Jaw-dropping is not a phrase I use lightly, but this kitchen makeover truly earns it. Emily sent a detailed account of the renovation, so I’ll let her tell the story in her own words:
We bought this house as a foreclosure a little over two years ago. The price was so good that it made saving for updates much easier. The house was built in 1987 and the interior hadn’t been touched since then, aside from several layers of wallpaper added over the original—think floral explosion throughout the home. I love being in the kitchen, so renovating that space was my top priority. The old kitchen felt grimy: stained formica countertops that were pulling away from the cabinets and generally dated (not the charming vintage kind).
I spent hours browsing design sites and eventually fell for the bi-color cabinetry trend. It felt modern without being risky—important because I always consider resale value when making big changes. I didn’t want anything so bold it might turn off future buyers.
To save money and avoid waste, we repainted the existing cabinets instead of replacing them. We hired a contractor for much of the heavy lifting—mostly to save time and keep marital harmony—but we tackled the whitewashed plank walls ourselves to cover a botched wallpaper removal.
Installing the plank walls took two Saturdays with both of us working together. I’d say it’s a moderately easy DIY if you’re comfortable with basic tools.
Thankfully, my wallpaper mistake became a design win.
We saved significantly by buying appliances during an IKEA kitchen sale. We picked up a dishwasher, a 5-burner range, an exhaust hood, a microwave, and a wall oven for under $4,000. One of my best decisions was having cabinets built to surround the refrigerator—the built-in look makes the kitchen feel finished and luxurious. Another simple DIY was creating a chalkboard wall; it keeps the space playful and relaxed.
We also cut costs by choosing subway tile for the backsplash—only $0.21 per tile ($1.61 per square foot). The countertops were our one real splurge: Cambria quartz in the Torquay color. It’s low maintenance, which was my top priority, and it convincingly resembles Carrara marble.
Our dining table came from a Restoration Hardware Outlet. The list price for the 96-inch table was $1,395, but we scored it for $600. The curtains are from IKEA, which helps the dining area feel cozy and private when the sheers are closed. The chandelier is from West Elm—slightly quirky, but I wanted a touch of personality in the room. I hope you like it! – Emily 🙂
Impressive, right? This makeover illustrates how mixing smart splurges with cost-conscious DIYs, outlet finds, and big-box sales can produce a polished, high-end result without overspending. Emily has more photos and details on her blog for anyone who wants a deeper look. Thanks for sharing your kitchen, Emily! Now for the fun part—what’s your favorite element? Mine is the dining table and the countertops. Sherry’s favorites are the red door behind the table, the dark paint on the French doors, and the window sash over the sink.