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Homeowners Michelle Samuels and EJ reworked their 1990s-era kitchen, keeping the original upper cabinets and painting them cream while adding cranberry-finish plywood lowers. The renovation also moved the refrigerator, installed checkerboard flooring and added personal tile details and storage.
Michelle Samuels and EJ have completed a major renovation of their kitchen, retaining its original upper cabinets while adding cream paint, cranberry-finish plywood lower cabinets and a new layout. The project replaced worn finishes and moved the refrigerator to improve the room’s function, according to Apartment Therapy’s report on the homeowners’ renovation.
The couple’s kitchen combined cabinetry from different eras: its upper cabinets dated to the home’s circa-1940s kitchen, while most lower cabinets were IKEA boxes. Michelle said the uppers remained in halfway decent condition, but the lower cabinets had “seen better days.” The room also had mottled gray laminate countertops and faux-wood linoleum flooring.
After hiring a contractor and other tradespeople, the homeowners changed the layout. A heating company moved a large steam radiator, making it possible to relocate the refrigerator from a corner near the doorway. Contractor Dan Baker removed the old counters and lower cabinets, and the project included new cabinets and appliances, plumbing and electrical work, and checkerboard floor tile from Fireclay.
Pro painter Mark Barry painted the original upper cabinets Benjamin Moore’s “Palace White.” Michelle and EJ painted the rest of the kitchen themselves, while new lower cabinets from Boxco came in an exposed-edge plywood “Cranberry” finish. EJ also painted green designs on the backsplash tiles behind the stove, including personal references to the couple’s pets, the year they bought the house and nearby landmarks.
A Layout Change Adds Everyday Function
The renovation’s impact is not limited to its red, cream and green palette. Moving the radiator allowed the refrigerator to leave a spot that Michelle said was in the way, while new lower cabinets and specialized storage addressed practical needs. She highlighted a spice rack, LeMans shelves in a blind-corner cabinet and gentle-close drawers as useful additions.
The project also shows how the couple combined retained features with new work rather than replacing every cabinet. The original upper units received a fresh finish, while the lower cabinetry was replaced. An upholstered bench, built by EJ in the former refrigerator corner, adds seating and storage; its lift-up seat holds food for the couple’s dog and cat. The homeowners say the bench has become a place to spend time while EJ cooks.
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From Worn Finishes to Cottage Color
Michelle and EJ were first-time homeowners who had previously rented, and the kitchen project followed smaller updates, including changes to the ceiling light and a DIY backsplash treatment. They later brought in a contractor, professional painter, plumber, electrician and cabinet installers for the larger renovation. The source describes the project cost as not available, so no overall budget can be stated.
William Morris fruit wallpaper in the kitchen and adjoining entryway and bathroom inspired the shades of red, yellow and white used across the rooms. The homeowners also replaced fixtures and hardware. Michelle said painting was a learning process: they improved their technique and found that painter’s tape was more of a hindrance than a help for them.
““The old fridge was stuck in the corner by the doorway to the rest of the house and in the way, but with no other spot to put it.””
— Michelle Samuels, as quoted by Apartment Therapy
Budget and Remaining Work Are Unreported
Apartment Therapy lists the project cost as not available, and the report does not give measurements, a full schedule or a detailed breakdown of contractor and materials expenses. It also does not specify when the renovation was completed.
The homeowners noted that after the refrigerator moved, the ceiling lights were no longer perfectly centered. Michelle said they were learning to live with the misalignment. The report does not say whether that issue will be corrected or whether any other work remains beyond EJ’s planned floating shelves for Michelle’s cookbooks.
Floating Shelves Remain on the List
EJ’s next stated project is to build floating shelves for Michelle’s cookbooks. The source does not provide a completion date. For now, the kitchen’s reported work includes the cabinetry, appliances, flooring, painted tile details, wallpaper and added bench storage, with the homeowners using the renovated room.
Key Questions
Did the homeowners keep the kitchen’s original cabinets?
They kept the original upper cabinets, which dated to the home’s circa-1940s kitchen, and had them painted Benjamin Moore’s “Palace White.” Most of the old lower cabinets were replaced.
What color are the new lower cabinets?
The new Boxco lower cabinets have an exposed-edge plywood construction and a “Cranberry” finish, according to the report.
Why was the refrigerator moved?
The refrigerator had been positioned in a corner near the doorway, where Michelle said it was in the way. The homeowners had a heating company move a steam radiator so the refrigerator could be placed elsewhere.
What personal details did EJ add to the kitchen?
EJ painted green designs on the backsplash tiles behind the stove. The designs include references to the couple’s dog and cat, the year they bought the house, the zodiac and nearby landmarks.
What is planned next for the kitchen?
EJ said the next project on the list is floating shelves for Michelle’s cookbooks. The report does not give a timeline for that work.
Source: apartmenttherapy.com
