This is an updated post for 2023 to show you how our renovated kitchen remains timeless.
Twelve years ago we completely renovated our 1950s beach cottage where we lived in southern California. Throughout the design process, many great ideas from blogs were incorporated. I hope that this post will help you see some possibilities for your own kitchen.

It was important to me that we raised the ceiling in here and used a shiplap wood treatment. The countertops are natural honed Carrara marble.
#1. Renovated Kitchen With Viking Six Burner with Griddle Gas Range
This is one extravagance that my husband wanted (and friends said “let him have it as we will ALL benefit”).

#2. Large Island for Serving
Here in the before photo, you can see the low ceiling. The faucet is of polished nickel.

#3. Sitting Area to Keep the Cook Company.
I like to cook, too but sometimes it’s better to move out of the way and have a glass of wine.

Did you see our home and remodeled kitchen in Better Homes And Gardens
#4. The Walk-In Pantry (with obscured ribbed glass in the door).

We lost a little hallway for this but…we actually use the appliances in the pantry. They are plugged in so my son can make a smoothie or toast without hauling the appliances out.
But, my favorite thing about my kitchen is…
#5. The Remodeled Beverage Center
Aside from the wine refrigerator, this is great as we have a filtered water tap with cold and instant hot water. Great for making tea or for pouring hot water into a cup to preheat it.

