Affiliate links included in this post.
I need to be clear on something.
This remodel of The 70’s Landing Pad has not been a one man band. It has not been a two or a three or a four man band either. It’s more like a fix or six man band, made up of random friends and family pitching in to help out as needed, fueled by cheap beer and 80’s country music.
This kitchen remodel showcases the specialities of each band member.
Does any of that even make sense? #FlyYourFreakFlag
Maybe it will help to just start showing you pictures. When we first got this house, this is how the kitchen looked:
Opposite that wall of cabinets was this:
And opposite the pantry door was this:
The kitchen was a really good size to start with, so we didn’t need more room, however the awful wallpaper, awkward vanity lights above the cabinets (WTF?), stained vinyl flooring, grimy cabinet hardware and much more needed to get the boot.
We kept the original cabinets, with the exception of taking out the ones above the stove and sink, and I painted them black. These cabinets really aren’t in the best condition, but it just wasn’t in the budget for new cabinets. I’m hoping in a few years, we can maybe have new doors for the cabinets made.
I switched out the knobs and hinges on all the doors and drawers. I tried quite a few different styles of knobs and pulls, but in the end I was surprised that these simple round concave brass knobs which are less than $1 per knob were perfect.
Cabinet Knobs / Footed Brass Bucket (similar ones) / Leather Ice Bucket (similar ones)
With all the brass and black, the kitchen had a more glam feel, which our previous kitchen did not. Our old canisters and counter decor just didn’t mesh with this kitchen as well as they did our last. I decided to think outside the box for counter storage (and also within our small budget) and raided my vintage ice bucket collection to find one to act as a canister for sweets and another to act as a cooking utensil holder. I pulled out a $1 office decor find from an antique store to be a recipe holder and the brass lion bucket was only $3 at an estate sale. It holds two smaller cookbooks that I use a good bit.
Lemon Hand Towel (similar one) / Pantry Doorknob
There wasn’t any guesswork when it came to the flooring, we knew we would carry the same flooring we used in the adjoining living and dining room into the kitchen as well. However, the white walls were a different story and probably caused me the most stress in this space. When I first started on the design plan for the kitchen, I decided on black cabinets and white walls. However, that combination became very stark against one another when it was all in place. And on one side of the kitchen, I had a lot more black with the cabinets than I did on the other side of the kitchen, which had no cabinets. I tested out no less than 15 paint colors to go on the wall from greens to grays to creams and more and none of them worked. Both Grunt and my friend Brittany were adamant that white was the color it should stay and I should have just listened to them from the beginning and saved myself the stress. Grunt was also the one who made the suggestion of putting up black crown molding to balance out all the black and was he ever right on that. When he told Mom and Dad about his idea, they offered to pay for the crown moulding (Thank you!), so we got that sooner than expected and it was a total game changer. It pulled everything together perfectly.
Cane Runner / Lemon Hand Towel (similar one)
The island was an addition as well and also one that I doubted in the beginning. I wanted an island in here, but I was very much overthinking it. The island is actually a cabinet that was in the school that Grunt Labor and I first met and worked together at. They tore down the building and we snagged that piece before they did so. He said from the beginning that it would make a great island, but I wasn’t sure. Then, Nicky’s dad, Wayne, came over and we were discussing building an island and he looked at that cabinet and said it would be the perfect island. At that point, I knew I was wrong and they were both right. Wayne took the cabinet home with him and modified it into an island for me.
Barstools (similar ones)
The barstools were a vintage find at a resale store. There are similar ones here.
The one thing I never swayed on in this space was the black subway tile backsplash in a herringbone pattern. It might actually be my most favorite part of this space. Grunt and Nicky usually do all our tile work, but they both refused to do this backsplash because I wanted the herringbone pattern. It is much more tedious and time consuming. I ended up going through Home Depot, using their in-home installation services for the backsplash. While it was more expensive than doing the tile ourselves, I knew the herringbone pattern would be a showstopper and well worth it. They did an impeccable job.
Black Subway Tile / Brass Faucet
The faucet is the same one we had in our old kitchen. My in-laws wanted something in brushed nickel at our old house, so I happily switched out the faucet for them and brought this one to the new kitchen for us.
