Before & After: Dated '80s Oak Cabinets Get an Airy Green Makeover (the Transformation Is Dramatic!)
HOME TYPE: House
PROJECT TYPE: Kitchen
STYLE: Traditional
SKILL LEVEL: Professional
RENTAL FRIENDLY: No
'If you trust the process, you will get what you want,' Jennifer Tampasis of Jennifer Lynn Interiors says. Her recent kitchen project she tackled for a couple who had never worked with an interior designer proves just that. Her renovation of the 1989 Poughkeepsie, New York, kitchen made it optimized for storage, set up for hosting, and, most importantly, a place the homeowners, a family of four, can spend quality time.
While any remodel, especially in the kitchen, can be a major financial undertaking, the homeowners were confident that the options Jennifer presented would stand the test of time.
'We wanted a perfect kitchen for us, but we honestly had no idea how to put that together. It was like we knew what we wanted in our heads, but we didn't know how to put that down on paper,' the owners say. Jennifer looked to their other spaces, especially the living room, which can be seen from the kitchen, for inspiration. 'It was a dark green, but instead of dark, we went with a paler color,' she says. 'We wanted it to feel bright.'
The previously cramped kitchen, with dark wood cabinetry, yellow walls, and a separate dining set, was transformed into a classic space with her help. The new kitchen is painted in Benjamin Moore colors: the island is colored with Heather Gray, a shade with sage undertones, and the cabinets are clad in Chantilly Lace. New light fixtures from Hudson Valley Lighting Group warm up the room, too.
The renovation was straightforward, but the impact is striking — and the kitchen is significantly more functional. 'They had a lot on their counters before and wanted it to feel less cluttered,' Jennifer says.
'When you walk into the kitchen first thing in the morning, what do you do? It was really about understanding how they function,' Jennifer explains. Storage for small appliances like their tea kettle and blender was key, while a long central island serves for prep, hosting, and more.
'By some magic, Jennifer extracted the design from our heads, creating the perfect color scheme and layout without our ability to articulate our desires to her directly,' the owners say. 'It was a totally fascinating experience.' And the appreciation was mutual: 'We want all of our clients to be like them,' Jennifer says.
One standout is the hydration center, a recent signature of the designer, who first came across the idea at The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS). Not only are hydration stations becoming trendy, but they also help busy families by centralizing access to water and beverages. The homeowners' original butcher block island was repurposed into shelving for the station. 'She picked up on the fact that I was proud of the butcher block, which I had installed during the pandemic, and recognized the beauty in the cherry wood it was made from,' the owners say.
Another favorite feature is the floating table, an idea Jennifer developed in collaboration with the contractor. The round table extends beyond the island, and while the homeowners had some initial doubts, it has allowed them to maximize their space without the need for a formal dining room. The table accommodates everyone comfortably and is a unique feature that visitors always admire.This post originally appeared on The Kitchn. See it there: Before & After: Dated '80s Oak Cabinets Get an Airy Green Makeover (the Transformation Is Dramatic!)
