skip to main content

My Kitchen Redo under $1500!

13 years ago

Low Budget Kitchen Makeover. If you have old kitchen cupboards and you are afraid to paint, as i was, no fear!

Cabinet, Door & Trim Semi-Gloss ALKATEX paint.

(Low-odor, dries slowly, but cures very hard.)

Pricing Breakdown:

Paint and Primer- all around $150(for cupboards).

New Hardware for cupboards- ebay! $65.

Sink- Quartz Solid Surface, $250.

Faucet- Gooseneck with pulldown sprayer, $250.

Under-the-counter Garbage Can pullout, $50.

Counters- Laminate countertop, $350.

Flooring- Allure Tile, Sedona Vinyl Flooring; $50.16 /CA-Case. ($300)

Wall Paint- $20. (Baked Bean.)

My Favorite! Oil Rubbed Bronze Pedulum lights (above kitchen sink)$15/each.

Here are all of the pictures from my Redo, from Photobucket below!

http://s1108.photobucket.com/albums/h416/msks1981/

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (15)

dianalo
13 years ago
That looks so nice! You sure did get bang for your buck! Congrats ;)
marthavila
13 years ago
Congratulations! Your "new" white cabs, counters, paint, flooring, etc. give such a nice lift to your kitchen -- just the kind that ought to match some well-deserved pride and praises for a job well done!
Related Discussions
My '10's of dollars a month' kitchen redo
Q
Comments (29)
Wow, thanks so much everyone for the helpful comments, the suggestions, the kudos and the personal support, I really appreciate it! "The only suggestion I have is to maybe tie in the backsplash color wise with the other burgundy of the island, door and those wonderful plates?" That is the plan, same color. As for painting just the blue tiles first, I'll give it a try but on my computer keeping the pattern still looked really busy against the pattern in the counter tiles. But it's easy enough to start with the blue and then add more if I want, so I will. "I noticed that under the display cabinet, you have tiles that are red and black on the backsplash. That looks pretty good with the colors you have chosen - did you paint them" You have a sharp eye :) Those were a trial run of both the red and the smoke color to see how they might look. Not primed or anything, just put up to see. "red backsplash (and more)" Wow, that IS a lot of red! I suppose the nice thing about painting tile is that if I don't like it, I can repaint it...which is a very good thing because any change there is pretty dramatic. Yes, that is my daughter, she is now 11, and I have a 15 year old son too. My daughter helped paint the walls and my son helped me when I needed two bodies to do something. It was indeed a therapeutic thing for me...my DH wasn't much into changing things and would not have been supportive of this kitchen redo. Having no one saying "don't do it" or "you can't do it" emboldened me to start the project and not worry about when I might finish.
...See More
Kitchen redo, flying a little blind
Q
Comments (36)
Painted wood floors are very cottage here. We looked at a few that were older than ours (more 1920's era) and several had painted wood flooring. We ended up painting our bedroom floor because I had to repair a few spots and there were water stains-hid it all nicely, lol. Durability on it...I don't know. Obviously a bedroom has less traffic than a kitchen, and I imagine it depends on the paint type and prep. Of course, touch up is simply a brush and some paint! I asked our tenants about the B&W checkboard floor, since we put it in after we moved out. They LOVE the look and HATE that it seems dirty all them time. Ours is simply vinyl tile squares, I don't know if sheet laminate would be different. I never really thought there would be a difference in hard surface floor "feelings" (one would be more comfortable) but after you mentioned it I thought about it a bit, I imagine it's the uneveness of bricks that does it. Good thing we're just doing the laundry room then! edeeve, my response came across a little more defensive than I had in my head, sorry about that! I just wanted people to know they aren't all hair burners, lol. I actually wonder if the one you experianced might not have had a valve problem or something. I bought ours to replace the one that came with the Cottage, a 1980's era hotpoint that made this rather scary whooshing/small explosion type sound when the gas cycled on and off on the oven. THAT went to the scrap yard just so no one grabbed it to use (well and we got about $20 for it that went towards the $60 purchase price of my Bengal, lol). Regarding mismatched chairs-this is what we did, because our table came from a salvage place that was closing and had no chairs with it. It's an old enamel top job and I wasn't sure what to match to it. So, we've got two garage sale finds ($5 for one and .33 for the other), one from our old set and one I "curb shopped". I painted each one a different color (blues and greens). I love the look...not sure if it would flow with a mostly wood kitchen though. Maybe if the table was also painted? Or, if the chairs weren't... Our dining room w/mismatched chairs:
...See More
What can I do to my kitchen for under 2K?
Q
Comments (50)