Cane Runner / Lemon Hand Towel (similar one)
You might have noticed in the before photos, there was a stovetop on end of the kitchen and a wall oven on the other end of the kitchen. The old stovetop didn’t work correctly, so rather than replacing it with just another stovetop only, we opted to replace it with a double oven.
Range Hood / Stirring The Pot Towel / Magnetic Knife Holder / Brass Ice Bucket (similar)
We do a good bit of entertaining and hosting family holiday dinners at our place, so having three ovens makes those things so much easier. We also took out the cabinet above the stove and put in a more effective and prettier range hood as well.
As I said earlier, I used a vintage ice bucket for a cooking utensils holder. We went with this magnetic knife holder to clear up more counter space and attached it with velcro to keep from having to drill into the tile. I have two of those runners, one on each side of the island, to add more color and pattern to the space. The hand towels also add a much needed dose of color.
The open shelving to the left of the stove was also something that Wayne and Ron, another family friend, built for us – we are so lucky to have them!
Brass Fruit Bowl (similar) / Barefoot Contessa Cookbooks / Acrylic Wine Rack
That space used to be where a tiny cabinet and trash compactor were, both practically useless. We took those out and they built me this wonderful open shelving. It’s another favorite thing of mine in this space. This is also where I keep favorite cookbooks, our fruit bowl, wine rack and a few other knick-knacks.
Lemon Hand Towel (similar one) / Brass Fruit Bowl (similar) / Acrylic Wine Rack
The countertops are Quartz in Brown Fantasy. My friend Kellie gets a huge thank you for dealing with me when it comes to the countertops. I had no clue what to go with or what I even wanted and she held my hand the whole way with it. I never would have looked twice at that stone if it hadn’t been for her and I absolutely love it in here, as does Grunt.
I removed the tall, skinny cabinets that were opposite the range and replaced them with the buffet that was in the living room at our old house.
We also added a black chair rail and decorative wall molding here to bring more of the black over to this wall.
Marble Slab / Brass Bamboo Tray (similar ones) / Profanties Coffee Mug
I put my coffee station here as well as a couple of plants and other knick-knacks.
DIY Lucite Frame + Free Gone With the Wind Printable
And my daily answer to anything before the hour of 7am. 😉
Finally, where the built-in corner cabinetry and desk once was is now our breakfast nook.
Complete with Loretta, Conway, Johnny and June.
Of course.
This banquette is all thanks to Grunt and Nicky.
Palm Print Pillow / Tiger Stripe Pillow / Malachite Pillow
You see, I had this wild idea that I could actually build it all by myself.
I was full of shit.
They both swooped in, calmed me down and helped me finish it. That’s a whole other story which you can read about here. I also added more color to the kitchen here with the pillows, which was a whole other stressful ballgame that I can’t even think about right now.
So in conclusion, thank you to all the band members who made this kitchen possible: Grunt, Nicky, Brittany, Wayne, Ron, Kellie, Mom and Dad.
There will never be enough cheap beer in the world to pay you back. We are blessed to have you.
Lord, I hope I didn’t leave anyone out. It takes a lot of people to deal with this crazy train.
Shop the Kitchen:
You might also want to see…
Types of Paint to Use on Cabinets
The 70’s Landing Pad Home Tour
Disclosure: D. Lawless Hardware provided the cabinetry hardware for this remodel and Rug Studio provided the runners, however all opinions are 100% my own.
*Affiliate links may be contained in this post. That just means that if you click on one of those links and buy something, I may receive a small commission, but you won’t pay a dime more.
Stephanie @ Casa Watkins Living says
Super chic Jenna! Love the sleekness of the black cabinets with the brass.
Jenna says
Thanks so much, Stephanie! Me too!
[email protected] Stroll Thru Life says
I love your kitchen, it is such a transformation. You have more imagination than most and it shows in your gorgeous home.
Jenna says
Oh thank you so much, Marty! I’m never quite sure what I’m doing, I just hope it turns out well and if it doesn’t, I back up and punt!
Pam Brand says
Great job, Jenna (and the rest of the band)! I love it all, but think my favorite thing is the faucet.
