A Great Kitchen: The heart of the home

This kitchen is a testimony of thrifty planning with limited budget. We didn’t like the kitchen, low ceilings, Formica countertops with an awkward island in the middle, and cabinets stained almost black, making the room feel tight and dark and floor tiles different from adjacent family room.

Since we couldn’t make the ceiling higher, we decided to get white cabinets with marble counter tops and a modern backsplash, to bring light in. We were shocked by the estimates for a kitchen remake, ranging from $20,000 to $40,000.00. After reviewing the cost of changing cabinets, we started to like what we had and began focusing on the positives: they were wood cabinets already installed and could be painted. The kitchen island, could be moved to make a breakfast counter, and the remodel could be made the thrifty way, saving money by finding a handiman and lower prices for each task:

• Rearranging the cabinets and installing the island $625.00.
• Painting cabinets $1,800. Two discounted marble slabs $900.00.
• Marble cut and installed $600.00.
• Recessed kitchen lights and three hanging lights $300.00 plus $457.00 installation.
• Travertine tiles at $1.20 square foot, plus installation at $3.30, comes to about $405.00 for entire kitchen floor.

Being thrifty (looking for the lowest possible price) and snobbish (not budging on quality and style), we got a brand new kitchen for $4,787.00. We are very happy with a highly functional and inviting space, where everyone ends up gathering.    


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