Before & After Showcase: Kitchen Edition

What a difference a remodel makes! After all—who doesn’t love a good “before and after”? There’s something so satisfying about seeing a space that’s tired and outdated completely transformed into something that’s both beautiful and functional. In this post, we’re sharing seven of our kitchen renovations that showcase what’s possible—from dark and cramped to bright and open, from dated finishes to custom cabinetry and modern style. Along with the dramatic photos, you’ll get the stories behind each project: what the space looked like before, what challenges the homeowners were facing, and the design goals that shaped the final result. Whether you’re dreaming of your own remodel or just love a great transformation, these kitchens are sure to inspire.

—Historic Home, Contemporary Heart—

Built in 1906, this home had seen its fair share of updates over the decades—so much so that the original kitchen had vanished entirely. What remained was a disjointed, drab space that no longer matched the needs or tastes of the homeowners. Rather than recreate a historic look, the clients envisioned something entirely different: a sleek, contemporary kitchen with clean lines, smart storage, and modern functionality.

Kitchen in 1906 home, prior to remodel. The cabinets are dark and dated and layout is poorly configured. — BEFORE

The new kitchen is a striking contrast to the past, yet thoughtfully integrated into the overall architecture of the home. Crisp cabinetry, minimalist finishes, and streamlined lighting bring the space into the present while subtle design cues—like warm wood tones, Marmoleum flooring, and a soft, neutral palette—create harmony with the character of the rest of the house. The result is a fresh, modern kitchen that feels right at home in this early 20th-century residence.

Kitchen remodel with warm wood tones, Marmoleum flooring and a neutral palette.

—A Kitchen Built for Two—

This couple came to us with a clear goal: create a kitchen that could support serious cooking and casual entertaining—all without expanding the home’s footprint. One partner, a passionate home chef, needed a highly functional layout, while both wanted a space that felt open and welcoming. To improve flow, we removed the upper cabinetry dividing the kitchen from the dining room and borrowed space from an adjacent hallway, greatly expanding the kitchen’s width. Custom birch cabinetry, smart storage, and a professional-grade range now anchor a kitchen that’s equal parts hardworking and personal—perfectly tailored to their shared life ahead.

Cramped and closed off kitchen, prior to contemporary remodel. — BEFORE

Contemporary kitchen remodel with vivid blue cabinetry, bold veining in the countertops, and a birch built-in hutch. — This glass-front, birch cabinetry now sits where the hallway had been.

—Bringing it all Together: Merging a Sunroom and Kitchen into One Beautiful Space—

This home’s original layout separated the kitchen and sunroom, with the sunroom used primarily as a dining area. This separation made the rooms feel closed off and disconnected, limiting the home’s potential for an open, inviting flow. The kitchen itself felt a little confining, lacking space for the family’s lifestyle and love of entertaining.

SUNROOM BEFORE

This is the sunroom prior to the remodel by Powell Construction. It primarily served as the dining room and was separated from the kitchen.

KITCHEN BEFORE

The wall of cabinetry on the left was removed to open up the space and connect it to the former sunroom.

This is the kitchen prior to remodeling.

THE END RESULT…

Our design merged the sunroom and kitchen into one expansive, open-concept space that includes a built-in dining area seamlessly integrated into the island’s banquette seating. Inspired by the homeowners’ love for color, rustic wood elements, and New England style, the transformation embraced these design elements throughout. Addressing complex structural challenges, we removed load-bearing walls and installed an engineered beam recessed into the ceiling and second floor. To honor the home’s character, the original rustic timber posts and beams were preserved and complemented by additional posts and wood-wrapped engineered beams, creating a harmonious blend of old and new.

Dining area with tile flooring and wooden table

—Opening up for Modern Living—

Prior to it’s remodel, this Corvallis kitchen felt cramped, dated, and segmented from the rest of the home. To create a more open, functional space, we removed the wall between the kitchen and living room—making room for a generous island and better flow. The new kitchen features natural maple cabinetry and durable Caesarstone countertops, bringing warmth and modern simplicity to the design. The result is a bright, contemporary layout that’s perfect for everyday living and effortless entertaining.