I think you have done a beautiful job. You are obviously not a lost design soul! For 2k, I wouldn't try to do a lot of little things, or the quality of each will suffer. It is also an issue of focus. I think you had it right with the counters. If you like granite, that's great, as others have said, maybe a marble remnant for the island. But even a plain laminate would be an improvement. It's become too much now that you have the textures of the tin backsplash and the curtains, which are nicer. I would also consider lighting. Not just "more" but considering the overall lighting scheme and the quality of light. Having all the light way overhead means you make big, harsh cones of light. So when you lean your head over, you cast a shadow, like an eclipse. Then people say "This kitchen is so dark, I can't see anything!" and keep upping the wattage, til they come on here asking where to find 200 watt bulbs, when it's really because they're blocking the light with their own heads! Too much overhead light also really unflattering -- it casts shadows in peoples eye sockets and makes tiny shadows out of every wrinkle. I'm serious! So having light at different levels is the way to go. You might try this right now by plugging in a lamp (somewhere away from the stove or sink) and see if that improves things. Then I would suggest a pendant in the place of the can you have over the island, to bring the light down to a more human level. But what you've done already is really beautiful.
...See More
Can I simply reglaze my kitchen cabinets to rid yellow under-tones?
Q
Comments (14)
Here is how I would expect a pro to spray paint kitchen cabinets. An amateur job should follow the same path. A brush painted job would differ slightly in that you wouldn't hang the doors to paint. You'd place them on a work table or easel instead. It's time intensive work, and should take 7-14 days for a Pro to accomplish completely and cost between 8--10K depending on kitchen size and amount of detail in cabinets. Remove doors and drawer fronts. Remove hinges and hardware. Clean with Spic and Span Rinse and let dry. Scrape any loose finish. Fill any damaged spots or hardware holes that won't be reused. Sand fill smooth. Scuff sand the rest. Tack off dust. Hang in dust free paint booth with wires through hardware points to spray both sides. Or lay on a spinner, and do one side at a time. Tack off dust again. Spray with shellac based primer. Scuff sand again. Tack off dust. Spray with second coat of primer. Spray with first finish coat of a polyurethane enamel (DIY) Or conversion varnish, (Pro product) . NOT house paint. Never house paint. Spray with second coat. If glazing is to occur, that is next. Spray with clear over glaze that is compatible with base coat and glaze. Add more molding or decorative details to boxes, filling nail holes and sanding smooth. Repeat prep process with face frames and exposed cabinet sides using plastic to create a spray booth on site. If interiors are to be done, they are done before face frames and sides. Interiors are difficult, and add both time and expense to the job. Most interiors are laminate and don't accept paint well. Allow everything to fully cure. That's 7-14 days. Clean hinges and hardware and clear coat if you're keeping the old hardware. Install new (or old) hinges and hardware. Re-install doors and drawers and adjust for proper clearances. If you are receiving or doing a job without this amount of effort, then you are not getting a quality job. You are getting a poor quality job that will not last. Anyone who paints cabinets with the doors on should be fired immediately. If they paint the hardware too, go straight to smacking them also, and saving the world from such complete ineptness.
...See More
motherof3sons
13 years ago
What a transformation! Kudos to you for a job well done!
pinch_me
13 years ago
Your room looks so much bigger! Does it feel like that in person?

Here is a link that might be useful: My Kitchen Redo under $1500!
onedogedie
13 years ago
I really like your kitchen. Love the cabinets and love the fact that you saved them. I'm convinced that partial inset cabinet doors are going to make a big comeback in the next decade. Also exciting is to see that once upon a time there was a 39" gas stove! An O'keefe & Merritt is just begging to park itself back in your kitchen. Except somehow you fixed that space when you redid the kitchen. Like also that you have a kitchen table in the thick of it. Ahhhh the good old days!
ironcook
13 years ago
the paint and new cabinet hardware made a huge transformation. you made really smart choices. great job! :)
flwrs_n_co
13 years ago
Wonderful redo! I can't believe those pendants were only $15! Great bargain! Give yourselves a big pat on the back for a job well done and enjoy!
kathec
13 years ago
Here's your pictures. Great job!
talkishop
Original Author
13 years ago
thank you for the really nice comments we are very happy with how everything turned out. I really wanted to put the word out about the paint we used because its very durable.
gsciencechick
13 years ago
Wow, everything looks great! Hard to believe those are the same cabinets. Baked Bean looks like it's an awesome color, especially with the brick.

