Back in 2023, we were fortunate enough to take on a huge project, renovating our entire first floor. It was a wild ride with walls coming down, an entirely new kitchen being added, and months of decision-making over everything from hardware to flooring. In the end, I landed on classic white cabinets for a storage hack along the wall and a warm walnut island in the center. The contrast was everything I wanted bright and airy with just the right touch of richness.
But here’s the funny thing about design: once you live in a space, you start to see what’s working…and what isn’t. After about a year in our “new” kitchen, I realized the all-white Ikea cabinets weren’t giving me the depth or personality I craved. So, back to the drawing board I went—this time with a paintbrush in hand!
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I did what I always recommend before a big (or small!) home project storage hack: I gathered inspiration. Pinterest is my go-to starting point, and my board for this project ended up being full of moody, cozy kitchens with bold cabinets and timeless accents. (You can peek at my full inspiration board here!)
Armed with screenshots and swatches, I headed to our local Benjamin Moore store and came home with a gallon of Benjamin Moore Iron Ore. It’s a deep, moody charcoal that instantly added drama and grounded the whole space. Painting over the white Ikea fronts was a bit nerve-wracking, but once that first coat went on, I knew I had made the right decision.
If you’re curious to see the full journey, I’ve linked a few posts below so you can follow along from start to finish:
And now, let’s do a little before and after:
The difference was immediate. The chandelier above the island sparkles even more against the dark backdrop, and the walnut tones in the island feel richer now that they aren’t competing with stark white. I also layered in a new rug to soften the room and tie together all the elements. The end result? A kitchen that feels elevated, cozy, and a little more “me.” Plus, a perfect storage hack that will keep all my decor and essentials hidden safely away.
No room refresh feels complete without a few seasonal layers, and fall is the perfect time to lean into warmth and texture. Think in terms of easy swaps, pillows in rich plaids or textured fabrics, cozy knit throws, and moody artwork can instantly shift the feel of a space. Adding in natural elements, like faux branches or autumnal florals, helps bring the outdoors in, while touches of metallics (such as brass bowls or picture lights) add just the right amount of glow for shorter days. Even small changes like trading out dish towels, mugs, or accent rugs for pieces in deeper hues can make a big impact without requiring a full overhaul.
Refreshing a space doesn’t always mean starting from scratch. Sometimes it’s as simple as a new coat of paint or layering in seasonal textures that make your home feel inviting again. Whether you lean moody with darker cabinets or cozy things up with fall-ready accents, the key is choosing pieces that reflect your style and make you want to spend more time in the room. Little by little, those thoughtful updates come together to create a space that feels both fresh and timeless, no renovation required.
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xx,
Kim
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