Before and After Lucia Project Kitchen

When a project is finished, it’s fun to look back and see the whole transformation, from where we started to the complete new look. Today, I’m sharing before and after images of the Lucia project kitchen. It’s a great example of the impact a few new elements and fresh paint can have on a space.

Before

Our goal for this kitchen was to give it a light, clean, and more modern feel while still preserving the existing cabinetry and flooring.

After

To create a new fresh foundation, the whole kitchen was painted in an eggshell finish with Benjamin Moore Simply White. Then the cabinetry and open shelving was painted a plain white lacquer with a satin finish. These fresh coats of paint gave the space a simple palette to build a more modern, updated look.

New counter tops were a key element in updating the kitchen. They were all replaced with Calcutta Gold marble which paired beautifully with the painted cabinetry. We chose Calcutta Gold because it works well to mix and tie together different tones in a space. It has large grey and hints of gold veining throughout, perfect for blending both the warm and cool accents in this kitchen. If you are using marble in your kitchen, you can view my Q+A on selecting marble counters, to make the selection process a little easier.

With a minimal white foundation, a mix of metal finishes were used to create interest in the kitchen. We choose three glass globe pedants in a bronze finish to go over the island. These lights are substantial and make a beautiful statement without compromising the view of the open room. A new faucet and clean modern hardware in brass finishes adds color and shine.

For the kitchen nook, we choose a brass lantern to compliment the other brass accents in the kitchen and tie the two spaces together. A classic, round wood table and white bamboo dining chairs blend with the fresh design of the whole space.

One of my favorite changes to the kitchen was the removal of the upper cabinetry on either side of the hood. We wanted to showcase the new backsplash made up of Walker Zanger, Calacata tiles. It also helped the hood blend with the overall design, instead of standing out on its own.

With the cabinets gone we were able to add additional lighting with modern brass sconces. These lights are such a cool feature. When turned on alone in the kitchen they create subtle accent lighting, which is nice in the evening.

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The kitchen styling was kept simple. Just enough items to add some warmth and for practical use. Wood cutting boards are a must in a kitchen with these beautiful marble counters. For the open shelving I used everyday dishes that are both pretty and practical since they are easy to access and create a nice display.

The final touch was a vintage rug in soft pinks. Vintage textiles are so amazing. They make the space.