I've been scouring the FLOR website for my own kitchen rug for the past 20 minutes! :)
dude. Dude. DUUUUUUDE!!!! now THAT'S what I call a makeover!! NICE WORK!
oh yeah; Melissa, would you happen to have the time?
I'm so impressed
It's amazing how even the floor looks better w/ the new colors on the cabinets and walls, how well your wall color coordinates with the FLOR rug and how the dark lower cabinets compliments the black fridge.
Congrats!!!
Can you tell me how you painted the cabinets? I am a painting virgin. I'm not kidding. I have old cabinets that are chipping and I wonder about the brush lines/smoothness of different methods. Your kitchen looks amazing by the way. Really tasteful and cool at the same time!
I love it!!
wow! how inspiring! congrats, melissa!
Lovely!
Yep, looks fantastic. I painted all my kitchen cabinets too and it is no small task! It is so impressive that you got this done in a relatively short amount of time - and with kids! I think it took me like 3 months with no kids. :)
It looks great! - I do think the charcoal on bottom made the biggest difference.
Lookin' Good. Great job!
Your hard work has paid off well!!!!!!
I also tackled a crazy kitchen before & after - feel free to check it out here:
http://firsthomemakeover.blogspot.com/2010/09/kitchen-makeover.html
Wonderful transformation. I really like how the counters and upper cabinets really contrast the lower cabinets. Very nice.
Amazing job, looks beautiful!
Looks fantastic.
WOOOOWWWWWWW! Holy crap, WOW!
Can I just say, 'wow'?
That looks absolutely fantastic. Well done!
stunning. I love how you painted the trim around the counters- it makes the countertop look completely different!
I've often lived in places with identical brown wooden cabinets and have always been nervous about painting them. Never again! These are beautiful. (& with 2 kids?).
Sounds silly, Melissa, but would you happen to be in the Laurel/Ft Meade area?
Looks like some houses we did out there!
Amazing job! I love love the black base cabinets.
What a wonderful transformation! I'm uber-impressed by the style, workmanship, and budget! Bravo!
Fantastic job! Love the colors you use and the advice on painting lower cabinets darker was spot on. Wish we had seen this before painting our own wood 1960's cabinets, might have considered a 2 tone look as well.
@db51
this old house's website has a great painting cabinets link. They sell rollers at home depot and other hardware stores to minimize brush marks which have an "ultra smooth" finish. It does take some work,TSP cleaning (they sell it in a spray bottle @ HD so spray on and wipe off with a paper towel) removal of all doors and hinges, filling in dings with wood filler (can do these while you're waiting for coffee in am over several days before removing doors), sanding everything, one coat of primer, sanding again and then 2 coats of paint. there are some lovely colors in no voc paints (benamin moore natura and HD freshaire brands are 2) so you don't have to deal with odor and toxins in your kitchen, then rehang doors with new hardware and knobs. It took us about a week of work, but we only did outside of doors, since I'm not that into open cabinets (I like to hide my mess and am not motivated ever to keep it tidy--that's why we have doors :>. You need to leave 3hrs drying time between coats and 5 days before re-hanging since things are a little sticky before then. Not impossible--we too have a 3 year old running around, but I was wondering why we didn't do it all before a trip somewhere so we wouldn't have to deal with doors on our garage floor and then dining room.
This is the first time I've seen an update to one of those reader design questions. You did an FANTASTIC job. I think I might have to paint my lower cabinets a dark color, too. Thanks!
Thanks for posting the after pictures. I'm always curious to see the changes. You did a great job! I especially like the FLOR rug.
Flawless!
It looks fantastic!
This is beautiful and is a true testament to what can be done with a bit of elbow grease and creative vision.
Melissa you did an amazing job, especially working about two kiddos:) Congrats.
It came out really nice - hope you'll share another after when you add some lighting as that will really make it finished. Good call on painting the trip on the counters - at first glance I thought they were new!
painting the "edge" that was supposed to be!
Stunning! I love that you painted the lower cabinets a darker color - I might have to steal that idea.
Really well done! I remember the original post and thinking the wood looked nice as is, but the paint job is really fantastic - the whole kitchen looks great.
Probably the first before-and-after where I literally dropped my jaw! Such a difference, and for so little money, it's a big change for the better.
Good for you!
As the mother of 3, I bow to you. You did a spectacular job. It looks so modern and ties so wonderfully with the appliances (big and small). The details are great. I love how the light switch cover matches the stainless. Keep up the great work around your home. LOVELY!
wow! I am amazed and inspired.
I love your dining room chairs. They are beautiful!
This is amazing. I was totally anti two tone cabinets when the inital question was posted. But his has really changed my mind. Brilliant job.
totally awesome. excellent job. looks great!
See, THIS is what Apartment Therapy is all about on a good day! A+
Really impressive makeover! It hardly looks like the same room.
Fantastic job. I love it!
