Friday, September 7, 2012

Kitchen Remodel: Big Results on a Not So Big Budget

Crisp white kitchen cabinets have been my dream ever since I can remember (I couldn't have been the only 12 year old dreaming of remodeling my future kitchen? Right?), So when my husband and I were shopping for a house I was specifically looking for a kitchen with potential. I was hoping for icky looking cabinets that were sturdy and in good shape, plus a layout that would work.




          When I saw this kitchen I knew exactly what I needed to do to make it look like this





I have learned that there are a few very important (in my opinion) things that are often overlooked during a remodel. Of course there are the big changes like painting the cabinets and installing new countertops, but I want to talk about the smaller details that can make all the difference.

1. Add crown moulding to builder's grade cabinets.

Before we bought our house I began to notice that cabinets in high end kitchens usually had thick beautiful crown moulding along the top. This is an easy change that I think has the biggest impact of any I will mention here. I also added bead board to the sides of my cabinets but that is just a personal style choice.






























2. Stager upper cabinets

We raised the cabinet above the microwave and popped it forward a couple inches too. I think it gives the kitchen more of a custom feel. I wish now that we had also raised the cabinet above the refrigerator but that can be done another day I guess!















3. Cut out center of cabinet door and add glass

I had no idea how simple this would be! We just cut out the center panels then took the doors to a glass place (I'm sorry, I really don't know what else to call it!) and they installed a pane of glass in each. The best part is that it only cost 20 bucks for the two of them!







4. Add new hardware

New pulls and knobs give you a chance to personalize your kitchen a little more. Replacing old knobs may be a given but if your kitchen doesn't already have any to begin with I would definitely add some. When it comes to hinges, they will  make cabinets look fresh and clean (plus hinges are totally cheap so  you really can't lose!).





















5. A new faucet

A pretty faucet will liven up the kitchen! I got mine at Costco for a great deal and it had all the practical features I was looking for.






6. Backsplash

We went with tile but there are lots of options. All the tile for our backsplash cost about $200 which I thought was a good deal but you could definitely spend a lot less and still have good results. Shop around for your tile, don't just choose from the selection at the big chain stores. I prefer a more neutral colored backsplash as opposed to a fun, trendy colored one that may not be trendy for long. You can always add color with accessories that can be changed out whenever you feel like it.




7. Remove outdated features

Before
In my case I had one of those...what are they called? Appliance garage?  Not really sure. All I knew was that it had to go, and look at all the extra counter space i've got now!

After




That's it! If you have any other advise to add I'd love to hear it!

-Chloe

If you like my style be sure to stop by my etsy shop for handmade decor!

72 comments:

  1. Beautiful Chloe! It looks so good. How much time did it take you to remodel it? I want to have my cabnets white so badly, but I am a little torn only because ours are pretty new and nice and I'm affraid of messing it up and i'm not sure how long of a process it would be

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    1. Hi Ashley! We were able to do a lot of the remodeling before we moved in. We spent about 3 months on the entire house so I'm not really sure how long it would take to paint your kitchen. We actually hired a guy to paint our cabinets since we had so much other work to do on the house. If you are thinking it may be too hard to paint them your self you could get a couple estimates from painters. I know what you mean about being nervous about messing up your cabinets! When we would look at newer houses I was like "I would feel too bad to paint these nice cabinets!".

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  2. Hey Chloe, I don't know if you remember me, this is Adrien's older sister (swinfords.blogspot.com if you can't picture my face). Anyway your kitchen is gorgeous! Do you mind sharing where you went to get the glass for your cabinet doors? I can't believe how cheap that was! Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Megan! What are you talking about?! Of course I remember you!
      I had the glass put in at Jones Paint and Glass in Provo. It's the location referred to as the "glass and commercial devision" at 1250 W 100 N (I first went to their other store in Provo that just sells paint and was very confused). I had to drop the doors off and I think they were ready the next day. Are you wanting glass for cabinets or something else?

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    2. Haha ok I was just checking! I was actually thinking for our kitchen cabinets, yes. I still haven't decided if I want to try making the top cabinets all cute inside or to just do two doors, like you did here. It would certainly be easier to just do two! I love the look of white cabinets but my husband doesn't so I'm considering using either a gel stain or a tinted furniture oil to just subtly change the color a little darker. I like the look of glass and I thought it would also help slightly darker cabinets look a little more airy. Anyway, thanks for the tip! I will look into using them when the time comes!

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    3. Staining is a good option! Have you also considered painting a color other that white? I have been loving grey kitchens lately. I think glass would definitely brighten up a dark kitchen!

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    4. I like grey too, actually, but my husband doesn't like *any* painted cabinets... Heh. I'm always up for a creative challenge though!

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    5. Hi Chloe, my husband and I are trying to do some quick remodels in our kitchen to lift it up a bit. I love how your cabinets turned out. What kind of paint did you use? I have heard Rustoleum is hard to use and often does not look nice. Any tips?

