I can’t believe it’s finished in time for Christmas Eve.
Wait.
Hold on a minute.
Let me go check the kitchen one more time to make sure it’s real.
I’m not sure if I need to pinch myself or these countertops.
Are you ready?
Should I wait a minute for you to grab coffee or tea or diet coke? Maybe a muffin?
You might need refreshments.
It’s not every day Christmas meets a before and after kitchen.
Here’s where we started.
There was a wall in the middle of the room. See that empty space? It’s where the refrigerator was. The countertops were butcher block. There was open shelving on the half of the walls and cabinets around the corner. The island was turquoise. On the other side of the wall was a butler’s pantry that opened into the dining room through a swinging door.
We ditched the wall (and kept the swinging door).
Here’s a during picture.
The wall is gone (you can see the swinging door in the background).
We reused the same cabinets from the butler’s pantry and just reconfigured them.
In this picture you can see the shelving gone from the wall. We had to fit the cabinets around this bump out in the wall that can’t be removed.
We kept the sink and changed out the faucet.
Here’s a close-up of the old butcher block countertops.
We also kept the tile work and left the hardware, too.
In historic news here’s the original stencil my mother stenciled on the wall when I was in high school.
At the time it was high-wall fashion.
I think her friends copied it for their own kitchens.
When we pulled the wall away, we found the original floor.
I ate so many bowls of cheerios on top of these floors.
And now?
The floors are covered up.
The wall is rebuilt.
The cabinets are painted.
And the kitchen?
It looks like this.
I KNOW. RIGHT.
Can you even?
Can we look at the before and the kitchen from the same angle so you can see the difference?
Here’s the before again.
And here’s the kitchen from the same angle without the wall.
I knew I wanted my favorite yard sale find ever on the back wall.
It’s right at home in Texas.
Here’s a close up of the milk glass decorated for Christmas.
Easiest decor ever.
White yard sale dishes. Check.
Red ornaments. Check.
Fresh cedar greenery cut off the swag on the front door. Check.
Here’s the side of the kitchen coming in from the dining room.
There are vintage panels on the back wall.
I tied these wooden snowflake ornaments onto them.
Here’s a close-up of the plate rack.
My husband just built it this weekend.
It’s an easy project.
You can see all the DIY instructions here.
We just built it directly onto the existing wall.
I think it needs a recipe on the back just like this one.
I added a little bit of red in the kitchen for Christmas.
Like this reindeer sign.
And this vintage look-alike camper.
And a red truck ornament.
Here’s the view going out of the kitchen into the laundry room.
There’s a mini-butler’s pantry in there out of sight behind the wall.
This bench is one of my favorite things in the kitchen.
Kirkland’s sent it to me as a housewarming present (and it’s 20% off right now with free shipping).
It’s 48″ long and fits perfectly on this wall.
The tiny Christmas tree is real and it came from Lowe’s this weekend. I got it for only $10.00 and tucked it inside a galvanized Christmas bucket.
I added wood beads on the tiny tree and these wood slice ornaments.
They are woven.
Seriously.
That’s embroidery thread.
I also added white wood ornaments.
And these merry and bright wood ornament trees.
My brother made the wood pallet letters for the farmhouse and they came to Texas with me.
I found this cute metal pail that hangs on the back door.
It holds all the Christmas cards.
And the floor is from the laundry room.
More on the laundry room/butler’s pantry later.
Here’s a close-up of the centerpiece on the center of the island.
I just placed a large basket in the center and added these metal trees and these Christmas trees.
The trees are layered for height and then I added greenery to the basket around the base of the trees.
Here’s one more look at the kitchen.
We are hosting both of our families here on Christmas Eve.
And I think that’s the thing that makes me the happiest.
The countertops are amazing.
The bar stools are pulled up and ready.
The island is decorated and the hutch is full of red and white.
But family?
Having a kitchen full of laughter and love and joy and spilled crumbs and an extra helping of pumpkin pie?
That’s the best decoration of all. 🙂
PS I’ll do a sourcing post for most of the stuff in the kitchen later, but e-mail me if you have any questions or just leave it in the comments.
Your kitchen and laundry room are absolutely gorgeous! You did an amazing job renovating and opening up your kitchen. I just love every aspect of both rooms!
