Absolutely stunning!! And the price makes it even more gorgeous ;)

Looks great! Love the price!

Wow. Just wow! Great job!!!

I love it! The subtle blue, sparkly backsplash, chalk wall...

You did an incredible job. Can you please post a closeup view of your countertops?

Thank you all so much! I really appreciate it. I will be posting an how to guide on installing a tiled backsplash and tiling countertops over the next two weeks on my blog. I'll have some closeup photos of my counters.

I checked out your site. I absolutely cannot believe those cabinets are simply painted. You have taken a nightmare that so many builders left so many people with a completely changed the rules of the game. I'm glad to see that hardware - I've been suggesting to those homeowners with handle-less cabinets to make that one change for a big update. Your kitchen shows just how true that is. I couldn't find what the name of that blue was - did I miss it? It really is beautiful. I have a large wooden wall cabinet in my bathroom that could use such a makeover. As for the counters, there is tile and there is tile. What you've done is not passé but is what so many of the decorators on HGTV are recommending because you do get the feel at a fraction of the cost. And last but not least, that backsplash is absolutely gorgeous. With the sheen on the darker tiles, from most angles it actually looks pretty neutral. I am glad you got so frustrated with your previous efforts if it created the extreme exasperation that led to such a lovely new direction.

columbia93 & magada Thank you both! I really appreciate your kind words. @ magada An article would be awesome. I've actually never seen an article at this budget level on houzz. So that would be more than welcomed. It was important that I offer some low cost solutions because for me, when I began my budget was not very large. In fact it was non existent. @columbia93 the colors i used are listed at the bottom of my post on my blog. But the Blue is called Harbor semi gloss by Behr paints. It was challenging finding examples of updates for these particular style of cabinets. To hide the effect of the handleless door pulls I rotated the doors up or down depending on the location so It wasn't as noticeable prior to installing the new handles. At the beginning these cabinets were the source of such frustration. I will also provide details on how I installed the backsplash and countertops without having to lift up the sink and disconnect any plumbing.

Toolbox Diva - can't thank you enough for thinking about us regular folks. I bought a very outdated house late last year and as you said - my budget for renovation was/is non-existent. But I managed to get some nice updates in despite that, and posted my results too (in the Before and After section). Of course I'm not talented like you! So having someone with your wonderful skill set really helps the rest of us not feel quite so alone (er...or poor, lol). Thank you! Can't wait to read about the counter work!

The paint made a lot of difference, looks great!

hapagrrl Thank you so much! You are way to kind. We are all "regular" folks :). You too are very talented. I loved what you did in both your kitchen and bathroom. It looks wonderful!

Thank you for posting a kitchen renovation that is actually on a budget! The ideas are much appreciated.

Brilliant! I've been seeing a lot of homeowners struggling with those same builder's grade cabinets without handles and I never thought to simply turn them over to give them a "normal" fit. I'm pointing people to your blog whenever I see a kitchen crisis that I feel can benefit from your beautiful example.

columbia93 Thank you so much!

What a transformation! Lovely colors as well.

Wow, what a change. Nice color on the cabinets.

very impressive!

You did a great job! I love the chalk wall and the cheerful blue.

perfection! You are a "Houzz Hero" in my book!

Amazing! You did a great job! Very pretty kitchen!

Great job and on a budget!!! So tired of "in order to get a beautiful kitchen, rip it out and add millions of dollars" this looks sooo much better than the expensive renovations. So much more character, so much more aesthetically pleasing, and attractive without being so trendy it will look dated in 5 years. We are moving into our first house soon and it will need several updates on a nonexistent budget. You have given me hope and something to aspire to. Way to go. You are a DIY hero.

Beautiful! It is especially refreshing to see painted cabinets in blue instead of white! Such a welcoming, cheery space. Love the shimmery backsplash and counter.

Wow! This is fantastic. You've inspired me to tackle my own kitchen!

Love the blue!

Love the chalk wall! We have the same in our office!