Our 1950’s Kitchen “No Demo” Makeover – why we chose Quartz Countertops & what’s next..
Our little 1950’s galley kitchen has been through a lot of meals, memories, and messy mornings. When we first moved in, the kitchen felt more like a hallway with appliances (it was very industrial modern style!) than a place where a family could gather. We painted the cabinets white from a bold teal and I added wood shelving and accents to warm it up a bit. Although the kitchen was old, aside from little cosmetic updates we always had hesitated to fully renovate because we never knew whether we were staying long-term or moving. But little by little, I’ve been making updates to make it feel more homey.
The biggest change so far and one that I couldn’t ignore any longer? Our new quartz countertops.
I can’t even explain how much lighter and brighter the whole kitchen feels with them. The old counters were made of concrete and had a dull, tired look that never quite felt clean no matter how many times I wiped them down. Now the quartz bounces light around, making our narrow galley feel wider than it is. Plus, they’re practical—low maintenance, durable, and kid-friendly (because there are always little hands reaching up for snacks). I especially love the “ogee” edge, it gives it such charm!
We went with Avalon Reliance Quartz. Avalon had a warm white base, with organic gray veining. It has a softness and character to it that feels relaxed and homey compared to ultra-crisp / luxe veining styles. Which I feel fits the nature of our smaller, traditional house.
But you know me, I’m not stopping at the countertops. Next up on the list: cabinets.
They’re original to the house, which means they’re real wood and sturdy, but the flat fronts don’t have a ton of charm. I’m debating whether to:
• Add simple trim to the doors for a little more storybook character.
• Keep them classic and clean with just fresh paint + new hardware.
Speaking of hardware… I’m torn. Do I go silver for timeless and crisp, or gold for warmth and a touch of charm? Our home leans cozy cottage, so part of me is drawn to aged brass. But I also love how silver feels light and effortless.
And as for paint, I want my cabinets a timeless creamy color. I am undecided between the below popular choices. They’re all so pretty and will definitely warm things up from the white we’ve had in here! Which do you like?
This kitchen is teaching me that you don’t need to knock down walls or gut everything to make a space feel fresh. Sometimes it’s layering thoughtful updates, one step at a time. And honestly, that feels a little more like us—slow, intentional, and practical.
Next chapter: cabinet paint, hardware, maybe even some trim magic. Then, new shelving and wall decor. I’ll keep you posted as our little galley kitchen finds its story.
