AFTER: The design team’s most impactful move was painting the cabinets a bold avocado green, giving the room the dynamic energy the family sought. Another big intervention was the new fir Marvin windows, which add warmth to the room and are energy efficient — another project priority. Ruber also added speakers to the ceiling, so the family can enjoy their favorite tunes.
The light fixtures over the island were also installed by the flipper, but the owners chose the colander-like pendant over the sink to add a quirky touch. They also selected the rug, bar stools and Edgar Allen Poe–esque bird. “It’s so her and really gives you an idea of her fun personality,” Ruber says.

A few things that did leave the room were some of the panels in the cabinets; they were replaced with Lumicor(a resin product). The new panels reflect the light, while the small graphic pattern plays nicely off the larger pattern of the subway tiles. 
Ruber recommends going to a good professional paint shop when it comes to painting cabinets. “They spray on a special bonding primer and make sure that the integrity of the paint job will remain durable for a long time,” she says. 

To make the cabinets function better on a day-to-day basis, Ruber upgraded the hardware to include soft-close hinges and fully extending drawer glides.

Opening up the kitchen  to other rooms wouldn’t have worked with the home’s style, but the woman of the house still wanted a way to draw her kiddos into the room with her. Thus, the island and the wall along the side of the refrigerator were covered in chalkboard paint. “It gives the kids a way to mark their own space and a way to get creative in here,” Ruber explains. 
“This is a great way to take a kitchen, change just a few things but make a 180-degree difference,” she says.