Rooms Kitchen Decor & Design Kitchen Design & Remodeling Ideas Kitchen Makeovers Traditional Farmhouse Kitchen Makeover By Caitlin Sole Caitlin Sole Instagram Caitlin Sole is the senior home editor at BHG. She is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of interior design expertise. She has vast experience with digital media, including SEO, photo shoot production, video production, eCommerce content, print collaboration, and custom sales content. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on February 25, 2019 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos The dark and uninviting galley-style kitchen in this 1890s farmhouse called for a makeover. A family-friendly update kept the charm firmly rooted in the past, while creating a bright and welcoming open layout and smart storage. 01 of 09 Open Space Makeover The remodel transformed the dark galley-style kitchen into a bright and welcoming family gathering space. By completely gutting the existing kitchen, dining room, and a hallway, new space was discovered. A wall separating the kitchen and the adjacent family room was torn down, integrating the two spaces and creating an open floor plan. 02 of 09 Rooted in the Past Hand-finished surfaces, aged materials, and vintage details made the new kitchen feel as though it had always been a part of the house. An apron-front sink and dark soapstone countertops give the kitchen a lived-in, authentic feel. 03 of 09 Family-Friendly Dining The addition of a built-in banquette provides a sunny space for casual meals and family activities. Drawers under the window seat provide additional storage. The combined kitchen and dining area keeps the room feeling light and open, while staying true to the traditional farmhouse style. 04 of 09 Hand-Finished Appeal To counter the coolness of the pale blue cabinets and the white tile backsplash, the center island is finished in a warm, dark wood stain. Subtle brushstrokes visible on the finished surface prove the work was done by humans, not machinery—a characteristic consistent among all late 1800s homes. A second sink on the island is convenient for food prep. 05 of 09 Attention to Detail Cabinetry surrounding the stainless-steel French-door refrigerator offers storage for both the kitchen and the adjoining breakfast nook. All of the cabinetry was built on-site, allowing designers to keep the remodel as close to the original as possible, in order to retain its country charm. 06 of 09 Disappearing Act Large cabinets flanking the stainless-steel refrigerator open to reveal shelves and small appliances. From window seats to island cabinets, to smaller cabinets located near the ceiling, the kitchen now has plenty of storage solutions. 07 of 09 Plenty of Prep Ample counter space on either side of the range and hood provides plenty of room for cooking prep. 08 of 09 Timeless Tiles White subway tiles recall kitchens of the past, but these smaller versions have beveled edges that make the kitchen appear larger. The crisp white tiles also reflect the sunlight, which now flows amply throughout the room. Cabinets fitted with glass fronts also provide an open look and make the space appear bigger. 09 of 09 Furniture-Style Details Furniture-style cabinetry legs mimic the look of freestanding pieces often found in early 20th-century kitchens. Period-appropriate details, such as the cabinetry's inset doors and hand-painted finish, stay true to the home's vintage appeal. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit