When I began researching the renovation of the kitchen in my home, I found the cost constantly spiraling out of control. I knew that everything didn’t have to be changed, but contractors were constantly showing me how I would be better off with all of the changes that they had suggested, that I knew would result in my spending a fortune. Being the bargain shopper that I am, I went from one major kitchen renovation department in the major “hardware stores” to looking at “Do - It - Yourself” renovations. After meeting a young man that was working with a company on a home in my neighborhood, we talked about his work and what my needs were at this time. He informed me that he could do the job for such minimal costs that I immediately said “yes,” after checking what he had accomplished in the home that he was presently working on.
Changes To Be Made:
1. Keeping the Oak cabinets ( in excellent condition) and inserting smoked glass (Delta Etched);
2. Adding crown moulding in the kitchen, around the ceiling, around the cabinets, trim around the glass to insure enclosure;
3. Changing the handles from wood to brushed metal finish;
4. Adding backsplash with the integration of an intricate design ( light beige and tan);
5. Painting the moulding around the cabinet (dark brown);
6. Adding the emblem over the cabinet that is also painted (dark brown to pick up the dark brown streak that is in the oak cabinets);
7. Putting up new lighting;
8. Adding new electrical outlets that matched the new cabinet handles;
9. Mounting the new microwave oven under the cabinet;
(This picture shows the cabinets without the cabinet doors and in the process of redevelopment)
It is important to note that full participation and payment for all supplies needed resulted in curbing the overall cost of the renovation.
Additional changes made:
1. A Sile Stone counter top was added (light tan with specks of dark red, black, white & dark brown.)
2. A new sink and faucet and other fixtures were added
3. A new microwave, a stove and matching refrigerator were added ( I wish that I could have afforded the oak covered appliances, but the cost was tremendous. However, when my dishwasher no longer functioned, I purchased a black one. I had to follow through with black for the other appliances. The appliances were originally yellow with an oak-looking paneling over the stove and dishwasher. That combination in new appliances doesn’t exist anymore.)
4. Cane back chairs were upholstered and a matching valance added to the kitchen window
5. A raspberry colored chest with painted floral design was added with a raspberry colored vase on top
6. One picture (32″ x 36″) replacing the multiple wall decor that graced this wall previously
7. Picture matting replaced to have coordination with pictures on both sides of the kitchen window
8. One red decorative item on the replica of an old Ice Box cabinet, the topiary in the corner, the arrangement on the table of the natural dried lagurus plant and the thika pods, the arrangement of the weekly fresh flowers, a leather otterman under the picture with magazines on top (tremendous storage space), and other changes.
9. The young man did a great job with the renovation that he was contracted to handle!!!
With all in completion and everything inclusive, I saved more than $20,000. You must be in control so that cost doesn’t get out of control. You must determine your needs and what you can afford.¼/p>
1. Great job. I also love the decorating that was done.
by Antonette [...] — 10/3/07 at 11:56 am #
2. I love it.
What a fabulous job your contractor did, and your accent pieces really set everything off. You have amazing decorating skills. keep the good work up.
by gerri — 10/3/07 at 4:37 pm #
3. Betty,
What can I say? The kitchen was beautiful before and now the changes have made it more lovely. Keep up the good work.
Shirley
by Shirley [...] — 10/3/07 at 5:54 pm #
4. Hi Antonette,
Thank your for your wonderful comments! It was a long process that resulted in hard work. I appreciate that you appreciate the work that was involved.
Again, thanks loads! We look forward to hearing from you again.
by Betty — 10/4/07 at 10:07 am #
5. Hi Gerri,
Thanks so very much for your great comments and support! I am pleased that you liked what was accomplished and I enjoyed decorating and designing different aspects of my kitchen. You, too, have become a friend of the HomeGoods Site and we thoroughly appreciate you!
