09.09
2013

Our Kitchen Makeover on a Budget (Phase 1)

I am finally going to show you the progress we have made in our kitchen! First, I want to give a few disclaimers. These aren’t true “after shots” because we aren’t finished with the kitchen but are taking a break from it for now to work on about forty million other projects in the house so I thought I would show you where we are at now. I am currently mid-way through making over the dining room, entry way, hall closet and powder room so about half of our downstairs is kind of a construction zone but at least now the kitchen, family room and den are tidy and presentable. And when you walk upstairs everything is still all a mess except for Lillie and Lola’s room (which I shared last week). I have finally made some decisions on the direction I want to go in the other bedrooms so I am excited to start working on them once we get the rest of the downstairs a little more under control.

The second we walked into the kitchen when we first saw this house we loved the open concept and the wood floors. Other than that I don’t think there was anything else we were crazy about. I would have loved to remodel the entire kitchen but seeing how we plan on completely gutting the master bath and expanding it and there are quite a few other projects to do in every single room we knew we it would be smarter financially to work with what we had in the kitchen and stick with just brightening it up and updating it vs. completely overhauling it. If we completely overhauled it that would mean no master bathroom updating and the master bath needed it a lot more than the kitchen so it was an easy decision. For this first phase we pretty much just replaced the appliances and hired a wonderful contractor to help us with building the hood. He also fixed up the ceiling and beam area where we pulled down the upper cabinets that divided the room. Other than that it was pretty much just painting and replacing the lighting and hardware!

For phase two we plan on replacing the counters and adding a new farmhouse style sink and new faucet and adding a nice backsplash. When we add the new counters we are going to have them overhang on the peninsula so we can add some counter height stools which I am really looking forward to. I cannot wait to do all that but seeing how we are going to be working on other parts of the house before we come back to the kitchen and finish it up it might be a little while before we make those changes.  I’ll keep you all posted.

For now though here is what we’ve done:

Pretty much as soon as we got unpacked we got to work on this space seeing how we spend by far the most time in here. My parents came to visit the night after we moved in and my mom got right to work scrubbing down the kitchen cabinets. I cannot even begin to tell you how disgusting they were. I actually have a photo of one of the cabinets that I will show you later in the week when I do a full post breaking down how we painted the cabinets (this is the third set of kitchen cabinets along with plenty of bathroom cabinets that I’ve done and I’ve done them all a bit differently and learned several things the hard way – haha).  Anyway, I owe her big time for that because it was a pretty awful job. Then we all went to a family wedding in NC and my parent’s returned home and Jon’s mom and dad arrived and we got right to work painting. Jon’s mom helped me with all of the priming and painting in here. With both of us working all day (between the two of us we were practically working around the clock – she would get started each day around 8 and I was finished up around 4am) it took us about 4 days. The actual cabinets themselves were not that time consuming – they probably only took about ten hours or so I would guess. It was all the trimwork, the fireplace, and windows and doors that took so long. I can’t imagine having done it without her. I’ve done all the rest of the painting and projects in the house on my own (I’ve been working on the entry way which includes several doors and of course the dreaded staircase for over a week now!) and have to say it was so much more enjoyable painting with a partner! I am so grateful for both my mom and mother-in-law’s help in transforming this kitchen. And my dad and father-in-law too – although neither of them did any painting they helped with a million other things!

I replaced the black frames on the chevron art for thicker white ones however they hung lower so they look a little off in these photos. The night after I took all the photos I moved the nail a little higher up on the chevron so the white frames are now nicely centered. I still need to distress the white a little so it isn’t so bright but I’ll get to that eventually. I also plan on painting the table a darker gray color but I’m also thinking about building a smaller farmhouse table for in here so I’m holding off until I decide for sure what I am going to do.

I ended up moving the mirror back above the mantel and I think that’s where it’s going to stay.

