You do not need a large budget for a complete kitchen transformation; this small-scale kitchen refresh before and after demonstrates how to create a wonderful kitchen for under $200.
Achieving a Kitchen Remodel Before and After on a Minimal Budget
First, observe the current state and functionality of the 'Before' kitchen. Here are the specifics of our kitchen area prior to the budget-conscious renovation:
The expansive kitchen in our former historic farmhouse possessed great potential upon our arrival. The ocean vista from the window was truly stunning, yet the interior felt rather lackluster.
The arrangement was suboptimal, featuring aged plywood cabinetry alongside newer European cupboards, resulting in unused areas throughout.
2. Implement necessary changes to enhance the area while planning larger updates. For us, painting the existing kitchen walls served as a swift, temporary solution
Despite the mixed elements, we initially painted the upper cupboards white and the walls candy apple green, living with this look for several years.
For those curious about the bold color choice, it was my selection, and I adored it at the time! ;) The gray sky conditions influenced the interior paint appearance; the color appearing striking in photos felt quite cheerful and agreeable to me in reality.
3. Sometimes eliminating elements can improve a room, and this affordable kitchen remodel began by removing some cupboards!
One evening, we spontaneously decided to renovate this area using as much creativity as possible since our financial resources were nearly depleted!:) We commenced by taking out some of the old plywood cupboards.
After removing the cupboards, our dedication was set! Throughout the entire project, we focused on maximizing existing assets, repurposing what we already owned, and finding necessary pieces at thrift shops.
These budget-friendly kitchen update concepts are part of this makeover remodel:
1. We took off the doors from the upper cupboards and installed shelves and crown molding above them.
The majority of the allocated budget ($100) went toward upper cabinet construction supplies. This represented a significant visual improvement for a small expenditure! We consider this a worthwhile investment.
2. Modernizing the European cabinet doors involved painting their wood strips and adding new handles, rather than replacing them entirely.
We chose to refresh the melamine kitchen cabinets instead of discarding them.
3. We scoured thrift stores and sale sections for inventive DIY components, such as a light fixture over the sink.
This thrift store light received a spray paint finish to evoke an old farmhouse aesthetic. An inexpensive blanket from Ikea became curtains for the sliding door and a small drape above the kitchen sink.
4. By obtaining discounted cabinets, we managed to utilize previously vacant square footage.
An empty wall previously occupied the opposite side of the room. We then affixed a highly functional (though somewhat peculiar!) collection of cupboards (without doors!) sourced from the local ReStore.
4. Unconventional and creative concepts—like fabric cabinet curtains—lent the space a handcrafted farmhouse ambiance without significant cost!
(Find instructions on creating these cabinet curtains here!)
Thick, beadboard wallpaper provided an engaging backsplash design, harmonizing with the coastal farmhouse theme.
Instructions for applying the Beadboard wallpaper are provided below.
6.A fresh coat of Benjamin Moore’s Gray Cashmere paint completed the look of this budget friendly kitchen remodel.
Here’s a reminder of how the kitchen looked when we started (partway through):
And here it is now! :
We absolutely love it, and encourage others not to be scared to add budget friendly changes to spaces you don’t like. It’s amazing how a few well placed changes can completely revive a worn out old space.
Other Budget Friendly DIY Home Decor ideas for a Kitchen Remodel:
Every little piece of this process was documented here on the blog. For all the details & tutorials, click on the links below.
From Black to White – A Dresser Makeover
DIY Kitchen Curtains
Painting European Cupboard Doors
Restoration Hardware Inspired Pendant Light
Old Window Message Board
Fabric Cupboard Doors
Beadboard (Wallpaper!)
Paint Colors:
- Walls: Designer Gray from General Paint (a close match to Benjamin Moore’s Gray Cashmere)
- Backs of cupboards: Stratton Blue from Benjamin Moore
- Trim and cupboards: Cloud White from Benjamin Moore
Other Kitchen Remodel Posts
- The 7 Day Kitchen Makeover
- Here are some options for the best paint color for small kitchen
- Adding kitchen storage with clever storage ideas
- Make your own pendant light for above the sink
- Our current before and after small kitchen remodel
Would you like to do a room makeover in your house, but don’t know where to start or how to do it? I created a FREE course with you in mind. Click below to find out more and join today!
If you like this budget friendly makeover, then you just might want to check out this one, too!
Beach Cottage Bedroom Reveal
