BEFORE AND AFTER KITCHEN





It's hell getting old.  

The other day while I was out shopping for a client...... I had to pee so badly.

Since I was right near my house I decided to just go home to a clean [somewhat clean] bathroom.

As I turned down my street I took a sip of my Starbucks and it went down the wrong way....came out my nose....spilled all over my white shirt....and I started coughing so hard I peed in my pants.

Needless to say that little stop at home lasted somewhat longer than I planned since I had to change clothes.

Like I said.....

Have I mentioned how excited I am to have a project out in Southern Homes right now?


I loved working on this renovation with my favorite builder....Michael Ladisic and project manager Jennifer Tate was incredible and so helpful.

The client was a bright star....so easy to work with....we became fast friends.

I have posted a little during this project a couple of years ago but today I can show you some images I had taken for my own portfolio [Rustic White Photography] mixed in with a few from the magazine [Marcy Simpson].

Starting today with the kitchen before and afters.....

Before of the kitchen space.....yep ready for a new look!


After

The architect [Linda MacArthur] was able to take out a back staircase to get more room for the butlers pantry back towards the right.  Those white chairs [Vanguard] are Sunbrella fabric and the pewter table is by Francoise and Co  The Circa Lighting Darlana pendants, cabinets painted Benjamin Moore White Dove.  Calcutta marble countertops [Construction Resources].




I know you remember those gorgeous Top Knob handles....they are my favorite!

Before


This is my favorite shot!  We used a small herringbone marble backsplash from Renaissance Tile.  Rohl faucet. 
Notice the beautiful edging on the countertops....


Even though this is a white kitchen I feel like the wood tones, iron window and stone floors give it lots of warmth.



We picked the stone floors as the homeowner is an animal lover and has 2 dogs....and one very naughty cat:)  Much more forgiving than hardwoods!

The butlers pantry has Soapstone countertops and the black subway tile came from Renaissance Tile.

Before

We added some shiplap to the fireplace and a stone mantel from Materials Marketing.  I really love the wood accents which look a little red here but in actuality are more of a driftwood color.




I only have one picture of the family room but we used the art that was formally over the FP mantel over the Charles Stewart sectional [Crypton fabric]


Lynn Terry, the Southern Homes editor, has offered me [ 3 ] one year subscriptions so leave a message and I will pick randomly!

So many more pictures of this project to share with you.

TGIF is my mantra today!

Shagiddy





94 comments

Dana Frieling said...

I'm pretty sure you're the only person who can make me laugh out loud before 7am! Thank heavens you were heading home for your potty break!

Crazy Wonderful said...

🤣 I just love you so much!!! The designs are always blow me away incredible, but your honest is what it is attitude in the beginning is what keeps me coming back for more! LOVE IT!!!

Michele Q said...

I love this before and after. The round table coming off the island with the beautiful chairs is my favorite. The wood shelves besides the stove are brilliant - really warms up the space.

melissa said...

Absolutely gorgeous!!! I️ love every single detail!

Anonymous said...

You gave me such a laugh this morning, plus a fabulous before and after!

kana/ga said...

Every before and after you post, i ask myself "how can she get any better"? BAM!!!

Unknown said...

I absolutely love your beautiful images paired with your fun personality! Thank you for keeping it real and being so refreshing!

AnneHH said...

WOW!! What a transformation!! I would also love the magazine subscription if you happen to pick me! Also, love your candid description of life during our later years! THANK YOU for this blog and all the work you put into it!!!! I should be commenting on every post since I am so thrilled when I see a new one come into my inbox and you never disappoint.

sydney85 said...

What a stunning kitchen! I really enjoy before/after photos that really show what a difference a design can make.

Flournoyfrance said...

I continue to be inspired by your kitchen renovations. Perhaps, very soon I will have the courage to start mine!

Unknown said...

Been there done that ��. As always I love your work

Regina S. said...

Oh my gosh this made my morning! I love how real you are! Love everything on this reno. I would love to read this magazine!