Let us hear from you again soon! We look forward to your comments!
by Betty — 10/4/07 at 10:09 am #
6. Hi Shirley,
Thank you for the wonderful and supportive comments! I am so pleased that you found the changes worthy of sharing. It was a lot of hard work, need for change and love for what I was doing that made this project a success (in my mind and heart). I am pleased with what I was able to accomplish on my budget and I feel very blessed.
You have become a part of the HomeGoods family. Again I thank you and we continue to look forward to your comments in the future.
Be Blessed!
by Betty — 10/4/07 at 10:32 am #
7. Wow…just think what that did to the value of your home! Good thing you’re not moving so you can enjoy it! Do you have any before pictures you could share?
Great job!!
Susan
by Susan Smith — 10/4/07 at 11:42 am #
8. Betty,
I love all the changes you’ve made to your kitchen. I love more the way you’ve updated it without having to spend a lot. Just a few simple changes can really transform a space. Great job, I’m sure you’re enjoying your NEW kitchen. Thanks for all the great tips.
Cathy
by Cathy — 10/4/07 at 12:07 pm #
9. Hi Susan,
Thank you so much for your wonderful and thoughtful comments. You are right. The value of the property does go up because of changes of this nature. At this time, as you suspect, I am not planning to sell. (smile).
You asked if I had pictures that showed more of the “before”. Yes I do, but to share these pictures would have extended my selection of pictures in this post to over five. Even though there is no set number, I felt that the five would be more then sufficient. For more information about the kitchen check out “Kitchen Wall Decor.” This one gives you an idea of the wall decor to the left of the window, that now has the one large picture. The post on the Spring brunch is another that gives you a small glimpse into the “before.” All of the other pictures that I have show the doors on the cabinets prior to removal, and the laminated countertop.
Again, I thank you so very much for your comments! Keep checking back with us and sharing. We look forward to hearing from you.
by Betty — 10/4/07 at 1:46 pm #
10. Hi Cathy,
I always appreciate your supportive and wonderful comments! You are such a creative and very talented person that the value of what you have to say about decorating is always uplifting. Thanks again for your encouragement.
I love designing and decorating, because it challenges me. It is always encouraging to seek avenues for new development.
by Betty — 10/4/07 at 1:56 pm #
11. Hi Betty,
I just love this post- the renovation of your kitchen. It is really a remarkable job. You have great taste and talent. It shows in al of your work. Did your contractor do the counter top, and the back splash?
The colors, style and design are really special. It looks like a page from one of the home decorating magazines. I can’t wait to see what else you have to share with us.
Carla
by carla — 10/4/07 at 3:40 pm #
12. Betty: What a innovative idea. I have been looking for ideas to remodel my kitchen and your design is just what I needed. Thanks.
by Delightful Debbie — 10/4/07 at 3:52 pm #
13. Hi Carla,
Thank you for your wonderful comments! I am pleased that you are impressed with the style, colors and design. There was a lot of hard work that went into planning and actualizing this transition in the kitchen. But, I have truly enjoyed it all.
The contractor worked so well with me according to my design of the cabinets and the back splash; however, the countertop was contracted through Lowe’s.
Thank you again, for being a part of the HomeGoods Family. Let us hear from you again soon.
by Betty — 10/5/07 at 9:56 am #
14. Hi Delightful Debbie,
First, what a wonderful name! It’s a very positive way to meet an individual. (smile) I am so pleased that you now know what you want to do to remodel your kitchen. Let us know what occurs and how you make out. If you need any additional information let me know. I will be happy to provide what I can.
Good luck to you and keep in touch!
by Betty — 10/5/07 at 10:00 am #
15. Hi Betty,
You are so right about kitchens being very costly. You have given a beautiful example of how to remodel and still stay within your budject. I love the way it turned out. I will be doing the sile stone counter tops also, let me know how you like them. may you have many enjoyable hours in your new kitchen. Janice
by Janice [...] — 10/9/07 at 1:50 am #
16. Hi Janice,
Thank you so much for your warm compliments. I do love my kitchen! I have just added a few plates for decor that will be beside the urn on the counter. My problem with the kitchen is that I am afraid to use my oven of my stove (smile). But, I must use it and get over the fear of messing it up (smile).
