Small Budget, Big Changes!

15 years ago

Oh how I wish I would have known about the kitchen forum 8 years ago when we moved into our house, I would have made these changes so much sooner! I'm usually a lurker not a poster, but I had to share the changes made to my kitchen and give everyone here a great big THANK YOU for all the inspiration and knowledge you share everyday!

My original plan was to do a complete reno but after pricing everything I decided to do a low-budget makeover and focus on finishing our attic into a new master bedroom & bathroom. I will definetely be coming back here with lots of questions when my kitchen reno time comes.

I was planning on painting my existing hinges and read on a thread here to soak them in acetone before to remove any grease before painting. Guess what?? My old brass hardware was actually stainless steel under 50 years of golden grease! I still have a few small things left to do that will get done soon: change the outlets & light switches and do some paint touch-ups. Our whole family loves how much brighter and welcoming it is, plus I think it helps our ginormous fridge blend in a little bit! I wish we could have gotten a counter-depth but with 6 kids, ginormus & less expensive was more important than counter-depth & more expensive, lol!

Details:

2 New Cabinets: Stock cabinets from Menards: $75

Cabinet doors: Shaker style, Barkerdoor.com $340

Open cabinet above fridge: DIY, $0

Drawers: Slab style, DIY $0

Counter: Ikea, Lagan beech butcherblock $230

Waterlox: 2 coats each of original & satin $75

Sink: Swanstone metropolitan large single bowl $180

Hardware: Target, $30

Faucet: Moen pulldown, $40 display clearance

Cabinet paint: Valspar Medallion in Carte Blanche $35

Wall paint: Valspar Medallion in Subdued Sage $35

Primer: Zinisser 123 $30

Beadboard: $50

Crown Molding: $80

Curtains: Waverly $60

Flooring: Brown Tile lineoleum, $90

TOTAL: $1350

BEFORE PICS:

AFTER PICS:

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Comments (18)

ghostlyvision
15 years ago
Lovely transformation!
sumnerfan
15 years ago
Nice job. I'm loving the big impact you got for so few dollars. Especially the countertops.
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wallycat
15 years ago
Very nice!!
The floor looks like 2 different tiles, not just brown. Any blue there or is that my monitor? Lovely!
I wish I could DIY a counter like that...spectacular.
remodelfla
15 years ago
That is something to be really proud of! It's an amazing transformation.
ironcook
15 years ago
terrific job! your sink/faucet looks wonderful. you DIY'd that?! wow! it's a light, bright space to enjoy, now. good for you!
stacieann63
15 years ago
Wow, it's an awesome transformation. It looks so clean and fresh. Congratulations!
elba1
15 years ago
Congrats on your fresh new space!
laughablemoments
15 years ago
Fantastic! Enjoy your beautiful space with your family! : )
ejbrymom
15 years ago
Great job on a small budget! Love your new cabinet doors. Great transformation!
motherof3sons
15 years ago
That is one transformation! Congratulations on a job well-done!
Happyladi
15 years ago
Wow, it looks great!
gsciencechick
15 years ago
Great job! I love the sink area and the floor squares!
greenhousems
15 years ago
I love your countertops... what a wonderful transformation.
Enjoy your new space.
dldl
15 years ago
Great Job! So cheerful and inviting. Your DIY skills are very impressive.
Pevo
15 years ago
Enjoy! It looks great....
dianalo
15 years ago
Why would ever need to reno this kitchen? It is adorable and you now have more storage and counter space. I was expecting a much smaller fix from the "small budget" title, but this is a total transformation. Your "before" kitchen was cute, but this is "wow"! I bet you'll be happy with how it is now for a very long time ;)
I am glad you kept the valance over your sink. It adds character.
lazydaisynot
15 years ago
You did a beautiful job!
goosic
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks everyone! It really makes the kitchen so much more bright & enjoyable!

@wallycat, no blue, but there are 6 different shades of brown in the flooring... it really helps hide the dirt & with living on a farm that makes a big difference!

We are lucky enough to have family that has done construction & they helped with the countertop & sink... so I guess I should add the price of supper & a case of beer to the total, lol!