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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 NinaNina says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:40 pm

    Great Makeover!

    Working on a kitchen makeover myself. Can’t wait for it to be finally finished.

    I think the ceiling light fixture (not the one above sink) is also from Ikea. At least to me it looks like this one ;)

    http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80095457

    Reply
  2. Avatar for SimoneSimone says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:41 pm

    Those mirrors are from Pier 1. I saw them there just a few days ago.

    The kitchen is amazing so fresh and bright.

    Reply
  3. Avatar for OliviaOlivia says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:43 pm

    Kristen – you were asking about the center light fixture – it’s from Ikea, my parents have the same one. It’s 4 sets of lights that can be pointed in different directions.

    Jordan – I have a similar builder’s spec kitchen and would like to repaint my cabinets – I’ve been inspired! Could you please explain your process, did you take the cabinets off and spray them? Did you do it by hand? with a brush? roller? Please post the details!

    Thanks!

    Reply
  4. Avatar for AmyAmy says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:45 pm

    wow, I am in love! That is very inspiring!

    Reply
  5. Avatar for BlairBlair says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:50 pm

    This is just making me want to paint my kitchen cabinets that much more. Any one have any good sources for step-by-step DIY that !nly involves removing doors/drawers and not countertops, etc?

    Reply
  6. Avatar for SaraSara says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:51 pm

    I thought they put in a new floor, too, but when I went back to look at the old picture, I saw it was the same. You really notice it with the new kitchen. Great job!

    Reply
  7. Avatar for AmyAmy says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:53 pm

    This looks great! It looks so light and airy now and seems like a wonderful place to cook and hang out.

    Reply
  8. Avatar for EmilyEmily says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:54 pm

    What a lovely job! I wish I had 1K to redo my kitchen. :)

    Reply
  9. Avatar for bethbeth says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:54 pm

    What a great make over! I have a white kitchen as well and have been wanting to do counter tops just like that. I never knew how expensive they were so this is very helpful!

    Reply
  10. Avatar for mikemike says

    August 31, 2010 at 3:56 pm

    Love it! Especially the bead board and darker color above the cabinets. Very classy and classic!!

    Reply
  11. Avatar for Mallory @ R. Simple LifeMallory @ R. Simple Life says

    August 31, 2010 at 4:00 pm

    This is amazing! I love it & I’m so stoked they did it for so cheap. I’m officially jealous.

    Reply
  12. Avatar for beccabecca says

    August 31, 2010 at 4:00 pm

    that’s completely gorgeous! we just moved into a home that has a great kitchen, but the cabinets are just so dark. i love white cabinets.

    Reply
  13. Avatar for Sarah KSarah K says

    August 31, 2010 at 4:01 pm

    Gorgeous! Filing this one in my inspiration folder.

    Reply
  14. Avatar for mistymisty says

    August 31, 2010 at 4:01 pm

    LOVE IT! fabulous change for very little dough. Nice Job!

    Reply
  15. Avatar for Abby @ abby & her boysAbby @ abby & her boys says

    August 31, 2010 at 4:03 pm

    Holy WOW! This is an amazing transformation! Love it!

    Reply
  16. Avatar for AlexAlex says

    August 31, 2010 at 4:04 pm

    Question: Is it hard to maintain wood countertops? I love the look and have thought about using it in my own home, but I’m fearful of stains. Anyone have an experience here?

    Reply
  17. Avatar for ErinErin says

    August 31, 2010 at 4:08 pm

    Absolutely gorgeous! I am always amazed at what a little paint can do.

    Reply
  18. Avatar for Paula M.Paula M. says

    August 31, 2010 at 4:14 pm

    Great job! Kudos to the owners for envisioning, achieving this!

    Again: the power of white paint to brighten a formerly dark kitchen. I love the added touch of the beadboard on the island, too. Nice graphic touch. Great idea!

    I really need to refurbish my old cabinets, which the former owners painted white, thank goodness, but which need some love on the inside. What’s the best way to paint the INTERIORS of cabinets? The exteriors seem like a snap by comparison, but I’m actually talking about the “boxes” themselves. I can picture myself trying some kind of circus contortionist act trying to paint the interiors of the lowest cabinets, LOL.

    The only thing that’s not to my taste in this makeover is the farmhouse sink; I know they’re hot right now and have lots of fans, but to me, they just look big and clunky. Ah, well, to each his own — variety keeps things interesting :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      August 31, 2010 at 4:15 pm

      Hey Paula,

      We have a cabinet painting tutorial on our Projects page that you can check out (the process of painting the insides of them is the same as the outsides, just give them ample drying time). And as for reaching the back of those lower cabs, just wedge yourself in there to get every nook and cranny that you can. Good luck!

      xo,
      s

  19. Avatar for Cheri@IHeartOldHouses[email protected] says

    August 31, 2010 at 4:17 pm

    Holy cow, I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a drastic makeover on such a tiny budget! It’s like a whole different room.

