From 70’s Wood Cabinets to Bright, Modern Charm: Our Dome Kitchen Makeover

When we bought our geodesic dome, we loved the nostalgic 70’s vibe — but the kitchen needed a refresh. A full remodel wasn’t in the budget, so we tackled a cosmetic makeover that honored the home’s retro roots while giving it a brighter, modern feel. New color palette, updated cabinetry, DIY countertops… and the result is a space I genuinely love spending time in every day.

The Before: Classic 1970s Charm… with Some Challenges

The kitchen was solid and functional, but it felt dark and dated. The warm wood cabinets absorbed light, the muddled countertops weighed down the room, and the tiny upper cabinets offered barely any storage. To make things more confusing, the cabinets and counters in the kitchen and adjoining space didn’t match — clearly added at different points in the dome’s life.

(Yes — the broken window seal got fixed too!)

The Renovation: Bright, Fresh & Functional

Lightening the Walls

We swapped the dark green walls for Sherwin-Williams Snowbound, a soft, bright white that instantly opened the space. It reflects natural light and provides a clean backdrop for the newly green lower cabinets and open shelving.

Updating the Cabinets (Without Replacing Them)

Instead of buying all-new cabinets, we painted the lowers a modern, earthy green Sherwin-Williams Evergreen Fog. The cabinet color was actually the first color I picked and built my pallet from around that color. We kept the original structure (which was still in great shape) while dramatically updating the look.

We did all the cabinet painting before move‑in — removing doors, sanding, priming, and painting — which made living through the mess much easier!

Removing Upper Cabinets & Adding Open Shelving

The tiny uppers had to go. Open shelving gave us better access, helped brighten the room, and created a beautiful way to display everyday dishes, glasses, and my pottery collection.

We built the shelves ourselves and later added metal braces for style and stability — a detail we loved so much we repeated it in the pantry.

Styling tip:
Mix functional pieces with personal favorites — pottery, heirlooms, or unique finds — to make shelves both useful and beautiful.

DIY Countertop Upgrade

While we hope to invest in new countertops someday, we wanted to live in the space a bit first. For now, we chose a budget-friendly upgrade using the LuxRock Transformation Kit. It gave us the lighter, granite‑inspired look we wanted without a full replacement.

Doing the countertop refinishing while the cabinet doors were off made the process much smoother.

Finishing Touches

My favorite part of the whole renovation was styling with my pottery collection — a mix of family pieces, sentimental finds, and everyday dishes. It adds warmth, personality, and a sense of home every time I walk into the kitchen.

The Results

The transformation is incredible — the kitchen feels brighter, bigger, and far more modern while still nodding to its 70s roots. It’s now a space where I love cooking, entertaining, or simply sipping morning coffee.

Tips for Your Own Budget-Friendly Kitchen Makeover

Choose a color palette you truly love. It sets the tone for the entire space.
Paint first. It’s the biggest impact for the smallest cost.
Repurpose what you can. We reused the old upper cabinets in our laundry room — instant added storage.
Try open shelving to make a kitchen feel more open and personal.
Upgrade countertops when you’re ready. (This one’s still on my list!)
Add personal touches like pottery, plants, or artwork.

Small changes really can make a huge difference — and you can absolutely do it on a budget.

Ready to Make a Move?

Whether you’re dreaming up your next home project or preparing to list a space you’ve lovingly transformed, I’m here to make every step feel simple, clear, and—yes—a little fun. Helping people find the right place to call home, no matter the shape, layout, or quirks, is truly my favorite part of the job.
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Sources & Supplies We Used

Paint: Sherwin-Williams Snowbound
Cabinet Paint color: Sherwin-Williams ‘Evergreen Fog”
Primer: Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3
Rollers/Brushes: FoamPRO, Purdy
Countertops: LuxRock Transformation Kit
Shelf Braces: Amazon
Lighting: LED Recessed Retrofit light fixtures Commercial Electric