Lynn Terry said...

Sherry did an amazing job on this project!! Not only is she a great designer, but she is very entertaining and has a quick wit, which certainly makes a long photo shoot go fast! The second day, it was literally flooding in Atlanta which was challenging, but we were hustling and Sherry was right there with us.
If you enjoy before and afters, you will love this issue of Southern Home.
Thank you Sherry for this amazing project in Southern Home and thank you for inspiring and entertaining us with Design Indulgence!

Anonymous said...

Omgosh sorry to have a laugh at your expense! Love the black windows--such a fresh look.
Meg A

Kimt said...

Just loving the story that was really TMI!!! Aren't we all there? Would love to see s "Southern Home " also

Unknown said...

This is my first time to comment on your blog. sorry! Today, I just had to though...you made me laugh out loud. I'm always so happy when I see Design Indulgence in my inbox and I love everything you show me (teach me), but I have never taken the time to comment. I will be a better follower from now on. Keep up the good work and the honesty about your life. That's why your blog is one of my very favorites.

Anonymous said...

This why you rock. Agree that the kitchen looks warm. Jean ann

Patti said...

Funny when you tell it - not so much when it happens to me. :) Great kitchen, I especially like the wood & shelves around the Wolf and the black in the butler's pantry. Thank you, Sherry!

M.L. Beck said...

I love it! You mix of materials is so perfect.

Jennifer said...

I hope the pee was in your old car not the new one! Love how successful you are!

Anonymous said...

Gosh, that before kitchen looks a lot like mine right now.............well, actually that before is nicer than mine currently! Love that way it looks now - gorgeous! And I just about peed in MY pants when I read about your quick trip home! Best, Dotti (PS..........I don't know what those Identity Choice things are for the comment, but I subscribe to your blog!)

Laura said...

What vision you have! I see so many things I love and have often wondered about (if you do one black window must they all be black? I see the answer is 'no', yay). Can you do shiplap ceilings if there are angles to it? (The answer is 'yes', yay!) I LOVE the herringbone backsplash! So much eye candy to wake up to, thank you. I'm traveling today and can't wait to pick up this issue at the newsstand before my flight. 😁

Pam Bolton said...

Simply stunning. Every time I read your blog, I wish that I could import you to Phoenix to give my house a complete redo. In my dreams!
Pick me, p.ease.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely gorgeous... I love everything you do! Yes it is hell getting old but you make it 😄funny! I would LOVE to win a subscription but I am going out to get this issue pronto! Have a great weekend and don’t leave home without your sippy cup and Depends😘
Sharon

CK said...

Love the wood accents, especially that beautiful island! So often, I find all white kitchens feel cold, but this one really stands out in such a good way! Thanks for sharing this beautiful space!

Sharyn said...

What a transformation! SERIOUS WOW.

Lindsay said...

Inspiring! I especially love the window over the sink looking out to a leafy space and the stone floors. And thank you for sharing your other challenges ��

Deb said...

Getting old is sure not for wimps! You just gotta laugh and I love that you do! The makeover is awesome- please come do mine!!

Calypso In The Country said...

Too funny! And what a beautiful before and after! The whole look is so fresh and clean. Enjoy your weekend!
Shelley

leslie King said...

Shaspastic! Your writing is awesome -- sounds like you're talking right at me! PS I peed my pants twice yesterday.

Scribbler said...

I love everything about this house that we see so far. Will we get to see the rest?

René said...

Ooooh! That shot of the kitchen window is my favorite too. Well done Sherry!

Eenie said...

Always inspired by your designs and what a beautiful transformation! And not to mention I think you probably have the greatest sense of humor of any blogger out there!

Doreen said...

Funny story... I'm getting old too! Beautiful renovation!! Love everything you do.

Roberta Whitmer said...

I liked your story. It happens to us all. It is nice to see/hear/read "normal" in the open today.

I recall the fireplace makeup from previous posts. The kitchen is beautiful. I love the subtle additions of red and blue accents. They don't overwhelm the neutral scheme but they do bring in some of the warmth you mentioned.

