Ok, we’re calling it. The kitchen is officially done!
Of course that’s a lie and we still have a bunch of little things to complete, like:
- adding decorative molding to the back of the peninsula
- adding a message center/chalk board to the side of the pantry
- adding the last of the transitions/reducers to finish the floors (and that rectangle of fireplace tile)
- replacing the broken light in the fireplace area – most likely with a spotlight that washes down the fireplace wall
- adding some sort of window treatment (colorful roman shade?) over the sink
And of course we dream of refinishing the surrounding oak floors to match the dark mocha cork in the kitchen so our whole house is more seamless (more on that here) but that’s a down-the-line thing. Thankfully all of the big stuff and most of the small stuff in the kitchen is checked off the list and we’re so excited to see how this room has transformed in the last five months. Can you believe we’ve been slowly chipping away at this renovation since October?! Things have definitely come a long way…
Just to save you from scrolling back, here’s the before again for comparison’s sake.
It really doesn’t even feel like the same room anymore. We can hardly remember the dark paneled kitchen that we lived with for almost a year while we planned our remodel and saved our pennies.
Here’s the makeover from the other side of the room:
And here’s a before and after shot from a similar angle where we opened up the wall to create a nice big doorway between the kitchen and the dining room:
Oh and here’s another fun before and after comparison (from the doorway of the office that leads into the kitchen):
Here are a few more POVs of the room as it looks now:
Lots of things are still in flux (items on the counters and shelves will definitely rotate in and out, which is fun for a kook like me). And these two 4 x 6′ rugs from our first house’s kitchen and third bedroom aren’t permanent…
… we just tossed them down for a few shots, but we envision getting something new to help define those areas (they’re old and stained and not as soft underfoot as a few other options, so we’ll keep you posted).
Oh and when it comes to the bar stools that we debated spray painting anything from a bright color to oil-rubbed bronze, now that the floor is so dark the silver color ties into the stainless appliances and looks nice and balanced in person. So we might live with them a while before we decide to defile them with spray paint or anything. Of course we’ll keep you posted.
And we actually have one more tweak that we’re seriously thinking about ever since a reader sent us a photoshopped picture of our hood with the top as wide as the bottom part (thanks Brooke!). She actually sent the pic on the 15th of February, but we decided to wait to finish up the kitchen (add the flooring, etc) before making any rash decisions…
The good news is that we’re still smitten with the idea, so all signs point to beefing up the neck of the range hood someday! Of course we’ll keep you posted on that too.
But back to the overview of our big kitchen makeover. We definitely got really hands-on with this transformation (especially when compared to our first kitchen reno, which we managed but mostly outsourced, my how things change). It just goes to show you that over time you can learn as you go and five years later you might be way more comfortable doing a lot more than you did the first time around. Here are some of the things we did in our current kitchen to save money:
- doing all of the drywalling and trim on our wall opening into the dining room
- relocating things like our fridge, pantry, and stove to make a better work triangle by ourselves
- refinishing our original cabinets and reusing our faucet and sink
- getting additional base cabinets from the Habitat For Humanity ReStore to create a peninsula
- reselling things on Craigslist (our old granite, dishwasher, over the range microwave, wall oven, dining table, and fireplace insert)
- going with Corian over pricier granite or marble
- buying on-sale appliances over a tax-free weekend with Energy Star discounts stacked on top of that
- building our own cabinet around the fridge
- scoring our $350 range hood for just $60 on craigslist
- doing all of our own tile installation with on-sale penny tile
- building our own range hood cover and shelves
- buying inexpensive metal lab stools from a school supply website
- getting pendant lamps for over the peninsula on the cheap from a local outlet
- spray painting an old $29 Pottery Barn outlet pendant to match the others for over the sink
- getting clearanced-out cork for the floors that we laid ourselves
And here’s an actual budget breakdown:
- New cork floor + underlayment from Lumber Liquidators (including the cork in the laundry room too): $848
- All new stainless appliances (originally priced at $3,776): $2,129 (we originally spent $2,384, but later switched the microwave)
