Small Home Living ~ Kitchen

Recently, a sweet visitor to my blog asked to see my kitchen.  I really haven't posted much about the kitchen, mostly because there are still some changes I want to make.  I will be honest though -  I LOVE my kitchen as it is, and if we never get to make any more changes, that is ok with me too.


This kitchen is pretty small, but very functional.  We have added a lot of storage, and we use every square inch in here for something.

The number one thing I would like to change are the countertops.  I would really like to add the Ikea butcher block countertops in here.  Because they are very inexpensive and we don't have a lot of countertop square footage, that is something that is very doable for us.

We have made a lot of inexpensive changes to this kitchen since we moved in.  The biggest change being we painted the dark red cabinets white.

The most expensive change is that we replaced all the appliances with stainless steel over time.  The stove was the first to be replaced just because it was very old and worn.  

Next we replaced the refrigerator because the old one died.  It leaked all over the floor, and just stopped working.

Later, we got a dishwasher.  The original didn't work when we moved in so we lived without one for a year and a half or so.  It really wasn't that bad.

Finally, we got a new hood for the stove (that matched).

We also added a lot of storage to this tiny kitchen.  We were patient and waited for the right pieces at the right prices.  I searched Craigslist, Goodwill, thrift stores, and yardsales.

  
We found the pantry to the right of the fridge on Craigslist for $75.  It was brand new. And here you can see one of the things that needs to be done.  The pantry is bright white and the cabinets are a creamy white.  

I am trying to decide if I should paint the cabinets or paint the pantry?  Or get all new cabinets?  These cabinets are old and the drawers do not open and shut properly.  I would really love to replace them someday but that is not a priority for me and wouldn't happen for several more years.

We purchased the island for $200 from some friends who were moving.  This was also dark red and we painted it white.

We found the hutch on Craigslist for either $75 or $100, I can't remember exactly.  It was dark pine, and of course, we painted it white and replaced the hardware.

This buffet came from a thrift store.  We paid $40.  I sanded the top and did a dark stain which I want to lighten, painted it white, removed the top drawers and replaced them with baskets, and replaced the hardware.  It started out as a tv stand, then an entry table, and now it is our coffee bar.

The box on the wall is just that - a box we screwed into the wall.

 I would like to simplify this one day by just having lower cabinets with a butcher block countertop and open shelves above it.

Another change we made in the kitchen (and in all of the house) is that we sanded down all the doors and then used Danish oil in natural to finish them and give a rustic look.

We also painted the windows and trim white.  

I would like to replace this granite island top with butcher block and do faux shiplap on the walls.

We added a much needed pendant light over the island.  I would still like to add more lighting in here.

So to summarize:

Changes we have made:              Approx. Cost

1.  painted cabinets                     $100

2.  painted walls                           $ 50

3.  painted trim & windows            $ 25

4.  changed hardware                   $100

5.  sanded and stained doors         $ 50

6.  replaced all appliances            $2200

7.  replaced lighting                      $100

8.  added island                            $200

9.  added pantry                           $ 75

10. added hutch                            $ 75

11. added coffee bar                      $ 40

      Total Cost (so far)                   $3015

Changes I would still like to make:

1.  New (or repaint) cabinets

2.  New butcher block countertops

3.  Faux shiplap on walls

4.  Add some additional lighting

5.  New coffee bar cabinets, countertop, & shelves

6.  Paint ceiling

7.  New sink & faucet

Linking up here:

http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2017/03/wow-us-wednesdays-318.html#more

http://www.dwellings-theheartofyourhome.com/2017/03/amaze-me-monday-206.html#more

http://www.the36thavenue.com/mason-jars-handmade-gift-idea/