    Reply
  20. Avatar for - Sarah :-)- Sarah :-) says

    August 31, 2010 at 4:22 pm

    That sink is AMAZING and who knew it’d be so inexpensive?? I’m LOVING the finished look. Now I can’t wait until our kitchen is finished!! :-)

    Reply
  21. Avatar for TiffanyTiffany says

    August 31, 2010 at 4:24 pm

    Love the wooden counter tops!!!!!

    XOXO,

    http://outfitidentifier.com/

    Reply
  22. Avatar for OwningSingleOwningSingle says

    August 31, 2010 at 4:25 pm

    That’s a terrific job. I am working on a kitchen remodel too and I hope I can do as fab a job as they did. And for that great price too!

    Reply
  23. Avatar for foofoo says

    August 31, 2010 at 4:27 pm

    um, this is it. This is the kitchen I’ve been wanting. And to see their breakdown makes it feel that much more doable, especially since my kitchen is much smaller.

    I especially love the color going from the walls to the ceiling. that just lifts the whole room.

    Amazing. Well done.

    Reply
  24. Avatar for JulieJulie says

    August 31, 2010 at 4:28 pm

    Gorgeous! Much brighter. Although, the before picture is already 30 times better than my kitchen. :)

    Reply
  25. Avatar for JasonJason says

    August 31, 2010 at 4:29 pm

    I liked the cabinets before – but the white is far superior.

    What are the before countertops? They look a lot like my Wilsonart HD laminate that I had put in :(

    Reply
  26. Avatar for Suzie @ cupcake monkeySuzie @ cupcake monkey says

    August 31, 2010 at 4:35 pm

    Yay!! This gives me hope! I need to paint our cabinets and just need to convince my husband that it is possible!!

    …off to check out the tutorial! Quick question, though…We have oak cabinets. The doors and framework (?) are solid wood, but there are two end pieces that are MDF. Can that be painted? Will the paint stick?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      August 31, 2010 at 4:37 pm

      As long as you don’t beat those areas up (scraping them with bags, kicking them, etc) the same method should work for those MDF pieces. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  27. Avatar for Tiffany MorrisonTiffany Morrison says

    August 31, 2010 at 4:41 pm

    Awesome! Great inspiration for our own kitchen remodel. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  28. Avatar for Briar Oak WifeBriar Oak Wife says

    August 31, 2010 at 4:44 pm

    That is amazing! I love the countertops, farmhouse sink and subway tile! I am taking notes…

    Reply
  29. Avatar for MariaMaria says

    August 31, 2010 at 4:45 pm

    Looks great!!! Looks similar to my kitchen but I have granite counters…we spent a little more on granite alone =/

    Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  30. Avatar for AshleyAshley says

    August 31, 2010 at 4:48 pm

    beautiful!

    Reply
  31. Avatar for Jessica @ How SweetJessica @ How Sweet says

    August 31, 2010 at 4:51 pm

    Wow! Incredible!

    Reply
  32. Avatar for Suzie @ cupcake monkeySuzie @ cupcake monkey says

    August 31, 2010 at 4:52 pm

    Kicking them! Ha ha!
    Thanks!!

    Reply
  33. Avatar for briabria says

    August 31, 2010 at 5:04 pm

    WHAAAAAAT?!?! are you KIDDING me?!

    off to prove to my husband we CAN rehab our 1964 kitchen for under a grand! (no shiny stainless steel goodies tho…more like avocado green..) thanks!!

    Reply
  34. Avatar for allialli says

    August 31, 2010 at 5:12 pm

    I am wondering what type of sink that is! Is it the http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/S49847479? If so, I’m only seeing it available in Canada online.

    Reply
  35. Avatar for DianeDiane says

    August 31, 2010 at 5:12 pm

    The sink (so affordable for such style) is my favorite part. The change in color is my second.

    I cannot wait for the IKEA to open near my city. They broke ground on it earlier this year, and it’s slated to be finished in late 2011 or early 2012.

    I know people who have driven to other states just to visit and IKEA when doing a kitchen or bath remodel. They swore that even renting a moving truck and making an interstate trip, it still saved them so much money as to make all the bother worth it.

    I’ve already got some kitchen cabinets and countertops bookmarked for when it opens. My kitchen is vintage 1967, and only has cabinets on half of the walls. I don’t want to replace the cabinets as they are incredibly sturdy and solid wood. I think I can happily live with the dated looking doors if I paint them, put on new hardware, and get new counters. And for the other half of the kitchen, I thought some free-standing IKEA cabinets would look sharp.

    Reply
  36. Avatar for kscolemankscoleman says

    August 31, 2010 at 5:16 pm

    Wow, they really need to submit to magazines. That is VERY impressive for the money spent. Well done!

