I’m so thrilled with the way this kitchen turned out. I had it all pictured in my mind and to see it come to fruition is thrilling. I remember the day the cabinets arrived, I was just giddy with excitement! I couldn’t stop taking pictures and texting them to everyone, the poor installer I’m sure wasn’t too thrilled that I kept clicking photos of him. Let’s take a look of what it looked like before.
The original kitchen was just off the entryway and was quite small. There was only 1 large upper cabinet, 1 upper corner cabinet, a couple of small cabinets, 1 bank of drawers and the island. I knew that this would never do, but with a little imagination and a lot of work we were able to relocate the kitchen into the former den area. Not only did this allow for more than double the storage and countertop space, but I love that the two windows that flanked the fireplace, now flank my range.
The first step was removal of the mantle, fireplace, green carpet and tile. We rented an oscillating machine that was supposed to remove the tile (it’s pictured behind my husband), however we soon discovered that there was a metal mesh that was stapled to the sub-floor that the tile was adhered to and it didn’t work! So, it was just a lot of muscle and sweat to remove all that tile.
It took us a full day with the help of my 77 year-old dad, Stephanie and her husband Dan, and 2 of the grand kids! We did it the old-fashioned way, sledgehammer, crowbars and shovels. It felt so good to have that finished.
We were lucky that this area backed up to the laundry room, so all the plumbing was close by and it was not a huge expense to add the plumbing. A gas line was already in place for the range because of the fireplace. Electrical outlets were relocated counter height, can lighting was installed around the perimeter of the room and pendant lighting added for the island. I choose a “greige” paint color that I had loved in our previous home, Behr “Perfect Taupe” and had it lightened by 75% for the perfect color. Installation of the flooring followed the painting.
My heart was racing with excitement the day the cabinets arrived. I had it all pictured in my mind what my new kitchen would look like and now it was coming to fruition! We had custom cabinets built and installed with Mountain Crest Cabinet. They did a beautiful job, the price was very reasonable, I couldn’t be happier!
The following week my countertops arrived and were installed. I chose a black granite called Steel Grey and for the island Cashmere Carrara. Finally I had a functioning kitchen. It took us just 6 weeks to do the kitchen, not bad for a couple of amateurs.
A porcelain tile was chosen for the backsplash with a grey grout. I love the look that is gives without the expense of real marble. We were able to do this entire kitchen including appliances for $18,800. I placed a mirror above the kitchen sink that reflects the beautiful tree in my backyard. The fun pendant lights I found at Lowes, and the vintage looking clock on my vent shelf I found at a local nursery of all places.
I love the extra storage I have on the backside of the island. I even have space in my cupboards that I haven’t filled yet. The barstools I found on Houzz.com.
If you’re looking for a simple kitchen refresh, try an easy Kitchen Island Makeover for less than $200!
I’m not afraid of buying items used, or second hand. I found the double oven range on the online classifieds for only $400. It was only 2 years-old and one of the handles was scratched. We ordered a new handle and it was like new. What a steal, a double oven gas range for a total of $500.
The two cabinets on the side of the vent hood have seeded glass in the upper portion. This adds just the right amount of vintage to my new kitchen. The microwave is located in the island, along with pullout trash and recycling bins. The island is extra deep and provides tons of prep space. In the far corner of the kitchen I made open shelving from old iron brackets that I had on hand and an industrial pallet. I love that I now have space to display some of my cherished pieces from by grandparents.
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And as always here at Sunny Side Design we hope to . . .
BRING YOUR HOME TO THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET.
That’s a fantastic makeover! And good for you on keeping the cost reasonable!
Thank you Sheryll! We have to be very careful and creative with our limited funds. We think it is a lot more fun that way.