Before & After: This 'Insanely Beautiful' Kitchen Transformation Has Us Inspired

When you're obsessed with all things interior design, there is little more satisfying than a complete home transformation. Whether you're watching the before-and-after home makeovers on HGTV's Property Brothers or scrolling through home renovation content on TikTok, it can be a major source of inspiration for upgrading your own space. This is the case with a classic (and, albeit, outdated) 2000s kitchen on Reddit that got a beautiful remodel, and the before-and-after is "insanely beautiful," according to raving comments on the post. The transformation is so drastic that one commenter explained that they couldn't believe it was the same house. The real kicker? The author of the original post doesn't have a background in interior design, yet is even receiving praise from professionals. It's inspiring, especially for those who want to know how to decorate their home like a professional but lack the expertise to execute their ideas and create their ideal kitchen.

On the r/kitchenremodel SubReddit, user Dry_Green_5135 posted the results of their kitchen remodel. "I previously had that typical ugly orange cabinets with the busy granite from the early 2000s. Wanted something brighter and cleaner looking," explained the caption. 

From its sleek, modern kitchen island to its subtle pops of brass and pendant lighting that lean transitional, this sophisticated kitchen looks like it was designed by a seasoned professional. And the praise under their post says it all: "I'm sorry, WHAT? That is so insanely beautiful I thought the first pic had to be inspo from some design mag. Great job!!"

At first glance, the original author's before-and-after photos look like a page ripped out of a home design magazine, cosigned by the slew of comments praising their kitchen remodel. The original poster (OP) chimed in that they were helping with their sister's kitchen renovation, followed by a disclaimer that they're not an interior designer. But the transformation was so drastic — and gorgeous — that even a professional in the comments gave OP their flowers, explaining that they were impressed by the flawless design, despite the flush inset design that's present throughout the space, which the same professional says isn't easy.

It raises the question: can an amateur designer actually replicate a kitchen remodel that's not only flawless in design but also revered by interior designers? The short answer is yes, but it'll take more than just an idea and being a design connoisseur. At some point, it may take expert input to execute a renovation such as this. For example, for a fully transformed kitchen where you're ripping out cabinets and restoring an island, advice from a professional designer can give you perspective on not only the overall flow and design of the space, but also help you avoid costly mistakes in the long run. You'll also need to consider code compliance, which a trained professional can be helpful with.

The flooring the OP chose was Ravenswood Oak vinyl by COREtec Floors, with a neutral undertone that looks bright and airy. The countertops are embellished with Calacatta Magnifico porcelain tiles throughout, including the island, and a matching marble backsplash that extends upward, revealing an open shelf above the stove to store appliances and decor.

Inset cabinets are painted a creamy, cool beige, with polished gold pulls and knobs lining either side of the stove. Wide pendant lighting fixtures are brushed with unpolished gold above the kitchen island, and the base cabinets are stained in Bordeaux on white oak, which contrasts with the light, creamy beige palette, giving the space a sophisticated, balanced essence. For the hood, OP explained that the insert is Tradewind VSL 400 series, but the hood cover is ordered from Archway & Ceilings, while the range is courtesy of Hallman Classico. The curved hood, according to the OP, was inspired by the contrast between the straight lines that are lined up throughout the kitchen.