This post was sponsored by Whirlpool. They generously provided appliances for this project. All opinions are my own.
It’s kitchen reveal time! Since we moved in I’ve had so many messages asking when we’d redo the bright red and orange kitchen. I’m thrilled to partner with Whirlpool to finally make it happen. Between the fresh color, upgraded appliances and the new open arch, the whole house feels bigger and far more functional. Our goals were simple: create a bright, airy space that reflects our style, stays resale-friendly and works better for family life so we can spend more time together.
Below I’ll walk through the details, but first—some before and afters. The transformation is dramatic and exactly what we hoped for.
Farewell red and orange—hello calm, livable kitchen. Here’s how we approached the renovation.
Picking the Right Appliances
Our original kitchen had a dishwasher that broke often, a fridge that wouldn’t close properly and ovens that didn’t work. After living with that for a year and a half, new appliances feel life-changing. We selected Whirlpool’s stainless steel contemporary-handle collection, and the standout is the Whirlpool® Smart Slide-in Gas Range. It’s genuinely like living in the future: it connects to the Whirlpool app and responds to voice commands via Google Home. I can preheat the oven from my phone while bathing our toddler, and shut it off from another room—small conveniences that make evenings easier.
The smart range also syncs with the Yummly app to send guided recipes directly to the oven, which helps shorten prep time and removes guesswork—perfect for cooks like us who want dinner on the table quickly. Practical features like hinged cast-iron grates make cleaning simple, and the center fifth burner plus griddle have already become our go-to for warming tortillas and quick breakfasts.
We paired the range with Whirlpool’s contemporary stainless steel wall-mount range hood. For homes that need more space above the range, Whirlpool’s smart over-the-range microwave is a sleek alternative.
For refrigeration we chose a counter-depth Whirlpool® side-by-side refrigerator that fits nicely in our tight space and includes a lock on the water and ice dispenser—handy with a curious toddler in the house. Our smart dishwasher connects to the Whirlpool app so we can start cycles remotely, and the third rack and plastics cycle have been especially useful for everyday family life.
Cabinets, Drawers and Shelving
Living in the kitchen before renovating was a game changer. It revealed what we actually needed: large drawers for pots, pans and everyday items. We used mostly drawers for the lower cabinetry to improve function and organization.
The old kitchen felt crowded with upper cabinets, so we opened the wall above the sink and installed open shelving instead. That decision lightened the room visually and gave a place to display colorful dishes for entertaining, while everyday plates stay tucked away in a cabinet for easy use and maintenance.
To balance cost and customization, we built the cabinet carcasses from IKEA SEKTION and added SemiHandmade DIY shaker fronts and oak floating shelves. This combination gave us a custom look at a better price and a faster timeline. The cabinet color is Dunn Edwards’ Galveston Tan—a dusty blush that complements the oak tones in the shelving and floors.
Style Meets Function
Appliances were a priority, but we also selected durable and attractive surfaces. We installed Caesarstone “Statuario Nuvo” quartz countertops for marble-like veining with minimal maintenance. For the backsplash we chose weathered white zellige tile from Cle Tile. The subtle tonal variations and hand-made feel add depth and texture while remaining easy to clean. We tiled the wall behind the sink and the entire wall behind the range and hood to create cohesive focal points.
Kitchen Lighting: Day and Night
Good lighting was essential. We now have five light sources:
Daylight: We replaced the kitchen door and window with models that have larger glass areas and slimmer frames to maximize natural light. We also added two skylights which transformed one of the darkest rooms into one of the brightest and visually raised the ceiling. The skylights have shades and can be controlled remotely.
Evening: For nighttime we have recessed lights on dimmers for overall illumination, under-cabinet lighting for task work, and a sconce above the sink that adds design contrast while providing focused light for washing up. Dimmers are essential for setting the right mood after dinner.
Finishing Touches
With limited counter space, we store specialty appliances and small items in drawers so counters stay mostly clear. A few leaned cutting boards and platters add visual interest without cluttering. I also added a small rug for texture and warmth—many small Moroccan rugs are machine-washable, which makes them practical in kitchens.
Plants are the final touch. A hanging planter fills an awkward wall between the arches and a few small plants soften the hard lines of the kitchen. My partner is now in charge of keeping them alive.
Photos by Jeff Mindell
In just a few weeks since completing the renovation, we’re already enjoying the space more. The Whirlpool smart appliances make kitchen life more efficient, and the opened floor plan invites family time. Next up: finishing the living room to complete our interior update. Stay tuned.
*Wi-Fi and app required. Features subject to change. Appliance must be set to Remote Enable for remote control capabilities.
**Select recipes only. Guided recipes available via the Yummly app.