Mixing high and low finishes in our simple modern kitchen renovation, we created a refined, luxe style on a modest budget. In part 2 of this two part video series, ( watch part 1 here ) we set to work demolishing the existing finishes in our kitchen and begin the makeover process. See the before and after transformation in the video; for the finishes, materials, and details, keep reading.
Design Goals:
Refresh the material palette
Re-organize + declutter
Update the appliances + fittings
Replace worn/broken fixtures: plumbing + lighting
Accessorize for style + function
Finished Kitchen Makeover - March 2022
Materials + Finishes:
Paint:
Backsplashes: Behr Ultra Scuff Defense, ‘Limousine Leather’ (Eggshell)
Walls/Island: Behr Ultra Scuff Defense, ‘Granite Boulder’ (Eggshell)
Room Walls: Behr Ultra Scuff Defense, ‘Swiss Coffee’ (Eggshell)
Countertops:
‘Churchill’ Soapstone - 1.25” slab, honed finish (installed by Atlantic Granite), $150/SF
IKEA Solid Birch (step sanded to 220g), no sealer
The existing IKEA wood counter surface at the sink was cut up and upcycled into new cutting boards + given as gifts
1/4” Tempered Hardboard, (Cooking wall backsplash), ptd.
3/4” MDF (Island Backsplash), ptd.
22ga Stainless Steel (behind range)
Finished Kitchen
Appliances:
Range: KitchenAid
Vent Hood: GE Profile
Cabinetry:
Drawer + Door Fronts: Supermatte White Slab by Semi-handmade
Plumbing Fittings:
Lighting:
Accessories:
See below (keep scrolling)
Refreshed Cooking Wall
Range, Butcherblock, Backsplash Joint Detail
Shelf at Backsplash with Wood Insert
Sistemalux Pendant
Diagram for Pendant Lighting
Shelf + Custom Wood Insert
Dado for iPad Support
Talis-N faucet
Churchill Soapstone
Birch + Soapstone
New Soapstone Island Counter
Recycled Cutting Board from Counter Material
Island Backsplash Track Reveal Detail
Custom Metal Wall Trays + Recessed Track
Accessories:
Cutting board or, save yourself a few $ and use a cutting mat
Island Backsplash sliding trays (custom by 30X40, fabricated by HarpoleDesign)
Actual Costs:
Backsplash Materials (Island too): $150
Toekick: $60
Stainless Steel Panel: $205
Paint + Misc Supplies: $125
Custom Metal Trays: $160
Soapstone: $2500
Plumbing Fixtures: $430
Range: $2600
Vent hood: $1050
Recessed Light Fixtures: $80
Pendant Light: $1025
Cabinetry Refacing: $900
Hardware: $50
Cabinetry Fittings: $180
Shelves: $100
DIY Labor: Sweat equity, Eric + Laura
Total: $9,615
For reference, current typical kitchen remodel costs where I practice have a low end floor of around $10K, with most falling between $35K - 65K. This is, of course, dependent on size, level of finish and the current labor market. In our cost breakdown, you’ll note there are a few big ticket items (sideboard, appliances, pendant, and soapstone) which account for the bulk of the budget. Because we approached this as a DIY project, it would absolutely be possible to remodel with a smaller budget. We chose to spend more on those surfaces and objects that we use most, because we find them easier to live with and they have a longer useful life-span.
Kitchen - Before