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  3. Hi Chloe, love your kitchen. The white cabs and the splash especially. I also have had the same dream since moving into our house 4 years ago. My hubby and I just got an estimate from a cabinet refacing guy to paint our cabinets that I thought was pretty high-- $9,ooo . I was wondering how much your painter charged you for painting your cabinets? I may have a few more cabinets than your kitchen, but I would appreciate the frame of reference if you wouldn't mind sharing the price. I thought my hubby was going to have a heart attack when he saw the estimate-- lol!:-) Thanks so much. Lauren

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    1. We had two estimates done from people we found on online classifieds, $1,400 and $1,000+cost of materials (about $100). We went with the $1,000 guy. For that price he didn't only paint the cabinets but he installed the crown moulding and bead board! It was an awesome deal! $9,000 seems high but for a professional company it sounds about right (maybe on the high side). I don't know where you are from but if you happen to be local (Utah) I could give you the info of the guy who did ours! He was great!

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    2. Thanks Chloe! That price seems much more reasonable:-) I used to live in Logan, but have been in Cleveland for the last 4 years. Hopefully I can find someone to do the cabinets soon. Thanks again!

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    3. Hey Chloe! I would love it if you’d be willing to pass on your cabinet painter’s number! Have yours chipped at all since he painted them? Also curious how you made the cabinet above the microwave stick out farther. Is that something he did as well?

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  4. Beautiful! Nicely done. So fun to find your blog.

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  5. Absolutely beautiful remodel! Oh, how I need to get busy on mine!

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  6. It looks so bright and clean. Love that the backsplash blends with the countertop. It looks like a totally different kitchen.

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  7. I agree on you with the backsplash. It would be a wise move if you would try first to shop around before settling for the one you want, as you might find the same type but with a cheaper price. It also would give you more options to choose from on what tiles can be good for your backsplash. And going for a neutral color is a good move because whatever color you match it with, the neutral color would not overwhelm with, but rather complement the color.

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  8. Hi Chloe,
    I also have oak cabinets. The wood grain doesn't appear to show through the white paint. Do you know what materials the painter used to paint the cabinets?
    Thanks,Kathy

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    Replies
    1. Hey Kathy!
      You are right, the wood grain is barely visible and only up close. The painter used Behr paint and primer in one (not sure how many coats) applied with a paint sprayer and then polyurethane.
      I hope that helps you decide what is best for your cabinets!

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    2. Thanks so much for the information Chloe! Your kitchen really turned out beautiful!

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  9. Hi,

    I have a quick question about your blog, do you think you could e-mail me?

    Brian

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  10. I am popping over from Fresh Paint and I am so drooling over your kitchen. We are renters and plan to move again in June to a new build home with builders grade kitchen cabinets. I have always wanted a beautiful white kitchen but remodeling our own home is years off since the hubbs is still in career transition. Sooo I thought if I could ever find a good before and after pic to show the homeowner that I could do at our next house for a little money and work. This is that before and after! Since we plan to stay at our next house for at least two years-a while kitchen makeover is totally worth it. Thanks so much for sharing this!! Just pinned it.

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  11. Saw the feature over at Fresh Coat of Paint and wanted to come check out your blog! I love what you ave done with your kitchen! It looks amazing!

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  12. Hi Chloe! I just came across your kitchen remodel on Pinterest and it is EXACTLY what I was looking to do with our kitchen! I also blog and was wondering if I could include your remodel on my blog if I credit you with the pics and provide a link to your blog?

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    Replies
    1. Absolutely! I am always happy to share. Please share a link to the post if you can!

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    2. Sweet! Thanks! One other question- after removing the doors and drawer fronts, did you sand the face of the cabinets before painting? If so, did you use an electric sander or did you do it by hand? Either way, it seems like it would be a horrible mess!

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    3. I hired someone to paint our cabinets, but yes, he did sand them after he had removed the doors. He used an electric sander and you are right, it was very messy. Luckily, we hadn't moved in yet so it wasn't too bad.

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  13. Did you raise your cabinet yourself? Need mine done to accommodate my new fridge so I had a estimate yesterday. YIKES! I am now feeling very inspired to do it myself! Lol any tips?

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  14. Hi there! I love love love your makeover! My husband and I are getting ready to do the same thing to our stained black cabinets, but we're dying thinking about doing it ourselves. We live in Utah and I was wondering if I could by chance get the info about the guy you hired for your cabinets??? (Only if he's still doing it I mean ;D) Can I also asked how long it took him? We live in our house currently and just wanted to know the time frame. My email is mychellarsen@gmail.com if that's any easier for you.Thank you!

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  15. Another quick question, Chloe: what is the color of paint that you have on your kitchen walls?

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  16. Love the idea of the cutting the cabinet doors and adding glass... I'd like to do the same, but not sure what glass place to google... What was the name of the place you used?

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  17. LOVE this kitchen makeover. I was wondering what material and estimate of the cost of the counter tops? And also wondering where you purchased both the counter tops AND back splash?

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  18. Love your kitchen! It is very similar to what I am working on right now. Do you know how your guy installed the crown moulding? Did he install a brace at the top or did he install directly on the cabinet face? What size crown moulding did you use and where did you get it? thanks!

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