We loved Stacy’s kitchen makeover—not just because it looks beautiful (a huge improvement over the original), but because it’s a great example of thoughtful balance. Stacy identified where to save money, took her time deciding what she could tackle herself, and knew when to hire help. Her new kitchen even appraised for enough to cover the renovation costs. Here’s Stacy’s account of the process:
Hi John and Sherry, I waited about a year after buying this house before tackling the kitchen. That time allowed me to save, live with the space, and figure out what it really needed. I quickly discovered the original layout lacked counter space. There was nowhere convenient to prep vegetables, so I ended up using the kitchen table for food prep.
The corner cabinets wouldn’t open fully, making it hard to see or access what was inside. The fan was ineffective, so cooking odors would linger on the second floor. And the linoleum floors… let’s just say they needed to go. One positive was that the appliances were in decent working condition.
With a full-time job and a part-time MBA, my free time is limited. I hired a contractor for demolition and installation (about three weeks), but I designed the new floor plan and selected all the finishes. I decided to change the layout completely: I moved the refrigerator into the dining area to create a pantry and extended the counters into a U-shape. The difference is dramatic—now three people can work in the kitchen comfortably.
To save money, I reused the existing appliances. Although I liked the idea of stainless steel, the white appliances were still functional and have several years of life. I also hunted for deals on finishes. The vent hood, hardware, and cabinets came from Ikea—I assembled them and the contractor installed them. The backsplash was an affordable find at Home Depot.
You inspired me to include open shelving, so I repurposed shelves from a previous bar area. That saved the cost of additional cabinetry. I also scored a great deal on the sink, faucet, and soap pump online. I’m thrilled with the final result. After refinancing, the appraisal showed I recouped 100% of my renovation costs in added home value—an amazing payoff for the project. Hope you enjoy! – Stacy
One of my favorite design choices in this kitchen is the orientation of the backsplash. The vertical layout gives that affordable tile a custom, elevated look. Great eye, Stacy. We appreciate the cost-saving strategies you shared and that you took the bold step of reworking the layout to make the space far more functional—while recovering the money you invested. What’s your favorite part of this makeover?
Psst—We announced this week’s giveaway winner, so check the announcement on our site to see if it’s you.