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Here is a before photo of our kitchen installed in 1967. There’s so sugar coating this: It was old and nasty. But on the plus side, it was solid and the floorplan worked. I believe that you can do something with every budget.

1. be your own designer


I designed the kitchen makeover myself instead of hiring an outside professional to design it.

2. keep the foundation


We kept the original footprint and only replaced the cabinet coors and drawer fronts, instead of replacing the whole cabinets.

3. do what you can 


I installed the American Olean Stock Subway tile myself, borrowing the tile cutter from a friend.

4. shop smart


I used formica 180x calacatte marble for our counter tops in place of the much more expensive real marble.

5. consider paint


I did not replace our vinyl floor but painted it with porch and floor paint.

6. did my research


I shopped around, took advantage of discounts and price matching on my appliances, faucet and sink.

7. got my hands dirty


I did all the painting on the walls, ceiling, and floor.

8. think out-of-the-box


I made a DIY kitchen island out of my sons vintage oak classroom desk and bought the hardware on sale.

9. take it at your own pace


I did the renovation in stages, over a two year period – instead of all at once which enabled me to scope out deals and save up for all the things I wanted.

room source breakdown:


Benjamin Moore paints: Cabinets in “Mountain Peak White”; Island in “Gossamer Blue”; Walls in “Stonington Gray”; Striped Floor in “Tucker Gray” and “Coventry Gray”
Appliances: Kitchenaid and Frigidaire
Faucet: Rohl from Vintage Tub and Bath
Countertops: Formica 180x in Calacatta Marble
Hardware: Restoration Hardware
Cabinet doors and drawer fronts: Hunters Woodworking
Sink: Kohler
Lighting: Lowes