Thanks to a couple of great ideas on here we have a lovely kitchen that did not break the bank. Obviously it is not high-end but neither is the house :). This was 100% diy. We are not super crazy about the quality of the ikea wood butcherblock counters. They are cheaply made and even though they were oiled extensively still cracked. I'm thinking this is why they are no longer available? Too many complaints. Also getting our entire ikea order was a 2 month process. It would certainly be frustrating if you were on a time crunch. Otherwise we are super happy with the function of the cabs and love how the space has been lightened up.

After - before staging and being lived in :)