Jenna says
Thanks so much, Pam! I know – that faucet is great! I love it too!
Karen Jerread says
MWB approved. You are so brave with your colors and they always work!
Jenna says
It’s always wonderful to have the approval of MWB!!! Thank you!
Carol says
WOW, WOW, WOW!
Jenna says
Thank you, Carol!
Trena says
This turned out fabulous! I especially like the breakfast nook. Love your style.
Jenna says
Thanks so much, Trena!
Regina S. says
Love the kitchen! Can’t wait to hear the banquette story!
Jenna says
Thanks, Regina! Oh girl, it’s a story all right! haha!
Kristy Robb says
Love this glam kitchen remodel… and love that you used what you had to make it your style.
Jenna says
Thank you, Kristy!
Amy Ping says
Love it! And i have the same Lemon hand towel. Its in my camper right now! (Its a 1970 Layton) love the kitchen it looks amazing. And the Tile!!!!!!!!!!!
Jenna says
Thank you so much, Amy!! I just love those hand towels, the colors on them are just gorgeous!
Deirdre says
Wow, gorgeous kitchen! Worth all the work and angst! Enjoy!
Jenna says
Yes, definitely worth it, Deirdre! Thank you!
Haley G says
Looks great!!! I am also in Chattanooga and am finishing up our kitchen remodel. We kept the layout the same and used the cabinet bases (sanded/patched/primed/painted by yours truly) and had new doors and drawer fronts made. I got quotes from literally every.single.company in and around Chattanooga to reface them. We ended up using Affordable Kitchens out of Ringgold. They did an amazing job and were a pleasure to work with. I am so happy with the outcome and would recommend them to anyone else looking to reface or replace their kitchen cabinets.
Jenna says
Thank you, Haley! And thank you even more for that info on the cabinet door and drawer fronts! I am writing their name down and when we get some money saved up for those, then they will be the first people I call! Thank you so much!
Pam S says
O.M.G.!!! This has to be your all time best ever ~ congratulations to you and all your Minions! ….and minions with awesome ideas, at that! Yep, the black crown molding did the trick~ And without your coffee mug, it would all be in vain!!
Since I’m no longer in my beloved 70’s fun house, I’m living vicariously through you. Our new (to us) 2010 house is….well…b.o.r.i.n.g. ALL of the granite is the same throughout the house, as is the paint, light fixtures, tile, etc., etc. Beautiful, but boring! I feel like if I do anything significant it needs to be done to the whole freakin’ house!! So you just keep being creative – only to keep me entertained! LOL Beautiful job….again 🙂
Jenna says
hahaha! Oh that coffee mug is just priceless, Pam! Grunt got it for me for Christmas – so me! Thank you so much, I’m so glad you like it!
Amy Villicano says
I’m OBSESSED with the pictures hanging up in the breakfast nook!!!!!!!!!! It all looks amazing but those are my favorite!!!!
Jenna says
Thank you, Amy!! I really wanted to inject a big dose of personality in there with all the black and I think those pictures did the trick!
Lori says
Glad you listened on the black crown mold – it’s on point girl!
I’m diggin’ it so much, I now feel inspired to think over a black-n-white color scheme for my remodel and would *love* to have more than one oven – BLISS!!!
The whole room is beautiful and what a great transformation! Thanks for sharing!
p.s. I also love the new fonts I see going on around here. Jenna, you so fancy!!
Jenna says
Girl, if you can get more than one oven, do it!!! It makes cooking so much easier, especially for big crowds! I’m glad I listened on the black crown molding as well – I love, love, love how it turned out!! And so glad you like the new fonts and design – we needed an upgrade around here! Thank you!
Brigitte says
I am IN LOVE. It’s so YOU! I don’t know that I really love the cabinets, but you know what….it’s not my kitchen, so meh on what I think! It is YOU all the way and I DO love that! I think the counter tops are gorgeous, as well as the buffet where you put the coffee station (something I def want to incorporate into my next kitchen) (and Cafe DuMond…..yes, please!) and the bar stools are darling. LOVE the lion ice bucket (actually I really like the way you used the ice buckets….see, I have such a problem figuring out how to reuse things in a different way like that. That’s partially why I like Rain on a Tin Roof so much, you’re inspiring to me.
