Before and After Kitchen Remodel: Out with Golden Oak, In with White Shaker Cabinets and Calacatta Quartz
Coastal Charm Meets Timeless Design: DIY Remodeling with Home Depot Cabinets, White Quartz, and Beachy Touches
When it came time to remodel our kitchen, we wanted a fresh, modern update that felt both timeless and inviting, with a nod to the coastal charm of the Pacific Northwest. Out went the golden oak cabinets, and in came the classic elegance of white shaker cabinets paired with luxurious White Calacatta Quartz countertops. While we focused on creating a space that was both stylish and functional, we also made some smart, budget-conscious decisions along the way as well as DIYing the entire project. The result? A stunning kitchen that blends coastal vibes with practical upgrades, and all while keeping costs in check.
Whether you’re renovating your kitchen to embrace coastal vibes, looking for timeless design inspiration, or simply want a space that’s both functional and beautiful, this remodel is proof that with a little creativity – you can have it all.
Keeping it Timeless: White Shaker Cabinets
We went with white shaker cabinets to keep a bright, simple, and classic design perfectly complemented the coastal feel we were going for. We get our fair share of grey days in the PNW so it was important to keep the kitchen bright with white. When it came to cabinet selection, we had 2 non-negotiable criteria: Soft close hinges and strong plywood construction.
We went with Home Depot’s Avondale Ready to Assemble Plywood Shaker Base Kitchen Cabinet in Alpine White by Hampton Bay. We were hesitant to use RTA cabinets, but would absolutely use them again. In fact, we are going to use them in our downstairs bathroom remodel – more to come! We used Lowe’s stock cabinets in our first flip – and they looked great & recommend as budget-friendly option, but this house we are prioritizing quality and these cabinets deliver.
>> Are you thinking about white shaker cabinets? Check out more here for ideas from our experiences. (coming soon) <<
Calacatta Quartz Countertops: Affordable Luxury
For our countertops, we chose Quartz Countertop in Calacatta Idillio by Stonework, available through Home Depot. This material offers the luxurious look of marble, with striking veins and soft white tones, but it’s far more durable and low-maintenance. We love the timeless elegance it brings to the space, but also the functionality as quartz is both scratch and stain-resistant, making it a practical choice for a space that’s used every day.
Fun fact – we picked directly from the Home Depot website, without seeing it in person! Talk about a gamble. This was the most expensive item in our remodel. Picking a countertop is not an easy choice so we decided to narrow it down to cost (Group A or B) and color (white to keep light and bright). Home Depot’s selection of Calacatta Quartz offered the perfect combination of style and function at an affordable price.
>> Looking for white quartz? It can be daunting, see more about our experience in this in-depth post (coming soon) <<
Backsplash with a Subtle Shine: Beach Shell Vibes
We knew our backsplash needed to be just as timeless as the rest of the design, but we also wanted something that would tie in with the coastal vibes. We chose textured subway style and slight sheen, bringing the light-reflecting quality of beach shells.
We shopped around for tiles, but didn’t want to deal with ordering, waiting for delivery (impatient) and the potential we would receive broken tiles, so we decided to head to our local Home Depot and pick the tile we liked best from the selection in-store. Another “risk” but we love the result. When we started putting it up, Lars was convinced it was slightly pink (yikes!). It does have a beige tones which picks up well on the gold in our quartz, so we settled on “Sunset” for the color.
>> Looking to take on tile backsplash project? Check out more of this kitchen project, including our DIY tiling tips! (coming soon) <<
Drop-In Sink: A Budget-Friendly and Stylish Solution
While our goal was to create a luxurious kitchen, we knew there were areas where we could save without sacrificing style. One such area was the sink. Thinking we could do under mount, we purchased a dual-mount sink from Costco while on sale. However, our counter installer would not install dual-mount sinks – it has to be an under-mount style sink. Which meant if we wanted undercount, we needed to buy a new sink ($300 on cheap side), installation ($300), and crack treatment for the countertops ($200). ~$800 didn’t seem worth in since I really liked the delta sink we already had.
While this could be a controversial design debate, the drop-in sink was the perfect decision for maintaining our budget without compromising the overall aesthetic.
Timeless Brushed Nickel Pulls for a Polished Touch
To finish off the cabinets, we selected long, brushed nickel pulls—sleek and timeless. The brushed finish offers a subtle shine that pairs perfectly with the clean lines of the white shaker cabinets and the luxurious look of white Quartz. We ordered 3 different sizes on Amazon and ended up using the largest 7 inch. We also used this tool and it was a great buy!
Floating Butcher Block Shelves for Warmth and Texture
The rich, natural wood tones of the butcher block provide a beautiful contrast to the light finishes of the cabinets and countertops, and they contribute to the coastal charm by keeping the space open and airy. We picked up floating butcher block shelves from Home Depot and made some slight medications to install. We used wood conditioner to treat and enhance the grain and natural warmth of the wood.
Upgraded Vent Hood for Style and Function
We also upgraded our vent hood to ensure the kitchen was as functional as it was beautiful. We did this months prior to the full renovation, as I wanted the get rid of the upper cabinet to create a more open and airy feel. The sleek, modern design of the new vent hood fits seamlessly into the overall aesthetic, while also improving ventilation. We ordered this off amazon – for the price, it does the job. My only compliant is it is loud.
Shiplap for Beach Cottage Charm
To truly capture the beach cottage feel, we added shiplap as an accent wall. We needed to build out the wall next to the refrigerator and Lars hates drywall so we opted for shiplap which is easy to just install and paint. We customized with a built in shelf, which allows some color and plants to break up all the white.
Keeping White Appliances: A Practical and Cost-Effective Choice
Rather than replacing our appliances right away, we decided to keep our white appliances for now. Since we have a home warranty that covers appliance repairs and replacements, we decided it made more sense to play the long game. Our white appliances still look great against the new design, and this approach gives us the flexibility to upgrade when the time comes—without the immediate expense.
Final Thoughts: A Timeless, Functional, and Coastal-Inspired Remodel
Our kitchen remodel has truly transformed the space into a bright, inviting, and functional area. By choosing timeless white shaker cabinets and luxurious white Quartz countertops, and adding coastal-inspired touches like the beachy backsplash, we’ve created a kitchen that’s time-less and inviting. The smart, budget-friendly decisions we made—such as not changing the major appliance, keeping the existing layout, and no purchasing custom cabinets —have allowed us to stay within a reasonable budget while achieving the kitchen we envisioned.
Follow along as we share our journey of updating this historic coastal home – offering practical tips, lessons learned, and inspiration for anyone looking to give their own home a fresh new life. Whether it’s a small update or a larger renovation, we’re here to show you how you can enhance your space while keeping its unique charm intact