This post is sponsored by Delta® Faucet. All opinions and text are mine.
Next on the list for revamps in my 12 rooms in 12 months series is the kitchen, and I couldn’t be more excited to finally get started.
I’m partnering with Delta® Faucet for this makeover, and today I’m sharing the full set of before photos and the inspiration behind the design. Click through to see the details and weigh in on the direction I’m taking.
When we first toured the house, the kitchen felt unassuming: good marble and quartz countertops, a roomy layout, and an island long enough for barstools—great for entertaining. But the finishes and fixtures were not our style. The dark espresso cabinets, oversized brass pendant, and dark bronze faucet were all elements we wanted to change. Because we’re renters, however, some features—like the cabinets, counters, and backsplash—are off-limits. That means we’ll focus on renter-friendly cosmetic changes that make a big visual impact and complement what’s already there.
Our plan is informed by the clean lines of the Delta Mateo faucet I selected for the makeover. While we can’t replace the cabinets, there’s plenty we can do: swap the faucet and light fixture, update cabinet hardware, and add decorative elements—barstools, a rug, a pot rack under the hood, and more. We’ve already started implementing some of these smaller changes, and I can confidently say they’ll make a big difference.
Source list (above): lighting // pot rack bar // barstools // Mateo faucet // removable wallpaper // rug
The dining room, which connects to the kitchen, follows an organic-modern aesthetic, and I want the entire first floor to feel cohesive while letting the kitchen develop its own identity. The dark lower cabinets present a challenge since I usually prefer lighter decor, but the goal is to design around those cabinets rather than fight them. Here’s the approach:
The island will see the most change. We’ll replace the existing faucet with the Delta Mateo Single Handle Pull-Down Bar/Prep Faucet with Touch2O® Technology. I chose the Arctic Stainless finish to coordinate with the appliances, but other finishes are available depending on your preference. The Touch2O® feature makes it simple to turn water on and off when hands are messy from DIY projects or cooking—just touch the spout or handle to start or stop the flow. I’m genuinely excited about adding this convenience to the space.
We’ll also swap the oversized brass pendant for a smaller, more airy fixture that reads lighter in the space. I’m leaning toward a dark metal finish to visually tie the fixture to the cabinets and add balance. Opposite the island we’ll add a rug and seating—barstools at the counter—to make the space more inviting for guests. I haven’t finalized the barstools or rug yet, so suggestions are welcome.
To add a focal point and visually lighten the island, I plan to apply removable patterned wallpaper to the underside of the bar top on one side. This renter-friendly option will introduce texture and an earthy, watery pattern that connects the lighter dining room to the more dramatic kitchen. The removable wallpaper will bring visual interest without any permanent changes.
Beyond those changes, the rest will be small but impactful updates: swapping out cabinet hardware for a cleaner look and adding a pot rack bar under the hood so frequently used utensils are within easy reach. These tweaks are budget-friendly and renter-appropriate while delivering a refreshed aesthetic.
That’s the plan so far. If you have suggestions for the final reveal—specific finishes, barstool styles, rug patterns, or anything else—I’d love to hear them. I’m still in the design phase, so viewer feedback can still influence the final decisions. Looking forward to sharing the progress and the finished kitchen soon.