Open Shelving and Fresh Finishes Transform Dark Kitchen

Homeowners Christina Riley and her partner removed upside-down upper cabinets to open up their kitchen. They refinished the lower cabinets, added brass pulls, and installed new wood floors and Formica countertops. The $5,000 renovation created a bright, modern farmhouse look.

The renovation was part of a larger first-floor project that included replacing worn vinyl flooring with wood throughout the home. Christina handled the painting, open shelving installation, backsplash tiling, and the custom to-the-ceiling fridge cabinet herself, while a contractor managed the flooring and a professional fabricated and installed the Formica countertops. The black-and-white palette with brass hardware and natural wood accents defines the modern farmhouse aesthetic.

The upside-down upper cabinets were discovered on day two of living in the house, when removing the boxes revealed they had been installed completely inverted. Christina's "secret weapons" were paint, elbow grease, and lack of fear, allowing the couple to complete the transformation on a strict budget of under $5,000, which even included all new appliances.