Does anyone even remember what the kitchen looked like when we started? It feels like forever ago! Let me refresh your memory.
Pretty unappealing, huh? And what’s more, we didn’t really have a lot of money to put towards the kitchen right now. We plan to do a full renovation in about 5 years, so we wanted to minimize the investment on the front end, but still wanted something we weren’t ashamed of.
Well, it’s really coming together now! (Please excuse the copious amounts of crap…we’re still working on getting the contractor out and us in.)
First we painted the kitchen (Morning Fog by Sherwin Williams), then we painted the cabinets and cabinet doors/drawers stark white. Those two things made a HUGE difference!! And thanks to our super wonderful family, the labor was free!
Next, we put in engineered hardwoods that we got at a steal from Lumber Liquidators. The materials cost for our entire kitchen and butler’s pantry was under $400. Seriously…a steal!
Our fridge was delivered a few weeks ago (from the Sears Outlet at more than half off), and we also installed a new sink faucet, garbage disposal, and gas range (found on Craigslist for $80). We also had the round ends of the peninsula cut off to make more room for the fridge.
And this past weekend, I finished installing the hardware. We found it online at 99centknobs.com where, you guessed it, the hardware is just 99 cents. Best. Discovery. Ever. We replaced the hardware in our entire kitchen for just $35!
Luckily we were able to salvage our hinges, and the new “antique” brass knobs and pulls match perfectly! Oh and I also lined the drawers and shelves with this fun liner. It makes me happy.
We’re still mulling over our countertop options, and we need to find a piece of furniture to go where the old (teeny tiny) fridge went, but it’s definitely taking shape!
Have you done any whole room makeovers on a budget lately? How did they turn out?
Can’t wait to see it Saturday!
Looking good! love how the only thing is the fridge is the essential – BEER! haha!
Well, you know…gotta have the basics! ;)
BTW… I could build in a basic shelving unit for your old fridge space…
Thanks for the offer! We actually found last night that we have a piece of furniture that fits in that space perfectly. But don’t worry, we’ve got some other projects for you if you’re up for it! :)
Such a big difference! We recently re-did our master bathroom on a major budget. But, even for the little amount of $$$ we did spend made such a big improvement! :)
Hi Kerri! It’s amazing what you can accomplish with even a small budget! Thanks for sharing! :)
It’s coming along very nicely. I love the colors you chose for the walls and cabinets. Ikea wood counters, would be very pretty. But really, there are so many choices that would look pretty in your cottage kitchen that it will be hard to chose.