Kitchen save up and go big or little DIY changes?

13 years ago

Hi Guys, we bought our house last year and did a minor (major to us and our budget) reno that included taking down the wall between the living and dining room, bringing in hardwoods to the kitchen and then replacing the original oven and electric stove top with a 36-inch smeg range. We just started a family, so we are only able to do really small projects right now.

The kitchen feels like a big black dark hole. I HATE the back splash, dislike the purple/pink/black laminate counters and the black sink. I can live with the 1964 cabinets and I actually really like the layout. I'd love to do small less costly projects (maybe even DIY them)- starting with the back splash (subway tile or (even cheaper) beadboard), new counters (at this point, I'd even think about replacing it with a lighter laminate just get get rid of the ugliness) and sink in a few years, etc.

I keep thinking that if the cabinets need to be replaced- this smaller, affordable projects will be a waste of my money, but gutting the kitchen will be 10, 15, 20 years from now. Any thoughts?

Or any fairies that want to pay for my kitchen reno? Ha. Just kidding. I attached a before and after to see that all my changes seem so small. My next goal is to declutter the counters.

Featured Answer

PRO

Cabin John Builders

13 years ago

last modified: 13 years ago

To a large extent I would throw the question back at you...From my experience knowing yourself and being honest about your lifestyle is the starting point for any successful project. Spending money is going to happen if you own a house, it is wasting it that you (and most people) are trying to avoid.

So...taking unexpected events and life circumstances out of the equation. Will you actually save up for a big remodel? How long can/will you be able to stand the current kitchen? How long will it take you to save that larger #? Take your time, think of your past experiences with big ticket items, what is your pattern?

If the big new kitchen is a dream/fun to talk about, but other savings or life goals will honestly come first then do the best spit shine you can now and be OK with the fact that you value the other expenses in your life (childcare, education, charity, vacations, groceries, whatever) more than you value a nicer kitchen. If you are a saver and if the # of years you can live with the kitchen "as is" is close to the # of years needed to save then don't spend another dollar on this kitchen unless it is a safety/use issue. Sit down, make a plan to save, keep dreaming to help make the waiting more fun and make it happen! If you want a new kitchen and are going to remodel, do it once, do it right, do it when you are prepared to go through it (financially, emotionally and logistically) as that is what allows you to enjoy the process and the results.

PS - If you do the quick spiff up, new or reclaimed tin ceiling tiles can make for both an interesting and light reflecting backsplash. They are inexpensive and come in several finishes.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (65)

Bobbie
13 years ago
Btw where did u get that towel bar under sink. Like it
juniperjo
13 years ago
Subway tile or beadboard would both look great with those cabinets. I think the changes you've made already are bigger than you think they are (floors and hardware), and a neutral backspash with IKEA butcherblock counters will give you the kitchen you're dreaming of at a fraction of the cost. You'll need a new sink, of course, but you can get a good deal on a high-quality (16-gage) traditional stainless steel double-bowl sink off of eBay quite cheap. Same for a kitchen faucet.
Related Professionals
Sedalia Interior Designers & Decorators · Laredo Interior Designers & Decorators · Anniston Interior Designers & Decorators · Clovis Interior Designers & Decorators · Elko Interior Designers & Decorators · Evanston Interior Designers & Decorators · Edmonton Interior Designers & Decorators · Wichita Architects & Building Designers · Lewiston Architects & Building Designers · Cheyenne Architects & Building Designers · Sarasota Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Athens Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Quincy Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Hannibal Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Worthington Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
juniperjo
13 years ago
Full disclosure: I am doing a similar "shoestring budget" remodel on my own kitchen, and am thinking the same way. Full gut-remodel some day; but for now, so I can enjoy the kitchen, I am just doing new counters (IKEA butcherblock!), new backsplash (have already purchased the tiles, good second-quality Heath Ceramics from their "overstock" selection in Sausalito, CA), new sink and new faucet. I think it will feel like a completely new kitchen, even though I'll still have the (original!) 1940s cabinets to contend with.
nancy22032
13 years ago
I did a temp addition in my kitchen and used inexpensive formed countertop bought at the local big block store.
There are a number of colors to choose from and they run about $10 to $15 a RUNNING FOOT - NOT SQUARE FOOT. They come cut at an angle for the corners to make installation easy. I bought a light neutral color. The metal tile backsplash is a good idea - comes in lovely shades from copper to bronze etc. Easy to cut and install and comes with trim and it is cheap too. Don't live with ugly - you most likely won't be able to really have the kitchen you want until the kids graduate.
PRO
Lavieestbelledesign
13 years ago
I think you have great potential here and a classic look would fit beautifully. Subway tile is classic and inexpensive for a backsplash. If you want to replace the countertops don't even waste your money on laminate. There are so many inexpensive alternatives. Have you looked into honed granite or a quartz? Check out ikea.com they have tons of affordable options :)
PRO
Main Line Kitchen Design
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
Be carful if you decide to use pre made Formica (post form laminate) tops cut at 45% in the corners. They are a great bargain but when you have a U shaped countertop like yours the fit can be a problem, and you can't effectively turn the second corner. Once water gets into the seams the tops will be destroyed.

