When Totty and Dave sent us photos of their latest room makeover, we had to share the transformation. After the rave response to their bathroom overhaul, we knew their kitchen update would be a hit. Here’s the note they sent in:
Dave and I have another Reader Redesign for ya. Our kitchen has been getting a facelift for the last six months. What began as a simple plan to rearrange cabinets turned into a full kitchen renovation. We moved the upper cabinets, added floating shelves, installed new cabinet doors and hardware, upgraded appliances, tiled the backsplash, and uncovered hardwood floors hidden beneath orange tile. I think that covers it! The best part is we reused several key items rather than buying everything new. For instance, the backsplash was made with leftover tile and grout from our bathroom renovation. We also kept the existing cabinet boxes and installed new doors and hardware. We did all the work ourselves, except for sanding and refinishing the floors, which helped keep the project under budget. It’s hard to believe it’s the same kitchen. For more photos and details, check out www.bootsandtotty.com. – Totty and Dave
Here’s their kitchen before the redo:
And here’s their finished kitchen today:
Totty and Dave also provided a quick source list:
- Cabinet doors and hardware: Ikea
- Fridge and stove: Sears “Scratch & Dent” purchases at reduced prices
- Backsplash tile and grout: leftover from their bathroom renovation
- Hardwood floors: sanded and refinished by a recommended professional
The results are impressive. They reused, repurposed and salvaged whenever possible—using leftover bathroom tile for the backsplash, refinishing existing floors, and keeping the cabinet boxes while installing new doors and hardware. That approach saved money and reduced waste, which is a win for the budget and the planet. It’s also notable that they completed most of the renovation themselves, with only specialized floor work subcontracted.
This makeover proves a little creativity and smart reuse can deliver big impact. The room feels fresh and modern while staying resourceful and cost-effective. Now for the fun part: what’s your favorite element? The sleek horizontal cabinet hardware and the clean lines, or those well-placed floating shelves beneath the newly positioned upper cabinets?