    Reply
  37. Avatar for LaurenLauren says

    August 31, 2010 at 5:18 pm

    I’m going to do a real life copy & paste here – taaaasty.

    Reply
  38. Avatar for tracitraci says

    August 31, 2010 at 5:21 pm

    Thought I would suffer in silence until I could afford new cabinets. I may do a little painting myself to bridge the silent gap :-) Nicely done folks. I LOVE it.

    Reply
  39. Avatar for BrittanyBrittany says

    August 31, 2010 at 5:39 pm

    I’m proud to be a friend of Jordan’s! When I first saw she & Landon’s redo I was completely jealous, haha! I currently rent and am not able to overhaul our kitchen, but I’m certainly inspired and motivated for when we have a home of our own. My favorite part of their kitchen is definitely the farmhouse sink–to die for!

    Reply
  40. Avatar for jennifer fjennifer f says

    August 31, 2010 at 5:44 pm

    amazing! just gorgeous. My concern is for resale purposes…is it a good idea to paint over nice wood? Do people prefer the cherry cabinets and such? Or is white the new look? I am really starting to love white kitchens, but wasn’t sure whether it was a good idea or not. And..I currently have nice cherry cabinets that are fairly new…so would that put buyers off if they were painted over? What do u think of white versus wood?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      August 31, 2010 at 5:45 pm

      Hey Jennifer F,

      You just need one buyer and it seems that around 50% of buyers prefer white while the other 50% prefer wood so either way you’ll easily attract someone who loves your home!

      xo,
      s

  41. Avatar for KateKate says

    August 31, 2010 at 5:49 pm

    GORGEOUS! Though I’m wondering about the pendant light fixture over the sink… did they have to wire for it? I don’t see an existing light fixture in the before picture. Our 1956 house is seriously hurting in the overhead lighting department, and there’s no money in the budget to have someone add ’em in, so I’m always on the hunt for something that can be plugged in!

    Reply
  42. Avatar for RobynRobyn says

    August 31, 2010 at 5:52 pm

    LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!

    I have pictures of what i want my future kitchen to look like…this is bascially it!
    And you did it cheaply that is amazing! Good job!

    Reply
  43. Avatar for Robyn in ChicagoRobyn in Chicago says

    August 31, 2010 at 5:52 pm

    Ooo Ooo Ooo – Loooovvvvvvvvve those counter tops so much!!! Also like the backsplash and light fixture! Awesome job guys!

    Reply
  44. Avatar for SheralynSheralyn says

    August 31, 2010 at 6:13 pm

    Beautiful!
    It’s amazing how white kitchen cabinets never fail to update a space.
    They truly are classic!
    Great work!

    Reply
  45. Avatar for heather s.heather s. says

    August 31, 2010 at 6:20 pm

    Love the new paint color (walls and cabinets), hardware, sink and countertop but the fixture over the sink looks too big to me. I love the shape and color of it but not the size. Great job on a budget, though!

    Reply
  46. Avatar for Jocelyn StottJocelyn Stott says

    August 31, 2010 at 6:22 pm

    I was really impressed by this. It looks lovely for such little money!

    Reply
  47. Avatar for Handy Man, Crafty WomanHandy Man, Crafty Woman says

    August 31, 2010 at 7:06 pm

    WOW, so nice and bright! I’m probably biased though, we painted our cabinets white, too. :-) Love how inexpensively you did it all.

    Reply
  48. Avatar for MelodyMelody says

    August 31, 2010 at 7:08 pm

    Despite your warning, I think my jaw did drop! What a transformation! It looks awesome!

    Reply
  49. Avatar for flush puppyflush puppy says

    August 31, 2010 at 7:10 pm

    Hey Kids! Love this kitchen! I notice the flooring didn’t need to be changed out in this one. And in looking at the cabinet painting tutorial, it looks like your own flooring was linoleum originally, then something else before it went to the final wood version? I ask because we also have 60’s linoleum that I HATE in our wee tiny galley kitchen, so while it wouldn’t require much $$ to replace, the thought of pulling the refrigerator and stove out to do it scares me. Plus I’m not 100% sure what we would replace it with. SO! Did you have to completely remove the old linoleum? Any other sage advice? I thought about just painting it for the time being. I didn’t see a post about it but I may have missed it…Thanks!

    Reply
  50. Avatar for flush puppyflush puppy says

    August 31, 2010 at 7:14 pm

    Dang! Now I found it! But I don’t see mention of removing the appliances…

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      August 31, 2010 at 7:15 pm

      Pulling out appliances to remove/redo the floor under them is no sweat! Just use big pieces of cardboard to roll them out on (to avoid scratching the floor – if you’re keeping it, that is). We moved our fridge to the other side of the wall, pulled both of them out to clean behind them, and moved them to put vinyl tiles beneath them, and moved them again to get hardwoods all the way under everything! No problems at all! Hope it helps.

      xo,
      s

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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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