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renovating a 100 yr old kitchen with little money

9 years ago


Thank god I am artist! those found object sculpture college courses are finally paying off!


The house is 100 years old and not well maintained. the kitchen has cheap cabinetry, oversized island, different formica tops of course and spray painted upper shelving


unit (silver). the floor- wow..... with the spray paint residue settled, the floor reflects some what of a natural "hay stack" look...... not to mention some tiles are missing. a

ppliance mismatched and the laundry room is the far wall of the ktichen with the air duct sticks out of the boarded up half window. ouch... eye soar.

Comments (9)

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    I am glad you have a good sense of humor. Do you own this home? I worry about how safe the electrical system is, have you had that inspected? Seeing the way the plumbing is run for the washer scares me to death about electricals. Paint is going to be your friend. I would paint the whole mess white. You can even paint that flooring, just get the right type of paint. You could at least get a better look. White and black would work pretty well in this kitchen. It would take some sweat for sure, but that would keep costs down. Let me find some photos for you for "artistic inspiration"! You didn't mention you were "brave" or "nuts"?! Just kidding, hope you get the humor there!

  • PRO
    9 years ago


    Bartholomew Rd · More Info
    With existing cabinets painted white you could try adding some wood countertops from recyle shops. And put a wood top on the island if it needs it. You can put vinyl tile flooring on top of what you have for now. Probably would need to be replaced but that is going to require massive amounts of dollars and effort. Stick on vinyl has stretched many a budget.

  • 9 years ago

    Is that exposed brick???? Be still my heart.

  • 9 years ago
    well, it's certainly a "unique" kitchen. that being said, it has the potential to be really beautiful, especially with that brick wall (flutter flutter went my heart as well). I'm unsure of your budget, but I'll also echo concerns about electrical and likely plumbing. you'll likely need to hire these out which will cost more than you'd like. perhaps this is a project that is best done in stages? because honestly, I'd gut this kitchen and start over given the state of
    .....everything? and that will also be more than you'd like. but once you get past electrical and plumbing issues, ikea is a great place to get affordable but decent quality cabinets. wood countertops are warm and decently durable, and only cost a fraction of stone. For flooring, ceramic tiles or LVT are affordable and can be diyed (LVT is probably easier to diy). if you do choose to start over, I'd reconsider the kitchen layout as it doesn't seem particularly functional.
  • 9 years ago
    I'll also add that if you're looking to save money, consider buying someone's old cabinets. in our area people sell full sets of old cabinets when theyre renovating for well under $1k. And often the cabinets are in great shape and only 5-10 yrs old.
  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Interesting. Keep your design very simple and industrial.

  • 9 years ago

    Are you the owner? Do you have a budget range in mind for the current changes?

  • 9 years ago

    Had the update been done? Would love to see the do.

    I would also support others with the issue of electrical and plumbing. It is a major issue in old homes. With the new standards, and the appliances you might want to check and inspect the lining first, before major use.

    Find a team who can help you with similar to the team of kitchen re-modelling in Toronto. They were a good help for my Friend Carol who bought a 1911 home there. They did assist her with the inspection procedures too and it didn’t cost much for the redo.