9 Tricks for a Budget-Friendly Kitchen Makeover

By Lesli Devito

Here is a before photo of our kitchen installed in 1967.

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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.

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photography by LESLI DEVITO

1. be your own designer
I designed the kitchen makeover myself instead of hiring an outside professional to design it.

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photography by LESLI DEVITO

Amazing kitchen design ideas!

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.

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photography by LESLI DEVITO

Decorating ideas for small kitchens.

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

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photography by LESLI DEVITO

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

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photography by LESLI DEVITO

How to style your kitchen shelves.

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.

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photography by LESLI DEVITO

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.

Stunning kitchen backsplash ideas.

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photography by LESLI DEVITO

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.

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photography by LESLI DEVITO

An easy kitchen redo, you can’t miss!

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