Before & After Makeover: A Dark, Dated Kitchen Goes Light and Bright

By painting the existing cabinetry, replacing the countertop, and swapping the ceiling fan for pendant lights, designer T. Keller Donovan transformed his Florida kitchen on a tight budget. Here, he shares his time and money-saving tips for getting a dream kitchen — without having to demolish the whole room.

1 - 6 of 6

1 of 6 photos

Before: The 1970s-Style Kitchen

Designer T. Keller Donovan was up for the challenge of renovating a dark and drab Florida kitchen into a brighter, more modern space. "All that '70s oak made me claustrophobic," he says.
Before: The 1970s-Style Kitchen

Designer T. Keller Donovan was up for the challenge of renovating a dark and drab Florida kitchen into a brighter, more modern space. "All that '70s oak made me claustrophobic," he says.