I am plotzing over that lucite wine rack, tho. Where did that beauty come from? It MUST be in my life immediately! (oh, never mind, I see the link. Awesome!)
Jenna says
Thank you so much, Brigitte! Well, the cabinets aren’t my favorite thing either as we do need new doors on them for sure, but I do like the black on them. I think they would look better in black with new doors. Alas, that damn money tree still hasn’t taken root out back yet. 😉 I’m so glad you like the space!
Brigitte says
I really do, I love the “glam” of it and the colors. I think you’re right about the cabinets. I like the color, I just don’t like how they look and it’s because of the dated fronts. That’s just me, I think they’d look great with either a more modern, sleek face, or very traditional arched inset fronts, but in the same ultra chic black. It is definitely a “WOW” kitchen, worthy of a home magazine, I say!
Susan the Farm Quilter says
LOVE your new kitchen!!! At first I wondered why you put ceramic pulls painted with flowers on your cabinets…that brass reflects really well and the concave really changes what is really there!!! You were right to go with the herringbone pattern…totally makes the kitchen, along with the crown molding! Your kitchen is definitely part of the rest of the house now and perfectly reflects your tastes. That old kitchen looked older than my 1930ss farm kitchen looks!!! Jealous of your three ovens 🙂
Jenna says
Oh girl, that brass reflects and those black cabinets shockingly do as well. I had to edit some of the photos to remove the reflections in the cabinets. Thank you! I’m so glad you like it!
Brigitte says
I’m so glad Susan mentioned the crown molding! I was going to say how much I LOVE it, also, and completely forgot. It really pops and pulls everything together. I like how it’s not a traditional white or cream!
Jenna says
Thanks, Brigitte! Yep, that crown molding was a total game changer. It really helped to pull everything together!
KRISTEN LAZZARA says
What a great transformation of your kitchen! You gave me a lot of ideas. I’d love to see more side by side before and after pictures to show off your talented remodel better.
Jenna says
Thanks so much, Kristen!
tammy says
STUNNING! Just…wow.
You hit it out of the ballpark, past the parking lot and into one of the hipster bars across from the stadium.
WELL DONE!
Jenna says
hahahahahahaha!! Oh Tammy, I love your description! And considering that I tend to hate hipster bars, I love it even more! haha! Thank you!
Patty says
Girl your kitchen is beautiful. I didn’t know if I would like black cabinets, but I have to say I love them, they look wonderful, perfect in your home, I love the flow and you lucky girl those ovens, I always said if I ever built another house or remodeled my kitchen I would have three or four ovens. I have a hammered aluminum collection and use a couple of the ice buckets for utensils, I love them.
The banquet is beautiful, Grunt did really good on that and love the island, your friend did a really good job on it.
All your friends and family did a great job, there is just too much to mention, but I do want to mention the tile, it is gorgeous it really sets everything off beautifully, you made a great call on that one.
Whew I feel like I am being long winded but there is just so much I love and the little touches of green the rugs the pillows, the pendant light, just too much to mention, haha, but I love it.
Jenna says
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Patty!!! This one was truly a team effort and I love how well it turned out! That tile is one of my favorite things as well, it really makes a statement in there! And yes, girl, if you can ever get three or four ovens, DO IT! It is wonderful!
Stephanie Sheridan says
Jenna amazing. So classy. Great job.
Jenna says
Thank you, Stephanie!
Samantha says
Omg I believe I just had to wipe drool from my chin! I ???? LOVE ???? your new kitchen!!!!!
Jenna says
hahaha!!! Thanks so much, Samantha!
Tiffany G. says
Your kitchen looks wonderful! I’m a fairly new reader to your blog and have found great inspiration. I’m also a southerner but one who has a traditional style with a creative, bold side trying to get out. I get nervous when I try something bold but end up loving it. You inspire me to try something new. Thank you. I look forward to your posts. I read a only a few blogs and can’t wait to see yours the most. I would love to see a post about the seating cabinet.
Jenna says
Oh Tiffany, you have just made my day!! Comments like these are just priceless to me! I’m so glad I could inspire you! There will be a post about the banquette seating coming soon!
