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Young House Love » Reader Redesigns » Reader Redesign: One Amazing 1K-ish Kitchen

| By John Petersik | August 31, 2010 | 207 Comments

Reader Redesign: One Amazing 1K-ish Kitchen

Hold on to your jaws people because otherwise they’ll be on the floor in a few moments. Jordan and her husband have totally flipped their kitchen for just over a thousand dollars. And the result is nothing short of spectacular. Here’s Jordan’s letter:

I’ve been obsessed with y’alls blog for a while now. I check it every day! Me and the hubs finally bought a house this spring and just like you guys, we’re in love with it. We’re full time photographers (as opposed to designers or renovators) but I could paint and decorate for days without food or drink! I just love making things over!

We transformed the kitchen on a pretty tight budget. $1,207 to be exact!

Reader Jordan Before

But we definitely did our best to make our money go a loooong way. Just look at the difference:

Reader Jordan After 1

Painting the cabinets and switching out the counters made for quite a change. And the stainless steel appliances that we already had definitely popped thanks to the change. Hanging a new light fixture above the sink also really changed the feeling of the room, and the new sink adds so much personality.

Reader Jordan After 2

Here’s a little breakdown of everything that we used:

  • $20 – Paint for the cabinets (Olympic Dogwood Blossom)
  • $0 – Primer for the cabinets (we already had it)
  • $0 – Paint for the walls (don’t remember the name, but we had it forever)
  • $20 – Beadboard for the front of the peninsula (Home Depot)
  • $620 – Oak Numerar countertops (Ikea)
  • $185 – Sink (Ikea)
  • $98 – Faucet (Home Depot)
  • $86 – Knobs (Anthropologie)
  • $100 – White subway tile backspash (Home Depot)
  • $78 – Light fixture over sink (Ikea)
  • $0 – Stools (we already had them in another room)
  • TOTAL: $1,207

Reader Jordan After 3

I’m so excited because I finally have a finished room to send y’all. Thanks so much Sherry and John!  – Jordan at landonjacob.com

Isn’t it amazing? It’s just another example of how Ikea can come to the rescue when it comes to creating affordable room transformations – that and doing the work yourself to save some serious loot. We’re totally in love with what Jordan and her husband did that we’re just about ready to invite ourselves over for breakfast. Nice work guys! And what do you people at home think? Does it have you looking at your kitchen in a whole new way? What’s your favorite part?

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Comments

  1. Avatar for caitlincaitlin says

    August 31, 2010 at 2:36 pm

    wow.

    i wish my kitchen would be so easy to make over! we are starting with nearly nothing!

    congrats on the super make over. wow. wow.

    Reply
  2. Avatar for caitlincaitlin says

    August 31, 2010 at 2:37 pm

    also i think my fav part is the countertops! i am constantly impressed with the ikea wood counters in online pics!

    Reply
  3. Avatar for AliciaAlicia says

    August 31, 2010 at 2:41 pm

    Hey Jordan,
    Where did you get those white mirrors next to your peninsula?

    Reply
  4. Avatar for KateKate says

    August 31, 2010 at 2:42 pm

    Wow that is some makeover! Love the light!!!!

    Reply
  5. Avatar for KristinKristin says

    August 31, 2010 at 2:42 pm

    I couldn’t agree more that their work is fabulous! I had no idea that I can buy countertops at Ikea – definitely something to keep in mind…

    I have a QUESTION for Jordan. I notice that BOTH light fixtures were replaced. Where was the center one (not the one over the sink) purchased?

    Reply
  6. Avatar for Emily AEmily A says

    August 31, 2010 at 2:43 pm

    Fantastic! I wish I had the guts to paint my cabinets!
    Turned out amazing!

    Reply
  7. Avatar for AllisonAllison says

    August 31, 2010 at 2:44 pm

    WOW! This is amazing. I looove the countertops and that light fixture over the sink. Great work, Jordan!

    Reply
  8. Avatar for ElizabethElizabeth says

    August 31, 2010 at 2:45 pm

    I love the countertops as well…I may have to consider those for my kitchen…and they look great with that sink.

    I’m curious as to what is going on where the ceiling light fixture used to be…is that a light…fans…what?

    Reply
  9. Avatar for ChristinaChristina says

    August 31, 2010 at 2:47 pm

    any idea where those mirrors on the wall outside of the kitchen are from? they are gorgeous!

    Reply
  10. Avatar for TGTG says

    August 31, 2010 at 2:48 pm

    You are right. My jaw almost hit the floor. That kitchen is absolutely amazing. It went from a kind of dated and heavy feeling to totally fresh, light and airy. Wonderful job. I never thought of Ikea for kitchen counters but I will definately check them out now.

