A FRESH START
THIS KITCHEN REMODEL JUST IN TIME FOR SPRING
There is something about spring that makes you crave a clean slate. More light. More freshness. More breathing room.
That is exactly what this Murfreesboro, Tennessee kitchen needed.
When my clients first reached out, they had a very dark, brown and black kitchen that felt heavy and dated. The finishes absorbed light instead of reflecting it, and the space felt smaller than it actually was. They wanted bright, fresh whites and blues with a clean aesthetic that would feel current but still timeless.
They also knew this was not their forever home. So every decision needed to balance personal style with broad appeal. My role was to help them create a kitchen they loved while making smart, resale conscious choices that would speak to the masses.
FROM HEAVY AND DARK TO LIGHT AND AIRY
We completely shifted the tone of the space.
White backsplash. White countertops. White walls. White cabinetry.
We chose Extra White by Sherwin Williams for the cabinets and Greek Villa by Sherwin Williams for the walls to add just a touch more warmth.
Layering whites may sound simple, but it is incredibly impactful when done thoughtfully. By keeping the foundation light and cohesive, we instantly made the kitchen feel larger, brighter, and more reflective of natural light.
To add warmth and contrast, we incorporated brass hardware throughout. The brass brings just enough glow and personality without overpowering the clean palette. It feels elevated but still approachable.
The result is crisp, timeless, and perfect for a spring reset.
THE BLUE ISLAND THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING
While the perimeter remains bright and neutral, the island is where we introduced personality.
We chose Naval by Sherwin Williams for the island, a rich, classic blue that anchors the space beautifully. Against the white backdrop, it feels fresh and coastal without being trendy. It adds depth and contrast while still appealing to a wide range of buyers.
This is one of my favorite strategies when designing for resale. Keep the larger investment pieces neutral, then add controlled moments of color that feel intentional and sophisticated.
The island now acts as the focal point of the room, grounding the lightness around it.
LIGHT, TEXTURE, AND UPDATED DETAILS
Beyond cabinetry and paint, the details made a major difference.
We updated the lighting to something brighter and more refined, instantly modernizing the room. We changed the cabinet trim for a cleaner, more streamlined look. Even swapping the darker kitchen table and barstools for light wood pieces made the space feel softer and more organic.
The lighter wood tones add warmth without competing with the white foundation. They bring in that subtle spring energy, making the kitchen feel welcoming and relaxed.
Sometimes transformation is not just about one big decision. It is about layering thoughtful updates that work together.
FROM ______:
“Hiring J was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made for our home. She transformed our dark, outdated kitchen into a beautiful, functional space that we love. From the initial design concepts to the final finishing touches, J was professional, creative, and incredibly attentive to every detail.
J listened to what we wanted, offered thoughtful suggestions that we never would have considered, and kept the entire project running smoothly and on time. The result is a kitchen that is brighter, feels more spacious, and is now a place we feel comfortable gathering in.
We couldn’t be happier with the outcome and highly recommend J to anyone looking to update their home.”
DESIGNING FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW
What I love most about this project is that it proves you can design intentionally even if it is not your forever home.
This kitchen now feels fresh, bright, and completely aligned with my clients’ vision. At the same time, it is timeless enough to attract future buyers. That balance is where thoughtful design truly shines.
Spring is the season of renewal, and this kitchen is the perfect example of what can happen when you lighten up a space, simplify the palette, and make strategic, confident choices.
If you are thinking about refreshing your kitchen this year, whether you are staying long term or preparing to sell, I would love to help you create something that feels beautiful now and smart for the future.
Check out this design’s LTK to recreate this space on your own.
