Twenty or so years ago, my kitchen was one of five redos featured in Woman’s Day as part of a remodeling story called “My Kitchen Has Had It.” My renovated kitchen, which they called “top of the line,” featured Formica® countertops, tile backsplash, wood floors and cabinets, all-new appliances and a charming country look.

Things have changed a bit since then. Stone and engineered materials have replaced laminate countertops. Glass, metal and stainless have joined the tile backsplash. Porcelain and stone have been added to flooring options, and technologically advanced, stainless steel appliances perform sublimely for the serious and not-so-serious chef.

Twenty years after the article, let’s just say that my kitchen has had it again. This time around, I wanted to freshen up the space rather than embark on a complete overhaul, integrate new products and update the kitchen that I still, on the whole, love.

Here are some ways to redo your kitchen without tearing up the place and spending a fortune:

New countertops
The Formica countertops and the blue and white tile on the peninsula were replaced with beautiful honed white and gray Carrara marble.

New backsplash
We decided to keep the Italian tile blue and white backsplash because it looks wonderful with the Carrara marble and our cabinets.

New appliances
All of my appliances were well used and had seen better days. The stainless steel finished ovens, cooktop, dishwasher and refrigerator look wonderful, make cooking a pleasure and cleaning up easier.

Refinish or paint the floor
I refinished the floor in a darker stain, which grounds and updates the space and serves as a nice contrast to the oak cabinets.

Refinish cabinets and replace hardware
The cabinets were sanded down and a fresh coat of lacquer was applied. New stainless hinges and pulls blend beautifully with our stainless appliances.

Refinish and reupholster your chairs
I had our red chairs painted an antique white with silver accents. The new color blends beautifully with the marble. The chair cushions were reupholstered in blue faux leather, which marries with our “old” blue and white tile backsplash.

Change the window treatment
I chose to replace the curtains with Roman shades. The blue and white striped fabric is from Kravet. The treatment is functional and modern.

Kravet Fabric #30278-1635

[image: Kravet Fabrics]

New paint
Probably the most difficult choice was the new paint color (there are hundreds of choices out there!). In keeping with our fresh look and airy feel, I chose an off-white paint with a hint of blue from Farrow & Ball called “Blackened.”

Now my home looks current and classic once again, and my family still loves it.

Before
Woman’s Day, “My Kitchen Has Had It”
Photography: Lilo Raymond
Kitchen design: Judith Cohen Design

After
Our New Kitchen

[main image:Woman’s Day, “My Kitchen Has Had It”
Photography: Lilo Raymond]