I originally was really torn on whether or not I was going to paint my cabinets white or light gray. Once we decided to hold off a little on replacing the counters (and therefore the backsplash) it helped me to pull the trigger with the light gray that way we could leave the walls white and it would help hide the dated backsplash – especially the weird part above the stove. If we painted the cabinets white I would paint the walls gray and with the backsplash in it’s current state it would have made it really stand out which would not have been so attractive. Once the microwave was removed it left a weird patch where there was old wallpaper and some bumped out wood pieces so the easiest thing to do to hide all that for now was to just put a piece of beadboard and just wedge it in there to hide all the mess that’s behind it. The big piece of Corian behind the stove with the beadboard above it drives me crazy right now but at least because it’s all white it’s not too noticeable until you are up close. I can’t wait until we get ride of all that and do counters that have no backsplash and do subway tile. At that point I may switch and paint the cabinets and trim white but until then I am happy with how this all looks and how the white walls make the strangeness behind the stove not stand out too much. I am not sure why but in this picture below the white Corian below the beadboard looks similar to the gray on the cabinets. In reality it’s more of a white – or was once upon a time many years ago, white. =)

I love this little basket from my sweet friend, Allie. It has wheatgrass in it now but also has been fun to use for holding our silverware.

Here is the old piece of furniture that I turned into an island cart I showed you in this post. However as I mentioned last week we’ve been playing musical furniture quite a bit over here.

And right now we have this more industrial looking one in here. Although, as I mentioned in the other post neither of them are really quite what I am looking for. =)

Just this afternoon I hung our first chalkboard canvas in that bare space between the end of the cabinets and french doors. I can’t wait to get that photographed.

And yes, I still need to paint and wax the legs on our sectional and add a rug and recover the ottoman… and on and on it goes…haha!
And one last before and after shot:

Source List (for both kitchen and family room):

Cabinet and Trim Color: London Fog in Semi-Gloss
Wall Color: was here but very similar to Simply White in Matte
All appliances are Whirlpool and were purchased at Lowe’s during their Memorial Day Sale
Flush Mount Drum Shade Fixture – Lowe’s
Pendants – These were a hand-me-down from my mom and they worked perfectly in here
*update – my mom gave me the info on them: Kichler Seaside Nautical Dome Light from Bellacor.com

Wood Topped Island Cart – read more about it here
Metal Island Cart – IKEA
Circular Mirror – Antique Farmhouse (from my sister, Dana)
Oversized Clock – Joss and Main
Metal Baskets – Joss and Main
Dishes – Emma Collection from Pottery Barn
Chocolate Cups and Saucers – L. A. Burdick (from my sister, Jamie)
Canisters – Williams-Sonoma
Three-Tiered Wire Basket – Collections at Laurel and Grove in Peterborough, NH
Table – Pier 1 years ago and has since been painted
Dining Chairs – IKEA
Sectional – IKEA
Chevron Picture Frames – tutorial here
Pillows – Home Goods, Target, Dear Lillie
Tufted Chairs – TJMaxx
Script Chairs – TJMaxx
Painted Cabinet – makeover here
TV Console – Antique shop in Camden, SC
Frames above chairs – tutorial here
You Are My Sunshine Print – Dear Lillie
Runner – Home Decorator’s Collection
Sconces – RH Baby and Child
Mirror – Restoration Hardware
Rocking Horse – RH Baby and Child
Floating Shelves – Target
Urns on Fireplace – Seasons in Williamsburg (years ago on clearance)

I’ll be back again soon as we have several new products to share and also I will be doing a full post dedicated to painting cabinets.

I hope you all are having a fabulous week!

How We Painted Our Kitchen Cabinets (Two Approaches for Two Kitchens)
Making over our Kitchen Cart
View Related Posts

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127 thoughts on “Our Kitchen Makeover on a Budget (Phase 1)”

  2. Everything is looking so wonderful:) Please do tell us more information on your window treatment. I have a similar window and would love to know what you used.

    1. Thank you, Kyla! I actually purposely don't have any clear photos of the window because it's just a piece of fabric folded over some tension rods for a faux roman shade and it's not the fabric I planned on using so it's just kind of folded over and up there very temporarily. I do plan on using that same treatment but with a fabric that my mom is picking up for me so will show better photos once it's up there with the right fabric.

  4. Your "phase 1" would be my "done". Looks absolutely amazing!

    Can't wait for your kitchen cabinet post. I did mine in my last home and vowed to never ever do ever again. Prime. Dry. Flip. Prime. Dry. Flip. Paint. Dry. Flip. Paint. Dry. Flip. Sand. Wipe. Paint. Dry. Flip. Repeat and repeat and repeat. If you have found a better way, I'm game to try again someday. If not, I'll eat Ramen noodles for months and pay someone. I love the end result but hated the process and I love to paint!

