Before & After: This Bobby Berk-designed kitchen is a masterclass on how to harness the power of color

It is always a joy to compare before and after projects – but we admit that our favorites are those that can be replicated in (almost) any home – as is the case with this transformation.

Enter – Bobby Berk – famed designer and star of Netflix' Queer Eye – who was enlisted to elevate a formally dark kitchen and laundry room into a chic olive green space. 

To bring his green kitchen ideas to life, Bobby collaborated with Nieu Cabinet Doors (opens in new tab) to curate a space that celebrates the vibrancy (yet calmness) of the 1950s ranch-style home in Los Angeles. The home now acts as a stylish base for a young family who can enjoy functional SoCal living without sacrificing style. 

Before & After: Bobby Berk-designed kitchen and laundry room

By changing the kitchen's color scheme, the aesthetic and atmosphere of the space changed entirely. Here's what the process involved, according to Bobby. 

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Before

Prior to the makeover, the kitchen had a primarily dark palette, emphasized by its wooden cabinets that dominate the room. While the space was functional, its scheme appeared dated and lacked memorable talking points.

After

After adding the olive cabinet doors and upgrading the backsplash and countertop (to a beautiful white marble), the room is unrecognizable. Bobby chose the Nieu Skinny Shaker style cabinet door, which he says has a classic look with a timeless appeal. 'For this kitchen, the Skinny Shaker worked perfectly with my design, which combined contemporary and classic details,' he says. 

Bobby Berk

Bobby Berk is an interior designer who stars in the Netflix series Queer Eye. He is also an Emmy-winning television host and co-author of Queer Eye: Love Yourself, Love Your Life (opens in new tab). 

Bobby choose the Only Olive colorway, which adds instant depth and interest to this kitchen – but without it feeling overwhelming. 'Since the cabinet fronts were going to be the main focal point, I wanted a color that was going to be eye-catching but still functioned as a neutral,' Bobby says. 

'Green continues to be a popular choice for kitchens, and I've completed quite a few in the last couple of years. I'm also getting more requests from clients to add color to cabinetry in kitchens, bathrooms, and built-ins. And Nieu is definitely a great option for cabinet doors because it allows for so much customization, both in style and color.'

Repainting or refacing your cabinets is an indisputably impactful way to elevate your cabinets, but as Bobby says, it's also a sustainable option too. 'Sustainability is at the top of mind for so many clients today – in just about every aspect of the design process,' he says. 

Instead of ripping out your old cabinets and starting afresh, Bobby recommends looking toward more sustainable kitchen ideas (such as items made with recycled materials) that, he says, will continue to grow in popularity for years to come. 

Plus, if you're looking for the best ways to save money at home while going ahead with a renovation, refacing your cabinets is one of the best options to try. 'Clients always want to save money when they can,' Bobby says. 

'There has been a bit of a shift to more cost-conscious materials and features in the past year. But regardless of the economic outlook, if there is an efficient design option that will also save money, clients are almost always on board. It's a win-win for them.'

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Before

This room was somewhat brighter and airier than the kitchen (mostly due to its position by the door). However, aside from the appliances, the beige and cream space was almost empty – meaning it was cold and uninviting. 

After

By treating the laundry room as a visual extension of the kitchen (through the shaker style and fresh color), both rooms appear larger, brighter, and more unified. The result is a stylish, harmonious, and functional space that will stand the test of time.

'We needed to include some storage for the homeowners to keep laundry supplies and extra towels,' Bobby says. 'Since the laundry room is directly connected to the kitchen and highly visible, it only made sense to include the same Nieu cabinet fronts and feel like a continuation of the design.'

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Queer Eye: Love Yourself. Love Your Life | $11.05 on Amazon (opens in new tab)

This book, written by Bobby and his Queer Eye co-stars, shares a look behind-the-scenes of the show – and offers a practical guide to living and celebrating your best life. 

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