Self edge custom made laminate tops are the least expensive tops any professional would use but the cost of those tops will be getting close to the cost of the least expensive granite tops around here. Your tops look like about $1100 in level 1 granite from an inexpensive supplier in our market. If Ikea has real butcher block, that can be worked with a lot easier than the Formica, although I don't know the cost. Use tongue oil on butcher block tops to keep the tops water resistant and in good shape longer.
feeny
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
I think your cabinets, though older, are neutral and pretty painted off white, and I they are going to last you a long time without needing updating. So like others, my vote is to redo the counters (I like the idea of butcherblock) and backsplash (subway tile in a color the same or slightly darker than your cabinets. Be careful about choosing stark white subway tile if your cabinets are creamy as the tile can make the cabinet color look too yellow and/or possibly dingy in contrast).
DIAspoton
13 years ago
i'd paint the back of the glass front cabinets a light color and add lights inside them. under cabinet lights will also help brighten the hole. have you checked local stone yards for remnants for the countertops?

something that may help : start a kitchen fund. it may only be $100. to get it going. add something to it every day. don't spend single dollar bills or change. spend only $5.00 dollar bills and up. the small stuff all goes into the fund daily. you'll be amazed how much less you spend on all the small stuff that adds up fast. all 'extra' monies like from a garage sale, rebate, overtime pay , loose change in the sofa etc goes into the fund.it's a simple, painless way to reach your goal .
PRO
A Crew of Two
13 years ago
You can paint the back splash. New counter tops. Adding some boards to trim out the doors like below- sand and paint and it's a whole new kitchen for minimal work and money. Your hardware is gorgeous. The floors are perfect. A new sink if it's in the budget.
Kitchen · More Info
PRO
Mottles Murals Ceramic Tiles
13 years ago
I notice from reading the above comments that a new back splash with subway tiles was mentioned a few times. I make kiln fired decorated ceramic tiles for kitchen and bath rooms. I can make any of my offered selections on subway tiles or any glazed tile. Good luck with your kitchen. I love the vintage look.
apple_pie_order
13 years ago
Realistically, many parents find complete kitchen renovations are lower priority than other things. I suggest replacing the laminate countertops, get new backsplash, and replace the black sink. If you like the faucet, you can re-use it. Add undercabinet lighting- it will add the most bang per buck in terms of brightening up the kitchen, even if you do nothing else. Get a new sink with extra holes for dish soap and hand soap to reduce clutter on countertops. Your countertops, by the way, are remarkably decluttered for a kitchen with a new baby in house.