Dated kitchen, prior to remodel with flat white cabinetry and vinyl flooring. — BEFORE

This kitchen has light maple cabinetry, Caesarstone countertops and a whole lot more light since it's remodel by Powell Construction. — This new, generously sized island offers the in-kitchen seating the homeowners had been hoping for.

—A Warm Gray Kitchen with a Fresh New Layout—

This kitchen offered generous square footage, but its layout didn’t serve the homeowners’ daily needs. A peninsula partially closed off the space from the adjacent living area, limiting flow and making the kitchen feel more compartmentalized than connected. The overall style felt dated, and the finishes were ready for an upgrade. The homeowners were eager for a change—one that would improve function, reflect their personal style, and incorporate long-lasting, high-quality materials.

Working closely with the homeowners, our design team reimagined the kitchen with a more open and intentional layout. The peninsula was removed to improve flow, and cabinetry was updated throughout with a warm, light gray on the perimeter and a bold, darker gray on the island to create contrast and visual interest. Light-colored quartz countertops add brightness, while a richly textured, dark blue backsplash brings a playful yet refined pop of color. The addition of warm walnut flooring with pronounced grain patterns grounds the space and ensures the kitchen retains the inviting warmth the homeowners loved.

Kitchen prior to it's remodel was a little more cramped and cut off from the adjacent living room by the peninsula cabinetry. — BEFORE

This new, more contemporary kitchen remodel combines cool gray tones with warm wood, for an inviting atmosphere.

—A Childhood Kitchen Reimagined for the Next Generation—

This kitchen held decades of family memories—it was the space where the homeowner grew up, nestled in a beloved countryside farmhouse with scenic views from every window. While rich in sentiment, the original layout wasn’t best-suited for her own growing family. Showing its age, the space felt a bit tight, with a load-bearing wall separating the kitchen from the dining room, and another wall blocking the flow between the dining room and the front entry. The homeowner came to us with a clear vision: to honor the heart of her childhood home while creating a kitchen that felt open, functional, and beautifully refreshed.

Before—

Kitchen prior to remodel had seen it's better days. It was cramped and disconnected from the dining space.

Ah…After—

Through thoughtful design and strategic structural updates, we reimagined this kitchen to balance nostalgia with modern living. Removing the load-bearing wall opened the kitchen to the dining room, and eliminating a second wall created a direct connection to the entry hall and stairwell—dramatically improving the home’s flow from the moment the front door opens. The new kitchen combines sophisticated finishes with farmhouse warmth, offering an inviting, functional space that feels both timeless and new. It’s a renovation that respects the past while embracing the present—ready for the next generation of memories.

Overall Dining and Kitchen photo of Kitchen Remodel by Powell Construction of Corvallis, OR — MK Photography

White Cabinetry and Soft Sage Island in Kitchen Remodel by Powell Construction of Corvallis, OR — MK Photography

—Big Impact, Same Footprint—

It doesn’t always take a full gut remodel to create a stunning transformation. In this kitchen, the original layout, oak flooring, and brick backsplash stayed—but everything else got a major refresh.

We raised the dropped ceiling, added recessed and pendant lighting, and swapped out old windows for bright white vinyl. Warm white cabinetry and light quartz countertops modernized the space, while refinishing the floors brought new life to the original wood. The result? A kitchen that feels lighter, brighter, and completely renewed—all within the existing footprint.

Kitchen prior to remodel had dark cabinetry and dropped, florescent ceiling lighting. — BEFORE

Remodeled kitchen features the same flooring and layout as the original kitchen, but is entirely refreshed with light cabinetry and countertops.

Although each of these kitchen remodels has its own distinct layout, aesthetic, and material choices, the impact of each transformation is undeniable. From brighter, more functional spaces to kitchens that reflect the personalities of the people who use them, each project tells its own story.

To explore more of these transformations and view our full kitchen portfolio, click here. If you’re dreaming of a kitchen that better fits your lifestyle, we’d love to connect and start exploring the possibilities with you.