Pink and White Kitchen Transformation: Before and After

OMG, guys! Out of all the makeovers we’ve done in our mid-century home here in Pittsburgh, this kitchen revamp is definitely up there (check out what the house looked like when we first moved in).

When I first saw the kitchen in the listing photos, I loved the huge windows looking out to the backyard, but the rest of the kitchen? Not so much.

The photos made it seem like it was in decent shape, but when we saw it in person (we bought it over Skype—adventurous, I know), it was clear the photos weren’t telling the whole story.

The tile floors were a disaster—badly installed with wonky spacing and tiles popping up everywhere. Parts of the laminated countertop were Scotch-taped together, and the dishwasher was so close to the oven that it banged into the oven door whenever you opened it.

The faux wood cabinets were warped and peeling, the backsplash was just stick-on plastic sheets, and there was a dropped acoustic ceiling like you’d find in an office. Plus, the pantry was tiny and poorly laid out.

And don’t even get me started on the baseboards and wood trim, which met at odd angles like something out of an M.C. Escher painting. Oh, and there was this strange plastic stained glass sailboat window that had to go.

We knew a complete gut job was necessary, but we waited until we’d redone the flooring throughout the main floor. That way, we could demolish the kitchen, run the new white oak flooring through it, and then start from scratch.

We kept only the windows and the marble window sill. Once the dropped ceiling was removed, we found a funky orange metal ceiling underneath! We took that out too and drywalled it to gain more height.

I opted for white shaker-style cabinets mixed with flat front drawers for a modern yet timeless look. Plus, these gold drawer handles and pulls add just the right touch of glam. While I don’t usually splurge on hardware, the kitchen is worth it since these handles get so much use.

We also installed a double sink with a 60/40 split—a larger area for washing dishes and a smaller one for drying. The gold faucet with a pull-down feature keeps things stylish and functional.

For countertops, I went with quartz again (I loved it in our last kitchen). The backsplash is this dreamy star and cross pattern from Fireclay, which brings a beautiful subtle pattern to the space.

I’ve been dreaming of Café appliances ever since they first came out, and I’m thrilled we got them. This is our fourth house, and it’s the first time I’ve picked out new kitchen appliances! They’re not just beautiful—they’re functional too. You can even connect them to your phone for things like preheating the oven on your way home. Talk about luxury!

My husband gave me the matching Café toaster for Mother’s Day, and their coffee maker completes the set perfectly.

We swapped the old pantry cabinet for a taller one with deep drawers and shelves to maximize storage.

Reusing light fixtures from our old kitchen, I feel like they fit perfectly here as well.

Building this pink velvet banquette took almost a year, but it was worth it. It adds such a unique flair to the space. The whimsical print above the seating and these chic sconces complete the look.

You can find more cute & affordable wall art for a kitchen in this post

Adding layers of lighting was essential—under-cabinet lights, ceiling task lighting, a flush mount in the center, and sconces on the wall all make the space so much more functional and cozy.

Swapping the twine on that hanging plant for a white rope really tied the look together. Plus, it’s faux so no need to water! The small bistro table is perfect for breakfast or snacks, and my daughter loves using it for arts and crafts while I cook.

To keep our family organized, I hung this customized calendar in the kitchen. It helps a lot with juggling appointments and events. It’s big but blends in nicely with light chalk markers. I also added some black and white family photos at the top of the stairs (similar gold frames).

Finding the right rug took forever! I wanted something colorful, but most flat-weave rugs weren’t my style. Nine months later, I found this neutral star-patterned rug that fits perfectly. Its constellation vibe complements the backsplash, adding a playful touch.

• Coffee Maker
• Gas Range
• Brass Pulls
• Brass Knobs
• Family Calendar
• Refrigerator
• Star Rug
• Toaster
• Globe Sconce
• Dishwasher
• Brass Faucet

The overall vibe of this kitchen is a world away from when we first moved in. The new white oak floors, high ceiling, bright and airy feel with light cabinetry and counters, and that splash of pink in the corner give it a modern yet cozy look. Those huge windows are now a standout feature.

Feels like I finally got my dream kitchen after four homes. Totally worth the wait!