Builder Grade to Charmed
From Builder-Grade to Timeless & Cozy: Our Kitchen Remodel
Hi friends! 👋 For those of you who are new here, I’m a former home remodeler turned interior designer. Over the years, I’ve learned so much by rolling up my sleeves, living through the dust, and turning builder-basic spaces into homes filled with warmth and character.
This kitchen remodel is extra special because it’s in our own 2001 builder-grade home. We moved in about a year and a half ago, and little by little, we’ve been layering in charm and personality. My husband—an expert in remodeling and now a general contractor—and I tackled most of this project ourselves.
What I didn’t expect? This kitchen makeover ended up going viral on Facebook in 2024, reaching thousands of people who were inspired by the transformation! I designed the space with one main goal in mind: timeless and cozy—and I’m so excited to share all the details with you here.
Cabinets: A Mix of Old + Custom
We decided to keep the original oak base cabinets since they were in great shape. I gave them new life with Sherwin Williams Iron Ore in a satin urethane finish (no primer needed—it self-levels beautifully!). After a light sand, I did two coats of paint and added brass hardware from Amazon. Instant upgrade.
For the uppers, we went with custom maple cabinets all the way to the ceiling. Not only did this give us more storage, but it also made the kitchen feel taller and more polished. My husband stained them using a custom blend (2 parts Special Walnut + 1 part Weathered Oak by Varathane).
I originally wanted reeded glass fronts, but when we got quoted $600 for just three doors, we decided to DIY. We had plain glass cut locally for $150 and used reeded glass film from Amazon ($10!)—and honestly, you can’t tell the difference.
The Custom Hutch
One of the biggest layout changes we made was removing the old, awkward island that originally jutted out from the wall towards the middle of the kitchen. Instead, we designed and built a custom hutch-style cabinet wall that adds storage, function, and beauty—without taking up valuable footpath space.
We started with Home Depot base cabinets as the foundation, then built them up to the ceiling for a true built-in look. To tie it in with the rest of the kitchen, we used the same Sherwin Williams Iron Ore satin urethane paint, finished with crown molding details and beadboard backing for added charm.
A custom stained open shelf breaks up the cabinetry visually and adds warmth, while the butcherblock countertop—stained to match the maple cabinets and sealed with polyurethane for waterproof durability—adds both function and texture.
This piece also works hard behind the scenes: the extra cabinetry is perfect for appliance storage, and it discreetly houses the microwave, keeping countertops clutter-free. It feels timeless, built-in, and so much more intentional than the island ever did.
Countertops: Why We Chose Soapstone
I’ve always loved the look of soapstone—moody, natural, and full of character. It develops a patina over time, which I actually love, and it’s:
Impervious to staining and acids
Heat-safe (you can set pots right on it)
Naturally poreless
We do apply a natural sealer to deepen the color, but it naturally lightens again as it dries. Both looks are beautiful. I considered quartz and porcelain, but they didn’t have the natural depth I wanted. Soapstone also ended up being thousands less than porcelain—a huge win.
Backsplash: A Custom Touch
Our backsplash was a project in itself. We found a natural marble tile from Bedrosians, but it only came in large 12x24 slabs. Since the smaller sizes were discontinued, we decided to cut each one down to 3x6 and bevel the edges ourselves. It was time-consuming, but the end result feels classic and custom.
Behind the range, my husband had fun with a black marble backsplash cut into a patterned design for extra detail.
The Range Hood
Another DIY highlight: my husband built our range hood out of maple, stained to match the upper cabinets. To tie it into the space, he added a soapstone trim piece (from our leftover slab). It’s a subtle but stunning detail.
Floors & Fixtures
Flooring: We used Evoke Flooring LVP in the color Josephine. It’s designed for a herringbone pattern, which made installation easier and gave the whole space texture and charm.
Sink: I chose a copper farmhouse sink from Amazon. Despite what I’d heard, it’s been easy to maintain—and as a bonus, it’s softer on dishes than quartz or fireclay sinks. Also, I’m huge into patina on things which copper naturally develops. I think it says old world charm but built to last. Faucet was also Amazon, linked here.
Final Thoughts
This remodel took us most of 2023, mainly because we tackled it in phases as time and budget allowed. If you’re DIY-ing, keep in mind that patience is key—but it’s so worth it in the end.
Every choice we made was with timelessness, warmth, and character in mind, and I love how this kitchen finally feels like us. Seeing it go viral on Facebook in 2024 was such a rewarding moment—it reminded me that so many of us crave homes that are not only beautiful, but also personal, practical, and cozy.
If you’re local to the Northwest and find yourself stuck with a builder-grade home or stumped on design decisions, I’d love to help. ✨ As a local interior decorator, I work with homeowners to create warm, layered, timeless spaces that feel both inviting and personal. Feel free to reach out, either fill out my form on my contact page or message me on Instagram—I’d be honored to help bring your vision to life.
I tried to link as much of the products used as I can. Please note that I earn a small commission if you purchase off my links at no cost to you. Thanks for supporting us this way!
👋 Hi, I’m Mandy!
I’m a Northwest-based interior decorator with a passion for transforming builder-grade houses into warm, layered homes full of character.
After years of remodeling my own spaces (and watching our kitchen reno go viral on Facebook in 2024!), I now help clients create timeless, cozy designs that feel both personal and practical.
Whether you’re stuck with a builder-basic home or just need a fresh set of eyes on your space, I’d love to help.
✨ Services: Color consulting, space planning, full-room decorating, seasonal styling, and more.
📩 Let’s work together! Go to my get started page and tell me about your project!