But my favorite photo is of the fireplace art in the new location over the sofa. It would never have occurred to be that it could be reused and look so fresh and different in the new place. Very well done.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE the window but it's all beautiful! Funny story too.....I can relate:)

Mary said...

A coughing jag is my worst nightmare! It’s as bad as sneezing.
Love your work, Sherry. And your humor!

onnery said...


I soaked up every detail in that gorgeous kitchen because I am collecting ideas for a kitchen we are adding to a stone cottage that we will be moving to. It is so much fun to compare the before and after, but even more entertaining to read about your escapades!!

Cris said...

TGIF too! I love the kitchen, and I really love your "change of clothes" story!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely kitchen! And thank you, I finally know what to do with my kitchen and family room floors. Love, love love the tile in this project!!!

Michelle

Spruced on Vine said...

Beautiful kitchen and family room reno! I always look forward to your blog posts (and Instagram) for inspiration and entertainment!
Thank you for taking the time to share with all of us!
Sue

Diane said...

You are absolutely amazing!!! Stunning!!!

Charlotte said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Charlotte said...

A great renovating project as usual. I really enjoy your blog.

toocolorcrazy said...

Sooo gorgeous and relaxing to look at - not your typical white kitchen! I would love more info on the floor as I am redoing mine now and contemplating stone for that reason! BUT I do wonder why just stone in the kitchen - aren't the dogs hard on everything?

Msamuels said...

I laughed out loud when I read , "I peed my pants"! I can relate as I am getting older too but so far have made it " home" every time!. Love your work and the blog too.

Mary Lynn Brackin said...

This makeover is stunning! I am always excited to see your projects . Not to mention, I love your realness! You are simply THE BEST!

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness, I love your honesty and genuineness. Don't change! I pick up Southern Homes magazine every once in a while as a treat. I'd love a subscription❤️

Linda said...

Stunning before and after Just love the kitchen That steel window and sink
Thanks for sharing another beautiful redo Id love a chance at a copy of this redo

linda m

graham said...

Perfect...as always! One day I will be able to afford you and you can come to McKinney to help redesign my house.

Heather J said...

Congrats on your feature. And Oh this is so pretty! That stove alcove area is just perfect!

Stacey R said...

I love this kitchen! The mix of wood tones with the classic white is a fav of mine.

beyondbeige said...

Sometimes the beauty just hurts. Love everything you do. And yes, I have peed in my pants while sneezing. Let’s form a club.🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

Jerry said...

The art looks so fresh and bright on the White Dove walls. Isn't it amazing how the things we love can work for us over and over? This is a true transformation!

Chelsea V said...

Ugh that stove situation is literally dreamy!! Just pinned that image under "Dream House" haha! Really though, the whole thing looks fantastic.

Catherine B said...

I was tempted to buy this issue of Southern Home the other day ... will need to go back for it now! Your posts are always amusing, your work is always inspirational. Congratulations on the feature!

Linda said...

Beautiful transformation. Love how the old art looks perfect in its new setting. We're all getting old - keep up the great work.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely beautiful transformation. Cannot wait to see the completed project. How nice of the editor to offer these subscriptions. It is a beautiful magazine.
Thanks,
Debbie

Kathy said...

Beautiful design, Sherry. I appreciate a sit-down table in the kitchen, but the pewter makes it top notch.

Beth said...

Love every change you made! Thanks for sharing your pics and the subscription.
Beth

Unknown said...

Hoo boy, another great before and after. Love the mix of materials and accessories . I think the blue plaid rug in front of the sink is perfect. Some day I want a stove with red knobs. Are you giving away one of those by chance?

Amy Canary said...

Only you would tell it like it is! Yup getting old has its challenges! Too funny!! Love the kitchen! Thanks as always for sharing your inspiring design!!

Karen said...

Sherry, this is stunning! well done , I love the wood tones and the area around the stove is beautifu

Jen Borba said...

