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This Retro Kitchen Transformation Will Make Your Jaw Drop

This is seriously impressive.

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Room, Property, Countertop, Kitchen, Furniture, White, Cabinetry, Floor, Building, Interior design, pinterest
Dustin Walker for Laurel & Wolf

In a competitive real estate market, it's important to look for the diamond in the rough. That's why when Aisling Mittman, VP of Design Marketplace for e-design service Laurel & Wolf, came across an untouched, traditional ranch house she knew there was plenty of opportunity lying within its walls, and decided to work some renovation magic. Here's how she totally transformed the home's outdated, retro kitchen.

Before: Non-Functional

Room, Property, Furniture, Interior design, Cabinetry, Building, Kitchen, Floor, House, Countertop,
Courtesy of Laurel & Wolf

Renovation began the day Aisling closed on the fixer-upper, located in a quiet Los Angeles neighborhood. After the kitchen was gutted, Aisling brought in interior designer Nadia Dillion to help transform the space from retro to modern.

After: Open and Airy

Room, Property, Furniture, Countertop, Kitchen, White, Cabinetry, Floor, Interior design, Building,
Dustin Walker for Laurel & Wolf

The kitchen's dark, red brick wall was completely concealed and the dated tile floors were covered with slate, for a look inspired by Aisling's honeymoon in Scandinavia.

Before: Retro Colors

Room, Property, Furniture, Cabinetry, Building, Bathroom, Interior design, Sink, House, Floor,
Courtesy of Laurel & Wolf

Pre-renovation, the cabinets, paint colors, and tile felt like relics from the 1970s.

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After: Scandinavian Feel

Countertop, Room, Furniture, Kitchen, Property, Interior design, Floor, Cabinetry, Yellow, Building,
Dustin Walker for Laurel & Wolf

An old half-wall that closed the kitchen space off from the dining room was knocked down and replaced with a large marble peninsula, for a better flow. 

Durable Design

Room, White, Cabinetry, Kitchen, Furniture, Property, Countertop, Interior design, Major appliance, Floor,
Dustin Walker for Laurel & Wolf

Aisling wanted to use materials and finishes that would last a lifetime (read: no super trendy stuff), like the stainless steel sink and classic white tiles.

Creative Cabinets

White, Room, Kitchen, Furniture, Countertop, Cabinetry, Property, Yellow, Interior design, Floor,
Dustin Walker for Laurel & Wolf

Semi-custom, Shaker-style cabinetry was brought in from CliqStudios to complement the Callica marble used for the countertops. For additional storage, floating shelves were installed for quick access to dishware and cooking essentials.

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Fresh Features

Countertop, Furniture, White, Kitchen, Room, Property, Kitchen stove, Cabinetry, Drawer, Chest of drawers,
Dustin Walker for Laurel & Wolf

"Our previous kitchen was nonfunctional, so having all new appliances and a proper prep space has made cooking more enjoyable," said Aisling. "As a housewarming gift, my mom got me a vintage copy of her favorite cookbook and together, we made my favorite family recipe, dolmades!"

Quick Bite

Room, Furniture, Dining room, Interior design, Property, Table, Ceiling, Floor, Yellow, Building,
Dustin Walker for Laurel & Wolf

The open floor plan made a breakfast bar essential for dividing the kitchen from the dining space while still keeping it accessible. Plus, it provides a place for Aisling's son Ryder to grab breakfast before rushing off to school.

A Timeless Look

Kitchen, Room, Furniture, Property, Cabinetry, Countertop, Floor, Material property, House, Interior design,
Dustin Walker for Laurel & Wolf

"I didn't want the kitchen to feel trendy," Aisling told Laurel & Wolf's blog. "I feel like the all-white kitchen with white subway tile and farm sink is getting tired, and I wanted something that fit with the house. The house is a mid-century traditional ranch, and our kitchen has some traditional elements, but also feels modern."

Want more design inspiration and advice? Visit laurelandwolf.com/countryliving to get paired with a designer. Packages from $149.

Headshot of Courtney Campbell
Courtney Campbell

Courtney (she/hers) has spent the past 5 years testing everything from reusable straws to standing desks to homemade kombucha kits. A longtime reviewer, deals hunter, and lifestyle writer, she currently heads up the American Kennel Club's product review site Retrievest and previously worked as the Shopping Editor for USA Today’s Reviewed. Additionally, she has covered design and lifestyle trends for Apartment Therapy, Domino, SELF, and more. A graduate of Elon University, she loves telling everyone about what race she’s planning on running next while raving about her favorite running headphones (they’re bone conducting!). 

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