Breakdown of a Kitchen Remodel (& That Time I Was in BH&G!)

A few Friday nights ago, the family and I were headed to dinner when my friend Jen sent me a ‘Congrats on your BH&G feature!’ text. Mr. Sugarplum probably thought I was in labor, because I started shrieking, “It’s out! It’s out!!! Turn around and go to the bookstore!!” Never mind that we still hadn’t eaten, they were just as excited as I was (once I not-so-calmly explained I was referring to a magazine, not a secret baby), and we headed straight to the newsstand.

Sure enough, there I am in the new Fall issue of Better Homes & Garden Kitchen + Bath Makeovers

http://distilleryimage1.ak.instagram.com/a113ad2a015b11e3ad5822000aaa094d_7.jpg

I’d like to apologize to the gentleman standing beside me when we spotted the issue. And to the cashier who I insisted on showing. In true blogger-form, our Kitchen already looks a little different from the feature.

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel Breakdown

I was interviewed several months ago, and I’m thrilled with the article. However, I am a bit uncomfortable showing the $14,000 budget, especially since the other features on the spread were $500 and $1500 each. Our Kitchen Makeover was over three years ago, with several  more changes along the way, so I thought I’d take this opportunity to give you the full Before & After of our Kitchen, as well as, a breakdown of all the bang we got for our buck!
We lived with this builder-basic Kitchen of honey cabinets and white laminate counters for five long years. Do you know how hard it is to get juice rings out of white formica?! I’ll let the pictures do the talking, then list everything that was done at the bottom of the post.

original kitchen

Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Remodel Breakdown

before 7
Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Makeover
Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Makeover
before 3
Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Makeover
before 9
Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Makeover
Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Makeover
Hi Sugarplum | Organized Kitchen Counters
before 4
Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Makeover
IMG_0927
before 8
Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Makeover
before 2
Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Makeover
before 1
Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Makeover
Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Makeover
before 6
Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Makeover
Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Makeover
before 5
Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Makeover
Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Makeover
Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Makeover
Hi Sugarplum | Kitchen Makeover
With the exception of relocating the microwave and oven, and building cabinets in their place, there were no structural, gas, water or electrical changes. We saved money by shopping Lowes for the faucet and hardware, discount tile shops for the backsplash, Ikea for all the stainless steel appliances, and World Market for bar stools and accessories.

{Kitchen Makeover Breakdown}
Budget, including all labor, materials and appliances: $14,000

  • Refaced all existing cabinets with espresso Shaker doors
  • Added crown molding to cabinets for more heft and height
  • Replaced all cabinet and drawer hardware
  • Replaced laminate counters with granite
  • Added granite slab to create an eat-in bar
  • Replaced laminate backsplash with gray-blue glass subway tile
  • Created waterfall effect by tiling window ledge
  • Relocated outlets to be flush with counter
  • Demoed wall with oven and microwave, built new glass-front cabinets, created counter area, and added drawers to the new space
  • Removed stovetop and vent hood, and replaced with slide-in range and microwave with built-in vent
  • Added new sunken stainless steel sink
  • Created pull-out trash cabinet
  • Added slots in cabinets for baking sheets
  • Built pull-out drawer under sink
  • Installed under-cabinet lighting
  • Removed flourescent box ceiling light and patched hole
  • Added 5 recessed lights
  • Moved Breakfast Room light fixture to new center
These are links to the Whirlpool for Ikea appliances…we are thrilled with the quality and 5-year warranty.
We also have the best contractor ever, and they knocked all this out in SIX DAYS!! (If you’re in the Dallas area and want his info, shoot me an email.) So that’s the story of our Kitchen Makeover, and that time I was published in a major publication! Both were pretty darn amazing experiences!

Some other projects seen in these images:

Leave a Comment

64 Comments

  1. I am so excited for you Cassie! That is the neatest thing EVER!! So cool!

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  2. mwimp wrote:

    a few things: 1) WAAAHHHOOOO!! 2) be proud (on the money part) a whole kitchen redo with appliances by someone else for $14K! that's a budget makeover – most people spend double or triple that when completely redoing a kitchen! 3) you MUST cut out the magazine cover and your page and have it framed 4) WWAAAHOOO BH&G!!! (or did I already mention that, lol)

    CONGRATS!!

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  3. Congrats on your BHG article!!!!! So cool!! Also, your kitchen is stunning. I'm usually a white kitchen lover, but yours sure is gorgeous! I love those deep drawers and the backsplash!
    What kind of plant is in your windowsill?

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
    • Thanks so much, Amanda!! That's a ZZ plant…super hardy and so easy to grow!

      Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  4. Oh girl, this has to go down as one of the most exciting events in your life besides childbirth! So pumped for you!

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  5. Wow!! Such a stunning makeover! Congratulations on the article too!

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  6. With all the white cabinets out there, It's refreshing to see your black cabinets. They look very sleek and sophisticated.

    Good to know that you refaced instead of replaced cabinets. I've been thinking about doing the same thing for my kitchen. How much do you estimate you saved refacing vs replacing?

    And 6 days!!!!! That's amazing!

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
    • Thanks girlie!! I never priced having them completely replaced, so I'm not sure…but I think it's significant! They install new doors, then apply a veneer to the bases.

      Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  7. Congratulations on the magazine feature! It's a lovely kitchen transformation!

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  8. So cool!! I love it! So excited for you. And your kitchen remodel is amazing! How fun!!

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  9. Gorgeous kitchen
    Love all the details
    Congratulations ,you sure deserve it.
    xoxo
    Lulu

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  10. That is so awesome! You know you have made it when you are featured in BHG:) Love the kitchen makeover!

