Budget Friendly Galley Kitchen Makeover

Partner post to Dining Room Makeover – My Parents House

You know, there are certain perks associated with being related to me. Not only am I cute and funny, I am also eager to share all of the great ideas that assault my brain at all hours of the day. And there is NO one who is the recipient of those ‘great’ ideas more than my parents.

Over the years, my Mom and Stepdad (Brian) have transformed their home from an outdated 1970’s relic (okay, it wasn’t that bad, but it also wasn’t that good) into a warm, comfortable and inviting home.

But wait a second here, you just know they didn’t do this on their own – and let me say there is nothing more fun than spending Brian’s money so that my Mom can redecorate!

btw – this blog post will be updated soon with new photos!

This relic from the 1970’s was killing their groove…

Before:  The peninsula didn’t have an overhang, so it was a pain to sit at…literally. 

After: With a 14″ overhang, the peninsula is fully functional as a sitting area.  We also added china style cabinets on the ends to accommodate things like extra wine glasses, crystal and all that extra dining crap that mom’s seem to keep around for 40 years.

Laminate Countertop:  Labrador Granite by Formica

Paint Colour:  Benjamin Moore Boxcar Red 

Before:  The space was like a bowling alley, starting at the back door and shooting out the patio door.

After:  By adding a wee 18″ outie (technically called a peninsula I suppose) to the base cabinets, we increased function (pan cupboard, lazy susan, countertop space) and added curves to a space that was otherwise a galley style kitchen.

On the opposite side where the peninsula is, we increased function and storage with an overhanging countertop and 2 shallow glass fronted cabinets.

It’s all in the details…

• By taking the cabinets to the ceiling, the space looks larger, has more storage and improved ‘visual’ flow.
• Notice that by having glass doors on a few of the upper cabinets, we gather reflected light coming in the patio door and improve the energy in the left side of the kitchen which is generally a low-light area.
• Since this photo was taken, they have added a tile backsplash (travertine)

And my favourite area…

The Kitchen Nook

This little nook had the bones to be great, it was just waiting for a little bit of KLC.

I love this space.  It’s so funny when you see before photos when you haven’t seen them for a while – you actually start to forget how butt freakin’ ugly it used to look – right Mom?

 It’s all in the details…

• Note that the colours really reflect the beauty of the arbutus trees and forest in the background
• The light fixture hanging over the table matches the mini-pendants hanging over the peninsula adding flow and a gentle warmth to the space
• While the wall colour is a commitment, it’s only a short-term one.  All of the permanent choices like cupboards/countertops/flooring are neutral so that the wall colour can be changed on a whim – my whim of course

And regardless of the fact that I’m a bossy lil’ thing, this space really reflects their tastes and style as Mom and Brian are always pretty clear on what they do and don’t want in their home – which is why they have changed the locks!

All kidding aside, other than my own home, this is my favourite place to be in the World – and it ain’t because of the décor…

Want personalized ideas to update your home?  Check out my affordable Online Decorating and Color Consulting Services

Chat soon,

Kylie M Interiors      Interior Decorating and Design Blog      E-design and Virtual Colour Consulting Services     Based in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island BC