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Young House Love » Reader Redesigns » Reader Redesign: Mini Kitchen Masterpiece

| By John Petersik | August 21, 2013 | 112 Comments

Reader Redesign: Mini Kitchen Masterpiece

Clara has had her play kitchen for over a year and a half and she still plays with it nearly everyday, which is practically a toy miracle considering how quickly other items are dismissed. So play kitchens have a special place in our hearts. And this one is extra special because, well, Casey and Phil had a ton of fun making their own – and brought lots of new ideas to the table. They don’t have a blog, but they outlined their process here for you guys:

Much like you guys, my husband Phil and I decided to build our daughter Zoey a play kitchen for Christmas. I sketched it out to mimic our kitchen cabinets, and I knew she’d love a pretty realistic looking stove in a fun color. Luckily my husband is a fantastic carpenter, so we built the whole thing from scratch using scrap lumber from from our whole-house renovation and butcher block left over from our previous house’s kitchen renovation.

Casey After

All said and done we spent an embarrassing amount of time on this, but I think the end result was worth all the work!

Casey Matching Kitchen Cabs

The cabinet building was pretty straightforward- we built basic cabinet boxes, added the face frames, then added the extra paneled detail on the sides. Phil build the doors separately and we attached them after everything was painted. The stove was a little (okay, a lot) trickier. We build it in 2 major parts- the lower half (the painted part) is all one unit, and the upper half (the stainless part) is the other half.

Casey Wallpaper Detail

Phil loved the idea of dimmable “burners” so that was definitely our biggest expense in the whole project – but he was right that it takes the whole thing to the next level. Zoey loves them! For the top half we sandwiched the LED lighting in between 2 layers of wood to hold it in place. We used a 6″ hole saw to create the 2 openings where the coiled LED lighting shines through. We wrapped the top part in stainless contact paper, covered the lighting with a piece of tinted plexiglass, then we put the whole thing on top of the lower half.

Casey Lighting

And I know people love a good resource list, so here’s where we got things:

  • Cabinets- made from scrap wood from other projects
  • Countertops- leftover from previous kitchen (lumber liquidators)
  • Sink – Amazon
  • Faucet – Amazon
  • Cabinet knobs – Target
  • Paint color on cabinets – Benjamin Moore’s Super White
  • Paint color on stove – Benjamin Moore’s Meadowlands Green
  • Handle on stove – Ikea
  • Knobs on stove – Amazon
  • Timer – Anthropologie
  • “Stainless steel” contact paper – Home Depot
  • Oven rack – Dollar Store
  • Flexible LED neon – Del Lighting
  • Dimmers – Amazon
  • Plexiglass for stovetop – eBay
  • Wallpaper on interior cabinet – leftover from Zoey’s nursery, Wallpaper Direct

Hope you enjoy! -Casey

Casey Zooey Playing

Isn’t it awesome? Zoey is one lucky kid to have such resourceful and creative parents who have so much fun building things for her. Thanks for sharing your creation with us, Casey and Phil!

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Comments

  1. Avatar for YvonneYvonne says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:05 pm

    Incredible!

    Reply
  2. Avatar for Annie RimlerAnnie Rimler says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:05 pm

    Too delightful for words! Kudos!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for NicoleNicole says

      November 30, 2013 at 6:21 am

      I couldn’t agree more !!! lovely mini kitchen

  3. Avatar for Christine- 15 Minute BeautyChristine- 15 Minute Beauty says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:06 pm

    Oh wow, this is amazingly beautiful! What an amazing kitchen.

    Reply
  4. Avatar for KrisKris says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:08 pm

    I love this!!! I sure wish my husband and I were crafty.

    Reply
  5. Avatar for LindsayLindsay says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:08 pm

    Wow! SO cute! Love that…looks like all that went into it paid off!

    Reply
  6. Avatar for Henna // HENNA BLOSSOM blogHenna // HENNA BLOSSOM blog says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:09 pm

    OMGosh! I am in love with this kitchen! So fun. Seriously, I love kiddie play kitchens, I think they’re as much fun for the parents as they are for the kids, ha.

    I found our son’s kitchen on craigslist (original 60s era play kitchen) and it’s been so much fun stocking it. If you wanna check that out: http://hennablossom.com/?p=2430 (so cute). :)

    Nice job on Zoey’s kitchen! I know Mateo’s is always where all the kiddies want to be. It’s totally worth spending “an embarrassing amount of time” on, ha. :)

    Reply
  7. Avatar for KimKim says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:11 pm

    Wow! Way cool!