    1. Haha – I feel your pain! I cheated actually on these cabinets (for a reason that I will explain in the next post) but still I am so sick of painting seeing how I'm pretty much painting every square inch of this house!

  5. What a transformation! If I had to choose just one thing that made the biggest impact (besides painting) it would be removing the above counter cabinets. Besides opening up the room, it makes the area look so much bigger. Beautiful job Jennifer and a big shout out to your parents and in laws for all their hard work as well.

  6. Gorgeous!! I absolutely think you made the right decision not to completely re-do the kitchen. It looks amazing, and once you get in the subway tile, etc it will be perfection. We just put in subway tile backsplash and I love it. It was very easy to DIY, inexpensive and the result is fabulous. I am so loving watching these transformations!

  8. It looks amazing! I love the light gray color. I don't even notice the counters or backsplash. I can't believe you've done so much in so little time. I just bought that same Pier 1 table a couple of weeks ago. Love it! I can't wait to see what you do next!

  14. I love it! I have a burning question though! Where is your microwave now? We have the same layout and I don't know where in the world to put it if its not above the stove!
    LOVE what you've done!

    1. Thank you! The microwave isn't in any photos. We are hoping to find a way to make a little spot in one of the lower cabinets to put it in similar to how my parents have theirs. (I will be showing their kitchen next week). If we can't get it figured out then it will just go on the counter to the right of the stove.

  16. Absolutely gorgeous Jennifer! It's stunning. So fresh, light and airy. The before and after is amazing. You have such exquisite taste and an eye for detail. You must be exhausted staying up until 4am but seeing your results makes it so worth it. I love your wood floors and beams with all of the white. Very striking. That basket holding the wheatgrass is really pretty….love that. Beautiful job!!

  19. You inspire me. I have a kitchen in need of some serious TLC and have been toying with painting the cabinets. They are currently white, but the doors need to be refaced as they have about 20 coats of paint on them. I also need new hardware. My next project in installing the tiny white square tile marble backsplash will go in easily. You have such a deft touch with the details. Thanks for letting us have a front row seat to a great makeover!

    1. Thank you! The microwave isn't in any photos. We are hoping to find a way to make a little spot in one of the lower cabinets to put it in similar to how my parents have theirs. (I will be showing their kitchen next week). If we can't get it figured out then it will just go on the counter to the right of the stove.

  21. Seriously Amazing, the best transformation I have seen in awhile. I love how you created such a light space but kept the beams on the room. This is the perfect space. ~ Lisa

  24. Absolutely beautiful!! Amazing difference. hard to believe it is the same space. Thank you for letting us be a part of your transformation!! Enjoy the rest of your week!

    1. Thank you! They are from a store in Williamsburg called Seasons. I bought them quite a few years ago on clearance. I've looked for quite a few readers to find some clue on the company that made them but there aren't any markings to be found on them. =(

  28. What a beautiful job you have done. I can't believe how much you have already accomplished in the short time you have been in your new home. It inspires me to tackle the projects I have put off!

    Where did you get the urns on your mantle. They are just beautiful!

    Can't wait to see more!!!

    1. Thank you, Shelley! They are from a store in Williamsburg called Seasons. I bought them quite a few years ago on clearance. I've looked for quite a few readers to find some clue on the company that made them but there aren't any markings to be found on them. =(

  29. Everything is gorgeous!! I was scrolling up and down like crazy looking at the before and afters. You did such a beautiful job! Dd you share a picture of the exterior? I'm curious as to what the style of the house is.

    Londen

  30. It looks FABULOUS!!! You are very talented at working with what you have. I am so impressed!!!! I hope you are very happy in your new home. I was looking on the list for where the floating shelves in the kitchen are from. I have been looking for some for my office and cannot find any. West Elm used to carry some but not anymore.

    Best,
    kim

    1. Thank you, Kim! The shelves in my kitchen were from Target. I am not completely sure yet if I would recommend them though – they don't seem as secure as I would like them to be. Not sure if that is due to my imperfect hanging skills =) of if it's because they are inexpensive.

