Our Kitchen Remodel before and after -1962 kitchen

12 years ago

last modified: 12 years ago

Our house was built in 1962 and has a very odd layout. It is a "tri-level" but technically a quad level because you go into the basement through the garage. We have survived in the house for 10 years with the original 1962 kitchen. The only things not original- refrigerator & faucet. The layout was hortible. There was about a 16 inch gap to get into the kitchen from the dining area. The built oven fit one turkey at thanksgiving time.

We finally decided to bite the bullet and do a remodel after considering some other minor options such as new counter top, backsplash and flooring. We replaced everything in the kitchen except for the refrigerator. While I originally wanted to keep the natural wood look our contractor and my husband talked me into painted cabinets.

We didnt do anything over the top auch as granite countertops or stainless steel appliances. First those wouldnt work with the rest if the house and second, it wouldnt work with our budget. Our final cost came in at just under $10,000.

Featured Answer

Eileen

12 years ago

last modified: 12 years ago

What a lovely transformation! I love that you were able use some of the existing cabinetry in your new design. I think a Roman shade or matchstick blind would add some color and texture over the window. The original buffet looks wonderfully updated with the new doors and paint, although I do think the sliding glass fronts feel a bit dated. Your 10 year wait was definitely worth it, Fabulous job!!

Shaker White Inset · More Info

Classic Roman Natural Shades · More Info

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (33)

Kelly Aldrich Hildebrand
Original Author
12 years ago
Here are some of the finshed project!
Kelly Aldrich Hildebrand
Original Author
12 years ago
The entire album for the project can be found here.

https://plus.google.com/photos/114125455734918358891/albums/6028546967437097793?authkey=CK_igqz3rfL0mgE
2x6oc
12 years ago
lovely job, congrats
Kelly Aldrich Hildebrand thanked 2x6oc
Eileen
12 years ago
*Bump
bgfuqua
12 years ago
nice job.
Kelly Aldrich Hildebrand thanked bgfuqua
Joy
12 years ago
Very clever what you did with the refrigerator! Removing the turn in your counter/lower cabinets and adding the ceiling to floor storage next to the fridge increased your storage, incorporated your fridge into the area, and opened your entrance into the kitchen. Beautiful kitchen!
Kelly Aldrich Hildebrand thanked Joy
Julie Welch
12 years ago
Nice! And good budget job that real people can likely do!!!
Kelly Aldrich Hildebrand thanked Julie Welch
Kelly Aldrich Hildebrand
Original Author
12 years ago
Thank you Julie! I agree, while it doesnt have all the bells and whistles it was affordable for us and made the most sense for the house and future resale.
apple_pie_order
12 years ago
It's a great new kitchen, especially on the $10K budget.
Kelly Aldrich Hildebrand thanked apple_pie_order
PRO
OTM Designs & Remodeling Inc.
12 years ago
nice transformation done within your budget, great work!
Kelly Aldrich Hildebrand thanked OTM Designs & Remodeling Inc.
Pat
12 years ago
Kelly, that looks great! We have a house built in 1961 and a small kitchen also. No way to add on without putting more into the house than we would ever get back. Your kitchen gave me some ideas for my own someday project.
Kelly Aldrich Hildebrand thanked Pat
Kelly Aldrich Hildebrand
Original Author
12 years ago
Thank you pat! I think it's amazing how much you can do with a "smaller" budget.
bungalowmo
12 years ago
I LOVE a window at the sink...so glad you kept it !! You really did a nice job here. And you're right. Amazing with a small budget. When you're forced to really watch your pennies & not keep changing ideas midstream.... Voila!!
Kelly Aldrich Hildebrand thanked bungalowmo
Shauna Cowley Filtz
12 years ago
Fantastic job!
Melissa Leigh
12 years ago
Love this kitchen. Looks so much bigger.
ackcx3
12 years ago
*GREAT* job! I'll bet you love cooking now, right?

You know, anybody can "upgrade" their home when they have a huge budget. You've gotta be smart to do it for relatively less money. You are to be commended.
PRO
123 Remodeling Inc.
12 years ago
Nice. That looks really good for that kind of budget.
cathyinbothell
11 years ago
Can you tell me who made your window coverings? They're perfect there!
Kelly Aldrich Hildebrand thanked cathyinbothell
Kelly Aldrich Hildebrand
Original Author
11 years ago
Cathy- all of our window coverings were purchased at JC Penneys. I purchased three different patterns for each area since they have a huge selection online and then returned the ones we didn't choose. Very nice for the price, however I would recommend purchasing 3-4 extra panels because with each set I ordered we had 1-2 panels that were shorter or longer than the rest. So rather than having to fix them myself I just returned those as well. Also if you order in the store, you can get free shipping to your home.
cathyinbothell
11 years ago
Wonderful! Thanks so much for the quick response. You did a great job!
Kelly Aldrich Hildebrand thanked cathyinbothell
Gini Up
11 years ago
Wonderful job. Taking out the return and adding next to the stove gives me an idea for the house I just got in Idaho for my daughter. This is going to be so much fun. Can't wait to get started. We're on a budget also, but because of all the necessary work that needed to be done, we're rolling a lot into our loan. Roof, painting all inside, floor covering and some other. Kitchen remodel is not included, but I think we may be able to handle this part. I'm loving this website.
rksjmartin
11 years ago
What brand of cabinets did you use? We too are looking to do a budget-friendly kitchen. You did a great job of staying in line with the style of the house.
Carrie Hager
11 years ago
You really made a small, clunky kitchen into an attractive, functional space, all on a budget. Very inspiring.
Kelly Aldrich Hildebrand thanked Carrie Hager
Kelly Aldrich Hildebrand
Original Author
11 years ago
Rks- we used a remodeler who built all of doors from scratch. Pretty simple design. Most of the structure of out original cabinets were solid. because we didn't change the layout too much, he was able to use most of the original base. He built the pantry from scratch and the bottom section to the left of the dishwasher and the long cabinet next to the slider.
tooky58
11 years ago
What a great "new" kitchen. I couldn't have made ten years, let alone ten days.
PRO
OTM Designs & Remodeling Inc.
11 years ago
Looks great!!
Zoe Kendrick
11 years ago
You guys did an incredible job, Kelly! I especially love the new tile you had installed. My husband and I also have a pretty old kitchen that we're looking to get remodeled. It's not from the 60's, like yours, but it's still pretty old. Hopefully our transformation ends up being this incredible! Thanks again for the post, Kelly! http://www.betcherandwalker.net
PRO
Sunshine Drapery and Interior Design
11 years ago
What a transformation. Beautiful!
PRO
The High Road Design Studio, LLC
10 years ago
Nicely done!
PRO
Xtreme Mats, LLC.
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
We love that you saved the built- in cabinets and incorporated them with your design! And the storage next to the fridge is great! Make sure you protect your investment so that these cabinets will last you a long, long time! Check us out for cabinet protection from leaks, spills, and more! https://www.houzz.com/pro/xtrememats/xtreme-mats-llc
PRO
Fratantoni Interior Designers
9 years ago
Fantastic!!!
PRO
Fratantoni Interior Designers
9 years ago
Fantastic!!!