Looking Back At My Last Three Kitchens – So Different. I always think it is so fun to look back and see how different previous homes have been. I’ve owned 13 different homes and all have been so different, really nothing at all like each other. A perfect example of this is the last three kitchens I have had.
We moved into this home in 1994. It was a large semi-custom home. That means we could make a few changes on interior walls, finishes and colors. We really enjoyed this home and had a lot of fun with our family and friends here. I loved the big island in this kitchen and the other feature I really liked were the windows in the backsplash. How fun to see outside and all that fabulous light that came in was amazing. Super tall vaulted ceilings were a bonus too. This shot was taken from the familyroom. I looked all over, but I can’t find any more pictures of it. These oak cabinets were so “in” and I loved them at the time.
Then in 2006 we decided it was time to downsize and have a smaller home and yard. Big mistake, but live and learn. We still like to entertain, so downsizing was not a great idea. The kitchen in the new house this time was a real builder basic and not a good one either. Light maple cabinets with off white laminate counters and white appliances. Plenty of cabinets and storage, just no style. Just look at that white sink and faucet, that is really bad.
As you can see, this was during my “country” phase. We did a small mini makeover that definitely helped. We used Brie Wax to darken the cabinets, added some hardware and granite on the island. Small changes that made a huge difference.
Then in 2015 it was time to update it to my current style. A little farmhouse and not so country. New paint and accessories were the only changes but that made a big difference all by itself.
Fast forward to December 17, 2016 and we moved into our current home. This home was not new, it was 12 years old and had been a rental for many years. The kitchen was totally builder basic and well used.
One week later we started the remodel and in 5 weeks we had this beautiful new kitchen. Much smaller than previous kitchens, but totally my style to date.
Isn’t it amazing how our style changes throughout time? I’ve been everything from ultra-modern, to traditional, to country, and now to transitional. I love the style of this kitchen best, but probably the size of the first kitchen with its big island and super tall ceilings. There’s always something to love about each one.
So have you had a few different kitchens too?
Your top of cabinets decorating is really superb. All your kitchens pictured here are lovely versions of your style. Enjoyed each of them. We’ve had 6 kitchens. The 1st was the worst. Small all brown galley, carpeted and ultra cheap cabinets and avocado green appliances. basically been a frat house for my hubby and friends so just gross. We were in our early 20s and poor. 😏 recession days. Next we bought my MIL’s very small kitchen with two entrances and used as a pass thru. Baby blue and white w/a cool stove, lots of cupboards but a 1 person kitchen that everyone walked thru including kids and pets. Then we built a big house with a huge kitchen that I did in French Country in the early 80s. Big double windows facing east, lots of French blue formica counters and blue ceiling, cream cabinets, big breakfast room, Saltillo tile and big walk in pantry. My favorite ever but inexpensive appliances. I wasn’t much of a cook yet. Big house, lots of entertaining. 2 small kitchens followed and 2 renovations w/great appliances, both with coastal influences and British Colonial design/dark woods due to living on the water on Florida’s east coast. Our present kitchen is just right size with expensive, custom, amazing mushroom colored cabinets and large breakfast room. We upgraded the oven and stovetop and love induction cooking. I wish there was a window over the sink and cupboards to the ceiling but am very happy with the quality of materials and traditional style. I brought back my French Country decor from our 80s home mixed with antique and vintage. Great fun looking back. Thanks.
Sounds like you have had some amazing and fun kitchens too. It’s always so fun to look back. Marty
What a fun look back…and like how you always made each kitchen “your own”. Similar experience here…we inherited my husband’s family home in late 1979 and decided to live there. My dear mother in law had just put in a new kitchen before she got sick and never really had a chance to use it. When she was picking out the finishes I did not like her choices – nor did my husband – but we figured it was HER kitchen so let her get what she likes. Then we got the darker wood cabinets, paneled wall that looked like a fiesta wallpaper, and bright orange laminate counters. Everytime I see a Brady Bunch rerun on tv I see those same countertops! We built our first home in 1989 and I got my light oak cabinets ( similar to yours ) with white ceramic pulls and light blue countertops. Loved it…very country. Moved and built again a few years later and went with white cabinets and a blue counter edged with oak…loved it, but it was not easy to clean the counters. After 19 years we moved again and built a kitchen with white cabinets and gray corian – island and hardwood floors. LOVED it for 10 years…then we downsized to an apartment. Once again with white cabinets ( I think they always look clean) and granite counters, a long peninsula instead of an island. Thought I’d miss the island but this kitchen looks great and works great for me! I keep adding little touches (a light rail, new faucet) and love the contemporary look open plan. Our retirement community offers a “refresh” of your home every 10 years….I am already making a list after 5 years! Thanks for sharing an interesting post and a look back – have a great day!
We have had the same kitchen since 1963. We remodeled once, but would like to change the countertop. I feel too old to take on the task.
I’ve had the same kitchen for the 20+ years we’ve lived in this home. We added it ourselves and i still love it. Love your current kitchen…but I do remember the one from your old home, too! Time flies…
I love seeing all of your kitchens and styles. I remember when you moved into this house and all of the remodeling, you did a beautiful job on this house. I am sure that is is filled with love and laughter often. Happy Weekend.
Thanks for taking us on a trip down kitchen memory lane! We are loving your new remodeled kitchen and will be featuring it this Friday (8/5) on The Fabulous Friday Link Party! Thanks for sharing it.
I found you when you were in your 2006 home and recall fondly the updates you made to your kitchen along the way. As I recall, your island granite was given to you by your daughter? And I loved your bathroom makeover also.
It’s so hard to believe you’ve been in your current home since 2016 … has it really been that long? It’s a beautiful home!
I’d never seen your pre-2006 home. What a beauty! How wonderful those below cabinet kitchen windows are … and that big island is lovely!
Thank you for sharing your trip down memory lane with us!
Thanks so much for following along through all the different homes. Time does fly faster than we think. Marty
It’s always fascinating to get a peek into others’ homes, especially when they share how their style changes! I’ve lived lots of places but have only owned my last three houses. Luckily all three were new builds, so I had limited choices with the first two and more flexibility with the last one. Nonetheless we did a full renovation two years ago and I happily posted the results.
All your kitchens are beautiful Marty! And I’m impressed with your 13 homes! You’re a kindred spirit – I”m on number 12 now. 🙂 Thanks for the fun post, and Happy Weekend!