It may seem like a gazillion years ago, but do you guys remember me always updating on our on-going “home renovation”? Well we are just about finished. There are a few things here and there that we are working on…but for the most part, our home is no longer a construction zone.
Today, I am going to be showing you the kitchen renovation!
When we moved back to California from Texas, we decided to move into our home that we were renting out and to give it a major makeover. We had considered just buying something that required a little less work, but we were up for the challenge and knew we could get things how we wanted…eventually. It was going to take a lot of hard work and even more patience. We did this renovation on a very tight budget, making the most of everything we already owned by repainting and upcycling existing items/fixtures and by becoming serious bargain hunters. 
Without further ado, our kitchen renovation… before and after.
This picture was taken the day our old tenant moved out…
A small 1980s kitchen is what we had to work with.
A little bit at a time… we are now here:
We were certain a few things had to go:
everything.
But specifically… the tile counter top and backsplash, the oak colored cabinets, flooring and the arrangement and flow of the room. It was a tiny little L shaped (or more like U shaped) kitchen that felt very closed in.
We knocked down a (non load bearing) wall and removed the L counter top/bar and hanging cabinets.
We added an island instead.
We kept the existing cabinets and painted them white. We added hardware, too.
We removed the tile. ALL OF IT.
We replaced it with butcher block counter tops.
The backsplash was replaced with beadboard wainscoting.
We painted everything… cabinets, walls, beadboard.
And added simple wall mounted rack/magnet to make the most of our space.
This time around, my kitchen is all about efficiency.
Goodbye wall that should have never been there in the first place! haha
Hello new island.
Jon recycled all of the old cabinet wood that we removed to make the island and I sewed a gingham curtain for the front. The island gave us a ton more storage that is easily accessible.
We took down the hanging cabinets and added wall shelving and modern track lighting for extra light.
I sewed a new curtain out of vintage linens.
The shelving houses some of my baking/cooking items for easy access.
A lot of the kitchen items (like the bread box) got a fresh coat of paint… in a new color.
The white cabinets reflect so much more light.
We chose a stainless steel top for the island and LOVE IT.
I worked in a bakery while I was in high school/part of college and we used stainless steel tables for our food prep. Ever since then, it was my dream to have a stainless steel table in my kitchen.
I am so happy with our decision.
It’s wonderful to prepare food on.
We have shelving on either side of the island.
Two of my favorite things… a place for my cookbooks and my chalkboard.
Such a great place to put a bible verse to memorize during the day… or to write a happy note for the family.
I know that stainless steel appliances are all the rage, but I was just as content keeping the white appliances that we already had. The only appliance we replaced was the microwave.
This spice rack is so nice while cooking.
I don’t have to fumble through cabinets to get to anything and the different color spices are a pretty pop of color against the white.
My wooden spoon holder is just a simple mason jar painted pink. Easy and cheap.
The space is so much more efficient than before.
The flow works so much better for us and the openness is exactly what we were hoping for.
It allows for light to reflect and is a perfect space for entertaining with it being open to the family room and dining room.
Overall, we are happy with the way everything turned out on the budget we had to work with.
Jon did all of the work himself with the exception of my help painting and decorating.
He is quite handy to have around. 
Stay tuned for the living room/dining room makeover.
I’m linking up to:
Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
And don’t forget about the Parade of Towns party (and giveaway!) coming up this Thursday!