- Opening the doorway into the dining room, which was done by a local contractor and then finished by us: $790 (which includes $90 of materials that we bought to drywall and trim it out)
- Additional base cabinets from the Habitat For Humanity ReStore to create peninsula: $88 (they would have been $500+ new)
- New pendants over island and sink: $149 ($60 for each globe pendant and $29 for the one over the sink)
- The cabinet we built around the fridge so it looks built-in: $90
- All electrical work (done by local pros over three visits): $711
- Wood filler, primer, and paint for refinishing the cabinets: $69
- JennAir range hood scored on craigslist (worth $350): $60
- Wood and brackets to hang/frame out hood: $115
- Wood & brackets & all hanging materials to make shelves: $141
- Corian counters in Glacier White from Home Depot ($33 a square foot): $1,700
- All new cabinet hardware and hinges: $173
- Backsplash (penny tile from The Tile Shop): $280
- Four industrial lab stools (from a school supply store): $168 (they were just $33 each plus shipping)
- Miscellaneous (screws, nails, glue, little cords/connectors for appliances, flooring & tiling supplies like grout and sealer, shoe molding, etc): $194
- Items we sold on craigslist to get money back to put into our reno: old black microwave: +$90, old fireplace insert: +$60, old dining table and chairs: +$120, old bisque dishwasher: +$90, old granite: +$350, old bisque wall oven: +$40 (total back: +$750)
- TOTAL SPENT: $6,955
Not bad since a large kitchen renovation of this scale (our room is 24′ x 12′), if outsourced would probably be around 30K (for a giant new doorway that leads to the dining room, an accent wall of penny tile to the ceiling, all new cork floors, all new appliances, refacing oak cabinets and adding a peninsula to match the original cabinets, all new Corian counters including a giant 3 x 5′ slab for the peninsula, an entirely new lighting plan, a built-in hood with custom built shelves, a relocated pantry, stove, and built-in fridge, etc). We originally budgeted 10K for the job, so we’re really happy to come in under!
By contrast, our first kitchen renovation (from back when we both made bank working in advertising, haha) involved pricey granite, a lot more professional help, and all new cabinets.
It actually came to $20,500 (including the purchase of a fridge and stove that weren’t included in this breakdown since we bought them a year prior). And that room was only 13′ x 10′!
So although this second kitchen reno took us tons of time (we started this project back in October, and have probably put 5-10 hours a week into it since then – for a total of around 155 hours) it was definitely something that we loved doing – mostly on nights and during weekend Clara-naps. We almost never worked on it during the day on weekdays (when the blog is active and the bean’s awake one of us is a stay at home parent and one of us is on blog duty) so that might help those of you with a day job who wonder if you can pull off a major kitchen remodel like this on nights and weekends.
You can! It might just span across five months or so, but as long as you take things one small project at a time (it’s waaaay less intimidating than thinking of it as one big project when you break things down into bite-sized chunks) you’ll most likely live to tell the tale. And all the love and sweat that you put into your “new” kitchen will be totally worth it in the end.
Who’s excited to call this turkey done? Is anyone else out there about to start a big kitchen reno? What have you guys done when it comes to being hands on and saving some money by doing things yourself? We’d love for everyone to share tips about how they renovated their kitchen on a budget so this post can become an awesome resource for anyone out there who is thinking about getting started and would love to peruse a bunch of what-worked-for-me tips! And now we just owe Clara and Burger a big thank you: for sleeping through all the hammering and drilling and just generally being such great little DIY enthusiasts (Clara still loves to measure the cabinets with her tape measure since she remembers us doing it months ago).
A five month long kitchen reno can definitely “interrupt” daily life, but our little ones are such troopers, so we’re sending them both a big virtual kiss for their patience and excitement throughout the loooong and not-always-easy process! Our tip is to try to maintain as many working appliances as possible (which is easier when you’re working with your existing cabinets, but nearly impossible when it’s a full gut job). We only had a few days without most of them, if that, which was no sweat! In fact it totally paled in comparison to the 113 days that we were without our first house’s kitchen during that reno. Thank goodness for extension cords to keep the fridge running and the fact that moving our stove across the room didn’t mean losing the function of it!
