How to Renovate A Small Kitchen – Paint Cabinets, Tile Backsplash, Hardwood Flooring and Upgrade Appliances
We are the type of couple that considers our home a constant work in progress. So we decided to do a renovation of our small kitchen!
And it’s a good thing we enjoy these projects so much, because it seems like there is always one to do.
Before Starting the Kitchen Renovation
One look at HGTV.com and you’ll see tons of inspiration for how to update kitchens, and it’s clear that a little paint goes a long way. Which is perfect, because looking at this next picture, we had a long way to go…
This is the kitchen as it was when we bought this house. Not terrible, but pretty basic and very late 90s builder aesthetic. So naturally we wasted no time upgrading the appliances first because priorities am I right?
Shortly after, we installed some under-cabinet lighting and taught ourselves how to do a tile backsplash. We were pretty proud of our work so far.
Two Steps Forward on the DIY Remodel, One and a Half Step Back
So, you might notice in the pictures, we had to change out the fridge. To my dismay, the two-vertical-doors-style simply just Would. Not. Fit. We couldn’t open the door on the right hardly at all. It took me a while but I eventually got over it. C’est la vie.
Then, for some misguided reason I can’t explain, we chose this lovely clashing bamboo laminate flooring. Everyone makes mistakes okay??
Other Home DIY Projects:
Time leads to Clarity for Interior Design Choices
After sitting in time out and thinking about what we had done for a few years we finally came to our senses (re: saved enough money) and decided to change out the flooring to a dark hardwood. Hand scraped, stranded bamboo to be exact, and it was everything I’d ever dreamed of.
At the same time we wanted to paint the cabinets. Now some might say this is best left to a professional, and they are probably right. But that’s more expens- er, not consistent with a can do attitude!
So we got to work on the cabinets with scrubbing, sanding, more scrubbing, priming, spraying, more priming, and finally more spraying. It was pretty intense to say the least.
The garage and kitchen started looking a little like a scene from the TV show Dexter.
But finally, after adding some crown molding and a lighter wall color, it all came together.
Updated Kitchen Remodel Progress
We are really happy with the results!
Final (for now!) Renovated Kitchen
Now if I could just install a window somewhere 🙂 So while I wouldn’t say our kitchen renovation is completely done here, it’s pretty darn close. Upgraded counter tops are next on the list….eventually.
Have any questions about our small kitchen renovation? Ask away!
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