  31. Gray cabinets is my number one pick! I absolutely love it with the white walls. I also love the idea of a farmhouse table in the kitchen. I think it would nicely balance out the gorgeous wood-toned beams. And although I don't have to live with it, from the photos the space below the range hood is easily masked. I wouldn't have noticed anything amiss had you not pointed it out. Great work on every little thing. It has come together so beautifully. You are such an inspiration!

    1. Thank you, Lisa! We had our farmhouse table in here to start and I loved how it looked. Size-wise though it wasn't a great fit and it was dangerous for the girls when they came running in from the porch because of the corners so we had to switch it. I'd like to be able to put a smaller one there though eventually!

  32. Oh my gosh this is a stunning before and after!!! Everything is so gorgeous, which I am not surprised about because you are so talented! I can't believe you have gotten so much done in your house this quickly. Have you ever considered buying a paint sprayer? I know you've already painted a lot but it might help speed up everything else you still need to paint. I've read great reviews on a few blogs of ones that are small and pretty inexpensive. Just a thought! Seriously, so beautiful though, I would love to cook in there! I look forward to your post with all the details of the kitchen makeover :).

    1. Thank you, Katy! Yes, I have considered it, but all the taping off and protecting the floors part scares me a bit so I've been just sticking with my good ol' brush where I don't have to do anything to prep and can just paint here and there when the girls are in bed or whenever I have a few minutes.

  34. STUNNING!!! I have a friend who has your exact 'before' kitchen, running right over to show her your 'after'. Thanks for the inspiration!!
    Kris of Cricket Acres Studio

    1. Thank you! The microwave isn't in any photos. We are hoping to find a way to make a little spot in one of the lower cabinets to put it in similar to how my parents have theirs. (I will be showing their kitchen next week). If we can't get it figured out then it will just go on the counter to the right of the stove.

  37. Jennifer…WOW…really!!!!!!!!!!! Your house is looking like a HOME!!!!!
    Truly amazing – great vision and execution!!!
    xo
    Leah: )

  38. Stunning! As always, you did an amazing job! I do have a question…how in the world do you keep your counter so tidy? I hate clutter on the kitchen counters but it seems like with microwaves, kitchen aid mixer, toaster…etc there's no other place to put them but on the counter. Do you have any suggestions? Your kitchen's always look so nice and tidy without any extras! Please (if you have time :)) share your secrets! Also, I'm excited to see the chalkboard canvas! Is this something you will start offering in your shop? Wishing you a blessed day!

    1. Thank you! We always had a lot of clutter at our old house on the counters too! We have like triple the counter space here though and thanks to that it hasn't been a problem so far. I imagine once we've been here a while though the clutter will start to build up. =) I have to admit though that clutter drives me crazy so I hide as many things as possible in drawers and cabinets.

  39. It looks fantastic! I feel your pain…I gel stained our kitchen cabinets and it took forever. Paint and new lighting made a world of difference. You mentioned about a rug for the family room…you might already know this but check out rugsusa.com. Their 50% off sales are amazing and their selection and quality is great. I'm a DIY girl on a perpetual budget, too. Love your blog…Good luck with your list!

    1. Thank you! I actually ordered my stair runner from there not too long ago. It hasn't arrived yet though. They have a rug I want for the family room but it's out of stock. =(

  40. Looks great! One question … where did you put the microwave? Love the light cabinets with the dark floor.

    1. Thank you! The microwave isn't in any photos. We are hoping to find a way to make a little spot in one of the lower cabinets to put it in similar to how my parents have theirs. (I will be showing their kitchen next week). If we can't get it figured out then it will just go on the counter to the right of the stove.

  45. BEAUTIFUL!! I love it. I have a few questions: Where is your microwave? And where is the rug in your kitchen from? And how the heck do you keep your house so clean with two little ones? For example, I love that rug, but I'm pretty sure it would be black pretty quick thanks to my three little ones. And do you use placemats for them to protect your table?