Psst- To check out virtually every post about our kitchen renovation, click here, here, here, here, and here (hooray for monthly breakdown posts that have 20+ links in one place!).
Kellie says
I cannot believe that grand total! You guys did SO much on SO little! And it looks so fantastic, completely custom and professional. I have to admit I wasn’t crazy about the chartruese wall color at first but now I am sooo smitten. (I knew I would be when the whole vision was pulled together. It was a total “wait for it.. wait for it.. situation for me. ;))
Also want to mention I am so impressed with your “it’s about the journey” attitude toward renovating. It takes serious patience to save that kind of dough. I am still in awe over how beautiful it turned out. Well done!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Kellie! I love how you described it as a “wait for it… wait for it” situation. We have those too! A lot of times it’s hard to see the end in the middle, but we just tweak as we go and it tends to be ok! Thankfully lots of DIY things are re-DIYable if you don’t like ’em!
xo,
s
Ashley @ Any Lovely Thing says
Wow, you guys. Stunning.
xo,
Ashley
anylovelything.com
Merritt says
I’m sure you answered this at some time, but I can’t remember/can’t find it…where did you get the little yellow radio (the one with the white apple on top, underneath the picture)? I love it! The kitchen looks GORGEOUS by the way, y’all must be so happy and relieved to have it done and looking so spectacular!
YoungHouseLove says
That radio is by Tivoli Audio and we got it for sale from jossandmain.com!
xo,
s
Mindy Gallagher says
Wow…you two are incredibly talented! The kitchen looks amazing and you guys are inspiring! I have been on the search for counter stools for over a year now and absolutely love the idea of lab stools and how clean and simple they are, but have a great design aesthetic too! My hubby is a scientist and myself a designer..and those stools are just that…perfection of balance! Can you give me the website you ordered them from?
Thank you so much and congrats not only on a brand “New” Kitchen, but for all you and your hubby have accomplished!
Thanks, Mindy from MN
YoungHouseLove says
It was called School Outfitters – here’s a post for ya: https://www.younghouselove.com/2011/12/stool-boom/
xo,
s
Tuyet says
You guys have done an AMAZING job! I love the ‘after’! You deserve LOTS of pats on the back!
Lisa says
It looks amazing! You guys should totally dip the feet of the stools in a bright paint! Just for a little splash of color, because you’re right – it is nice how they tie in the appliances. Just a thought! Great work.
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh that’s another fun possibility!
xo,
s
Rhiana says
I just put a chalkboard in the kitchen. I used magnetic paint first and then painted over it with the chalkboard paint so it would be magnetic as well. My little guy has fun with the magnets and chalk!
YoungHouseLove says
Fun!
xo,
s
rachael says
Stunning!!! I just love everything about it! You guys are such an inspiration. Ever think about painting the kitchen ceiling to make those beams pop? Even if you did it a lighter version of the wall color?
ps. I totally found your “book” on amazon last night, is it OK to pre-order already?
YoungHouseLove says
Love that you found our book! Oh yes, it’s official, so you can pre-order it now or wait until the pic pops up once we finalize the cover. Ack, so excited! As for the ceiling, I like the idea of a softer tone than the walls (we worry the same tone will make folks look yellow/green/sick since it could reflect down on everyones faces).
xo,
s
Dawn says
What a great looking kitchen! I admire your ability to see the “after” when you’re buying the “before”. The possibilities!!
I was showing my friend your blog and noticed in the “about” section that you are still 29. Are you pulling a Jack Benny??(I think he said he was 29 until he died at the age of 80).
YoungHouseLove says
Bwahahaha, off to change that right now! I actually thought “I have to change that” on Monday but it was a big birthday so I forgot! Haha.
xo,
s
Katie says
This is absolutely inspiring. I am completely blown away at the transformation. And I also have a question…maybe I didn’t read thoroughly enough, but where oh where did you find those stools? I searched “industrial stools” and “school supply store” etc. but to no avail. They are just perfect for this space (and maybe for my future apartment too). Thank you!!
YoungHouseLove says
Here’s a post about that (with a screen shot of the store where we bought them): https://www.younghouselove.com/2011/12/stool-boom/
Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Alison says
You guys are so inspirational! Seriously, I am so impressed by your skills (both in the reno and in budgeting!)