Even though this renovated kitchen is 12 years old, I think it will look good for another 12! What do you think?
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Mary Ann,
Thank you for sharing your gorgeous, timeless kitchen again. It is just as stylish now as it was then and if it was mine, there’s not one thing I would change. I feel so fortunate to have been to that house and saw in person how you had changed it into a beautiful, classic beach house that would stand the test of time and trends. However, every home you’ve lived in since you started blogging has shown your ability’s to bring out the best with what you have to work with and your impeccable design style that brings beauty and comfort to every room. You have really inspired me throughout the years and I thank you!
P.S. I adore the light fixture above the island, don’t suppose it’s still available?
Unfortunately, Gail, it’s the light was from Circa and it’s not on the site anymore. Thanks for always being so supportive.
Thanks Mary Ann. As soon as I sent my comment I thought, I bet it was by Circa, their fixtures are beautiful!
Timeless! I remember seeing pictures of how you remodeled your charming home. I’ve been following you for many years and have enjoyed your blog so much! Have a great day (p.s….aren’t you glad you moved to Florida? San Francisco getting slammed by recent storms, as we are in Los Angeles)
You know, Cheryl…I still like that kitchen! The stove is better than what we have now! But we ARE happy.
off to stalk the rest of your house, its beautiful!!!
Joni
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I wonder, how do you like a seating area instead of a table? I have thought about doing that but am hesitant as we still have 2 at home and not sure how my family would react. I am also thinking a mini office. My husband is working at home and needs more space than I do so he took over the office. I am floating. We have a full dining room right next door. The table is a large one. new follower enjoying going back through some older posts.
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This is an interesting and very informative topic. Thanks for sharing you thoughts on this issue. Keep it up, looking forward to read another one in the future.
andrew
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Mary Ann, this is still one of my favourite makeovers, you clever thing. So glad it's still here as I want to pin it to one of my Pinterest boards. Hope that's ok. Cheers … N
I know this post has been around a while, but I'm in love with your bar stools!! I can't find anything remotely close to this look. Would you mind spilling your source?
Halo Styles. Good luck, Lacy.
Wondering if you would share your source for the cabinet hardware and the shelf unit? It's a beautiful kitchen, and I also love Nespresso!
The hardware is from Restoration Hardware and the baker's racks are from Dovetail.
I'm loving your kitchen! I just did a post on kitchens & trying to decide on whether I go with white or gray cabinets in my new house….leaning towards white cabinets with a gray island….what color did you use on yours? It's very beautiful ( drooling over the sub zero but don't think that's gonna be in my budget!)
Heidi
Thanks for sharing the ideas to decorate home. You have put huge information in a single blog. Keep sharing with us in future too.
That is an amazing kitchen renovation. The finished product looks homey and very professional looking. I feel like you can make a cooking show right off the bat.
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Beautiful kitchen. Would you tell me the length of your island and the distance between the island and range?
It'll be great if you post the old kitchen as well so that we can have a comparison. Looking at the pictures, I think you've done a great job.
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Your kitchen is absolutely perfect!! It is so cozy and welcoming and…perfect. Guess there is no better word.
Beautiful!! That's another good word. Great job!
Your kitchen is to die for! Love your ceilings and your chandelier.
Is that a Dualit toaster? I have one that I bought in England and just love it. I love your blog and am now a follower.
Absolutely stunning kitchen! You've incorporated so many functional yet beautiful items!
What is the color of paint you used on the kitchen walls? Very pretty!
M
Simply beautiful!!! Enough said! Carrie
Oh my gosh, Mary Ann! This is such an AMAZING kitchen…it would be a dream to redo our kitchen like this! But our 1950's fixer upper home is quite tiny – so our kitchen is overall pretty small. But I LOVE, LOVE the idea of having your appliances set up like that! In our previous place, we had the bread maker, food processor, blender, espresso machine, etc. out on the counter tops bc we actually used them. But of course that really made everything cramped! And yes, I do think twice about using an appliance if it's all stuck in a box hidden somewhere…so this really is nifty! 🙂 Thanks for the continued inspiration! P.S. My hubby is really digging that Viking Range!!! 🙂
Jessie
YOUR KITCHEN IS GORGEOUS. I LOVE THE BEVERAGE CENTER!!!
you quoted me for the island color, but i'm clueless? i love the color – what is it??????
off to stalk the rest of your house, its beautiful!!!
Joni
My husband is Italian. He says that Nespresso is the best espresso outside of Italy. He has his machine and it travels with us everywhere!!!
Very Lovely! Now Following!
While no doubt your kitchen is fab, I'd love for you to pop over and see my $1200 French Farm Kitchen Renovation!
~Mikey @ Shabby French Cottage
http://www.shabbyfrenchcottage.com
wow! that kitchen is gorgeous! i love your bath, too- i hopped over from cottage and vine and am going to officially follow! 🙂
this is BEAUTIFUL! The Pasadena Flea Market….Ohh, how I miss CA. OK, enough envy, would you mind telling me what type of espresso machine that is? I can't tell from the pictures. Sorry for the obscure question.
Nespresso…it's great!
I love your kitchen! And yes, I do sometimes think twice before hauling out the food processor to use it. But I recently rearranged the pantry so it's on a lower shelf and easier to get to. I keep my heavy KitchenAid mixer on the counter. I love your marble countertops by the way. Very nice style!
Claudia
holy shit this is an amazing blog!
What a glorious kitchen!
Yes it is from Circa. I think you just can't tell it is oval from the photo but you can from the dimensions.
If anyone else knows, please share. I have seen similar at Circa Lighting, but not the oval shape!
I love this kitchen! Would you pleeeaaase share where you found the island chandelier?
I just came over to see you! I am going to be your newest follower! Wow, I really enjoyed my time here!
I can't stop looking at these pictures. I want to snap my fingers and make my kitchen look just like this. I love every detail, especially the walk-in pantry – to die for!
Do you do any consulting work? I'm considering a kitchen redo in the future and just wondered what an outsider might see that I can't. I want to tear it down and start over but that's probably not feasible! My email is de5181 (at) aol.com if you do that kind of thing, I'd love to know (:
Beautiful Kitchen Reno! We are in the process of doing ours now – and your floors are exactly what we want. Also, LOVE your beverage bar. Having ready accessible espresso makes me happy everyday.
Mary Ann, your kitchen is beautiful! I have been having so much fun browsing around your blog. I'd love to add some of your images to the inspiration galleries on my site and include you in a feature post. Let me know if you're interested!