Wow! Like that's the fastest kitchen reno I've ever had the pleasure of seeing. I like that you kept a lot of the original elements. Love that butler door! Our kitchen had one that had been removed, so we put one back in that we got from a salvage shop. Love it!
Really nice! And.....thank you for showing from the exact same angle. Can't tell you how many times I've tried to get the right perspective when pictures aren't from the same!
Oh, I'm headed to Kirkland's! AND Lowes lol! The kitchen is stunning, just perfectly gorgeous! Adore the view into the laundry room, what bliss, right next to the kitchen! Brilliant! (exceeded the limit on !!!)
Your kitchen re-do looks fabulous!! I love the wood slice snowflake...any how-to's on that or should I just try figuring it out😘. I have a few wood slices kicking about and they are just calling me to dress them up! Merry Christmas to you and yours! Paula
Truely WOW-licious......complete change and so beautifully done Keriann style, love love love it...enjoy sweet lady..x
WOWZA! I knew it would be fabulous BUT I’m speechless. Your family is gonna make such great memories in that space. ❤️ the red accents! Merry 🎄 Christmas
Tell us about those countertops...it's all 100% amazing, just like you!
Karianne, it is gorgeous! What an amazing transformation! Where did you get the lovely, light fixture over the island.....love it!
I THINK the chandie is from the products link from her home page. And it's on sale right now!!! Hmmm...it is almost Christmas :)
Yassssssss!!!!!! Everything looks amazing and just in time for you to savor all the family.♥️♥️♥️
So happy you got it done in time! But, then...I sort of knew you would...just because! It is gorgeous! It will be even more lovely filled with family! So...I have to ask...your farmhouse kitchen was the macaroni kitchen. Do you have a name for this one?? ;)
KariAnne, The kitchen turned out amazing, just like you. You are a rockstar lady! Beautiful! Merry Christmas 🎄
I love your new kitchen! But I miss the recipe wall.
Beautiful! Would love to know the kind of quartz you used as we are doing a kitchen remodel this year, too. Thank you!
Do you know we have a Kirklands in 80124 that I thought had closed. It's like .02 miles from our Chick fil a? And, they have all the décor finds you referenced. Merry Christmas to mama nuss! laura
Oh my gosh - you and your elves pulled off a Christmas miracle!!! Your whole house looks great. Here's hoping for a close up photo of the kitchen chandie - I wanted to crawl right into those photos to see everything🤩😘
Looks wonderful!! So much bigger. Love the Christmas touches too. Thanks for sharing your great project.
I love your beautiful kitchen! Your barstools are very similar to mine. You will have fun with them because newbies always trip over them! {haha does this make me a bad person?} There are so many things to love about your new kitchen. I do love all the special Christmas touches, especially how your hutch is decorated. It's simple, yet beautiful! I know you're so happy to be home! What a wonderful Christmas you and your family will have this year.
Stunning transformation! Of course, you have great bones as a starting point. Hard to say which is my favorite feature. We're in the middle of a kitchen renovation ourselves and your post is a beacon of hope :) Hope your Christmas celebration is as joyful as can be.
Gorgeous gorgeous kitchen!! You did an amazing job! And love your Christmas decor. Have a wonderful Christmas!!
Absolutely beautiful!! What a great transformation....and beautifully decorated for Christmas. I can't wait to see the rest of the house!!
This kitchen "be feelin' FRESH!!!" Delightful. Merry Christmas! Settle into trying to savor the memories this sweet season brings. Blessings and welcome back to Texas.
Make many more happy memories in this beautiful kitchen! Gotta, GOTTA, G O TT a have a recipe board!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! First thing I missed looking at this beautiful kitchen. You rock, girl!
It is dreamy. Simply wonderful. And I love that little camper! It's like a bit of whimsy that is the right accent with its little truck side kick! And a new tray rack! Love to see you making it your own. Beautifully as you always do. Merry Kitchen, dear friend! The sounds of laughter in that place are headed your way! What a joyous celebration it will be to have all your family in your home!❤️
I love that little camper, too"
Amazing Beautiful! Don't ya just wanna sit in there all day?... And not cook to mess it up.. Hehe.. But tge smell of freshly baked cookies might be especially nice!
Breathtakingly gorgeous. There is not one thing I don't like and wouldn't choose to have. The floors, the plate rack, the stools, just everything.....I want to be there on Christmas Eve! What a great time you are going to have. Love your taste, style and most of all your honesty about life! Have a wonderful Christmas!