Sherri says
In a word- REMARKABLE!! Love the various views you have shown and your amazing attention to detail.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Sherri!
xo,
s
Kristi says
Opening up that wall, was a good call…All that natural light, is so nice. Good work you two!
-Kristi
Katie says
Congratulations John and Sherry! I love how bright and cheery it is. Enjoy!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Katie!
xo,
s
Kathleen says
What an amazing transformation. You’ve probably answered this before, but I was wondering if the previous owners are looking at your blog and seeing what you are doing? I’m sure they love it!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, they actually read along! It’s sweet because they’re great sports about it. They say they love watching us do all the work! Haha.
xo,
s
heather leigh says
I absolutely love your home! The white with pops of color looks so fresh and sophisticated. Great job on all the DIY work and keeping it on such a tight budget. You give me hope for the future of our old house!
Ashley T says
Hey, I was just wondering where you got the jars that you have sitting on the counter top with the flour and sugar?!
Thanks and btw it looks great!! I read every day and can’t wait to see what you’ve come up with – your a great inspiration!
YoungHouseLove says
Those were from West Elm a while back, but I’ve seen similar ones at HomeGoods and Pier1!
xo,
s
Jenny says
You guys do great work!
Does Clara ever get up from her nap and notice what you’ve changed? Could be a fun “what’s new around the house” activity…
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, yes! Sometimes we show her (ex: look at all the tile we put up while you were dreaming!) and sometimes she runs up to something and says “ooh, new floor!” like she did when we started the cork.
xo,
s
Stephanie says
Y’all are so cute. I want to come play at your house one day. I always tell my husband that I wished we worked together ala Ray and Charles Eames. Although I watched a documentary lately that said he cheated on her…broke my heart.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh no, that is totally heartbreaking!
xo,
s
Katie says
Just gorgeous! I think if I had to pick one thing that made the most difference it would have to be the wall you opened up. The cabinets, cork floors, and penny tile are all so beautiful, but opening that wall just brought in so much natural light and created such a better flow with the rest of this house. You guys did such an amazing job, BRAVO!!!!!
Amazing! says
This is so truly inspiring, thank you for sharing. You two should totally have a home makeover show where you go in and redo a whole house ;) . Its just an amazing transformation!! For the amount you spent, you added ten fold to the house value! I can’t wait to see what is next in store and for the book!!
P.s. I have been so inspired from your posts, ive tried a few myself! I’ve done my own horizonatal stripes like your guest bathroom in my entry way, painted my brand new (yikes) wood kitchen cabinets tiffany blue, and even made my new little niece the “butterfly” mobile you made for clara.
I am hoping to tile my backsplash soon, but am just waiting for the right tile ;P I know I will be rereading those posts soon to make sure I get it just right!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, thanks! It’s so fun to hear all the projects you’ve tackled! And good luck with that backsplash!
xo,
s
Amy A says
Long time reader, frist time commentor. :) Congrats on being done! I love your blog and find you guys so inspiring. I’m excited to read your book in the fall!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much Amy!
xo,
s
Jenny @ DIY Newlyweds says
Congratulations on such a gorgeous makeover! The planning, renovation, and final product are amazing! I’m tired just thinking about how much work went into the final product.
Nicole says
Kitchen looks awesome!
A bit off topic…but have you guys done a one year follow up on the ever popular cloth diapering post? I’m thinking of buying my first set (a bit premature considering I’m only 3 months pregnant, but oh well!) and would like to know how they’re holding up!
Nicole
YoungHouseLove says
We have done a follow up post a while back (around a year into it) and we’re happy to report all is the same! We still use the same 12 cloth diapers we purchased over two yeas ago and they work well and still look adorable! Best money we ever spent! We totally recommend them.
xo,
s
Cailin says
I love the stove exhaust hood larger it feels more anchored and feels like its supposed to be there. Hope to see the transformation :)
Lindsey says
Amazing!! Love how the white brightens the whole room and love the pops of color!
Stephanie says
Are you in love with your new kitchen, or what? If I was you I’d just stand there all day staring at it.
