Kitchen renovating bargains like this are rare. Here’s Christina’s letter describing how she and her husband pulled off a dramatic, budget-friendly makeover:
We still have some finishing details to take care of, but I’m too excited not to share our super affordable kitchen makeover. My husband Trevor and I did everything ourselves so of course we saved some loot there, but we also shopped around to score cheap (and even free) items to totally transform our tiny kitchen. Man was the before bleak, but we got rid of the ’70s wall oven and cooktop and replaced them with a white glass top (free from a friend who upgraded). We also installed an above-range microwave (found on sale for $160) and my hubby ripped out the old cabinets and the outdated soffit that was above them. Then we installed white stock cabinets from Lowe’s (for around $900) and also switched out the dark faux-wood counters for stock ones from Lowe’s (for only $70). We also ripped up all the gross white linoleum and laid wood laminate from Lumber Liquidator’s (for just .68/sq foot) which we carried out into the living and dining room too. The total for redoing the floor in all three rooms including the floor pad was just $268. The last thing we did was paint with colors right off your website: Ruffled Feathers and Eastern Lighthouse by Glidden. All told, our little kitchen got a giant makeover for around $1400! – Christina
Why this kitchen makeover stands out
This project is a great example of how thoughtful planning, DIY labor and smart sourcing can completely transform a small space without breaking the bank. Christina and Trevor focused on the key elements that make the biggest visual impact: appliances, cabinets, countertops, flooring and paint. They prioritized affordability and consistency, blending free or discounted finds with inexpensive stock materials to achieve a cohesive, modern look.
Budget breakdown highlights
- Appliances: Replaced outdated wall oven and cooktop with a white glass top obtained for free from a friend, and an above-range microwave purchased on sale for approximately $160.
- Cabinets: Demolished old units and removed the soffit, then installed white stock cabinets purchased at Lowe’s for roughly $900.
- Countertops: Replaced dark faux-wood counters with low-cost stock counters from Lowe’s for about $70.
- Flooring: Removed worn linoleum and installed wood-look laminate throughout the kitchen, living and dining rooms, sourcing material at about $0.68 per square foot with a total cost of $268 including underlayment.
- Paint: Finished the space with two paint colors—Ruffled Feathers and Eastern Lighthouse by Glidden—chosen for a fresh, airy palette.
Practical tips from the project
- Do the labor yourself if you have the time and skills. DIY saved Christina and Trevor a large portion of the overall cost.
- Shop secondhand or accept hand-me-downs for appliances and fixtures. A working appliance obtained free or at a steep discount can significantly lower expenses.
- Choose stock cabinets and countertops for an economical, fast solution when custom options are out of budget.
- Extend the same flooring into adjacent rooms for continuity and a perception of larger space, and compare per-square-foot pricing across retailers to get the best deal.
- Use paint to unify the space and highlight architectural changes. Light, neutral tones open up small kitchens while adding subtle color provides personality.
Final thoughts
Christina and Trevor’s kitchen demonstrates that thoughtful design decisions and resourceful shopping can yield impressive, professional-looking results on a tight budget. Their total spend of around $1,400 showcases how far a modest budget can go when combined with elbow grease and careful planning. If you’re considering a small kitchen renovation, this project is a useful blueprint: prioritize big visual changes, hunt for bargains, and don’t underestimate the value of doing the work yourself.
Can you argue with those amazing (and affordable!) before and afters? There’s definitely something to be said for setting a budget and sticking to it. Fabulous job Christina and Trevor! Christina also mentioned that her newly updated kitchen (and the rest of her home) will be on sale this spring in Mount Vernon, Iowa—so anyone local may want to watch for it.