Hey, KariAnne, your workerbees did a fabulous job. The vision of using the cabinets worked. I like that someone else besides me has a real budget. The hood, the countertops, the white stools in 2 places give it character. My personal fav from your old kitchen was the plate rack. . .I think your husband deserves considerable praise. Most of us nonbloggers don't bother too much with holiday decor in the kitchen, I am going to rethink that. The simple choices of accents speak to me. Gather your family and enjoy. Super job. Start that cookie baking and everyday meals & christen this space. All of us thought the hutch was a keeper.
This is so beautiful...but my first thought was where did you move the refrigerator? I love all your little details and everyday I enjoy your stories of the house you grew up in and now live in with your own family.
LOL! It's on the side with the plate rack! You can see it about 10 pictures down. :) Happy day friend! karianne
So, soooo pretty! Do you sleep, Karianne?? I don’t know how you accomplish so much so quickly. Makes me smile to see the plate rack back, too. Can’t wait to see the rest!!
I hope you never get tired of hearing how much I.LOVE.EVERYTHING.YOU.DO. I'm ready to be that 'extra cheerleader'; if you ever need one. May the laughter and stories last a lifetime plus one more day longer than the dirty dishes and laundry in your beautiful spaces.
Absolutely perfect~ no one could do it better. I just want to see what y'all (sister and brother) give each other as gifts. That's my favorite part of your post. So happy you are here in Texas. And you are so happy!
I can't believe all the "thistleing" you have done this season--AND decorated for Christmas! Wow!
Just beeeeeautiful and so YOU!! You guys work fast!! MERRY CHRISTMAS to your sweet family- can't wait to see what homemade items you receive this year:) and looking forward to 2018 and more of your wonderful home and ideas!!
The magic of Christmas - a truly beautiful kitchen just in time for your family gathering - enjoy!
Gorgeous! I look forward to your posts every day. I'd like to know what your counter tops are please.
They are marble! Thanks friend! karianne
Absolutely gorgeous! Cheers! Shelley
Lovely redo and fast, but where is your refrigerator now?
Sherry, It's on the side with the plate rack! You can see it about 10 pictures down. :) Happy day friend! karianne
Gorgeous! Whatever happened to your dads tiled counters?? Loved those.
Everything does look right at home and the kitchen turned out beautifully! And what great timing!! Love the touches of red for Christmas and that little tree next to the adorable bench is just too cute for words. I just got the Christmas decorations up yesterday. I've been too busy working and in my spare time (what's that again?) cutting, sewing, stapling, gluing and wrapping gifts to get to it before now. Total, total, total aside...have you ever heard the expression, "I'm so mad I could spit nails?" I met a woman the other day here in Colorado who said that. I laughed and said I'd never heard anyone but a Texan say that. Guess where she was from? Hope you're enjoying being back in your home State!
It's just beautiful and how fun to find the old floor and stenciling. May I ask if you and your husband did any of the work yourselves? My husband is the laborer around here and with him having a regular job projects take forever.
What a beautiful kitchen!!
Looks great! Love all the updates but when I see the footprint, it still reminds me of happy memories breing at your Mom and Dad’s home. When I see where the fridge was, it reminds me of Donna and me of cleaning it out before your Mom returning home after your Dad’s passing. When I see the counter and island, it reminds me of all the yummy treats your Mom set out for gatherings. Merry Christmas! Enjoy your family time.
You are a Rock Star. Love your new kitchen. So happy to see the plate wall. I need to go back to your former home and see it’s construction. I have so many lovely plates and trays and am willing to give up a wall that now wears a beloved picture. Thank you for sharing your amazing, new kitchen.
Beautiful, but you really threw me with those ultra modern bar chairs!! WTHeck?
I am simply thrilled for you and yours! What a wonderful Christmas you will have. So much to celebrate! I'm a little behind and read your sad post about the loss of your sweet pup. We lost our Labrador Jack (13) in September. I was with my son (45) as well and we simply sobbed in each other's arms. We are blessed who have experienced the companionship of such wonderful pets. Hope you have a MERRY CHRISTMAS! Love your new home. After all, home is where the heart is.
Oh, look at all the wonderful space you have, KariAnne! You did a great job of creating a beautiful and functional gathering place for your family! I just love it! It will be a lovely place to celebrate Christmas!