I love your humor and honesty, your life stories are hilarious.The before and afters are my favorite parts of your designs.

Unknown said...

I never tire of your work. It is always so classic whilew still looking fresh.

Unknown said...

You make me laugh- OUT LOUD! And the kitchen is beautiful! :)

Jenny G said...

I nearly peed my pants laughing so hard!

That kitchen is everything. As soon as I win the lottery I am remodeling my kitchen.

Angie said...

Bless your heart, haven't we all been there at one time in our lives! 😂Love your honesty and love everything you design. Keep it up!!!

Mary Ann Pickett said...

I love how you aren't afraid to tell everyday truths! Especially when they are SO funny :)

Spectacular job with this kitchen! I would love to win the subscription!!

Unknown said...

Thanks for giving me my LOL moment for the day. Such truths.....
Wow, beautiful transformation. From Old Tuscany to CA farmhouse. Great job.

Cindy McNair said...


Well the pee story just made my day. I snorted out my tea while reading it---I can SO relate!

Marion Darbyshire said...

Your blog has been giving me moments of joy, laughter and "You know it" moments for the last three years. As a fellow interior designer (and mom of three - Lord help me) I recommend your blog to all my clients. Your honesty, honestly makes my job easier as I try to explain the ins and outs and the ups and downs of interior design and you do it so perfectly and with a big sense of humor.

I can see 50 just ahead and the realities of getting older are glaring. Even my doctor is warning me to exercise daily - so thanks for motivating me in that area too.

I'd love the subscription, but most importantly keep doing what you're doing - laughter is good for the soul - Thank you!


Anonymous said...

Love your work and reading your blog. Thanks for sharing your projects.
Pat V

Kelly said...

I have never commented before, but had to today since this is the only blog post that has ever caused me to laugh out loud! You are hilarious! I love the photos too. Lots of inspiration!

Boliver said...

The pee story is almost as great as the fabulous designs!!!
Glad I’m not the only one with those kind of days!

leviheart said...

LOL... Great design thank you for sharing your story and pictures. Love that kitchen.
Can you share which Top Knob handles those are?

Kacey said...

Better pee than a shart I say! Ps, this room is amazing.

Cherie said...

A giggle and a gorgeous interior. Perfect blog!

Mary Ann Pickett said...

I just had to come back to pin photos...the before and afters are so good! More photos, please!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous! Especially love the black subway tile and the antiqued brick on the fireplace. I enjoy your blog. thanks for your work! - heidi n. - instagram @mamanaughton

Unknown said...

Simply lovely. And you are simply hilarious! Trying to age gracefully but sometimes Mother Nature buts in.

Anonymous said...

Great blog! I just moved south! I need some southern inspiration!

pixelimpress said...

i can't get over how different the art looks in the "after". beautiful kitchen. (ha! at least you weren't on an airplane or in an elevator.)

mom23 said...

LOL, you crack me up. Love how you have no shame and keep it real! I'm a dozen or so years younger than you and when I have to pee --- it hit me hard and I gotta go quick! I feel for you!! I hope you have leather seats in your car!! LOL!

Jeanne said...

What an amazing transformation - I can't even believe its the same space - so much lighter and warmer and prettier!!

Anonymous said...

Love that you have warm tones as well in the kitchen space.
Lovely 'after'!

Ashleigh said...

SHERRY!! You crack me up!! And that transformation on the kitchen above is absolutely PERFECTION! Love the new layout! And all of the materials are gorgeous! SO happy to have found your blog!! I love all your work.

Unknown said...

What a transformation! Beautiful, Sherry!

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PATTY MARKEY said...

WHAT!! SPILLED COFFEE...AND THEN YOU WHAT!! KODAK MOMENT!!

SOOOO HYSTERICALLY REAL!!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! Thanks for being real!

Unknown said...

Absolutely loved the remodel and your story made me laugh so hard, I almost peed my pants!

Mindy said...

What kind of wood did you use for the stained island etc.? Looks great!

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