No-Regret Remodeling Projects That Were Worth The Hassle (& Why)

Given the cost, time, and energy renovations take, we all understand how hard they are, not to mention all the anxiety they can generate. But when you know what you want, sometimes it’s worth the slight discomfort that comes with taking a risk, working to pull it off, or spending more than you think you should. In the end, you wind up living every day with something that you absolutely love.

Each of these remodeling projects —all from our house tours —required some sacrifice from their owners, but all agree that it was worth the cost, time, worry, and work it took to get to the finish line.

Liz knew exactly how she wanted the kitchen in her Chicago apartment to turn out. Top of her list was a cement countertop and sink pour that’s all in one. She knew the upgrade would be costly, and chose affordable IKEA cabinets to balance out the expense. In the end, the two elements wound up being roughly the same price! But she loves seamlessness of the surface, and the flow made the price 100% worth it to her.

Similarly, Diana was adamant about wanting a mint green fridge in her all-white kitchen in Michigan. She spent months and months researching brands and styles, and ended up with a Big Chill fridge, which had a retro feel and color she was looking for. At the time she agonized over what felt like a risk, but is so happy today that she rolled the dice on her renovation. The fridge really makes the room.

The huge wooden barn doors in Kristen’s Chicago loft were an absolute labor of love. She and her then-boyfriend, now husband, built them with the help of her dad and all of his power tools. It was 98 degrees outside, but they cranked up some classic rock and knocked them out in a weekend. They are now one of her favorite elements in the home.

When Zoe renovated a former art studio on her family’s property, she designed the whole cottage herself, down to every last detail — no small feat considering the structure’s size and how much she needed to fit into such a small footprint. She’s especially proud of the large tile shower she managed to squeeze into the bathroom, which makes her happy every day. Although she still owes money she borrowed to remodel, she also saved a lot by doing so much herself.