Look at this adorable holiday camper decor!

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.

It was time for a kitchen makeover- here is our before.

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 our "during" kitchen, removing counters and walls.

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.

And a bit more of the progress on our kitchen, changing counter tops and reusing what we can.

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.

When uncovering, we came across the old stencil on the wall from when I was in high school!

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.

We also found the original floor when we pulled the floor away.

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?

After a LOT of work, here is the after. Isn't it wonderful?

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 one more look at the before, can you believe the difference?

Here’s the before again.

And just look at the remodeled kitchen now!

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.

I was even able to make room for this amazing rummage sale hutch in the new kitchen.

These easy and subtle accents add a big pop for the holidays.

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.

I could not be happier with the end result of our kitchen make over.Here's a detail shot of some kitchen decorations for the holidays.

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.

 

And a close up shot of the plate rack.

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.

We decided to add a bit of red to the kitchen for the holidays, subtle, but big impact.

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 another view of the remodeled kitchen- still loving it!

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.

Check out this adorable ornament with wood and yarn.

I added wood beads on the tiny tree and these wood slice ornaments.

They are woven.

Seriously.

That’s embroidery thread.

I added this vintage truck ornament to our FARM sign for added color as well.

Accent colors can be subtle, and hidden all over your room, even on ornaments!

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.

This red metal pail hangs on the back door.

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 center piece for the island.

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.

One more look at the updated kitchen, just in time for Christmas!

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.

Want to know how to decorate your home for free?
Click here to get my FIVE BEST secrets.

Comments

  1. Image for Karenann Karenann

    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!

  2. Image for Karen Karen

    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!

  3. Image for susan b susan b

    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!

  4. Image for Terry Cross Terry Cross

    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 !!!)

  5. Image for Paula Paula

    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

  6. Image for Janette Deans Janette Deans

    Truely WOW-licious......complete change and so beautifully done Keriann style, love love love it...enjoy sweet lady..x

  7. Image for Loryl Fisher Loryl Fisher

    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

  8. Image for Carol Griffin Carol Griffin

    Karianne, it is gorgeous! What an amazing transformation! Where did you get the lovely, light fixture over the island.....love it!

    1. Image for Heidi S Heidi S

      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 :)

  9. Image for Donnamae Donnamae

    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?? ;)

  10. Image for Linda Linda

    KariAnne, The kitchen turned out amazing, just like you. You are a rockstar lady! Beautiful! Merry Christmas 🎄

  11. Image for Meggan Barber Meggan Barber

    Beautiful! Would love to know the kind of quartz you used as we are doing a kitchen remodel this year, too. Thank you!

  12. Image for laura laura

    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

  13. Image for Beth Minger Beth Minger

    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🤩😘

  14. Image for Ricki Jill Treleaven Ricki Jill Treleaven

    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.

  15. Image for Kim Kim

    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.

  16. Image for Susan Ronnfeldt Susan Ronnfeldt

    Gorgeous gorgeous kitchen!! You did an amazing job! And love your Christmas decor. Have a wonderful Christmas!!

  17. Image for Vivian Vivian

    Absolutely beautiful!! What a great transformation....and beautifully decorated for Christmas. I can't wait to see the rest of the house!!

  18. Image for Vaughna Kromann Vaughna Kromann

    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.

  19. Image for Nan, Odessa, DE Nan, Odessa, DE

    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!

  20. Image for Leslie Watkins Leslie Watkins

    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!❤️

  21. Image for Cristie A Morton Cristie A Morton

    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!

  22. Image for Sharon Sharon

    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!

  23. Image for Donna Donna

    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.

  24. Image for Cathy Cathy

    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.

  25. Image for Teresa George Teresa George

    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!!

  26. Image for Carrie Carrie

    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.

  27. Image for beverlee beverlee

    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!

  28. Image for Barbara Barbara

    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!!

  29. Image for Michelle Michelle

    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!

  30. Image for PJ PJ

    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.

  31. Image for Janice Paschal Janice Paschal

    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.

  32. Image for Sandy Sandy

    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.

  33. Image for Linda Miller Linda Miller

    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.

  34. Image for Mary Mary

    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.

  35. Image for Lindy Nowlin Lindy Nowlin

    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?

  36. Image for kathy kathy

    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?

  37. Image for Sharon Sharon

    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!

  38. Image for Marty Oravetz Marty Oravetz

    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.

  39. Image for Betsy Betsy

    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.

  40. Image for NormaJean NormaJean

    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!

  41. Image for Gina Gina

    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!

  42. Image for Belinda B. Young Belinda B. Young

    Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just soooooooooo beautiful and so ready for smells of Christmas and lots of laughter! Many happy holidays in your new kitchen!

  43. Image for Mari Mari

    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!

  44. Image for Donna Otteson Donna Otteson

    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.

  45. Image for Nancy Nancy

    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

  46. Image for Sue Sue

    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.

  47. Image for Cindy Richter Cindy Richter

    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.

  48. Image for Jolyn Jolyn

    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!

  49. Image for Catherine Catherine

    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!

  50. Image for Debbie - Mountain Mama Debbie - Mountain Mama

    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!!

  51. Image for JC @ the uncommon pearl JC @ the uncommon pearl

    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!

  52. Image for Carol@BlueskyatHome Carol@BlueskyatHome

    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.

    1. Image for Nancy Ashenbeck Nancy Ashenbeck

      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!!

  53. Image for Regina Merrick Regina Merrick

    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.

  54. Image for Carol Weiler Carol Weiler

    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!

  55. Image for Becca Becca

    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!

  56. Image for mills mills

    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!!

  57. Image for Kelly Kelly

    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!

  58. Image for Richella Parham Richella Parham

    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!

  59. Image for Laura Harrie Laura Harrie

    What a wonderful transformation, your kitchen is great! Perfect and everyone will love being there on Christmas Eve.

  60. Image for PJ PJ

    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.

  61. Image for Michele Michele

    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!

  62. Image for Peg Allegretto Peg Allegretto

    I truly loved your old kitchen, but now I love your new/old kitchen!! It's absolutely YOU in every single way!!! xoxoxo

  63. Image for Sharon C Sharon C

    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!!!!!

  64. Image for Denise Cox Denise Cox

    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

  65. Image for Teresa Gonzales Teresa Gonzales

    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.

  66. Image for Paula Jones Paula Jones

    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!

  67. Image for Pat Metzer Pat Metzer

    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

  68. Image for Susan Hall Susan Hall

    I cant even believe its the same kitchen, you are so amazing! Please come to Canada we really could use your talent here!!!

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