GAAAAHHH! I am in love! Such a gorgeous kitchen!!! Wow! When can I move in?
Thanks so much for linking to the parade!
Andy
Poppies at Play
Here from Poppies at Play… love your kitchen, as always! And yay for clear countertops! I try to keep mine as clutterfree as possible. Actually, that's sort of my mantra for our whole house. Again, love everything about your kitchen!
Beautiful kitchen! I love your pantry with the appliances plugged in. I plan to do that if/when we ever get around to upgrading. 🙂
Just popping over from Poppies at Play. Love seeing your beautiful place without having to leave mine.
Thanks for the tour.
Fondly,
Glenda
Gg – Notes on the Journey
#3 (Kitchen tour from my vintage Chicago apartment)
What a stunning kitchen! I love absolutely everything about it! Thanks for sharing – found you at Poppies at Play.
Your new kitchen is absolutely fabulous!
I love the ceiling with the board detail and the blue paint on the back of the cabinets. Everything works so well together to make a kitchen sure to make you smile every day.
So glad I stopped in for the tour tonight.
Cori
Starview Sonnet
Drop dead gorgeous kitchen! I love every single detail.
Hugs,
Sherry
that island and those chairs are just amazing!!! the whole room is great, but that area has me drooling.
Just stunning! Everything about it. You have great taste, and you must be a great cook judging by the mixers and gadgets!
Your kitchen is just stunning. I think you thought of every detail. I think my favorite thing just might be your beverage station. What a great idea! Thanks for sharing your beautiful kitchen.
Sue
My dream kitchen! Everything is so beautiful! Now following you.
I used to have one of those bars in my last home and I really do miss it. It's something I think every home should have. Wonderful for entertaining especially. Now I REALLY miss mine! 🙂 Yours is wonderful!
Hi Mary Ann! Oh, my goodness! Your kitchen is so gorgeous! I love everything about it. That Viking range is fabulous! Your island and countertops are so beautiful! I'd love to trash my tiny little kitchen, be rich and build one just like yours! 🙂
Your coffee bar area is wonderful, plugins in the pantry! Oh, my goodness – you've thought of everything.
Thank you so much for coming to my party. Everyone is going to be so jealous when they gaze on your fabulous kitchen!
You are a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
How beautiful!
I came over to see your great metal tote but wow, your kitchen remodel is fantastic! I love that island. The color and all the storage is great. I like the glass you chose for the beverage center cabinets!
I've always loved those tool trays! I really like how you have used yours to corral all items at your beverage center. I have something similar near my coffee machine but it's in a round tray and takes up way too much space. You have so many ideas that I'd like to incorporate in a kitchen remodel.
love your beautiful kitchen and would also love to know where you found the super sweet stools? thanks…deb
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! Everything about it is so lovely. Can you tell us where you found those wonderful stools for kitchen island? Thank you!
Gorgeous!! I'm in love with that chandelier!!
So awesome–love everything about your style! And the beverage center would totally be my fave too 😉
Just discovered your blog. Love this kitchen!
Great post. Clean, lines, classic beauty.
Thanks for sharing…I will be following you!
Just beautiful, understated and classic. would you be willing to source the counter stools.
My thanks.
~Melissa~
Your hard work definitely paid off! That Viking and the monster-sized island are my favorites. Inspired! -diane
http://www.sweeteuropeandreams.com
Hi Mary Ann…
Ohhh my gosh…your beach cottage kitchen is fabulous! I really do love everything about it! Thank you for sharing it with us for the Sunday Favorites repost party this week…what a treat!
Have a wonderful week!
Chari @Happy To Design
You guys have really good taste and I could just drip drool all over that stove. Ugh. There goes your appetite I am sure.
It's gauged slate. We love it. It came 24" x 24" and I had it cut in half and laid in a hopscotch pattern. Thanks for asking.
I love the kitchen. Absolutely beautiful. We are doing our kitchen and was wondering what type of flooring did you use. Is it slate, ceramic, or porcelain tile.
Wow. Love everything about it! It's gorgeous. I love those sconces over at your sitting area. I can't imagine any other lighting there! Perfect.
Love your kitchen! very inspiring!! thanks for stopping by! xoxo's Nancy
* Well, you don't SEEM like a "new blogger"!~~~ This was a delightful read, with great pics! I look forward to seeing more of your posts (yes, I signed up to receive it by E-mail!)…
SINCERE CONGRATS!
Linda in AZ *
[email protected]
Your kitchen is beautiful! I need your stove. With 4 kids that love to eat – we do a lot of cooking! Thanks so much for stopping by! New follower here.
Your kitchen is perfect! I could move right in. I want the same style, colors, marble top. We have a 6 burner Thermador in our garage waiting the same wonderful fate. I call it my mid-life crisis. I hope your husband is enjoying his racy kitchen sports car. 🙂
hi Mary Ann!
wow, you are right… so many similarities! Your kitchen turned out beautifully! Love the beverage center!
so great to meet you!
joan
That is absolutely beautiful! Fabulous job!
Thanks so much for linking up to my Catch a Glimpse party.
Beautiful job! I love the pale blue island, and the creamy cabinets..such a stunning combination. Love that door on the pantry…great job, hope you are enjoying it.
This is so classic and will never tire. Great remodel.
Just beautiful! I love the pantry door. Would you mind sharing where you found it?
You did an AWESOME job on this kitchen!!! I love it!!!
I just discovered your blog thru Honey were Home. I am in LOVE with your kitchen. It's got it all. I hope you don't mind me sharing on my blog your beautiful blog and kitchen. I love to post things that inspire me. This is tops 🙂
Swoon…love your kitchen!
new follower! amazing kitchen ~ totally inspired/jealous 🙂
Saw this on Desiree's blog and it's just stunning. I am in awe. Gorgeou.
Okay, I know I commented here before, but I was just today trying to remember where I saw the appliances lined up on the pantry counter! I was standing in our little apartment kitchen, looking at all the real estate my husband's appliances take up, thinking I really needed to address the issue in our beach house reno. Then I stumbled back over this post!
~Amanda
Your kitchen looks great! I love the walk-in pantry, the beverage center, and all the beautiful details! Great job!!!!
Debbi
Hello! Found this post on Just A Girl's Show and Share day! Your kitchen is absolutely lovely! We are planning on a kitchen overhaul soon and this post is a great inspiration! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Audrey
I absolutely love everything about your kitchen. It is GORGEOUS!!!
I love your kitchen! The color combination of the cabinets is wonderful. Your beverage station is great. I have the instant hot water too and just love it. But it must be nice to have it all contained in that area. My eye went right to your metal tote.
Mary Ann, this kitchen is gorgeous, and looks like it has great function. I love that you have all the appliances plugged in in your pantry!
I am obsessed with your house…from the beadboard ceiling to the appliances, colors, etc…how beautiful!
Beautiful home! Love everything!
Great kitchen! perfect in everyway. Great style ans so well thought out. Bravo!
Great looking kitchen…luv the beverage center too!
L.