How can I make over my kitchen on a tight budget?

Patti Israel
by Patti Israel

In 1983, the former "drop in" stove and regurgitated yellowish countertops and flashing surely was the bee's knees! But,that old stove gave out and the pretty white, normal stove sticks out,everywhere,because of the old. Even the floor wasn't covered before it was dropped in!!! So, I have bare wood at the sides, a super skinny cabinet with way too much countertop and the sickening flashing that nicely set off the former, (sexy ?) oven. I'm space deprived and need to renovate on a shoestring. I love the turquoise kitchen makeover. .

There's large pantry to the left of the stove..

And,there's this. I have about 3ft total in which 3 could do something but ughhh... I'm no handyman (woman)--where to begin?,???icon

  14 answers
  • Recreated Designs Recreated Designs on Jan 02, 2020

    You have some awesome wood cabinets Patti! Maybe paint is your friend and you can paint the cabinet and add some new hardware. You can also get some amazing paints now to even paint your appliances and range hood.

  • Paint the wood cabinets and use contact paper on the counters. Use peel and stick vinyl tiles on the floor.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jan 02, 2020

    Hello,

    Can't see how you have too much counter top? Where would you have put all that stuff otherwise? I would see if I could re-plan my use of the cabinets I have. Sorting out what I really need and passing on that which is surplus to a worthy cause etc. Then depending on how limited your budget is, I would suggest you look into either having the whole lot re-designed and re-fitted or Have just the Doors replaced or rub the oak down and use white wax to change the look or paint them.

    One thing at a time is the best if the budget is tight. Enjoy the challenge. Happy New year!

  • Pamela Pamela on Jan 02, 2020

    Hi ! I did my kitchen re do for only around $350 ( not including new appliances )

    That covered paint , primer , painting supplies , cleaning supplies , beadboard ,new flooring , and new faucet !!! I glued beadboard to the front of my cabinet doors , then painted my cabinets , and countertops . I changed out my faucet , layed down new flooring in the kitchen and entryway ! My husband was so impressed with how

    good the kitchen looked , we decided to get new appliances , since my dishwasher was broken and my old stove and refrigerator were mismatched and while the appliances were on sale for 40% off ... A totally new kitchen !!!!! You can see my step by step process , with tips , on the tutorial I posted on this site called New kitchen on a budget . Good luck !!!!

  • Pamela Pamela on Jan 02, 2020
    Here is the before and after , I mentioned in my above response 😊

  • Jan Clark Jan Clark on Jan 02, 2020

    Holy cow, you have a lot of stuff! Can you thin some of it out??? De-clutter first! Define what you need and what you want. (It might be hard.)

    *For your spot next to the drawers beside the fridge - how about a storage cart? If cabinet space is premium, you'll need to see how you can use it to the max. *Turntables, half-shelves and the like will help with that.

    *Store your large items nested and the lids separate.

    *Maybe add a shelf across the window for your meds/vitamins to keep them close but out of the way.

    *Consider a vertical hanging rack along the peninsula where the microwave sits. A sturdy one, hung from studs in the ceiling will hold a lot - from both sides. *Depending on how the cabinet shelves sit inside the doors, you can also make some adjustments and mount narrow racks inside the cabinet doors. Or, do that in the pantry!

    Once everything is in its place - then consider your makeover. Even on a shoestring, you can paint and probably refinish the counter tops with something that gives you a good vibe.

    The most important thing is the PLAN. Create one along with your budget and stay as close to it but don't make it a RULE! Remember that and have fun.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Jan 02, 2020

    Add storage with baskets to "hide" items. Double inside your cabinets by adding shelving. I got some cheap wire ones that have held up really well for over 2 years now. Utilize the sides of the cabinets as much as possible. To update the cabinets you can either paint or add contact paper inside the trim. Add large nickel pulls. A nice throw rug will cover the floor enough you won't notice. I think the stove should be pushed to the right and then you can cover the gap easier on the left. Maybe a piece of wood cut to fit the opening with "E A T" or something like that painted on it. Utilize the space to the left of the refrigerator under the counter and on the wall. Move the clock to the space above the cabinets and put shelves there.

  • Jane S Jane S on Jan 02, 2020

    Declutter,declutter,declutter!!! You have plenty of space and counters,you just have to much stuff and are unorganized.

  • FrugalFamilyTimes.com FrugalFamilyTimes.com on Jan 02, 2020

    We had a very similar kitchen and gave it a budget makeover that you may find helpful. Check it out here: https://www.frugalfamilytimes.com/2015/09/when-youre-sick-of-your-old-oak-kitchen.html?m=1

  • Patti Israel Patti Israel on Jan 02, 2020

    I LOVE what you did!!! Renovating this kitchen is high on my list for 2020. Thank you so much for sharing your experience!

  • Michelle Michelle on Jan 05, 2020

    You need to do some serious declutter, small appliance like mixers, chopper, etc if you have not use in a year or touch it it goes to the thrift shop. Paint the cupboards to lighten it up, remove curtain over the sink, let light in. Take everything else out the kitchen with exception of stove and fridge. This will help you really look at the space. Purge your pantry items, is it just you in the home or family with kids. Donate anything that is outdated. While you at it also totally empty freezer and fridge. There are wonderful ideas that others have share in the post

  • Rymea Rymea on Jan 06, 2020

    The countertop overhang by the range would be an easy fix, you just need to add plywood down the front and along the side of the range to enclose the opening. I looks like you have a space next to the fridge with a countertop overhang where you could add much needed shelving underneath and also shelving above next to the top cupboard.

    I really think you need to declutter first if you want your renovation to look good. Clear everything off countertops except the appliances used on a daily basis like coffee maker etc. Try to find a place in the basement or garage where you could store some in-frequently used items/appliances so you would have more cupboard space for the things on the counter tops now. And decide if you really need that much stuff.

  • Patti Israel Patti Israel on Jan 06, 2020

    I'd love to declutter...what you're seeing is the result of inadequate storage space. The idea of adding additional shelves above and below the overhang next to the fridge is great! I also have 2 feet to the left of the pantry door. Posting this crammed dilemma has helped me open up to possibilities, thank you both! Removing everything but the fridge and stove ismy next step!

  • You definitely need storage! But some new hardware, a vent hood that matches your stove, and paint on the cabinets would make a HUGE difference!