If you want a change under $100, add undercabinet lighting and use paint or Contact paper or vinyl wallpaper to cover the backsplash.
mousemaker
13 years ago
anyone with an older home should be concerned about lead paint. you should have it tested, particularly if you have young children. that might answer your questions for you.
apple_pie_order
13 years ago
@eye69, it is customary to start your own discussion topic. That way, you will get relevant responses, too.
Belle La Vue
13 years ago
I really like your cabinets and love the layout as well. Changeout countertop and backsplash. I agree with undercounter lighting and also change out overhead light. When budget allows, update appliances.
Belle La Vue
13 years ago
Eye69, when you start your own discussion topic don't forget to post pictures!
PRO
Rustica Hardware
13 years ago
If your looking for butcher block countertops there are many choices available at Chop Bloc. You choose your type of wood, how thick, how the edge looks etc. Experts will answer your questions. See: http://chopbloccuttingboards.com/butcher-block-countertops/
pool103
13 years ago
I think green subway tiles would be great to add a little more color. I would also use a black laminate countertop as I love the contrast of the black and white. Also, add a touch of color above the sink with inexpensive metal sign or one of the press on wall sayings you can find nowadays...very inexpensive. I love your cute kitchen...just these small details would increase it's charm...Good luck!
User
13 years ago
Your after kitchen looks exactly like mine, but your still left in dark hole.. Best thing I have ever done was to open up the wall over the stove to make a bar / pass through to the living room. (keep the range hood) just go from under the cabinets to counter top. Extend the counter top out and now you have a bar. It makes the kitchen and living area so much bigger and inviting. You are no longer cut off and in dark hole. It was less than $800. Add some bar stools on the other side and you essentially have created another living area.. And at night - the light from the range hood lights the living room.. nice soft glow.. Open up - you won't regret it..
Kizr12 m
13 years ago
This kitchen has a lot of charm, the layout is good.....I'd keep it. Backsplash, paint, new countertop....maybe Ikea butcherblock? An updated range hood placed a little higher (remove the cabinet over the stove) with backsplash tile running to the ceiling behind it might open things up visually.
Nancy
13 years ago
I waited 20 years to have the kitchen of my "dreams." Even then, it took a flood for me to have the creative energy to re do the kitchen. Raising children is hard work. That being said, after all was complete, the biggest bang for the buck are the under cabinet lights. Try that first... you actually can live with many things on your wish list for long time. I am having trouble imagining a black sink... I like the idea of stainless steel. Your hardware is perfect and your layout is as well. Things happen, your refrigerator will die, then you'll replace it with the one you love. When I was sick of my cabinets, I trimmed and painted them. It was quick, easy and cheap. Even after the flood, we kept those cabinets. You will love your floors for a very long time, we have.
mchellerollings
13 years ago
i love the vintage kitchen. i would never change them. you can't buy that kind of charm. just paint the walls a different color and add some vintage accessories
aniluap2
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
Did not read through all the comments but subway tile with light charcoal grey grout ( see the latest Houzz bathroom redo) and ikea butcher lock counters will give you the most bang for your buck.
User
13 years ago
You don't need to do a whole renovation! Your floor and cabinets look sooooo good! I can see you like color and that is what I like too! I would use a bold fun color to lighten it up with a backsplash. I love your rug and zigzag window covering. Ou would really be surprised how much adding color to the backsplash will update your kitchen. The other thing I would do is change your light fixture to something brighter and more contemporary! Looking good girlfriend. Don't stress it.
pjjohncox
13 years ago
To get the biggest bang for your buck: Rust-o-leum makes a great kit for refinishing your cabinets and one for refinishing your counter tops. You can get a 2 sided adhesive plastic to put a new backsplash with. You just have to use the appropriate thin and lightweight tiles. With really very little $ and effort you will see a big difference in your kitchen! Also, remember to keep your refrigerator and counter tops cleared off. It gives the space a clean more open feel. Have fun!
Tina Barus
13 years ago
I just painted by countertops with Gianni paints. It was very easy and they look great. Saved me a lot of money since there was nothing wrong wiht the coumter top, I just wanted a color change.
chindowney
13 years ago
SoCal Grtgs-

Based on your concern about a "dark hole" I'd start with undercabinet lighting. This will change the feeling of the entire space and greatly improve working enviroronment. It may also change your feelings about backsplash and counter colors and textures. (I pefer low voltage lights which put out less heat)

On the backsplash start with paint. Play with colors. Stay with one you like or replace with a material of that color.

Counters can be painted (and color changed and then touched up if needed!) or you can add new laminate very easily if the counter is perfectly flat.