    1. Thank you so much! The microwave isn't in any photos. We are hoping to find a way to make a little spot in one of the lower cabinets to put it in similar to how my parents have theirs. (I will be showing their kitchen next week). If we can't get it figured out then it will just go on the counter to the right of the stove. The runner is listed in the source section in the post – Home Decorator's Collection. Our house gets pretty dirty too, trust me! =) Two year old's and four year old's can be pretty messy. I am not too picky about it though. No, we don't use placemats. =)

  46. Could you please explain how you did the vent hood? Did you frame it out yourselves? I am hoping to make a change to ours…we don't have a microwave in that space, but we do have a very ugly vent in the space that I'd like to cover. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks!

  48. O.M.G! Look at the counter that runs along the sink, just as it turns to the 'L', kind of below the white pitcher. You put a door there to access that long cabinet that is a pain in the butt to reach from the kitchen side. That is bloody BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You just solved this problem for me! Totally awesome. THANK YOU!

    Where did you put the microwave? Maybe I'm just not seeing it??

    1. Haha- I wish I could take credit for that but it was already here and yes you are right – it is brilliant indeed! We use that backside for all of the girls paper, crayons, glue, etc. It's perfect!

      We are hoping to find a way to make a little spot in one of the lower cabinets to put it in similar to how my parents have theirs. (I will be showing their kitchen next week). If we can't get it figured out then it will just go on the counter to the right of the stove.

  49. absolutely stunning!! you give me inspiration to transform cherry cabinets to gorgeous white ones. please tell me – did you have to take your windows out to paint them? i'm new at this 🙂

  50. WOWZA what a gorgeous kitchen! You would never know it was the same kitchen by looking at the before's. I love the light cabinets and the fact that you kept the wood beams they are beautiful!!! All your hard work paid off, can't wait to see what you do next!
    XO
    kristin

  52. Ok, so if this is the temporary compromise, i can't even imagine what the ideal kitchen would be. It looks amazing. I CAN NOT believe how much you guys have done with the space in the amount of time you have had. It's incredible! Everything looks soooooo pretty. Wow… I bet your head is spinning with all the things you want to do. I love that your family kicks in and helps each other with these kinds of projects. I think it sounds like a great way for family to hang out working on stuff like this together.

    Cindy

    Cindy

  54. YOU ARE Amazing!!! I can't believe how much you've tackled from just moving in. I've been in my house over two years and it's taking me forever…I LOVE the phase one kitchen so far..it's made everything brighter. I'm also redoing the kitchen and need to paint the cabinets…I'm a bit chicken on doing it…but you are an inspiration.

  55. Oh Jennifer! Your kitchen/family room is so beautiful. I especially love the color of the cabinets and the light fixtures you chose. You've got it goin' on.

  56. uh…ma…zin'! what you can get done in such a short time. what a blessing your folks are. while there are many things i will do for our grown children painting is not one. i would fall into the "million other things" category. i actually really like the table you have in the eating area & agree grey will really finish that thread of color connecting all the spaces. i like the oval shape for ease of traffic around it and thru the doors. also there are already a lot of angles and it adds a bit of softness .

    1. We had to switch out the farmhouse table we first had in here for this oval one we had on the porch for that very reason – the rounded corners made it so much easier getting in and out of the french doors and much safer for the girls than the sharp corners on the other table. I did prefer the wood look of the farmhouse one, but the shape of this one works better.

  58. Jennifer, this is so beautiful! I love the contrast of the cool white against the more exposed, organic wood beams. Ah! Much to love.

  61. Oh, goodness, Jenni. You've worked MAGIC! Honestly, the kitchen hardly looks like it could be the same space. I know this is just Phase I for you, but I think that this room now really looks like YOUR space. I am so proud for you!

  62. OMG! I can't believe it's the same space!!!!! You did a wonderful job! Love the personality , the airiness and all the little details! I just finished my kitchen renovation too, check it out when you have the time! Big salute to you!!! love it!

  63. I love this. So nice to see a beautiful kitchen that's attainable. The first thing that caught my eye is that drum shade fixture because Ă­t's hard to find one with bronze metal and a white shade. If you know it, could you share which one it is at Lowe's? Thanks! Jen Caffrey

  64. So glad I saw this! First, I have to get that drum shade. Second, I've been painting our walls London Fog and have debated about this color for cabinets – so nice to see it and it looks great!