    Reply
  8. Avatar for JeannaJeanna says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:11 pm

    That is the cutest thing I have ever seen! What a lucky little girl :)

    Reply
  9. Avatar for SandiSandi says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:11 pm

    WOW, that is so adorable!!!

    Reply
  10. Avatar for Sarah @ An Inviting HomeSarah @ An Inviting Home says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:11 pm

    We went the quick route and bought a kitchen for our crew but if I had the time I would make this in a heartbeat! It is delightful!

    ~Sarah

    Reply
  11. Avatar for Laura @ Rather SquareLaura @ Rather Square says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:13 pm

    This is beautiful! And the neon LEDs are truly impressive. I love that they made this using leftover scraps from a kitchen reno.

    Reply
  12. Avatar for EmmaEmma says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:14 pm

    Um…can Casey and Phil either a) adopt me; or b) design my kitchen? That is the most amazing play kitchen ever! The led lights are mind blowing. Mind.blown.

    Reply
    • Avatar for AlexAlex says

      August 21, 2013 at 8:56 pm

      Ditto!!! Maybe they can adopt 50,000 of us?? :)

  13. Avatar for KellyKelly says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:14 pm

    Those cabinets and faucet are nicer than the ones in my kitchen!

    Reply
  14. Avatar for AlisonAlison says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:16 pm

    As Joey Lawrence says, “WOAH!”

    Reply
  15. Avatar for JenJen says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:20 pm

    Amazing. I LOVE all of the attention to detail. Wish we were crafty enough to make a kitchen for our little one!

    Reply
  16. Avatar for AnnetteAnnette says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:21 pm

    That’s nicer than my big girl kitchen, lucky little lady!

    Reply
  17. Avatar for Vanessa @ Love This Crazy LifeVanessa @ Love This Crazy Life says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:21 pm

    Definitely my favorite kiddo kitchen I’ve seen to date! Really awesome!!

    Reply
  18. Avatar for lesismorelesismore says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:22 pm

    kinda puts my $10 garage sale kitchen to shame. but one of the knobs costs more than that, so…

    pretty cool lighting feature, i will admit, just a little too expensive for me.

    Reply
  19. Avatar for MichelleMichelle says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:23 pm

    That is really incredible! I’ve got a soft spot for these, as my dad built one for my sister and I back in the day! Such a great way to play using imagination!

    Reply
  20. Avatar for BethanyBethany says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:23 pm

    I want this for myself, and I’m 27 with no kids. The burners are awesome, I’m storing this idea away for potential future kids one day. Such an amazing job!

    Reply
  21. Avatar for Michelle KerseyMichelle Kersey says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:25 pm

    Whoa. That’s amazing!!!

    Reply
  22. Avatar for Joanna BananaJoanna Banana says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:26 pm

    #[email protected]%^&?!!!!! SO COOL!

    Reply
  23. Avatar for AmandaAmanda says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:30 pm

    What an adorable kitchen!! The dimmable burners are awesome – so realistic!

    Reply
  24. Avatar for Julie @ Living on the LedgeJulie @ Living on the Ledge says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:33 pm

    Adorable! We are currently working on a kitchen for our daughters for this Christmas! It probably won’t be as realistic as this one – those burners are impressive!

    Reply
  25. Avatar for DominiqueDominique says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:33 pm

    Wow! So impressive. Please tell me that after this post they are going to start selling these.

    Reply
  26. Avatar for MelanieMelanie says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:35 pm

    That is so adorable! I love all of the little details – the led lightning, the timer & the wallpaper in the cabinets! So cute. They did an awesome job.

    Reply
  27. Avatar for BrendaBrenda says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:36 pm

    Wow, those light coils are amazing! Is it weird that I really wish I could make some fake dinner on that stovetop?

    Reply
  28. Avatar for CindyCindy says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:37 pm

    I need me some grand babies – pronto!

    Reply
  29. Avatar for Lisa in SeattleLisa in Seattle says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:37 pm

    Dang. This is nicer than my actual kitchen. If you need me, I’ll be crying in the corner.

    Reply
  30. Avatar for Lisa ELisa E says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:38 pm

    Wowsa, how creative is that?!! Love what the coiled LED lighting adds to it! Awesome build!

    Reply
  31. Avatar for Heather P.Heather P. says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:39 pm

    I love that it lights up! Such a cool idea!

    Reply
  32. Avatar for Mary | Lemon Grove BlogMary | Lemon Grove Blog says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:39 pm

    Wow! Mega talented – love those cabinets! :) No kiddies yet, but this one is on the list of fun projects when we do have them :)

    Reply
  33. Avatar for ErinErin says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:47 pm

    I too, have just a teeny obsession with play kitchens (no, I don’t spend HOURS perusing them on Pinterest and searching Craigslist! Not every day anyway..) But this one. THIS one. This one tops them all. This is better than my actual kitchen! Absolutely love it. Bravo to Casey and Phil!

