Kitchen of the Week: A DIY Kitchen Overhaul for Under $500 - Remodelista
Photography by Abbey Hendrickson. This week we’re revisiting some of the most popular DIY stories from our archives. Loaded with a long list of undesirables–faux-stone paneling, avocado green paint, and fake marble, among them–”it was a perfect storm of 1970s renovation work,” says Abbey. The couple transformed the look of the existing lower cabinets and back door by going dark–they used Valspar Paint Forest Canopy (“my favorite paint color ever,” says Abbey). Phil and Abbey created a makeshift island from a workbench found in the barn. The kitchen’s other notable addition: a DIY beadboard backsplash that rises behind a new black range. Explains Abbey: “We picked up two sheets of cheapo beadboard paneling from our local hardware store, nailed it horizontally, caulked it, painted it, and voilí ! A solution in less than two hours and for less than $60.” The counters are 1950s Formica with chrome edging. Up close, the beadboard paneling looks as if it was a labor-intensive project. Here’s a glimpse of the Brady Bunch–style kitchen as it was; note the faux stone on the fridge wall. Here’s a glimpse of the floor in its original state. On the third day that they owned the house, Abbey and Phil started tackling the walls and cabinets. “We removed all the drawers, sanded down them down, and sprayed every surface white,” says Abbey. On Gardenista, read Michelle’s post-renovation report: 10 Mistakes to Avoid When You Remodel.