Also, when you started the re-do I wasn’t crazy about the wall paint color, but now seeing everything done together, I think it looks awesome. You guys have some great vision.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Stephanie! We do love it in there. We used to never go in there, and now it’s totally the “hangout” where we always end up.
xo,
s
Kiki says
Thanks for the budget breakdown! You’ve mentioned this a few times and I am totally not trying to change your minds (you have amazing taste!), but I wanted to say something about your plan to refinish the floors. I totally dig dark floors too and love your cork! But I also kind of love looking at your photos and seeing the distinction between your rooms because of the flooring colors and different textures. There is still a great flow, mostly through the colors you use (also great!!) and the style of yours which carries nicely throughout. BUT. There is something kind of lovely (to me) about having a little bit of contrast, and so I love seeing the photos where the kitchen floors meet up with the other rooms. Again, not to knock your plans or anything else, just wanted to say that I kinda dig it as it.
And will continue to dig it until you change it. I’m sure it will look amazing after, too!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha thanks Kiki! I think in person it looks weirdly disjointed, but it could just be because so many other aspects of the dining room and living room and entryway are unfinished. Maybe we’ll add rugs and lighting and furniture and dig the look too! We’ll definitely give it a lot of thought before pulling the trigger!
xo,
s
Anita says
LOOOOOOVE what y’all did here! And that you were able to reuse/repurpose/sell things is just the icing on top!
JacquiBee says
Yay! what a fantastic job you have done. I love how it looks, and I’m so inspired by you. We’re still waiting for the insurance and New Zealand Govt department in charge of earthquakes to let us demolish our broken house and get on with building the new one, so when I feel stuck and disheartend I come here and get cheered right up. What a great achievement.I’m so in love with how bright and light it is.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks JacquiBee! Here’s hoping your wait ends soon!
xo,
s
ElsieZyel says
I noticed that a lot of people have been commenting suggesting you paint or upholster the seats of the stools. I think they look great as-is, but if you really wanted to do something, a bold stencil on the wood part would look really cool. I am amazed that you did all that in the kitchen for so little! It looks gorgeous. What does Clara think of the new kitchen? Does she notice all the changes?
YoungHouseLove says
She does! She loves finding the changes in the morning! When the new floors went in she was so excited, it was really cute.
xo,
s
Pam August says
call me crazy but I think a orangy-red roman shade (or a pattern containing orangey red) would look wicked awesome in contrast to the yellow/blue/green accents
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh that could be pretty! Those tones are in the lady swimming art, so it might be cute!
xo
s
Rachel @ Common to Moms says
Your kitchen is STUNNING! I am so impressed and inspired to start in the rooms of my house with just one little step at a time now. In the “during” process of each room I think “yeah, I’m not sure how that is going to turn out…” Then every time you finish a room I go, “THAT is the best room yet!” … First your guest room, then Clara’s room, then the laundry room, your living room and now the kitchen. They are ALL my favorite rooms I have ever seen… You have out done yourselves again.
Picture me giving you a standing ovation in front of my computer :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, thanks so much Rachel! You’re so sweet! I’m giving you an ovation right back because you guys keep us going! You inspire us so much!
xo,
s
Vanessa says
Wow! Absolutely beautiful! You did a wonderful job! You guys are inspiring! I hope that my husband and I can do some DIY projects around the house soon! It feels a bit daunting and scary at times. But you’re right–focus on one thing at a time! Keep up the great work with your home and blog!
Renee says
Your kitchen looks amazing. It’s been fun watching the transition. We have carpet in our kitchen now (what were they thinking!?) and after reading your posts, we may look into cork flooring as well.
Karen M. says
You guys rocked it! Looks BEAUTIFUL!
Please come to Rhode Island to help with my dark wood cabinets.
My husband just doesn’t want to hear about painting them white. What’s a girl to do?