  67. This is beautiful! So beautiful, it took me a while to believe the "Before" pictures! I love your effortless style. I struggle with my kitchen because I want it to be functional but PRETTY, not just "decorative", …. so now I want it to be just like yours!! Thanks for sharing!

  68. Your kitchen looks great!! I know the floors were already in the house when you bought it but do you by chance know the brand and color? We are trying to make a final decision on our floors and we are struggling right now. Thanks for any help you can give.

  70. I do not know how I missed this post last week! Jennifer your kitchen/home is turning out amazing! You have inspired me to get to taking pics of our kitchen makeover that I have been dragging my feet on.

  71. So pretty- fantastic job!
    I am looking for a white drum light just like the one in your kitchen….after searching lowes online I could not find the exact one, can you please help with a link or any more info. Thanks

  72. Beautiful!! I have dark cabinets but my Hubby won't hear of painting wood, however yours look amazing! One question . . . do you still have a microwave? I didn't notice it and wondered where it's hidden if you do. 🙂

    1. Thank you! We are hoping to find a way to make a little spot in one of the lower cabinets to put it in similar to how my parents have theirs. (I posted their kitchen tonight). If we can't get it figured out then it will just go on the counter to the right of the stove.

  74. Wow what a transformation! It's absolutely beautiful. I have a suggestion…:) you said you hated the big piece of corian above the stove. I think a green wreath of some kind, hung above the stove (beneath the hood) might kinda distract from it?! (just a suggestion) A friend of mine did that on hers, and with the lights from the hood shining on it- it looks lovely!

    1. Great idea, Anna. I actually have been keeping a vase with huge branches cut in front of it for now which is nice and easy to move when I cook and helps hide the corian a bit.

  75. Beautiful. Can't wait for the segment on how you painted the cabinets. I want to paint mine but I'm scared.

    1. Thank you, Molly! I temporarily used a gray and white toile fabric I purchased on sale at Hancock Fabrics a while ago. I have since replaced it with a striped fabric that my mom got for me which I will be blogging about really soon!

  78. Beautiful! I'm getting ready to paint my cabinets and I'm gathering info! I noticed that the 'before' pulls were all the handle kind and you changed them to knobs- what did you use to fill the wood? I want to do the same thing! Thanks for all the inspiration 🙂

  82. Your kitchen looks fantastic! What a huge kitchen. Your kitchen makeover idea is very innovative. I really like white color kitchen cabinets. I also like orange color flowers to decorate kitchen which looks very beautiful. Your kitchen after makeover looks amazing. Wood work is remarkable. I am truly impressed with this kitchen makeover.

  83. Your kitchen is absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing the paint colors and all the places where you purchased items. I LOVE your countertops!!! Are they Corian? If so, what color/brand are they? I am in the market for contertops and have been looking for EXACTLY what you have. I LOVE, LOVE them and it is so nice to see them in a photo. You have inspired me and I cannot wait to tackle my kitchen. Thank you for your help!!

  84. Hi Lillie, it's Cindy again :). I was just looking further into your blog and noticed you have redid your kitchen from these photos? You are amazing! Are your new countertops carrarra marble? Which did you/do you like better? Marble or the Corian? I am taking every bit of info, design, color, decor from your blog and I am going to incorporate it into my home! It is absolutely beautiful, soft, flowey….perfect! Also, I noticed that your current paint on your cabinets is Winter's gate or is it London Fog? Thank you again for sharing! I cannot wait to get started!!! I am completely inspired!!

  86. lovely. I have a white on white kitchen and love the rug in front of the sink (gray and white). where was that purchased?

  87. I was so inspired by your approach to painting cabinets that I followed your direction exactly. The results were amazing! I will say that it took quite a few layers of paint for. Full coverage… as in 6 coats!!!! But it’s great. I do want to emphasize the ” not for the faint of heart”! Now onto painting floors! Thanks for your blog…really inspiring but down to earth.

  90. Hi! Apologies if I missed this information somewhere else on this blog, but could you kindly tell me the dimensions of this space. It's fantastic what you've done!

  91. This kitchen is stunning! We are getting ready to renovate ours and would love an above the range hood like the one in your pictures. Did you find that somewhere or was it custom built? Thanks for sharing!

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