    Reply
  11. Avatar for RachelRachel says

    August 31, 2010 at 2:51 pm

    Gorgeous! Are those the Mercury Glass Melon Knobs? I’ve been eyeing those for a hack of the Ikea Rast dresser I’m about to do.

    They did a really super job. You totally do not think “budget makeover” when you look at this. I love that!

    Reply
  12. Avatar for Laura (Blogging Over Thyme)Laura (Blogging Over Thyme) says

    August 31, 2010 at 2:53 pm

    Oh my gosh! This is absolutely amazing makeover, I can’t believe it was done for just a little over a thousand dollars–it looks like it would have cost multiple K’s.

    Love the photographs as well! You can definitely tell their talented photographers. I love the apron sink (my favorite) and big industrial size pendant. Great job guys!

    Reply
  13. Avatar for TamrynTamryn says

    August 31, 2010 at 2:53 pm

    Stunning!

    Reply
  14. Avatar for Laura (Blogging Over Thyme)Laura (Blogging Over Thyme) says

    August 31, 2010 at 2:54 pm

    PS. The link to Jordan’s website isn’t working! Just a heads up

    Reply
  15. Avatar for LisaLisa says

    August 31, 2010 at 2:55 pm

    I love how you all only put knobs on the drawers. I have no hardware in my kitchen right now and this is a cost effective way to add a little jazz to it! Awesome job!

    Reply
  16. Avatar for GraceGrace says

    August 31, 2010 at 2:56 pm

    amazing!! it is seriously stunning– I’m quite impressed and even more jealous! GOOD JOB :)

    Reply
  17. Avatar for StacyStacy says

    August 31, 2010 at 2:58 pm

    Beautiful! Jordan – where are those pretty white mirrors from? Loving them!

    Reply
  18. Avatar for EmilyEmily says

    August 31, 2010 at 2:59 pm

    Love the new sink! The link to Jordan’s site isn’t working… just to let you know!

    Reply
  19. Avatar for Keighley@BellaLife[email protected] says

    August 31, 2010 at 2:59 pm

    WHAT?!? Are we sure that’s the same kitchen ;) That is epic. Seriously has such a new energy and look. Love it!

    Reply
  20. Avatar for KellyKelly says

    August 31, 2010 at 2:59 pm

    WOW!! Truly inspiring. I love every detail- the countertops, the Anthropologie knobs, the sink, the light fixture, the beadboard! Love it! Nicely done.

    Reply
  21. Avatar for KVKV says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:00 pm

    What about the light fixture in the middle of the room? I’m thinking about putting one in my rather dark kitchen and am wondering how much light that puts off. Is it enough to make the kitchen feel bright at night?

    I love the new look!

    Reply
  22. Avatar for Rachel BarkerRachel Barker says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:00 pm

    Amazing improvements! Good bones in a space are everything – I die over the curves of the ceiling over the sink.

    Reply
  23. Avatar for LorianaLoriana says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:01 pm

    The link above for Jordan’s site is not working, just thought I’ll let ya know, hehehe.

    Reply
  24. Avatar for MadelaineMadelaine says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:01 pm

    OMG!
    It just reinforces my wishes to paint our cabinets and replace our countertops. New lights and hardware and we would have a whole new room. However, our floors are not in good shape and our appliances are old and starting to go. Baby steps!

    Reply
  25. Avatar for erikaerika says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:02 pm

    LOVE those countertops, especially with the white cabinets.

    Reply
  26. Avatar for Amy B.Amy B. says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:04 pm

    So if they are photographers… what went wrong in the first picture?…lol. Pretty impressive change for the price, though. I am noticing that doesn’t really include accessories which also make a big difference to a room and the price. Congrats on the light & bright reno.

    Reply
  27. Avatar for pattipatti says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:04 pm

    wow! i’m totally inspired to get going on painting our cabinets. our new backsplash and counters just don’t shine with our yellowed 1950’s varnish covered cabinets! awesome job!

    Reply
  28. Avatar for Michele DaggarMichele Daggar says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:05 pm

    Hi Youngsters,

    Love this kitchen! When I clicked on the link for Jordan’s blog it redirected me back to this blog!

    Reply
  29. Avatar for AmyAmy says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:10 pm

    How did they modify thier undersink cabinet to accomodate their new farmhouse sink? I really want a sink like that, but am unsure how i would make it work with the existing cabinet I have!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      August 31, 2010 at 3:21 pm

      So glad you’re all loving the makeover as much as we are! Here’s hoping she drops by with the answers to everyone’s questions soon!

      xo,
      s

  30. Avatar for Jessi EJessi E says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:10 pm

    Very impressive! I think they did a great job!

    Reply
  31. Avatar for LizLiz says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:11 pm

    It’s gorgeous! So much lighter and fresher. Luckily they started with good bones and appliances. With ours, not so much. We had to completely overhaul!