Aw, thanks everyone! I've been an AT reader for ages, and an admirer of so many homes that have been featured, so it's so nice to hear all the good feedback.
I love the choice of open storage! Great job!
This project is exactly what AT should be about. Love how positive and supportive everyone has been in the comments, too. Good job Melissa!
jenchudesign.blogspot.com
I prefered the before ;-)
Nah, just kidding! It is spectacular. Really like the open shelving.
Nice to see the results after a good question.
Is that outlet to the right of the sink a GFCI outlet? It doesn't look like it in the picture, but with two little ones in the house, it should be.
Not that I'm an electrical nazi or anything but that outlet is REALLY close to the sink.
Outstanding! So fresh and up to the minute! I do however, agree with MeganMarguerite in suggesting you leave the table and chairs as they are. The wood gives warmth and interest. I think painting them would take you over the "matchy-matchy" line. After seeing this I may be brave enough to change mine soon!!
LMG - You have really good vision. :) Those outlets are absolutely not GFCI. Our house has the most outdated electrical EVER. We are slowly updating everything, and replacing those are near the top of the list.
I love it!!! It looks so classy and clean.
Once again, I am amazed by what a bit of paint & some hardware can do. You would think after the hundreds of AT/Kitchn posts with before & after paint jobs that I wouldn't be...but I am. This looks great!
And I also don't think you should touch the table & chairs!!
Wow - this looks incredible! Thanks for the update and good work! I especially loooove the rug!
I LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for posting the after pics! It's so much fun to see how you interpreted and incorporated everyone's advice. (Including mine!!!!! Love the open shelving. :))
Effin fabulous!
I'm going with what Cashew said! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW! Holy Crap, that's some makeover. Nice job, woman, you rule!
You completely killed it Melissa! Looks fantastic!
That is a 5 star make-over! It's amazing!
Fabulous result for that kind of money! Very inspiring and well done.
Wowza! The open cabinets with wallpaper lining was a stroke of genius and I love the subtle wall colour to tie in with the rug.
Great job. Inspirational result.
Melissa - I scoured the answers in your original post because, I swear, this *is* my kitchen, except with an older stove and vent in vintage yellow. I am positively impatient to paint, and even more so now that I've seen you 'after' pictures!
Thanks!
Your kitchen looks SOOO good now! I think you did a WONDERFUL job and made very smart choices. Painting that trim makes the countertop look new... using these colors pepped up the floor's appearance, and it no longer looks old and tired. A+ to you missy!! A+
You rock!!!!
Rhonda - DO IT! For even more inspiration, have a look at the newest issue of Do It Yourself magazine (it's put out by Better Homes & Gardens) -- there's a 70s kitchen makeover featured that reminds me much of my own. I wish I had seen it before I did mine, though, because in the magazine they used hidden hinges, which for some reason I didn't think I'd be able to use. The hidden hinges look SO much better than the exposed ones!
This is very modern for my tastes and even I love it! You did a great job! So much difference for under $500!
Love the clock, I actually have the same one. It's pretty easy to take apart and spray paint the outer rim black. I think it makes it look 100% classier (and like I didn't pay $10 for it on clearance).
Oooh Ahhh! I love it.
Amazing job! Hard to believe how much brighter it is, even with the dark lower cabinets. Even the vinyl flooring looks good.
SO AMAZING. I also have a 70s kitchen with similar cabinets. I am looking forward to painting ours and this is just the makeover I needed to show my husband how great the dark cabinets look on bottom.
what you said about hidden hinges... You can do that with these types of cabinets?!
Can you explain how you made a rug out of carpet squares? I love the whole thing, but that in particular is a wonderful fun addition.
Beautiful re-do...you did a wonderful job and I had to scroll up and down to look at the before and after SEVERAL times because I just couldn't believe it looks so GREAT...great use of the FLOR tiles too!
Wow! What a change! I love how it turned out, and I am really impressed with how quickly you got everything done--especially with little kids!
Painting the wood trim on the counters was a great idea. I can't believe what a difference it makes. The only thing I don't love is the three doorless cupboards. I think it looks a little unfinished with that style kitchen, but I suppose that's a matter of personal preference (and I do think the wallpaper back is adorable). Either way though, it looks fantastic. Nice work!
Houndstooth - I think you can use the hidden hinges. I didn't even look at them because I figured I had to stick with the standard ones, but...in the magazine they used them and it looked awesome.
imogene - I just bought six tiles and cut them each in half, then made the pattern with them. I applied the stickers to the undersides to hold it together.
I will forever point to this post when people berate others for painting wood (furniture, furnishings, whatnot)... what an amazing transformation and a vast improvement! It's cute as all get out and looks brand new. Great, great job. :)
You did such a great job!!!
Looks fantastic, Melissa, and much nicer than your original mock-up, don't you think? I love the use of wallpaper behind the fridge and in the cupboard, too - so pretty.
You've inspired a lot of us to get on with our kitchen painting!