Suzanne Melton says
I’ve been “following” you for only about year but, had someone shown me a photo of your new kitchen without telling me it was yours, I would have said, “Oh, yeah! That’s Jenna’s!”
Love all of it but have a suggestion for your island: the back is REALLY black as there is no subway tile or brass ghee-gaws to break up the solid color.
If you decide to add something to the back, consider Spoonflower Peel & Stick wallpaper. I searched [green and black] on spoonflower.com and came up with hundreds of designs (see three below). I bet you could spend a week looking.
Spoonflower lets you order as much or as little as you need so you don’t have to worry about buying “double rolls.” As a test, I chose Peel & Stick “Custom Roll Length” and asked for one roll of 9′ x 2′ Peel & Stick. Came to $67.50. Smooth would be $45.00.
We’re going to wallpaper one wall so we ordered a sample of Peel & Stick AND a sample of Smooth (water-activated). Then, we hung both samples. The Smooth is less expensive but what a mess!
We’ve also learned from others’ comments to ALWAYS order samples as you just can’t trust a computer monitor to show you the correct color. Because every order is custom, Spoonflower products are not returnable.
I just read what I wrote and I sound like a Spoonflower employee. I’m not but I love supporting their small designers.
https://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/4557367-green-windowpanes-by-anneostroff
https://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/4108089-jewelbox-emerald-brooch-repeat-black-onyx-by-elliottdesignfactory
https://www.spoonflower.com/wallpaper/4007551-nantes-bamboo-trellis-ebony-by-willowlanetextiles
Be sure to click “View Original” to see a close-up of the designs.
Jenna says
Hey Suzanne! Thank you!! I do agree – the back of the island is really black. I never thought about the removable wallpaper – what a great idea! I love Spoonflower as well!! That’s where all my malachite wrapping paper that I’ve used for projects has come from!
Paige says
Jenna, I love your kitchen! The wait was definitely worth it. The kitchen is so “you” and a perfect fit with your home. I hate to hear about all of the stress you endured but am happy that I’m not the only fanatic who freaks out over every.single.detail. Perhaps, I need to round up a band of my own.
Jenna says
Thank you, Paige! Yes, the wait and stress was worth it! I’m glad its over though!
Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond says
Wow this looks so stylish! You have given me some good ides for our kitchen reno. Thanks for sharing with us at #OvertheMoon Link Party. I’ve pinned and shared.
Jenna says
Awesome, Sue! Thanks!
Lisa says
Love the drama of black! It really shows how much you can achieve with just paint. We painted most of our maple cabinets cream but painted the island black. We also have black granite countertops and appliances. I still haven’t done anything about the backsplash but you have given me some ideas.
Jenna says
Oh, I bet the cream and black look great together, Lisa!
The Beardless One says
Love it and it’s exactly what I had in mind for my guesthouse, even the black at the top. Great to see it in the real world and it’s even better than in my head! Love the countertops too! Pinned!
Jenna says
Thank you so much!! Glad you like it!
Lori says
Wow! What a transformation! I really like that it is different. No one is doing black kitchens… Thank you for sharing at Dishing It & Digging It!
Jenna says
Thank you so much, Lori!
Samantha Reed says
The kitchen looks amazing!! I really love your unique style! It’s so great to see something other than another white farmhouse kitchen. Nothing against white farmhouse kitchens, I just love seeing something unique and fun!
Jenna says
Thanks so much, Samantha! I’m the same way – definitely over the white farmhouse kitchen look. There’s just so many of them out there.
Barbara says
Wow! That was some job you did. I really liked that you found a use for the old ice buckets and brass piece.
Jenna says
Thanks so much, Barbara! I like using those things in there as well!
Beverly says
Your kitchen makeover is stunning. I know everyone has their own tastes, but those before pictures are horrid. The walls!!! You and your friends have done an amazing job with giving the space a stylish, fresh look. Thanks for sharing with us at Snickerdoodle. We’ll be featuring this at tomorrow’s party. Hope to see you there!
Jenna says
Thank you so much, Beverly! I know – I think the before was just terrible too. Thanks so much for the feature!