I love the Sile Stone countertop! It is really easy to clean and not as porous. I know that you will love it. I really liked the variation of colors that can blend in with whatever decor you have. This is such an exciting time for you, Janice. Enjoy it! We are all so happy for you and we rejoice with you.
by Betty — 10/9/07 at 11:16 am #
17. Betty, Nothing more to say than . . . Wow! Absolutely beautiful!!!!!
by Deb — 10/9/07 at 12:56 pm #
18. I love the kitchen remodeling. If has great definition. I have one question, considering your kitchen is sooooooooooooo pretty, do you cook in it?
by Richelle — 10/9/07 at 3:18 pm #
19. Hi Richelle,
Great question!!! Yes I do cook in the kitchen. But I must say that I am still struggling with baking in my oven. I hate the idea of the oven getting messy. Once, I have a spill in the oven, it will all be fine. (smile) But, yes, I cook every meal, except when I fix salads.
Thank you so much for your wonderful compliment! You, too, have become HomeGoods Family. Keep checking back with us and see what is new. We look forward to hearing from you again.
by Betty — 10/9/07 at 6:02 pm #
20. Hi Deb,
Thank you sooooo much for the wonderful compliment! It means so much to have you share your opinion on my renovated kitchen that I recently completed. It was quite a long task, but one that was essential for me and a labor of love. Good luck in your renovations/redecorating as well! We all wish you the best and a smooth transition.
We all pray that your husband continues to flourish!
by Betty — 10/9/07 at 6:09 pm #
21. Hi Betty,
Great job on the renovation of your kitchen !!
by Yvonne B. [...] — 10/12/07 at 8:33 am #
22. Good job. I did the same thing. Couldn’t afford a $30 thousand new kitchen. So I painted the cabinets and new bamboo floors done by my son-in-laws. Then I bought new wall oven and installed a new stainless micowave over the stove. Lastly, I found a reasonable new contractor and they removed the old tile counters and replaced it with white subway tiles and new granite counter. My kitchen is l shaped but very small. The entire job was about $7,000. My kitchen looks super.
THere are ways to save. Now I need to find accesories at Home Goods.I love their merchandise and orderly store.
Sheila
by Sheila Adams — 10/14/07 at 12:56 pm #
23. Hi Yvonne,
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment on the kitchen renovation. It was, indeed, a labor of love. It was time consuming, but the results were worth it.
You, too, have become a part of the HomeGoods Family! Thank you for your comments and continue to share with us. We look forward to hearing from you.
by Betty — 10/15/07 at 12:00 pm #
24. Hi Sheila,
Isn’t it a great feeling to realize that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get the kitchen that you desire to have. There are a lot of published articles that are talking about people renovating their homes rather then buying new homes and how one could and should renovate economically.
Congratulations! Your kitchen sounds wonderful and quite beautiful. I know that you are excited and thrilled with your accomplishments. When you get your HomeGoods accessories, share the pictures of your kitchen with us.
by Betty — 10/15/07 at 12:53 pm #
25. Betty,
‘Love the changes and enhancements you’ve made. You’ve shared really great ideas throughout the year and I’m so glad to be able to expand on my own possibilities in decorating my home by visiting your site.
Please keep it going.
by V. Best-Simmons — 10/25/07 at 11:21 am #
26. Hi Betty,
Love your kitchen! It looks great. I really like the glass in the cabinets. Every thing looks so inviting. You have great counterspace which I find very important. You have given me some good ideas for my home. Thanks a lot.
