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

  ( See all the goals in the Part 1 video )

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)

Appliances:

• Range: KitchenAid

• Vent Hood: GE Profile

Cabinetry:

• Sideboard

• Drawer + Door Fronts: Supermatte White Slab by Semi-handmade

• Edge Pulls

• Undersink Pull-out Tray

• Rev-a-shelf Sheet Rack (x2)

• Cabinet motion light

• Drawer liners

Plumbing Fittings:

• Faucet by Hansgrohe

• Soap Dispenser by Hansgrohe

Lighting:

• Juno Gimbal LED fixture (recessed retrofit)

• Sistemalux Linear Laser Blade

Accessories:

• See below (keep scrolling)

Accessories:

• CB2 Wall Shelf

• Epicurean Knife rack

• Fellow French press

• Fellow ‘Clyde’ kettle / teapot

• Stone mortar + pestle

• Dish Drainer

• Silicone trays

• Ambia Line by Blum - Drawer Organizer

• Drawer Organizer Trays

• OXO Pantry Canisters

• BINO Organizer Bins

• Olive Oil Cruet

• Cutting board or, save yourself a few $ and use a cutting mat

• Orskov Glassware

• Menu Bottle Grinders

• Pot Brushes

• Island Pottery

• Fein Bottle Opener - Black Brass

• 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.