Great job! I love how you paid attention to the details such as the wood trimming around the laminate countertops. You painted it and that made an amazing difference. A job well done...what a great updated kitchen!
Okay, this is awesome.
I'm sending it to my parents, who have been stuck with a gnarly kitchen for years b/c they're afraid of making expensive mistakes. Your transformed kitchen is inspiring in every way. Very, very well done.
WOW!!!!!! good job :D
Wow! Great job, and with two kids under foot! So tasteful but not bland...love the light/dark, open/closed, small furniture and big clock juxtaposition.
I have that kettle. LOVE it!
Great work! Looks like a million bucks!
What Atypical Type A said...I especially dig what you did with the open cabinets. The Charley Harper art is a great fit, too! Really nice job; lots of bang for your buck!
Just another person who has to tell you what a great job you did. I love it. I also love seeing the result of an AT question post. AT, lets make it a requirement, shall we!?
$500, time, and TALENT--soo impressed! This is an excellent example of a DIY project gone RIGHT! Who needs a multi-thousand dollar kitchen makeover done by someone else when you can spend very LITTLE and get GREAT results on your own? Awesome job!
Thank you!!
In fact the pattern lining the back of the open shelving and above the fridge is not wallpaper, but a Dwell tablecloth that I got on clearance at Target a while back. I knew that I'd find a use for it!
WOW!!! I remember your original post, and I'm very happy to see how well it turned out! Kudos!
It came out great! Thanks for sharing the after photos.
oh this looks fantastic! i love the charcoal bottom- it anchors the look so well. be proud!
How do you paint countertop?
Oh I'm so impressed by this. GREAT JOB. (I'm a working mom myself, so I can just imagine the mess, possibly stress and effort, energy put into this).
My kitchen is so similar to your before so now you've inspired me to invest in painting my cabinets and countertops. Small investment to make the kitchen 10x better until we can afford to completely redo everything (I do mean things like wiring, etc--we have an older house).
I'm bookmarking this to show my hub when he comes home from work tonight :D
Wonderful paint job! Looks great! Although the rug looks great - personally I'd rather have one I could throw in the washing machine, cause kitchen rugs get NASTY if you cook a lot like I do, but a great makeover, indeed!
I LITERALLY said, "Oooooooh!" out loud at my computer screen when I saw the after pictures, lol. Fantastic, and I love the rug too.
Wonderful job! I am getting ready to paint my cabinets as I put in a green granite counter top as I missed my old green counter from Brooklyn and now I see the kitchen is too dark with the knotty pine cabinets. I hate to paint over beautiful wood but as we can see from your redo at times "the end (really does) justify the means!"! Great job!
kurniakasih - thanks! i didn't paint the countertop, just the wood trimmed edge. i simply cleaned it really well (with tsp, which i cleaned all the cabinets with as well), primed it, and painted it.
sweet t - i am not usually a fan of kitchen rugs for that very reason! i cook A LOT, and that rug will get dirty for sure. luckily the flor tiles are easily vacuumed and can be picked up individually and put right in the sink to be washed. aside from not being able to find a rug that worked as well in the space that was affordable, the cleanability is why i chose it.
thanks all!
Perfect! Wonderful! Fabulous! Job well done! Everything looks so new, bright and clean.
Fantastic job. I like the white upper and black lower cabinets, and love the open shelving. What a dramatic change!
It's amazing what a little bit of paint can do...
You go girl, Great job.
Love your ideas. I think I would like to see more pops of color to offset the bright white, which seems to overwhelm the space. Having said that though, it is still dramatically improved!!
I love it! That was a pretty awesome idea to go dark like that on the bottom; makes it seem as if you've got a floating kitchen.
Coincidentally I'm going to be painting my upper cabinets in a few hours. It's a temporary fix until I can afford to replace the top ones (the bottoms have already been replaced), but seeing as how I will probably be living with it for at least 2 years it should be somewhat attractive.
i absolutely LOVE the open shelving! what a great renovation. it looks more expensive than $450! =)
Mel, you did a terrific job. Congrats!!!
Wow! Under $500. Really amazing!!
sooo much better now! and only 500 - thats creative!
What great inspiration! I wish I'd thought of this in so many of the rental kitchens I've suffered through. And you're right, the darker color on the bottom is perfect in this kitchen.
Very impressive...a huge difference with so little money!!
Beautiful job!!
I love before and afters...it's truly amazing what a coat of paint can do! As far as your table and chairs, I'd paint the table but would leave the chairs. They are fabulous.
I love how it made the floor look whiter. BTW I totally adore Charlie Harper. Love the prints.
@missuswayne, I'm trying to do the same thing with my place, a couple questions, I assume you had to paint the inside of the drawers and cabinets? Also, did you have to cover up the drill holes when you replaced the handles?
This is awesome. It looks like an entirely new kitchen - and for under $500? Undeniably fabulous. I love the wallpaper you're using at the back of your open cabinets.