The “See You Later, Princess” Kitchen Makeover

updated Dec 19, 2019
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Post Image
(Image credit: Submitted by Patti)

Renovation by: Patti
Location: Phoenix, AZ

We moved into our fixer-upper exactly one year ago and finally finished the last room – the kitchen. I think the previous owner must have fantasied about being a princess because every single room was painted pink (including ceilings and doors!) and had wall to wall purple carpeting. So before we could even think of tackling the kitchen we had to strip down the rest of the house, even though the kitchen was not our style at least it was a pink free zone.

(Image credit: Submitted by Patti)

By the time we got to the kitchen we had a meager budget of 1,500 bucks. So we paired down our lofty goals and actually ended up spending only 1,370 (not bad I think) Before we had blue laminate countertops, dark tile and overcrowded cabinets. We moved some cabinets around to get some breathing room and added open shelving. We also installed stainless steel handles to update cabinets. We replaced the laminate with butcher block, a new sink, a new faucet and lighting (which is my favorite element) Our kitchen is attached to our laundry room which also houses the hot water heater. We could not afford to move it so we built a wood screen – floor to ceiling – that is on a piano hinge for access.

(Image credit: Submitted by Patti)

By the end, we still could not agree on a backsplash so until we decide we went with a 5 inch plexi-glass lip that runs the length of the countertop. It cleans up amazingly well and keeps water from getting behind cabinets. I have to say my “dream” was a bit more modern but I love going into this room everyday and also knowing that we did not break the bank (at all) to get it.

(Image credit: Submitted by Patti)

Patti’s Resource List:

Countertops 300.00 –Numerar butcher-block, beech / Ikea
Sink 300.00 – Kohler Stainless 25x22x9 / Ebay
Faucet 190.00 – Premier Commercial-Style Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet, Brushed Nickel / Ebay
Handles 85.00 – Ebay
Shelves 75.00 –Ekby Shelves / Ikea
Light Fixtures 180.00 – Unfold Pendant / Design Within Reach
Paint 60.00 – Behr Paint / Celery Bunch
Backsplash 40.00 – ¼ inch Plexi-Glass / Local vendor
Hot Water Cover – 140.00 – Premium Pine Slats/ Homedepot

Thanks, Patti!

• Are you interested in sharing a decorating or renovation project with Apartment Therapy readers? Contact the editors through our Makeover Project Submission Form.