If you’re living in a super affordable place, chances are that you have a kitchen that needs renovating. And if you’re anything like me, the thought (and expense!) of making the updates sound terrifying! I’ve known since we moved in to our condo (8 years now) that our kitchen needed all kinds of changes, but I’ve been scared of even thinking about it. How expensive would it be? Who wants to live through the mess? Where do you even get started? Well, I finally pulled off the bandaid and I’m here to tell you that you can do it! Even though you might be scared!
For months I’ve know that I wanted to do a kitchen renovation in April for the One room Challenge. But I put off planning or even thinking about it because I felt scared. Talk about feeling like a failure of a DIY blogger! If I was scared to do a project how was I supposed to teach others to do one? I felt a little frozen- not ready to move forward, but I knew I desperately wanted a new kitchen!
inspiration
Here’s how you start a renovation if it seems overwhelming- inspiration. Inspiration is the “why” behind tearing up your house and life for a few weeks. Having a vision for how it’ll look will help you focus on the outcome instead of the fear. I was scrolling though Facebook a few months ago when I stumbled upon the most beautiful image-
I mean, can you even?! Here’s what I love about it- I love the modern look updated look- it is so fresh and unique to me! I am in love with the colors- the brass and marble finishes and softened by the pink. I love how the black appliances look tied in and streamlined. It’s inspiring and it so makes me wish my kitchen doesn’t look like this:
make a list
So now that you have your inspiration, it’s time to make a list of projects to be completed. Here are the things I am excited to have updated in my kitchen renovation-
- the brown laminated countertops updated to quartz. I love the look of marble, but it is hard to maintain. It is also much more expensive (which I don’t think makes sense in this tiny kitchen).
- new cabinets that go all of the way to the ceiling (we need the storage- goodbye soffit). These will be white and possibly black to tie in the appliances.
- tile backsplash that will go on all walls in the kitchen.
- smaller, but still important finishing elements- new lighting, faucet, sink, art and rug.
I originally was thinking about repainting the cabinets we have, but they are pretty beat up. The owners before us put beadboard looking wallpaper on the doors and they ding up with the slightest bump to them. This is a close-up of a door that was eaten by Lucy when she was a puppy…
budget
The next step in conquering your renovation fears is making a budget for each item on your to do list. The average kitchen renovation cost according to homeadvisor.com is $21,637! With higher costing renovations at $50,000. Can you even?! That is nowhere close to what I can afford so I priced out my tasks from above-
- Ikea cabinets- $1,200
- Ikea sink- $300
- Quartz counter tops installed- $1,200 ($75/square foot)
- Subway tile- $300
- New lights- $350
- Faucet- $250
- Art- $200
- Rug- $250
- Brass Hardware (drawer pulls)- $70
Total budget $5,000. Much more doable!
vision board
Now that you have a budget, create a vision board so that you can see how all of your options look together (I use picmonkey to create these collages for free). This is a great way to share with your significant other your plans so you can make sure you are on the same page:
art (no longer available) / pineapple cutting board (no longer available) / pendant light / flush mount light / rug / quartz (no longer available) / drawer pull / inspiration image
start date
Lastly come up with a start date and get going! I am hoping we can begin April 1st with this project. I can’t wait to update you on it! We are doing this makeover for the One Room Challenge so you’ll see weekly updates and a finished product at the beginning of May!!!
In conclusion, if you are anxious about starting a renovation- it’s ok, you can do it! Start easy by finding an inspiration image that makes you excited! Next write down a list of tasks you need to get you from where you are to your inspiration. Add to that list prices so you can come up with a final budget. Create a mood board of your favorite products and make sure it works for your family. Create a time line and get started! Guys, can I tell you that when I started shopping for products, I walked into my kitchen and could just envision how beautiful it would all look and couldn’t wait to get started! I went from terrified to excited, and you can too! Now hopefully I can keep that enthusiasm through the whole process- haha! I promise, these steps will help you get the ball rolling! So tell me, what renovation project is next on your list?
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Renee says
Oh I I love that kitchen! I know you will make yours look just as stunning! I can’t wait to see the finished look! Good tips and advice. I’m so glad before we bought our house the previous owner did lots of quality upgrades, so it saved us a lot of money by just doing a few touches. I tried to focus on the big things and gradually do the smaller things, knobs, lights etc.
[email protected] says
That is so lucky! I personally think the small touches are more fun to focus on! The previous owners of our place were eager to sell and did lots of “flip” updates that just haven’t stood the test of time. Like the cabinets are painted in a matte paint and just don’t wipe clean so they are permanently stained. Sigh!
christine dovey says
That kitchen is one of my all time favourites as well- can’t wait to see this come to life!
paloma says
lovely design plan so many good spaces this season can’t wait to see your transformation. Hope you can check out mines over on my blog.=)
Brittany Goldwyn says
Cute plans, Ashley! I love that pineapple.