How did you get that done so quickly? Beautiful kitchen and love the red for 🎄 I know your families will enjoy this along with the homemade gifts. Hope you share them with your readers. I am moving to Texas sometime soon and I believe we would be great neighbors. Have a Merry Christmas And the greatest New Year ever.
Beautiful, happy kitchen! After our home flooded in August, I am patiently waiting... It has been difficult making so many decisions and my heart has not been in it, but we got “sheetrocked” last week and things are looking up! Wishing all a Merry Christmas! Would you mind sharing info about your floor?
I couldn't wait for this post! It was really quick! Your kitchen is beautiful! I bet you saved that butcher block counter for future projects, right?
Well, it is all beautiful. But what I want to say is I see where you got your decorating gene. Your MOM. That stenciling and even the turquoise island. She apparently has been decorating her entire life. Reminds me of my mom who could do anything and our house was so "homey" and that's what we want home to be. Merry Christmas!
Oh my goodness, it is absolutely stunning and amazing. I love it all. You have such a talent for seeing the potential in something and the transformation of your kitchen is so beautiful. I am so thrilled for you that it is all done for Christmas. I can't wait to see more as you make this your home again.
If these pictures were posted without your name attached I would still know it was your kitchen.......it's so you! Great job, it's lovely.
So happy for you. Merry Christmas to you and the family who will enjoy that fabulous kitchen for years to come! (And YES! The plate rack does need another recipe wall!). It and that huge window/calendar are your trademarks!
Love, love, love it. Enjoy your new/old kitchen and may it be filled with laughter and joy!
Oh KariAnne, how beautiful. I am so happy for you that it's done before the holiday entertaining begins. Enjoy!
Oh it's so beautiful!!! I'm so happy for you!!
I Can't Even! It's like your kitchen took the que and is all ready for the big happy family gathering on Christmas, like a filming of a Hallmark movie! The best part is, it isn't a movie, this is your life! And it is wonderful! Merry Christmas to you!
Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just soooooooooo beautiful and so ready for smells of Christmas and lots of laughter! Many happy holidays in your new kitchen!
It's absolutely beautiful.!,! Would love to see you break out that wide angle camera you bought last year so I could see the whole room from different angles!
Kari, you did an amazing job on the kitchen. I love the light fixture over the island. I also love that you left some of the original features and enhanced the rest of the area. Absolutely beautiful.
Okay...I think the first time in ever...I skipped the writing so I could see the photos AND it was soooo worth it! So so so (3x) gorgeous. It's fresh and bright and interesting and all the things an incredible kitchen should be. Enjoy your Christmas in this space. Nancy from Slightly Coastal
It is sooo beautiful!!! What a wonderful Christmas present!
I love your new kitchen and that bench Was made for your wall. My heart did a pitter patter when I saw the plate rack.. Shades of Thistlewood.
You Karianned it!
Well let me just pick myself up off of the floor! So lovely and wowza, finished before Christmas Eve! I think that is somehow a record. The angels in heaven are still asking the Lord how he got those contractors to do that. Big hugs sweet friend.
I gasped OUT LOUD when I saw the "after!!" WOWZA! And the counter-tops, of course they're gorgeous, but my heart smiled thinking back to the Thistlewood counter-tops, which were also gorgeous -- but you always talked about never being able to replace... You nailed this one, sister! Enjoy the holidays with your family!
Drool worthy...love it!
So amazing and beautiful! What a sweet blessing to be able to have your family there this Christmas to share in all the memories of your home!
Oh WOW! I 💗it all! Awesome job!
It is amazing! Love it!
I can’t stop looking ....so easy on the eyes
Oh my gosh, KariAnn, I am enjoying so much watching you work your magic on your new/old home!!! The kitchen looks fantastic - those are the same counters I put in my master suite and I'd love to someday put them in my kitchen as well, I love, love, LOVE them!!
Double WOWZA! What a gorgeous kitchen for you and your entire family to enjoy and make new memories in! All the little touches of Christmas make everything look warm and inviting. Enjoy every moment from breakfast to a midnight snack!
Yes to the recipe! Looks great, KariAnne!
KariAnne, the kitchen turned out beautifully. Still has the farmhouse feel, but those bar stools add a modern, updated feel. I know you'll love being in the kitchen and having family share it for Christmas. (Notice I didn't say cooking in the kitchen!) The bench is precious and your hutch from the farmhouse looks like it was meant to be on the kitchen wall. You can still eat cheerios on the floor.
