Many kitchen remodels begin with demolition. It started with paint. In a change shared by Instagram creator @danielitolindoThe original orange oak cabinet received a dramatic update with railing number 31 by Farrow & Ball, an almost black blue that completely changed the look of the space.
New Lambeth knurled brass hardware from RH, bright countertops, marble mosaic backsplash from floors and decor, and updated pendant lighting over the island completed the makeover.
The kitchen still has the same layout, but the combination of dark cabinetry, brass hardware, bright surfaces and layered details creates a completely different atmosphere.
Orange oak cabinets dominate the original kitchen
The original kitchen featured rows of orange oak cabinets around the perimeter and island.
A warm wood finish covered most of the room and became a dominant visual element. Combined with dark countertops and a traditional backsplash, the cabinetry created a heavy look that drew attention to the kitchen’s generous size and functional layout.
The space offers plenty of storage and workspace, but the finish looks dated.
Railing No. 31 gave a new identity to the cabinet
The most dramatic change comes from the color of the cabinets.
Railing no by Farrow & Ball. The 31 replaced the orange wood tones with an almost blackish blue finish that varied between deep navy and charcoal depending on the light. A darker color adds depth and highlights details previously blended into the wood grain.
The same cabinet doors remained in place, yet the kitchen took on a completely different personality.
Lambeth Knurled hardware adds a luxurious detail
New hardware plays an important role in the transformation.
Burnished brass Lambeth knurled knobs from the RH create a strong contrast against the dark cabinetry. Their warm metallic finish stands out on every door and drawer front while introducing texture and visual interest.
The combination of dark paint and brass accents gives the cabinetry a furniture-inspired look.
Bright countertops change the balance of the room
New countertops introduced contrast throughout the kitchen.
Large white surfaces brighten the space and provide separation between cabinetry and backsplash. They also help reflect light throughout the room, preventing darker finishes from feeling overwhelming.
The contrast between countertops and cabinetry became one of the defining features of the remodel.
Marble mosaic tile added texture around the walls
The marble mosaic backsplash from the floor and decor brought another level of detail to the kitchen.
The pattern introduces movement behind the counters while the lighter finish helps brighten the wall surface between the cabinets. Rather than disappearing into the background, the tile adds texture that complements both the brass hardware and the nearly black blue cabinetry.
A backsplash helps tie the main finish together.
Pendant lights brought focus to the island
New pendant lights above the island reinforce one of the kitchen’s most important features.
Fixtures help define the island as the center of the room while a bright countertop adds another decorative element above the surface. Their presence creates a balance between the upper and lower parts of the kitchen.
The lighting contributes to a more subdued look without overpowering the surrounding finish.
Every finish now works together
No walls have been moved and no cabinets have been replaced.
Instead, the change came from a series of carefully selected upgrades that worked together as a complete design. Almost black blue cabinetry set the new direction, while brass hardware, bright countertops, marble mosaic tile, and pendant lighting completed the look.
Together, those updates turned a kitchen defined by orange oak into a space with more contrast, depth and character.
What do you think of this makeover? Did you paint the original oak cabinets or did you start with brand new cabinets?
All credit goes to Instagram creator @danielitolindo.
