A woman turned her dated 2000s kitchen into a cozy, modern space for $150,000

Leonard got the ceiling-high cabinets she was hoping for, which she complemented with a white marble countertop that extended to the backsplash.

“I just loved the idea of it looking a little more rich and and grand by using that marble slab,” she said.

The real marble was one of the biggest splurges Leonard and her husband made on the kitchenand she said that even though some people think marble can be hard to maintain, it “was definitely worth splurging on” for her.

“Any of the etchings are great signs of life, and it shows that it’s natural, real stone,” she said.

Leonard chose brass finishes throughout the kitchen, from the hardware to her oven and a rack that hangs by a window. It elevates the kitchen’s otherwise neutral tones.

Leonard also incorporated her personal style through small details, such as the sconce on one side of her sink, which serves as a high-end nightlight they turn on when their kitchen is closed for the evening.

“I just love those little bits of character that are a little different,” she said.