    Reply
  32. Avatar for JenJen says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:12 pm

    Wow, I love it. We have wood ikea counters that I’m in love with. I would love to have that sink as well…this post really got my mind going…

    Reply
  33. Avatar for JenJen says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:13 pm

    Where did they get those beautiful sparkly containers from that last picture?

    Reply
  34. Avatar for ChristinChristin says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:16 pm

    Incredible. It is a stunning kitchen. Love it! And would love a kitchen like that some day. Great job!!!

    Reply
  35. Avatar for StephanieStephanie says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:16 pm

    Wow! I’m saving this post to reference back to – my husband and I just purchased a house with cabinets in a lovely pinky peach shade that are just screaming for a coat of paint.

    Reply
  36. Avatar for LaurenLauren says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:16 pm

    Wow-this is amazing! You guys (and examples like this) have really given me hope that you don’t need to move into a brand new house with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances to make it something really special. I think of you often as we begin our search for our next house!

    Reply
  37. Avatar for SamanthaSamantha says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:17 pm

    Love the makeover! We considered getting the same countertops but couldn’t afford it so we got ours reglazed. Different look but it works for our starter home! On the subway tile, did you buy each tile individually or does Home Depot have sheets of tile? I am wanting to do the same thing but have never tiled before! Congrats on your amazing kitchen!

    Reply
  38. Avatar for JenJen says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:18 pm

    Wonderful change with very little cost. Would love to know more about the light fixture in the middle of the room….. hope Jordan stops in with the info on it.

    Reply
  39. Avatar for JenJen says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:18 pm

    Wow, I am in complete fascination with this makeover!! We actually have a very similar kitchen and have done most of the same things they have, but I have been waiting for the perfect counter solution and this is totally it! I never would have thought it could be done so inexpensively, I am SO glad you shared this!

    Another story of how far paint can take a space, so much brighter and completely sparkling! LOVE IT!

    xoxo!
    Jen

    Reply
  40. Avatar for MelissaMelissa says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:20 pm

    Truly an A-MAZING transformation!!

    oh and fyi, I dont think the link (landonjocob) is working…or maybe its just dont working for me..lol..idk?!

    Reply
  41. Avatar for katkat says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:20 pm

    that’s amazing! it certainly looks like a million bucks …

    Reply
  42. Avatar for WendyWendy says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:21 pm

    It looks amazing! So bright and clean! Gives me hope for our renos we plan on starting soon!

    Reply
  43. Avatar for AnnAnn says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:22 pm

    They were brave to paint their cabinets, but they turned out so great! I love the look of the white cabinets, but I’m always so afraid to ruin what we have! Great job, love the light and airy feel of it!

    Reply
  44. Avatar for KathiKathi says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:27 pm

    Love, love, love it!!! What an amazing transformation!

    And I think it will be the final piece in the puzzle to get my hubby to not put up a fuss about me tinkering with our kitchen. He’s going to love the look, but more importantly, the bottom line!! So double thank you for sharing!!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      August 31, 2010 at 3:29 pm

      Hey everyone,

      Sorry the link to their site wasn’t working. All fixed!

      xo,
      s

  45. Avatar for SadieSadie says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:28 pm

    Amazing!! I love how fresh and bright it looks now! My husband and I just bought that exact same IKEA sink and installed it Sunday night! We also bought the same butcherblock countertop for our new island. IKEA is the best :)

    Reply
  46. Avatar for Angela NAngela N says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:29 pm

    Great job!!

    I have the same cabinets as the before pic in my new house. Not too crazy about them- it was a builder spec. I don’t think I would have the guts to paint them, although they look fantastic. My next DIY is going to be the subway backsplash just like the OP too. Can’t wait to get that done! I am hoping it brightens up my dark cabinets.

    Reply
  47. Avatar for Cait @ Hernando HouseCait @ Hernando House says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:31 pm

    That looks fabulous! Now it’s making me want to redo our countertops that the former owner coated: http://hernandohouse.wordpress.com/2010/08/26/budget-kitchen-redo/

    Reply
  48. Avatar for AlisonAlison says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:33 pm

    At first glance, the before pic didn’t seem so bad. Decent cabinetry and countertops, but the after shot is amazing. Looks like a designer kitchen now–so much more fresh, bright, modern! And the new light fixture makes a big difference. Nice!!! :)

    Reply
  49. Avatar for LeslieLeslie says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:37 pm

    Gorgeous! I love the ‘Ah-ha, yes!’ feeling of finishing a project! Even better when you can celebrate the savings. :)

    Reply
  50. Avatar for MaryMary says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:39 pm

    Love it–I’m also wondering about the white subway tiles. I need to redo my countertops and get a new sink, and I’ve been wondering what to do about the backsplash. I love theirs and it would go well in my kitchen too!

    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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