Yes to the recipe wall, and what happened to your cute metal cart?
Love love love...yes to the recipe wall!! It is so homey and welcoming! I have the same little camper and you gave me a great idea!!
I'll admit, I teared up a little when I saw the hutch and the platter rack. A little bit of Kentucky farmhouse in Texas! Yes, you need to stencil a recipe there like you did in the farmhouse!! Love it. I'm so happy for you! And the countertops? I'm drooling.
Well I would have gladly taken the before kitchen cause I thought it was kinda cute. But the after.....absolutely amazing and family will make it complete!
FAMILY--That is what is so wonderful about your house--it's big enough for both!!!
Such great choices of the old and new! And seeing you weave some of your familiar threads into your new/old home is fascinating! I love it all and Happy, Merry Christmas!
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!! (that would be the high pitched squeal I would let out everyday if my kitchen reno (to be) came out like yours!) ...cue the dogs that would bark in unison!!
Very nice, Karianne! Love a white kitchen! The tile work is exactly what I've been planning in my kitchen reno! And, your barstools are great in there! Hate that you left Kentucky but are happy for you that you are home! Merry Christmas!
Oh, friend. It's absolutely, positively, no-holds-barred beautiful. I like the way it's just right for THIS kitchen, for THIS house. It's not trying to be the Thistlewood kitchen; it's happy just to be the Wood kitchen. Or maybe HomeWood. How's that for a new name? :) SO happy for you!
Everything is Absolutely Beautiful!!
And the kitchen? One word, stunning!
Love it all. What color did you paint the island and what material and name of counter tops. Merry Christmas!
Wow! What a great, no, wonderful job you've done. Kudos and high fives! ❤
What a wonderful transformation, your kitchen is great! Perfect and everyone will love being there on Christmas Eve.
You are so quick! Your kitchen is gorgeous, and I love how your hutch fits in so nicely. My favorite thing, though, is those beautiful floors which are doubly appreciated by this gal who is busy scraping carpet glue off the project house's floors. Merry Christmas, KariAnne! You never fail to inspire.
Love everything. You are an amazing decorator.
Looks amazing! So happy for you :)
Oh, my word it is GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is perfection - you absolutely nailed it with your changes. Bravo, wow, it's spectacular, KA!!!! Well done, hon. ♥♥♥ Holiday hugs!
I truly loved your old kitchen, but now I love your new/old kitchen!! It's absolutely YOU in every single way!!! xoxoxo
Love your new updated kitchen. You have great vision and you've done yet another amazing transformation and it is an incredible blend of old and new. It's just gorgeous Karianne and thank you for incorporating another plate wall, it's so you, so kudos to your hubby on a fantastic job. I hope we see a return of another recipe on your plate rack wall. Love the little bench seating area and also the climpse of your laundry. What a perfect Christmas present having your kitchen done for you and your family. Well done!!!!!
I'm interested in the brand of the faucet, how do you like it? Everything is lovely.
Fabulous...perfect...beautiful, but not too fancy. Looks like home. Love it.
It's amazing!! I hope this will be one of your best family Christmas holidays ever, Karianne!! Enjoy your lovely " old/new " home this holiday season... 🎄 Merry Christmas, Friend... Denise
Wow! What a transformation! Love it. I started following you when I saw your milkglass collection- which I also have (inherited from my mother-added on to by lots of people). Love the way you display it and use it as part of the decoration. Merry Christmas to you and your family in your new-old home.
it's just lovely! may you have much love and happiness in your "new" home
Looks Great! I love the pops of red, and the diagonal tile by the stove hood. Merry Christmas, and have a blessed and wonderful new year!
You had such great vision for this kitchen. I love, love the end result. Great job.
Gorgeous!
I love all of it, You did a great decorating too! Have a Merrry Christmas with your families in your beautiful new kitchen. xo Pat
The kitchen looks great and I LOVE the white garage sale dishes! It looks very simple and festive. Happy Holidays!
It is such a huge transformation KariAnne! I know you'll be spending lots of time in there doing anything but cooking. And your family can easily fit in there. Enjoy your new/old kitchen you so deserve this.
I cant even believe its the same kitchen, you are so amazing! Please come to Canada we really could use your talent here!!!