BEFORE & AFTER:
STUNNING MAKEOVERS WITH MODERN TWIG
Ever walked into a space and instantly felt at home? That’s the magic of good design—it just works. But what if your kitchen, closet, or media unit is stuck in another decade, or maybe, just feels completely disjointed?
In this article, we’re showcasing some of our before and after transformations over the past year. Each one proves that the right design choices can turn any space into something truly special. Get ready for some serious inspiration!
BEFORE
After
A project by Modern Twig / Door style: Walnut
This kitchen project in Orange County, CA was craving a fresh start. The dark, heavy cabinets and busy backsplash made the space feel closed in, while the bulky countertop extension wasn’t doing the flow any favors. That’s when Neil Wilson from DezignBlue, an IKEA Kitchen Design specialist, stepped in to rework the cabinet layout and give the space a fresh perspective.
To complete the vision, Neil sourced sleek walnut wood veneer doors from Modern Twig, instantly adding warmth and texture. The glossy white countertops keep things feeling light and airy, while the brass hardware brings just the right amount of contrast.
Instead of the old, choppy backsplash, they went with a subtle hexagon tile that adds depth without overpowering the space. Replacing that U-shaped counter with an island just made the space cleaner and more spacious.
This kitchen finally feels as inviting as it should—open, functional, and undeniably beautiful.
2. Basic Besta Gets a Warm, Designer Upgrade
BEFORE
After
A project by Modern Twig / Door style: Cherry
Modern Twig Designer Set
After lots of thought and comparing one finish to another, our client decided to go with Cherry wood veneer. Cherry’s appeal is warm and homey, which is why it’s quickly becoming one of our most popular wood veneers.
We swapped out the plain white doors for cherry wood veneer fronts, instantly adding texture and warmth. The light, organic grain of the wood ties in beautifully with the flooring, creating a much more cohesive and inviting look. The contrast between the white frame and the wood doors keeps it feeling fresh and modern—proof that even the simplest updates can make a space feel more intentional and stylish.
3. Outdated Cabinets Transformed into Classic Simplicity
BEFORE
After
A project by Modern Twig / Door style: Paint-Ready Shaker
The original space featured heavy wood paneling, aging hardware, and tiled countertops that made it feel dark and cluttered. While functional, it lacked the refined elegance the homeowners were after.
We swapped out the old cabinets for our clean-lined, shaker style doors, keeping the soft natural tone. The brass hardware adds warmth and a touch of luxury, while a fresh quartz countertop and modern backsplash tie everything together
In the same space, we added the same white shaker cabinets and an open shelf, continuing that warm and modern feel.
In this project, we didn’t touch anything other than the cabinets showing that a high-end look doesn’t require a full remodel—just the right details to bring out the best in your space.
4. Standard Cabinets Reimagined with Bold, Elegant Color
BEFORE
After
A project by Modern Twig / Door style: Marine Blue Shaker
This kitchen started with standard honey-toned cabinets, gray countertops, and a mix of flooring that made the space feel a little disjointed. It had plenty of potential but needed a fresh perspective to bring it to life. That’s when the owners decided to upgrade their kitchen with the help of Modern Twig and 365 FA, a firm specializing in IKEA cabinet installation.
The team selected bold, matte marine blue and crisp white cabinet doors from Modern Twig. Deep blue lower cabinets anchor the space, while bright white uppers keep things feeling open and airy. To complete the transformation, they upgraded the countertops and backsplash with sleek white quartz, giving the kitchen a polished, high-end finish.
To add warmth and balance, we swapped out some upper cabinets for open wood shelving—perfect for displaying favorite kitchen essentials. The transformation is a perfect mix of modern sophistication and inviting warmth, proving that a bold color choice can completely redefine a space.
5. Glossy & Traditional Kitchen Updated to Bright & Elegant
BEFORE
After
A project by Modern Twig / Door style: White Shaker
This kitchen had great bones, but the outdated high-gloss cabinets and bulky lighting made it feel too traditional. The layout was functional, but it needed a modern touch to truly shine.
The transformation brought in a timeless white-and-black contrast with shaker-style cabinetry. Extending the cabinets to the ceiling not only adds storage but also makes the space feel taller and more polished. The island was reimagined in a bold black shade, grounding the room and adding a striking focal point.
Brass hardware, elegant pendant lighting, and a crisp white subway tile backsplash give the space a refined yet inviting feel. With the new design, this kitchen is now a bright, sophisticated gathering space that feels both modern and classic.
6. Cluttered Closet Redesigned to Be Streamlined & Chic
BEFORE
After
A project by Modern Twig / Door style: Beachwood
This closet had potential, but the mix of furniture, open shelving, and lack of cohesive storage made it feel cluttered and inefficient. Clothes, accessories, and storage bins all competed for space, making it clear this walk-in needed a major refresh—something sleek, modern, and better suited for organization.
Modern Twig & Brave Element
To kick off the refresh, we brought in Wes from Brave Element to install some trusty IKEA drawers for extra storage. But while they added function, the bright white drawers didn’t quite fit the modern, cohesive vibe the client was going for. Enter Modern Twig. We upgraded the drawer fronts with one of our best-selling finishes—Beachwood—and added matte black hardware for a sleek, contemporary touch.
The result? A closet that feels intentional and streamlined, with every item having its rightful place. No more mismatched pieces or visual clutter—just clean lines, warm tones, and a space that’s as stylish as it is functional.
7. Outdated & Boxy Kitchen Opens Up with Sleek, Airy Style
BEFORE
After
A project by Modern Twig / Door style: Walnut Shaker and Black Shaker
This kitchen had plenty of space, but the traditional cabinets, outdated appliances, and lack of contrast made it feel stuck in another era. The warm wood tones, while classic, felt heavy alongside the tiled countertops and oversized white fridge. It was functional but definitely in need of a fresh, modern update.
We’ve replaced the high-gloss wood with a mix of black and walnut cabinets, creating a striking balance—warm, yet sleek and contemporary. Open shelving replaces some of the uppers, making the space feel more open and airy. The crisp white countertops and backsplash add brightness, while the island is a stunning focal point. With new lighting, high-end appliances, and thoughtful details, this kitchen has entered the modern era.
Final thoughts
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BEFORE & AFTER: STUNNING MAKEOVERS WITH MODERN TWIG