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Life is full of moments where staying silent is often the best option. Whether you're trying to avoid a heated argument or simply don't know what to say, knowing when to hold your tongue can save you a lot of trouble. Here are 14 situations where silence truly is golden. Let's dive in and explore when it's best to zip it and why. 1. When Someone Is Grieving When someone is going through the pain of losing a loved one, finding the right words can be tough. You might feel the urge to say something to make them feel better, but sometimes words just aren't enough. In these moments, your presence can mean more than anything you could say. According to grief expert David Kessler, simply being there and listening can be incredibly comforting. Remember, your silence can speak volumes and offer more support than any well-meaning comment. Your friend or family member may want to share memories or express their feelings, and you should let them take the lead. 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Sometimes, stepping away and reflecting can help you approach the situation with a clearer mindset later. It also shows maturity and self-control, which can positively influence the other person. Remember that not every disagreement needs to be resolved immediately. 3. When Someone Tells You A Secret When a friend confides in you and shares a secret, it's important to respect their trust by keeping it to yourself. Even if you're tempted to share the juicy details with someone else, resist the urge. According to psychologist Susan Krauss Whitbourne, maintaining confidentiality is crucial for sustaining healthy relationships. Breaking their confidence can damage your friendship and your reputation as a trustworthy person. Always consider the impact your words could have before sharing someone else's information. Being a reliable confidant means understanding the importance of privacy. Your friend chose to share their secret with you for a reason, likely because they trust you. Protecting their confidence might not always be easy, but it's a testament to the strength of your relationship. If you're struggling with the information, consider writing down your feelings or discussing them with a therapist. Just make sure you're not disclosing anything that could betray your friend's trust. 4. When Someone Is Venting Sometimes people just need to blow off steam and express their frustrations. In these cases, they may not be looking for advice or solutions, but rather a sympathetic ear. Jumping in with opinions or solutions can sometimes make them feel invalidated. Instead, let them talk it out while you listen attentively. Your silence can provide the space they need to work through their emotions on their own. By allowing them to vent, you're showing support without judgment. It can be tempting to share similar experiences or offer solutions, but this might not be what they need at the moment. Hold back and let them fully express themselves before deciding if they're seeking your input. Once they're done, you can ask if they want advice or simply continue to listen. Your willingness to be there without intervening can strengthen your relationship. 5. When You Don't Have All The Facts Jumping to conclusions or offering opinions without having all the facts can lead to misunderstandings. It's easy to make assumptions based on incomplete information, but these assumptions can often be misleading. According to communication expert Joseph Grenny, acting on partial information can damage trust and credibility. Instead, take the time to gather more information and understand the situation fully. This not only helps you avoid misunderstandings but also allows you to respond more thoughtfully. In situations where facts are unclear, asking questions can be more beneficial than making statements. By seeking clarification, you're showing a willingness to understand before speaking. 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When they're finished, you can ask if they want advice or if they just needed to vent. This approach shows that you respect their feelings and are there for them. Your willingness to listen without judgment can make a significant difference. 12. When You're Being Criticized Receiving criticism is never easy, but reacting defensively can make things worse. It's natural to want to defend yourself, but sometimes silence can be more effective. By listening instead of immediately responding, you give yourself time to understand the feedback. This pause also shows the other person that you're open to hearing their perspective. Silence allows you to process the information and respond in a more constructive manner. Taking a moment to reflect on the criticism can help you determine if it's valid and how you might use it to improve. If you need clarification, it's okay to ask questions after the person has finished speaking. By approaching the situation calmly, you demonstrate maturity and professionalism. Once you've had time to think, you can choose how to address the feedback constructively. Remember, silence can turn a potentially negative interaction into an opportunity for growth. 13. When You're Feeling Overwhelmed Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, and during those moments, it's okay to take a step back and embrace the silence. When you're caught up in the whirlwind of emotions, speaking before you're ready can lead to misunderstandings or saying things you don't mean. Taking a moment of silence allows you to gather your thoughts and emotions. It provides the space you need to process what's happening around you. This pause can help you regain your composure and approach situations with a clearer mind. Silence can be a form of self-care, giving you the opportunity to prioritize your mental well-being. By taking a moment to breathe and reflect, you can reduce stress and prevent burnout. It's important to remember that you don't always have to have the answers right away. Allow yourself the time to find clarity before engaging with the world again. Embracing silence during overwhelming times can help you find balance and peace. 14. When Someone Is Saying Goodbye Goodbyes can be emotional and challenging, whether they're temporary or permanent. In these moments, words often fall short in expressing what you truly feel. Silence can be a powerful way to honor the significance of the farewell. Sometimes just being present and sharing a hug is more meaningful than anything you could say. Allow the moment to unfold naturally without forcing the right words. By embracing silence, you create space for genuine emotion to surface. It shows that you're fully present and engaged in the experience. Letting the other person know that their departure affects you speaks volumes. Your quiet presence can provide comfort and reassurance during a difficult time. Remember, sometimes silence is the most heartfelt way to say goodbye. Solve the daily Crossword
