"Rocky" Inspired Kitchen Remodel

 There has been lots of labor going on with DecRenew Interiors the past few months!

I've been working with these clients on several projects over the years in their home.  The kitchen was Phase II of the projects we have done so far.  Next week we start on all their bathrooms!

They have a wonderful home in a very wooded area.  They purchased the home because of the amazing backyard and the rustic, casual feel of the home.  They love all the wood that is in the interior but felt that the kitchen was too dark. I totally agreed.

BEFORE

So we lightened it up!  They were really hesitant about changing the kitchen because they didn't want it to feel out of place with the rest of their home.  They were nervous that it would look updated and everything else would look out of date.  I assured them that we could update the kitchen and make it look fantastic with the rest of the rooms that flow from the kitchen.

AFTER

We got to work and selected cabinet color, granite, venta hood, faucet, sink, hardware, stone work for bar, gas stove, double oven, refrigerator and lighting.

BEFORE

AFTER

We adjusted the cabinets above the bread box for a bigger microwave.  The island also got a makeover with new legs and a new stylish color.

We worked with the paneling in the other rooms and made sure that we kept some consistency in the kitchen with what is going on everywhere else.  We left the crown molding wood so it ties in with the adjacent dining room.

We added new lighting to the cove in the dining room and that really made it look fabulously updated.

Love these mercury glass pendants that we placed over their curved bar area.  The client wanted to keep her existing island lighting since they had just replaced it a year ago.

The granite we selected was the one thing that my client was terrified of.  She felt like it would make the kitchen darker.  I assured her that it would be the focal point in the kitchen and would be beautiful with the woodwork in the home.

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

 

So bright and still looks very warm!

The stone work on the bar is my favorite, it really makes the kitchen fresh and it adds a masculine feel to the space.

Rocky the dog is happy because his coloring matches the kitchen beautifully!

I'm now taking the long weekend off to hang with my family! Hope you take time to enjoy Labor Day too!

Kitchen remodel just in time for Grandbaby!

6 weeks later and we are done with this kitchen remodel.  Haven't placed any accessories yet but my client had a grand baby yesterday!!!!  Whew we made it just in time!!!

 

This couple wanted a classy, clean and fresh look with little fuss.  They have raised their kids in this home, paid for graduations, college and weddings, etc. etc.  It was now time for them to get the kitchen they so desperately wanted. 

 

BEFORE

(sorry for the fuzzy photo but I really wanted you to get the idea of the horrible before)

 

AFTER

 

 

Took the cabinets to the ceiling, added crown molding and painted them a soft gray!

The stacked stone was the one thing that they were really scared about.  It's now their FAVORITE thing about their kitchen.

 

 The black ceramic back splash is out of this world.  Pictures don't do it justice.

 

AFTER

 

The granite and stacked stone are the shining stars in this kitchen!

 

My client started off very scared of change but moved forward trusting me each step of the way as we followed the design I put together, just for them. I was so proud of her! She says she was stretched way beyond what she thought she could do and she is incredibly glad she took those risks.  She LOVES everything now and so does her husband.

 

 

BEFORE

 

 

AFTER

We made the island round to give them more space and add some shape and interest.

 

BEFORE/AFTER

 

 

AFTER

 

 

The gold door handles will be changed soon to brushed bronze by the homeowner.

 

 

See what I mean about the stacked stone? It's like art!

 

AFTER

 

All of her items she only uses once a year are stored up in the new cabinets.

 

AFTER

 

Recessed lighting and pendants make everything feel up to date.

 

  Ruthie Tip:  Don't overdo the recessed lighting, it can make a kitchen feel busy! 

 

 

 

Such a great little work space!  This backsplash makes my heart stop every time I see it!

 

 

 

BEFORE

 

 

AFTER

 

Good bye old lighting!

 

 

These wall sconces really add some beauty and character to the eating area and can be dimmed as needed for ambiance.

 

BEFORE

 

 

AFTER

 

 

Furniture shopping is next.

 

BEFORE/AFTER

 

 

We modified the mantel some by taking away the "fussy" molding.  We painted the fireplace insert with heat resistant black paint.  We didn't like the pink brick so we had it painted a similar color to the kitchen cabinets and then sanded them down.  Instant change with paint!  Dramatic don't you think?  Amazing how much bigger the space feels now!

 

BEFORE

 

Yikes!

 

AFTER 

 

 

We adjusted the entertainment center to house a bigger TV. Painted and added new hardware. 

It will look amazing when it's all accessorized.

 

 

Don't skimp on your hardware! 

 

The laundry room and pantry got some extra attention too.  Painted this wonderful color blue called "under the sea" by Sherwin Williams.  This color is also in their pantry and behind their bookshelves.   A mini bar will be installed underneath the counter.

 

 

The hardware matches the color of the walls in the kitchen which is right off the laundry room.  Great way to bring the rooms together!

 

 

 Great colorful pantry!

 

 

Their dining room got a transformation too!  Gone with the old floral wallpaper and in with a powerful red that makes a statement when you walk in.  Hardwood floors were installed throughout the entire home all the way into the master bedroom! 

 

Hope you enjoyed the tour!

 

Next, we are on to a big install this Friday.  Installing brand new drapes, furniture and accessories for another wonderful client.  Her entire downstairs will be transformed!  I'm so excited and feeling blessed that I get to do what I absolutely love!

 



See more before and after photo's on my website DecRenew Interiors. 

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Before & After "Old World" Kitchen Makeover

 

 

Just finished a kitchen and I have to say, they were one of the best clients I've worked with.  They were enthusiastic, excited and so incredibly pleasant.  I created a design plan for them based on some pictures they showed me of kitchens they loved and we took it from there.

