Jenny from Evolution of Style just revealed her 2021 kitchen remodel, and it’s a total game-changer for anyone dreaming of a smart, beautiful upgrade.
She started by tearing down some angled walls to open up the kitchen into the family room, creating a much more open and functional layout.
One of the biggest changes was going full-height with the cabinets—no more staggered lines, just clean, seamless storage that makes the whole space feel taller and more refined.
The countertops are a gorgeous honed quartzite called Blanco Superiore, with just enough natural veining to give it character without being overpowering.
Jenny made a super budget-conscious move by removing the underused breakfast nook and replacing it with a beverage fridge and cozy seating area.
The appliances are all built-in and panel-ready, including a Sub-Zero fridge and a Wolf range, so everything blends right in without disrupting the design.
She added a pocket door and custom shelves to the pantry—though she does admit she forgot to add outlets inside, which is a good tip to remember.
The old travertine floor is gone, replaced with engineered white oak from Cochran’s Lumber, which looks beautiful and holds up better.
She also shared all her sources, paint colors, and hardware picks to help others recreate the look on a budget.
Don’t miss this one—Check out Jenny’s remodel at Evolution of Style as it has so many smart ideas you can totally steal for your own kitchen upgrade!
Materials Used
- Full-height custom cabinetry
- Honed quartzite countertops (Blanco Superiore)
- Engineered white oak flooring (Cochran’s Lumber)
- Panel-ready appliances (Sub-Zero fridge, Wolf range)
- Beverage fridge for seating nook
- Custom wood shelving for pantry
- Lighting fixtures and hardware (sources listed in original post)
- Pocket door for pantry
Steps Taken
- Removed angled walls to open up the layout
- Extended cabinets to the ceiling for clean lines
- Installed quartzite counters for a high-end, natural finish
- Replaced travertine floors with engineered oak
- Converted breakfast nook into a beverage and seating area
- Upgraded pantry with pocket door and open shelving
- Integrated panel-ready appliances for a seamless look
Key DIY Tips
Maximize unused spaces for more function (like removing a breakfast nook)
Keep at least one wall intact to preserve some separation
Don’t forget electrical outlets in pantry upgrades
Document all paint colors, finishes, and sources to save time later
What DIY’ers Are Saying
Game-Changing Full-Height Cabinets
Commenters praise the full-height cabinets and how much added storage they provide.
Many agree it transforms the space and gives it a polished, custom look.
Inspiring Open-Concept Layout
People are inspired by the choice to open the kitchen into the family room.
Several readers are saying they’re now motivated to take down similar angled walls in their own homes.
Material Choices and Durability
There’s lots of curiosity around material choices, especially the quartzite countertops and Fireclay tile backsplash.
Readers discuss staining, durability, and color selections.