Bottom line= lights first then try paint, live with the results for a while, replace materials later.
leefordp
13 years ago
For the counters....I can tell you that we did our own "beer budget" upgrade and went with a high def laminate...looks a little like granite. Very happy with it! I also love the butcher block idea, but you have to be careful with staining (like beets- temporary, but annoying), and scorching from a hot pot (had that happen to a wooden chopping block once). I have a friend who is the "paint diva" at the local Benjamin Moore dealer, and I know they make paints that are meant to redo counter tops, but I don't have feed back on the performance. Good luck! I love the steps you've already taken!
designgirl178
13 years ago
I think opening up the kitchen by taking doors off a few wall cabinets and painting the inside a contrasting color would be cheap and add visual space and color. Also painting the lower cabinets a different color will bring them into the current times. Adding different hardware--if you haven't already, would be a good change. Adding crown molding will add character to the kitchen. You could also do the replacement door and drawer fronts which would be a cheaper way to go. Unless you want to move major things like walls, appliances etc. then I wouldn't change out the cabinets now. It's a cute kitchen now. New isn't always better, just more expensive.
Tillie OKelley
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
My itty bitty kitchen looks just like yours, except my stove is on the left side and my dishwasher is where your stove is located. I have a pass-through and a bar (kind of, not really big enough to do any good and cuts into the dining area). My cabinets are the white with natural wood trim, which I painted different colors. (The wood trim). We tiled the floor with 17" ceramic tiles and I am going to do glass tiles on the backsplash. Excuse the messy kitchen...didn't anticipate taking a picture of it tonight. LOL. I actually need some ideas on how to make my kitchen seem bigger, also. Am attaching some pics.
Tillie OKelley
13 years ago
I would also like to change out the countertops with some kind of stone or something really durable, anything other than the gray laminate.
Tillie OKelley
13 years ago
Here are two more.
PRO
Stamps Design Services
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
I vote make small changes, so you don't cringe everytime you go into the kitchen. You can replace the backsplash and countertops using laminate countertops and 1" tiles for backsplash, which are easy to cut and fit. There are many more but here are a few to give you some ideas.
Tillie OKelley
13 years ago
Thanks. As you can see, I'm not afraid of color.
aniluap2
13 years ago
Look at quartzite or silestone it comes in bright colors and is very durable.
juniperjo
13 years ago
If you're not going to change out your cabinets for some time, I'd do a white Caesarstone and then do a tile backsplash with mostly white tiles and "accent" tiles in the same jewel tones you've painted the wood trim on your cabinets. You could use 2x2 tiles. Very inexpensive (the tiles, not the counters -- Caesarstone isn't cheap).
Tillie OKelley
13 years ago
Thanks! I really want something like a micro polished porcelain that I saw several years ago, and haven't seen since. It's white with confetti colored specks. This is our "forever" home, so I'm decorating to please US, not a future buyer. I like your idea about white tiles for the backsplash with accent tiles. I can make the glass accent tiles myself. I think I will probably be looking at Silestone countertops. Where do you find quartzite countertops?
aniluap2
13 years ago
You can look online for retailers in your area...usually kitchen contractors.
aniluap2
13 years ago
Another option which could be funky is colored polished cement. You can customize to whatever color you want. I saw blue ones that were stunning
gypsyrose17
13 years ago
Remove the back splash prior to installing new counters or you may end up with damage to your new countertop when removing it or a gap if there is a difference in thickness. Granite and quartz are pretty cheap right now...often the same as the price of laminate or butcher block...doesn't hurt to check all your options.
Tillie OKelley
13 years ago
Thank you. What I'd like to do is put the new countertop on top of the existing counter, to raise the height of the counter so my back doesn't hurt so much. I think very short people lived here before me. :(. Is it feasible to put a stone countertop on top of a laminate?
gypsyrose17
13 years ago
RE placing new countertop over existing...it all depends on the condition of your existing one...any stone, quartz, recycled glass, need perfectly level surface to avoid cracks, they also need to be sure it can hold the weight of the new counters....in my case the subsurface needed replacing, it was about $200 including labor.. If they do remove it, they remove the existing surface down to the subsurface .. they don't sledgehammer it out like on tv remodel shows...if they want to use a sledgehammer on your counters find a new contractor!,
mountainglory
13 years ago
Getting more light onto your counters will help as well as a new ceiling fixture and how about a light tint of color on the ceiling? I like your cabinets and your layout
Kate
13 years ago
Hi, You are getting a lot of good advice. I've been waiting 15 years for the "new kitchen". So I recommend a small face lift now. If you go directly to a laminate counter top maker, you will get a better price. They can make it with out the 4 inch back splash, and you can get a nice rolled edge. With out the 4 inch back splash, the tile for the back splash will look better. And I agree under cabinet lighting is wonderful, and you will not feel so much like a black hole. I just did this in my laundry room, and painted the old cabinet. You will never regret spending the money, if it's going to be years before the BIG redo! Good Luck! :) (Sun is streaming in, so the photos are not the best.)
nancy22032
13 years ago
this is for Tillie oKelly - What a clever idea to paint your cabinets that way - it gives a "happy" look to your room. Smart use of color can really improve any room. These black & gray rooms I find depressing.
Tillie OKelley
13 years ago
Thank you, Nancy! It made a HUGE difference for very little money and time.
feeny
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
@Tillie: I just want to say your kitchen is the only one I have ever seen where you have found a way to make those odd wood-edged cabinets from the 1980's look fresh and fun. Usually a complete refacing is the only option. Clever you! It looks kind of like a Mondrian painting, but in rainbow colors. I also love two-toned and three-toned paint jobs on older cabinetry:
My Houzz: Sunny and Cheerful DIY Home in Minnesota · More Info

Kitchen · More Info
Tillie OKelley
13 years ago
Thank you! My neighbors have all said I made the house "happy". The office upstairs is teal and lime! And I just had the master bath re-done....I did say I like colors, didn't I?
sarapaul04
13 years ago
How about an accent color on the interior of the glass front cabinets? New accent rugs and window valance?
mchellerollings
13 years ago
Love the idea of putting small tiles between the upper and lower cabinets. This is an inexpensive update that adds some color and you could do it yourself to save $.
nancy22032
13 years ago
The house I bought two years ago has dark wine countertops - I have tried under cabinet lighting, going with the color for curtains, towels, but it is dark and nothing helps. I will replace the countertops soon and have not decided what I will use, but the dark one just soaks up all the light from the big window and fixtures. I encourage you to go for a cheap lighter color countertop asap. I have lived with laminate countertops most of my life (what an improvement over the tile ones I grew up with) and they are very durable and maintenance free. Which is important when you have children to raise. Good luck.

Kitchen save up and go big or little DIY changes?

Comments (65)

Related Professionals

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US