Guest House Kitchen Makeover

Some rooms tell a story, and our guest house kitchen makeover has quite a few chapters.

When we first built and finished this space 25 years ago , I loved it. It was colorful, cheerful, with a farm house vibe. Like many homes, including mine, our style has evolved over time. Instead of chasing trends, we’ve gradually made thoughtful updates that better reflect how we live today. Although I am not completely finished I could’nt wait to share the refreshed space.

Looking back at these photos reminds me that creating a home you love is often a journey—not a one-time project.

Where It All Began

The original guest house kitchen was full of country charm.

Bright red walls, cream trim, and classic farmhouse decor and furniture made the space feel warm and welcoming. It served our guests well for many years and created countless memories for our family.

There was nothing wrong with it—it simply reflected the decorating style I liked at the time.

The First Transformation

As my taste began shifting toward lighter, more neutral interiors, we gave the kitchen its first major refresh.

Some of the biggest changes included:

• Painting the bold red walls a soft neutral
• Updating the cabinetry with fresh paint
• Installing beadboard details
• Pulled the carpet and removed the tile and painted the checkerboard flooring ( I was anticipating replacing the flooring at this point)

Those updates immediately made the room feel larger, brighter, and more timeless.

The Kitchen Today

Over the last few years, we’ve continued refining the space.

The latest updates are some of my favorites because the space is simplistic and has more modern cham.

Recent additions include:

• Cabinetry that grounds the room- Color is Thunderours from SW. I have the same color in my kitchen at the house here.
• Natural jute runners for warmth and softness
• Updated dining chairs with clean, modern lines- Table I have had for years. Added these chairs.
• Simple open shelving styled with everyday white dishes
• I painted the walls ( Agreeable Gray- at 25%) and the trim White

One thing this room has taught me is that you don’t have to renovate everything at once. Many of the improvements happened over several years. We painted, updated flooring, swapped lighting, changed furniture, and gradually replaced accessories as our style evolved and as things were needed.

My Favorite Feature

I have always loved the sloped ceilings and unique architecture in our guest house.

Instead of competing with those features, today’s neutral palette lets them take center stage. Natural textures like jute, wood, and painted cabinetry add interest without overwhelming the room.

Looking Back

When I compare these photos side by side, I’m reminded that every version of this kitchen represents a season of our lives.

Each update reflects changing tastes, new ideas, and lessons learned along the way.

And honestly? That’s what makes a home special.

It’s never really finished.

It’s simply evolving.

More posts on the guest house:

New flooring ( and another version of the kitchen)

Living room in the guest house

Guest house entry