We also have partial inset cabinets that we repainted. We went with hidden hinges on the re-do, but I really like your exposed hinges.
tuesday_2008
13 years ago
OMG, I have cabinets just like that and have been exploring/researching ways to update. I haven't seen many flat panels painted - so happy to see yours. They look great. Was it difficult to fill the old hardware holes? What did you use - caulk or wood filler? I would have lots of holes to fill. Remember the old curved copper colored handles - well I replaced them with something even uglier and they had to be angled.

Gsciencechick, I think I saw a corner of your cabinets in another post - can't remember which it was. Would love to see pictures of yours also with the hidden hinges.

Onedogedie - what does "partial inset" mean?

Tuesday
talkishop
Original Author
13 years ago
We used wood filler and sanded it was the paint that made the big difference I would not use anything but cabinet coat and you can see some of the imperfections of the filler but it wasn't meant to be perfect just really good. P. S. thank you Kathec for posting my pictures.
onedogedie
13 years ago
Partial inset are the type of kitchen cabinets I grew up with.

They usually have a magnetic catch that makes a lovely little snap sound when the door is shut.

Personally, I think the hinges are aesthetically pleasing. In fact I am sadden that the number of hinges used in my someday dream kitchen would be curtailed by the use of drawers in the base cabinets.

The reason I think they will come back in style is that they are sleek (slab door without all the bulk) & sanitary (no details to catch dust and gunk).

Here's a kitchen from my inspiration file.

Also buffalotina's before kitchen (not to diss her after which I also love).
talkishop
Original Author
12 years ago
I am now thinking I would like to paint the brick the same as the cabinets it would look so much cleaner can anyone look at this and tell me what they think?
bethkkhazraee
12 years ago
I like what you did in your kitchen! Can you give details on the laminate countertop? I am looking for a dark laminate countertop with white cabinets and really like yours.

Related Stories

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Making Over a Rental for About $1,500

By Becky Harris

Fresh paint, new hardware, added storage, rugs and unexpected touches breathe new life into a Los Angeles apartment’s kitchen

HOUZZ TOURS 13 Character-Filled Homes Between 1,000 and 1,500 Square Feet

By Mitchell Parker

See how homeowners have channeled their creativity into homes that are bright, inviting and one of a kind

LAUNDRY ROOMS Laundry Room Redo Adds Function, Looks and Storage

By Mitchell Parker

After demolishing their old laundry room, this couple felt stuck. A design pro helped them get on track — and even find room to store wine

TRADITIONAL HOMES Houzz Tour: Redo Shines Light on 19th-Century Newport Beauty

By Mary Jo Bowling

The renovated Rhode Island home boasts gorgeous woodwork, an appealing wraparound porch and a newly spacious kitchen

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: 1960s Ranch Redo in Denver

By Becky Harris

This sibling team balanced their renovation budget by spending where it counts, and turned their Colorado childhood home into a showplace

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Elegant Redo of a Hollywood Spanish Colonial

By Carolyn Reyes

A film producer takes a cue from his Scottish roots to bring comfort and familiarity to his home in the Hollywood Hills

TRADITIONAL HOMES Houzz Tour: Redo Brings a 1720s London Home Into the Present

By Cathy Rebecca

Skillful renovation and an eclectic mix of art, antiques and furnishings update an 18th-century townhouse

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Redo Stays True to a California Home’s Ranch Roots

By Kim Ratcliff

Vaulted ceilings, windows galore and a simple white palette make for casual indoor-outdoor living

BASEMENTS Room of the Day: Swank Basement Redo for a 100-Year-Old Row House

By Annie Thornton

A downtown Knoxville basement goes from low-ceilinged cave to welcoming guest retreat

MY HOUZZ My Houzz: Organic Minimalism in a Denver Redo

By Alexandra Crafton

Before and After: Avid DIY-ers bring a 1970s home back to life with midcentury and bohemian decor

Sponsored

More Discussions

Thoughts on making galley kitchen more open?

31

kitchen countertops

2

contractor chooses kitchen

13

Two tier drawer in 3 stack

11

Matt tiles - quality issues out of the box

11