YoungHouseLove says
I would save pics of kitchens with white cabinets and show him! Sometimes it’s hard to picture things, so photos of “inspiration rooms” can help!
xo,
s
Elisabeth says
I’m so impressed with your final kitchen transformation. I think I’m even more impressed with your patience with the process, but what a fun adventure! I can definitely see why you were chosen to write a DIY book. Please let us know when it will be on shelves!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Elisabeth! Will do!
xo,
s
Beth C says
The kitchen looks great! You guys are such an inspiration!
Penny says
I love it, it’s wonderful! You guys worked so hard and have fantastic results to show for it! Your blog is the first thing I check in the morning as you are so inspiring!
Now, completely off topic, but I know how you feel about Pinterest and wanted to break the news that they’ve changed the whole layout! It’s so frustrating as they just show the last thing you pinned on each board, with little thumbnails at the bottom. They are getting a lot of negative feedback-here’s an article about it:http://techcrunch.com/2012/03/21/it-wasnt-broke-but-pinterest-fixed-it-now-users-hate-it/
I’m hoping they will listen and change it back or at least give us an option.
YoungHouseLove says
I haven’t even seen it yet! Thanks for the tip. Off to check it out!
xo,
s
Jamie Heard Smith says
http://senatobiasmiths.blogspot.com/2012/03/now-thats-more-like-it.html
My recent kitchen renovation on a VERY TIGHT budget! I loved keeping up with yours along the way!
YoungHouseLove says
Amazing! Congrats Jamie!
xo,
s
Mary says
Amazing! How did you guys get your appliances for such a great price?
YoungHouseLove says
We just sort of stalked the prices for a while and when we learned it was tax free weekend and Lowe’s was letting people stack an energy star discount on top of that (as well as 5% off for using your credit card) we pounced!
xo,
s
Jessie says
You guys have done a superb job!!! i am toally impressed!!! I so wish I would have found you guys years ago! I am sooo motivated but still so scared (to take up some DIY projects)!
Yet, I have somehow managed to convince the hubby to redo the stais in our house. We have carpet and so want wood steps. We shall see how that goes!!!
Love your style, love your home! THANKS for sharing with us!!!
Amanda L says
This is why I read your blog. I am blown away by the before and after of this project!! You never cease to amaze me with the work you do. Congrats on a kitchen that puts most of the ones in magazines to shame. I am totally jealous! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Amanda! So sweet of you to say that.
xo,
s
Adrienne J says
Great job guys!! I don’t think my entire kitchen reno will be that cheap but I hope to cut back like you did by DIYing lots of stuff! I’ve learned so much from your kitchen makeover. Thanks!
Shantay says
Three words:
Ah. May. Zing!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Shantay!
xo,
s
Deidre says
What a lovely transformation! I love before and after shots, but even more so when the progress made is broken down into projects that I could actually complete. Thanks for all you share on this site!!
Kristin says
I am beyond impressed at the before and after. What a transformation!!! We undertook a lot of the small stuff in our kitchen ourselves (all the painting, some installation, some carpentry, under cabinet lighting, minor plumbing, etc.), but we still spent a good amount due to the work we had to undertake (like replacing all of the cabinets). However, I know we saved a good amount by doing what we did, but came in nowhere near a <$7K renovation. That's definitely some bang for your buck. Good work, as always. I know it feels good. :)
Summer says
Thanks for the inspiration. We’re getting ready to redo our kitchen, and I am constantly showing my fiancé pictures of yours to say, “See, doesn’t that tile look amazing!”. It really helps me get my way. Thanks!
Judy says
I like how y’all sometimes edit your photos by adding stuff in and taking stuff out to help you envision the end product. Do y’all use Photoshop or is there another photo editing software program out there? Thanks! BTW, great job on the kitchen. In fact, I called The Tile Shop to order penny tile, but the shipping was $30!
YoungHouseLove says
We usually use Photoshop since we have it on our computer, but we hear good things about a free software called Gimp so maybe that’s worth a try? So sorry shipping the tile was so pricey!
xo,
s
Grace says
This is soooo awe-inspiring. My hubby & I are fairly newlywed & I dream oh dream of being able to renovate & decorate our own place someday. I love how bright the kitchen is & I’m sooo glad you changed those tiles! Forget eating at restaurants, we’ll eat at your house anytime :)
~Grace
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Grace! Come on over!
xo,
s