Cabinets, Lighting, Counter tops, Hardware, and Wall unit: IkeaFlooring: Heritage Pecan by Swiftlock
Microwave and stove: LG from Home Depot
Dishwasher: Whirlpool from Lowes
Sink, Faucet, crown molding, back splash and garbage disposal: Lowes
Paint: Benjamin Moore Bright White High Gloss Oil based Acrylic (Cabinets and moldings) and Olympic Ivory Tower (Ceiling ) and Benjamin Moore Monroe Bisque (Walls)
Before Pictures
Tips for remodeling the kitchen on a budget.
Cabinets: Reface the cabinets instead of replacing them. If your cabinets are nonfunctional then only replace those ones and reface the rest to match. This is what we did and people can't tell the difference between the new and the old ones. Also consider by cabinets that you have to assemble yourself like from Ikea. Ya, it's a major pain in the butt but you'll save 50-75%.
Appliances: Opting for something other than stainless will save you a bundle. We picked white appliances that matched our cabinets, but also had stainless hardware and glass surfaces to look updated. Also we bought our fridge used for $200, it was 1 year old and in perfect condition. The original owners upgraded to stainless (their loss). Also buy energy efficient not only will it save you money in the long run but you may also be able to get a tax right off.
Countertops: You could easily break the budget here with solid surface countertops. We went with an earth friendly and budget friendly butcher block which not only looks great but is cleaned with just water and is naturally anti-microbial. Stains come out with a light scratching or you can cut right on it to add character. Solid Surface would have run us about $4000, the butcher block cost just $300 and we could install it ourselves.
Backsplash: We choose to go with bead board which was not only cheap ($30) but was easily installed by my husband. Also consider tin back splashes and waterproof wallpaper to make a big splash without taking a bite out of your wallet.
Lighting: Shop around but don't skimp. We found all our lighting at Ikea for around $150 about half of what it would cost at Lowes.
Hardware and facets: Again shop around. You'd be amazed at how the same drawer pulls are twice the price at home depot than Lowes.
More Budget Kitchen Tips:
Make a budget and stick to it. Seriously. Do all of your research ahead of time to price everything out and assume everything will cost 10% more. Next wait for it to go on sale. Lowes , sears, and home depot put appliances and kitchens on sale 10-15% off all the time. Don't forget to budget for incidentals like paint brushes, screws, and caulk.
Do the work yourself or find a handy friend that can be paid off with a pizza a couple of beers.
Don't over improve if its not your forever house. I know the $400 copper facet is amazing but its not worth is if you're only going to be there for a couple of years.
Pick one focal point to splurge on, but only one. The sink, range hood, or island is ideal for this. Or maybe it the countertops. Only splurge on items that will make a big statement.
Be realistic. Six burner gas stoves look amazing, but its not worth the money unless your a gourmet chef or you cook for 10 frequently. Put your money into something you use more frequently like a new garbage disposal, dishwasher, or pull out shelves.
Keep the same layout. If the layout is functional you'll save a lot of time and money keeping it the same.
Reuse whatever you can. Just because you are remodeling the kitchen doesn't mean you have to get rid of everything. If you like the hardware, lighting fixtures, or faucet then put them back into you new kitchen. Not only is it free but also good for the environment.
Don't forget the little things. Nothing will ruin a new beautiful kitchen quicker than outdated and clashing light and outlet plates. Plain plastic ones are 22 cents and will instantly update an old house.
Buy in stock items. If you have to have it special ordered count on it being twice the price.
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