 

BEFORE......drum roll please.....

 

 

The kitchen was in terrible need of an overhaul don't you think?

 

AFTER

We lightened it up and made it happy.

 

AFTER

 

 

 

Installed tumbled stone tile all the way around the window and it makes a statement!

 

 

New floors and granite!

 

BEFORE

 

 

Good bye ceiling popcorn!

 

AFTER

 

Took out fluorescent lighting and added recessed lighting and a chandelier.  Added a coordinating light fixture above the sink.

 

 

 

I especially like the sconces we added to each end cabinet.  She really wanted some bling!

All the lighting was installed with dimmers so you can create the ambiance you want.

 

 

Every kitchen needs a little accessorizing if a decorator is involved.  Love jewel tones in a kitchen, especially with this beautiful granite.

New black, deep sink and new faucet and soap dispenser is a must.

 

 

We expanded the island, added a slide out drawer for the garbage can and attached some detailed columns to the island.  A little distressing and it's just like the client wanted it!

 

 

Cabinet hardware always  makes the kitchen come together!

 

 

We curved the island to make it a little bigger.  The ceiling medallion added some old world charm which is what the homeowner really wanted.

 

We added molding to the top of the cabinets too so now they go all the way to the ceiling, making them more to scale for this kitchen.

 

BEFORE

 

 

Of course every kitchen needs to have a lazy Susan on their island.  Made by special request!

 

BEFORE

 

 

AFTER

 

Installed double ovens just in time for the holiday season.

 

BEFORE

 

 

AFTER

 

Added the microwave above the new stove top.

 

Under counter lighting is a must if you have gorgeous granite!

It's time for this couple to celebrate with a party!

 

I created these knobs for their little desk area!  Had to have a "Ruthie" touch somewhere!

 

 

There kitchen chairs will be reupholstered in this fun fabric (the client is taking on this project)

Don't you love the way the knobs on this built-in desk match the fabric so beautifully!

 

 

We added molding to these columns that were originally just sheetrock.  Dresses it up and makes it smart!

 

 

New draperies and a new lamp and it's a wrap!

 

Can't wait to show you the kitchen we are finishing up next!

Follow my on pinterest and be inspired!

 

Visit my website DecRenew Interiors to see more before and after pictures as well as my design portfolio.
 

 

 

 

 

Kitchen Remodel Glimpses and a Time to Serve

This week we are wrapping up a kitchen remodel.  It's been an incredible process and I've enjoyed working with such amazing clients.

 

We installed the hardware today on the cabinets in their desk area. I couldn't find what I was really looking for so I created these little lovelies above. I love creating something from scratch and making it a "Ruthie Original". 

 

BEFORE

 

 

I can't wait to show you the after when we are totally complete.  Here's a few tiny glimpses.

 

 

The cabinets!

 

 

The lighting!

 

 

The kitchen chairs are being reupholstered in this beautiful fabric above!  I found these adorable knobs for my client and she instantly fell in love with them.  Her daughter's did too!

 

 

The back splash got installed yesterday...wait til you see the finished product!  I'm so in love!

Draperies are being made in the workroom as we speak and we are so close to being done!

 

I just have to say that it's such a blessing to work with such an incredible crew!  God has really blessed me with talented and reliable people that work along side me and make my work look incredible. 

We are a TEAM and I couldn't do it without them!

 

They have worked especially hard this past week meeting deadlines because I'm taking a week off next week.   I'm off to serve at a WOI (Woman of Influence) conference.

 

Hospitality Team Last Year!  We had such fun and worked our tails off too!

 

 I'm going to be on the hospitality team, similar to what I did last year in Spain.  See my blog post from last year here.

 

 

 I love to serve and it will be fun to bless these woman!  They serve all over the world and need some encouragement and a break from the stresses of missionary life.  It fills my tank up too!

 

 

We are in the middle of a giant kitchen remodel as seen above. I can't wait to show you more pictures as this project unfolds when I get back from my trip.

 

Blessings,

 Follow me on Instagram "DecRenew Interiors" and you will see what I'm up to on my trip :)

 

Before & After Banquette

(Pinterest.com)

I'm preparing a design plan right now for a client that wants a banquette in her kitchen.

(Pinterest.com)

I've always loved the feel that this kind of seating brings to a kitchen/dining room.  It's welcoming and comfortable.  I especially like the idea of storage underneath the banquette.  Especially if you have a small space and storage is a problem.

(Pinterest.com)

Bench seating is a great way to solve a problem with form and function if space of your dining or kitchen room is small. You can maximize your kitchen space by building your own kitchen banquette seating.

(Pinterest.com)

Definition of banquette seating, a French word for “bench”, is a long upholstered bench/seat placed against or attached into a wall of a space.

(Pinterest.com)

The curved banquette is also so attractive and works beautifully with a round or oval table.   The fabrics on a banquette can make the kitchen have such personality and class.
I discovered the below photo's from a project that I finished about 4 years ago and thought you might enjoy the before and after shots of the room.

BEFORE

(Photo by Ruthie Staalsen)

AFTER

(Photo by Ruthie Staalsen)

Amazing what a change the banquette made to this space.  It use to be a "catch all" space and now it's a room that is used for gatherings.  The table opens up into an oval shape and they can pull in the additional chairs when they have more people they need to seat!  It's a great space now for better entertainment and the client was so happy to get a buffet for all her linens.

To see more before and after pictures of my work, visit my website DecRenew Interiors.