    Reply
  34. Avatar for LucyLucy says

    August 21, 2013 at 3:52 pm

    Whoa! I have to draw the line somewhere, this kitchen looks way better than my real kitchen. ;)

    Great job! It looks amazing!

    Reply
  35. Avatar for JackieJackie says

    August 21, 2013 at 4:03 pm

    Hi,
    What’s the total cost of this project(excluding the materials they didn’t have to purchase and already had on hand)?

    Thanks!
    Jackie

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      August 21, 2013 at 4:20 pm

      Hope they drop in with that! I’d guess it wasn’t super cheap, but couldn’t be close to those $500 Pottery Barn kitchens (even the discounted ones at the outlet are $250)!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for Amelia R.Amelia R. says

      August 21, 2013 at 9:14 pm

      I took a minute to add it up, based on the links they provided (so, not counting lumber, hinges, paint, butcher block, or wallpaper they already had on hand) and came up with $146 for the listed supplies.

    • Avatar for JackieJackie says

      August 22, 2013 at 12:44 pm

      Awesome! Thanks both!

  36. Avatar for JenniferJennifer says

    August 21, 2013 at 4:05 pm

    So sweet! Such a nice kitchen–I wouldn’t mind using this kitchen on a large scale!

    Reply
  37. Avatar for KarenKaren says

    August 21, 2013 at 4:05 pm

    Uhhhh, [shuffling feet in embarrassment], I just scrolled down looking through the photos first, and was thinking, “holy cow, I ADORE that oven, what a cool kitchen.” Yeah. I. Thought. It. Was. Real.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      August 21, 2013 at 4:19 pm

      Haha! I love that! It’s the ultimate compliment.

      xo
      s

  38. Avatar for Anne [A Squared]Anne [A Squared] says

    August 21, 2013 at 4:09 pm

    This is amazing!

    Reply
  39. Avatar for janicejanice says

    August 21, 2013 at 4:19 pm

    Completely cool and so totally awesome!! Thanks for sharing this – even if I can’t go that elaborate, I may be able to try something else. I think my grandson would love it! (yes, boys can have a kitchen!)

    Reply
  40. Avatar for BettyBetty says

    August 21, 2013 at 4:23 pm

    WOW the little girl in me is so sincerely jealous…I would have spent hours enjoying that..what a treat..great parents..what fun!

    Reply
  41. Avatar for BetsyBetsy says

    August 21, 2013 at 4:26 pm

    Holy moly, this is awesome!!! I wish they sold them, you just can’t get the dimmable lighting option with other toy kitchens. Just awesome!

    Reply
  42. Avatar for SerenaSerena says

    August 21, 2013 at 4:29 pm

    I can’t even handle this — it is amazing! Way cooler than the kitchens you can buy.

    Reply
  43. Avatar for EmEm says

    August 21, 2013 at 4:34 pm

    Totally amazed–great job, Casey!

    Reply
  44. Avatar for KristinKristin says

    August 21, 2013 at 4:43 pm

    Love! We happen to be in the middle of building one of these ourselves (as in I literally just opened the box from Amazon containing the faucet and sink) and I’m eyeing the oven knobs they used but the link doesn’t work :( Any help much appreciated!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      August 21, 2013 at 4:44 pm

      Hmm, maybe just try in stores? Anyone have a link that works>

      xo
      s

  45. Avatar for JaniceJanice says

    August 21, 2013 at 5:00 pm

    What, no running water? ;)

    Reply
  46. Avatar for AshleyAshley says

    August 21, 2013 at 5:07 pm

    That is amazing and adorable!

    Reply
  47. Avatar for Emily VEmily V says

    August 21, 2013 at 5:39 pm

    Sweet baby Jesus! That is awesome! I want one. Seriously.

    Reply
  48. Avatar for BaileyBailey says

    August 21, 2013 at 5:48 pm

    Oh my gosh, what a fun project!! That family must be a blast!

    xox
    Bailey
    http://akabailey.blogspot.com

    Reply
  49. Avatar for Shannon [Our Home Notebook]Shannon [Our Home Notebook] says

    August 21, 2013 at 5:53 pm

    Wow! What a sweet kitchen.

    Reply
  50. Avatar for DianaDiana says

    August 21, 2013 at 6:11 pm

    That’s awesome!!! Love love love :)

    Reply
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John and Sherry smiling against pink backgroundHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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