Need help for my kitchen

11 years ago

I am in the process of buying my first home, a condo, and it is a total fixer upper. I have 4,000 in my budget to remodel the kitchen. It is in desperate need of new cabinets and countertops. I just want to do a simple white shaker cabinetry and an inexpensive solid surface counter (preferably NOT laminate). Does anyone have any suggestions or advice? Its a small galley kitchen. I am so new to the design and remodel process and am afraid of getting in over my head. I will post a pic of the current kitchen.

Featured Answer

Nancy Ingram

11 years ago

Well, new appliances are going to run you almost half your budget. If the cabinets are salvageable, I would just add flat trim all the way around and create your shaker style that you want. Then just a good paint job. You may want to have glass front cabinets on either side of sink. Probably run you $45 new. You really don't have a lot of countertop so you may be able to do something more expensive or really inexpensive option is butcher block. It's gorgeous stained dark. Go with glass subway tiles. Again you don't have much there. Porcelain is less - like .69 a piece. A fun look if you do white subway tile is colored grout. The key is keeping it simple and using basic materials. Start by measuring how many linear feet of countertop you have. The measure the length and width of your tiled areas and come up with a square footage amount. Have these numbers with you when you head to the big box store. They also can can do install and will come out a get exact measurements. I would also hold back 10% of your budget for any unforeseen things. You will be advised to get a new sink and faucet-about $300-$400. Hope this wasn't too overwhelming - but I've always had good experiences with the big box stores.

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Comments (8)

emilyam819
11 years ago
The cabinets are cute. If they are beat up, paint them. Definitely get some fun hardware that you love. Then decide whether you like the cabinets enough to warrant spending the money on a solid surface counter (since you won't be able to reuse the counter if you decide to get new cabinets in the future). I like the butcher block idea but a retro color laminate could be really fun. Unfortunately your $4,000 won't go too far after getting appliances. You could manage new cabinets and counters if somehow the seller is providing the appliances... But then you would also need some skilled labor to install the new cabinets...
Lauren Radke thanked emilyam819
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Natalie
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Hi---

Will you be purchasing new appliances with that 4k budget? If so, then I would wait awhile before installing new cabs and counters. You can paint your existing cabinets a blue gray, leave the counter or install butcherblock, and install a subway or penny tile backsplash---both are inexpensive and an easy diy project. The light box overhead is what I would address after appliances are purchased.

Hope this is helpful. Good Luck!
Lauren Radke thanked Natalie
Lauren Radke
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks everyone! I will not be purchasing my appliances out of that 4k budget so that leaves me a little more room. I like all of your suggestions. What is a good affordable countertop that doesn't look cheap? I like the idea of butcher block but am wondering if its easy to keep clean? I don't want juices from raw chicken seeping in, etc.
PRO
Diane Whalen Architect
11 years ago
I would replace the light fixture for sure. Keep the cabinets and paint them, but get new pulls. Remove the back splash for the counter. Butcher block is a good counter option if you don't have enough money left over for something like a quartz counter and don't want a laminate....use a cutting board for chopping, etc. You can also mix the countertops, using quarts or a stone material for just one section of the counter (beside the stove, for example) to accommodate a variety of needs.
Lauren Radke thanked Diane Whalen Architect
shirlpp
11 years ago
Don't forget the overhead light fixture. The table below should help with your selection.
Lauren Radke thanked shirlpp
PRO
Circle Goods Reclaimed
11 years ago
Look into buying new cabinet doors and drawer fronts from a local cabinet maker, that will provide you with a big update!
Lauren Radke thanked Circle Goods Reclaimed
susanalanandwrigley
11 years ago
Consider whether you can choose a granite or Quartz remnant for counters, it'll save you lots of money. Check out what's available at some local places. Significantly cheaper than choosing a full slab. Limits your options but you'll still have lots to choose from
Lauren Radke thanked susanalanandwrigley