Revive Your Dated Kitchen With A Clever Design Idea From Dave & Jenny Marrs

Dated kitchens can come with all sorts of design challenges that won't make themselves known until after you begin renovations. For example, the floor may be uneven behind your cabinets, or there can be hidden water damage around your sink. Alternatively, you might find that the wall or support post you wanted to remove is actually a structural necessity. The last of these problems is exactly what HGTV stars Dave and Jenny Marrs encountered when they were redoing the kitchen in Jenny's parents' house in Season 2, Episode 8 of the show Fixer to Fabulous. The couple ended up going in the opposite direction of their original plans — and the results were quite stunning.

In a blog post about the project on the couple's website, Jenny Marrs wrote that "A small load-bearing post we couldn't remove meant I had to modify plans for my perfect vision, but plan B ended up working out better than my original plan! The new enclosed wall now houses the refrigerator, a stunning coffee bar, and a pantry." The coffee bar idea of Jenny's, in particular, is a great way to update a boxed-off area because it creates cozy vibes and makes it more functional. The kitchen cabinet idea maximizes storage without sacrificing style and creates an attractive and dedicated nook.

If your kitchen feels dated because it's partially enclosed by a structural wall, you may need an alternative to opening up the floor plan. The way in which you use a nook is going to determine how the heart of your home feels. A coffee or tea station, like the one the Marrs built, is a great idea for such a space. However, there are a few restrictions you'll want to think about before starting such a project. The first is the location of your kitchen's outlets, because you'll need a few of them for your coffee maker or electric tea kettle. You'll also need to decide if adding more cabinetry to your kitchen is going to cramp the room's walkways or otherwise limit the work zones you use when cooking. So, understanding the kitchen triangle is essential here.

When setting up a coffee station like the one the Marrs built, you might also want to consider how far your bar is going to be from the sink. You'll need water for brewing both coffee and tea, so it's nice if it's close by. Also, don't forget to think about ventilation. Many coffee machines generate heat and release steam, so leaving a gap between the appliance and the shelf above is important. If you're getting new cabinetry for this kitchen update, you should have plenty of room for your cup collection. However, there's also a smart coffee mug storage idea you'll love if your shelves still end up being jam-packed.