I think it was the show Designer’s Challenge where they would show the room to be updated, list the problems and improvements that they would like to make, and then the host (was it Chris Harrison?) would say something like, “And, the couple would like to do it all on a $85,000 budget.” I don’t know about you, but it would sometimes leave me feeling irked. For many of us, that kind of budget isn’t “in the budget.”
So, when one of my readers recently emailed me her kitchen makeover, I asked if she would share the costs for each improvement. I thought it was a good example of how to spend your money in the right places to achieve maximum results.
This is Courtney’s finished kitchen:
This, paired with the glass cabinets, brightens things up instantly. I also love adding a lamp (or two) to kitchens, when possible.
Do you have a recent room makeover with before and after pictures that you would like to share? I’ll be sharing reader room updates from time to time. Email me here and tell me about it.
I completely agree – i’ve seen those HGTV kitchen makeovers and I am stunned at how much they spend. Courtney’s kitchen you showcased is so classic and beautiful. Stunning really! (And, I Iike the quote too). We did a similar kitchen makeover 2 years ago – I still need to post it. Gotta get on it!! Great job, Courtney!
What a gorgeous makeover! The lighting and glass make such a huge difference..! LOVE it!
An excellent example of what can be done on a budget. I love watching makeovers, but when I hear that a couple has a budget that would be enough to buy an entire bungalow in a small town it makes me think that the producers of the program are out of touch with their audience.
Courtney did an outstanding job on her kitchen, and of course I love the beveled Metro Subway tile!!
Janell
Looks great!
love how light and neat this kitchen looks. Courtney did a fabulous job!
I love, love, love the chalkboard in the frame. A touch of whimsy!
So well done, I can’t wait until it’s time to install my kitchen-until then I’ll enjoy looking at pretty and classy ones like this!
Love that quote too…Also Courtney such a great job on updating her kitchen..it looks so fresh and clean. I think I need to put under cabinet lighting in now.
The kitchen is now so fresh and clean looking! You did an amazing job! The best part – it didn’t break the bank!
A little does go a long way if it’s in the right places! Such a refreshing kitchen!
Happy Monday!
xo Jade
Her updates are stunning. Love the new appliances too. What a lovely kitchen. Hugs, Marty
Great makeover and brilliant breakdown of where to spend your money. Love this, and the quote!
xo
Kate
This looks so fresh! I think subway tile is my all-time fave. Thanks for sharing!
The timeless subway tile looks amazing and love the hardware she choose – the glass doors also look perfect!
Wow! Everything looks beautiful. Love the bright green apples against the white. Very fresh and crisp. Thanks for sharing Courtney’s kitchen! (:
Some small upgrades make a big impact! I have the same b&w kitchen I designed 10 years ago… timeless in my book!
xo,
cristin
Nice to see a real makeover on a real budget and what do you know she didn’t need to spend $50,000 to achieve amazing results!!
what a classic and affordable transformation.
it’s always inspiring to see what can be done on a budget!
Ok, I have a VERY similar kitchen to Courtney and did the same things to spruce it up! I love the beveled subway tile backsplash. Such a huge impact for little money. I love seeing how small-ish changes (no major construction) can make a huge difference in a space. Why demo an entire kitchen if you don’t have to.
wow, this is amazing.
This kitchen is truly stunning. It’s so mind boggling what some simple updated like that can do for a room. I love how she changed the cabinet fronts with glass ones, like you said, it instantly gives a more airy feel. And the tiles are so timeless and pretty. This post was so inspiring to me!
xo Linda
Great ideas for small changes that can make a big impact! For me, nothing can change a kitchen more than a fab backsplash — and subway tile is such a classic choice!
Yes-I completely agree with this! I recently redid mine-on a small budget-and didnt spend NEARLY as much as those HGTV makeovers.
Really, really pretty. Not everything has to be a million dollar budget. Thanks for showing great real-life, attainable changes that make a great space.
Looks awesome!! I also get irritated when I see those shows with a huge budget. I also get frustrated when I look for a decorator in my area and can’t find anyone who is somewhat reasonable. Love the kitchen and under the cabinet lighting. Just brightens it all up and makes such a difference!
How cool is that beveled tile! A fantastic kitchen indeed.
Courtney’s kitchen is beautiful. She did an amazing job. Subway tile is one of my favorites. It’s all so nice and light and fresh looking and on a budget. Wonderful job!
She has really furnished her kitchen very innovative and addictive. I am really impress with white floor color and appliance . I think that We need to get the idea about how to furnish our kitchen in low budget.
Kitchen
Wow – nice job Courtney! She brightened up the room beautifully. Love that crisp white subway tile, enhanced with the under cabinet lighting. Impressive for the $!
Deb
Living Livelier
Love Love Love the backsplash……I am ready to update mine and I have been seriously thinking white subway…so classic.
I love the makeover! Where did you get the subway tile?
Found you over here from The Nester! LOVE your blog and style with two giant exclamation points!! Love this kitchen. SOMEDAY when we are out of the military and can actually live in a home that we can change and make our own, I will refer to this kitchen. Love.
Oh, and your client must be LDS (Mormon) like I am – the quote is from a past church leader. He always such great things to say!
Truly gorgeous! I love every detail. Newest follower. = )
What a beautiful makeover! A new faucet makes a HUGE difference. We recently replaced ours and it’s made bottle washing so much more bearable.
Visiting your blog for the 1st time by way of The Nester – you are one talented gal! Beauitful!
Tessa
A really great job and all very savvy choices! I think I have the same backsplash tile in my kitchen!
That is my dream backsplash! Where did it come from?
Thank you for all of your nice comments about our kitchen! The backsplash is Lanka Metro Tile with a beveled edge. It also comes without that edge. I contacted The Tile Shop and asked where the local distributor was located. Hope that helps!
LOVE the beveled subway tile…just used it in my own kitchen! Such perfect timely inspiration for me as I am off to a client meeting this afternoon for a lady who wants a white kitchen but fears the white marble countertop practicality issue…tagged these to show her!
That backsplash looks fabulous. I wish I could do it in my kitchen, but with the off-white cabinets from the previous owners, I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t work.
What did you use for the under cabinet lighting?
What a great transformation! I really like what she did to it. It definitely looks so gorgeous and fresh-looking. This would surely inspire those who are thinking of improving their current flooring Honolulu and this could give them ideas. The white tiles really work perfectly. Thank you for sharing this post.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.