Glenda
by Glenda — 10/25/07 at 11:34 am #
27. Hi V.Best Simmons,
Thank you so much for your supportive and wonderful comments! I am so pleased that you like the changes that I have made. The most significant point is that I loved every aspect of designing and working with the contractor to bring into fruition the changes I had envisioned. It’s really great that my kitchen has been an inspiration to you. That means an awful lot. Now, step out on faith and decorate! Decorate! Decorate!
It is wonderful to hear from you. Please share with us again and keep us abreast of the changes that you make. Good Luck!!!
by Betty — 10/25/07 at 4:09 pm #
28. Hi Glenda,
Thank you for your wonderful comments! The glass in the cabinets was my primary goal for making the changes that I had in mind. It was also a very frightful time, because the young man, the contractor, had not done anything of this nature before. Countertop space was another major concern and I am pleased that it turned out the way that it did. It is great to know that I have given you ideas for your home. We are pleased to know that we are encouraging others as you continue to encourage us. Let us know what you decide to do and share the changes with us. We look forward to hearing from you again. Good luck !!!!
by Betty — 10/25/07 at 4:17 pm #
29. Hi Betty,
My husband and I are about to get our kitchen renovated in January. Could you give me the name of your contractor. You kitchen looks so beautiful.
Raychel
by Raychel — 10/29/07 at 5:44 pm #
30. Hi Raychel,
Thank you for your wonderful comment! My contractor is a smart young man and he would prefer that I not put his name or personal information on the website. However, I will send the appropriate information to you. He is a very committed and talented young man who has a tremendous future ahead of him.
Continue to keep in touch with us and share. We look forward to hearing from you.
by Betty — 10/31/07 at 7:59 pm #
31. I need info about kitchen faucets; what brands, better quality, better value.
Thanks!
Tammy
by Tammy [...] — 11/18/07 at 1:56 pm #
32. Hi Tammy,
I can readily understand your concern about picking the right faucet for your kitchen. I went through the very same thing. I looked at quality and design. I wanted to make certain that the kitchen would have a faucet that would blend in with the renovations that were occurring in this special room. At one point you had a few companies that made faucets, now they are as multiple as the clothing designers. The designs are the Moen, American Standard, Kohler, Delta Parts, Pegasus (Home Depot brand), Show House, Brizo, Blanco Faucets, Schon,
Grohe, Hans Grohe, Rohl, Dorn Bracht, and many, many others.
Those faucets that are purchased more frequently are the Pegasus, the Delta, the American Standard and the Kohler. The one thing that you want o make certain of is that they have ceramic valves or cartridges to prohibit leakage.
The faucet can be purchased in polished chrome, polished and antique brass, gold, acrylic enamaels in a variety of colors, polished or satin nickel, stainless steel, copper or the mixture of these finishes.
The faucet should be chosen to compliment the kitchen decor/architectural theme. They come in all shapes and sizes and you should:
-Identify the finish that you want
-Know the design and requirements of the sink and/or cabinet that it will be installed in
-Know what you can most afford that meets your expectations for your kitchen
-Identify the style prefered
-Make certain that you identify the handles prefered
-Consider the height and weight of the spout
-With muliple basins, the spout should be long enough and high enough to accommodate
-Make certain that you have a good warranty on the faucet (Preferably a life time one on the finish)
-Make certain that you keep your receipt in a place where you can find it.
-Make certain that you buy your faucet and sink at the same time and the same source to make certain that they are compatible.
You have all kinds of beautiful faucets to choose from, but you want to make certain that you are getting quality without spending an enormous sum.
Good luck to you and let us know how you make out! Have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!
by Betty — 11/19/07 at 5:58 pm #
33. i want to know if you have catalogo
by jael p [...] — 3/8/08 at 6:35 pm #
34. Thank you for posting on Openhouse; the HomeGoods Blog.
Because each of our stores receives over 10,000 new items each week, it would be impossible for us to offer a catalog to our customers.
We appreciate your inquiry.
Sincerely,
Katie
HomeGoods Customer Service
by Katie — 3/10/08 at 1:07 pm #