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  11. Congrats girl! And yes, your price for that is exceptional! My husband is a contractor here in Atlanta and kitchen renos are not cheap! Ya done good!

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  12. Simply LKJ wrote:

    I was just in Barnes and Noble the other day with hubby and found the article. I was like, "hey, look it's Cassie!!!" Not sure why everyone else in the store gave me a funny look 😉 Congrats!!!

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  13. Congrats on the feature! Your kitchen makeover still looks great. I think you did great with the budget considering what you got. You obviously used higher end, quality materials and it shows.

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  14. Ellen Ross wrote:

    seriously so exciting!! i feel like i know someone famous now 🙂

    http://www.askawayblog.com

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  15. So happy for your feature! Your kitchen is amazing and you all made such smart, timeless choices to make your space function so well!

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  16. René wrote:

    Congrats to you cutie pie! I don't think I ever saw there "befores". Yowzers – looks great now!

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  17. Super exciting! The makeover looks great!

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  18. Carrie wrote:

    Wow, you go girl! 🙂 LOVE the new kitchen… I am just amazed by how you made it over!

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  19. Emily wrote:

    Your kitchen is beautiful!!! Congratulations on being on the in the magazine!!! That is so exciting.

    Emily
    eageremily.blogspot.com

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  20. Congrats on the feature! And your kitchen is gorgeous! I love what you've done with it!

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  21. Your kitchen is my inspiration. I currently have a white kitchen with black counter tops. But I want what you have – the opposite! It looks great!!

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  22. Kristi wrote:

    Congratulations…so awesome and exciting! Do you mind sharing the color name of your granite countertops…and where you found them? (I live in the same city as you do!) I have TJ and Larry on speed-dial for the moment when I finally convince my husband that a kitchen update is a MUST! 😉 I'm working with white cabinets and black appliances and would love to incorporate a lighter granite into the mix. Thanks for the contractor recommendation (a few months ago) and thanks (in advance) for the granite info.!

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
    • So exciting…I hope you get that makeover soon!! You'll love Larry and TJ! My granite is Kashmir White, and TJ will send you to the place to pick it out (big granite warehouse).

      Hope this helps!

      Posted 8.28.13 Reply
    • Kristi wrote:

      It does…thanks for the quick reply!

      Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  23. Kari wrote:

    It looks amazing!! Congratulations on being featured in the magazine! That is SO exciting!!

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  24. This came together great! I love so many of the pretty little details, and the art—swoon!

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  25. Congrats!!!! I def would of been screaming too! 🙂 Nice work!

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  26. Congrats Cassie! What a huge deal! I'm so excited for you. I was stopping by to say I mentioned your blog on my blog today! You can check it out here:

    http://www.goodwillglam.com/2013/08/the-thrift-store-with-midas-touch.html

    Best,
    Krista
    http://www.goodwillglam.com

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  27. Woohoo, congrats on the feature! You're famous 🙂 Your kitchen looks beautiful! We just redid our kitchen and it really makes such a difference to have the hub of the home be a beautiful space.

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  28. So proud of you girl. Such a transformation. Bragged about you on Facebook, too! I love having famous friends.

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  29. obviously, this kitchen is gorgeous–I'm most blown away by the 6 day turnaround!!!! Amazing!

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
    • Right?!?!?! It was crazy fast! And…we were only without appliances for 1 day!

      Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  30. Jessica M wrote:

    WOW. Beautiful. I can't believe it's the same space! I can't believe how quickly you turned it around and how well done it is being that quick! Awesome.

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  31. Jen Eaton wrote:

    Yay! I'm so excited for you!

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  32. Sarah wrote:

    So so awesome!!! Congrats girl!

    Love your kitchen and gives me hopes for my builder grade one. One day!!

    Posted 8.28.13 Reply
  33. Leigh wrote:

    Congrats Cassie!!!!!! That is SO amazing! Incredibly happy for you!

    Posted 8.29.13 Reply
  34. CONGRATS CASSIE!!!!!!!!!

    Annie XO

    Posted 8.29.13 Reply
  35. YAY!! The picture of you holding the magazine perfectly captures your excitement! Thrilled for you, and love your awesome kitchen makeover!

    Posted 8.29.13 Reply
  36. The Flokk wrote:

    Congrats on the article! Kitchen looks great

    Posted 8.29.13 Reply
  37. Congratulations! That is amazing! I can't wait to get my copy in the mail and check it out. I am new to your blog and I just love it.

    Tammy @ thecoloreddoor.blogspot.com

    Posted 8.29.13 Reply
  38. Congratulations, Miss Cassie! How EXCITING!! Your kitchen is absolutely stunning and deserves to be featured!! Have a wonderful weekend!

    ~Abby =)

    Posted 8.30.13 Reply
  39. I bet you really miss that gap in the lower cabinet that housed your trash can! Love your under-the-sink storage, and that lamp that fits perfectly on your counter.

    Posted 8.30.13 Reply
  40. Allison wrote:

    Congratulations on your feature Cassie! I will pick up the magazine tomorrow. Your kitchen is gorgeous. A well deserving feature!

    Posted 8.30.13 Reply
  41. marielazs wrote:

    Gorgeous! And I am in love with the cabinet color. I am a little bored with white kitchens lately haha. Not that there is anything wrong with them. My cabinets are dark and I love them!

    Posted 8.30.13 Reply
  42. congrats!! well deserved, your kitchen is stunning!!

    Posted 8.30.13 Reply
  43. The price for your kitchen is still a budget reno as far as kitchens go, though! And how refreshing to see a non-white kitchen!! Yours always comes to mind when someone asks about non-white cabinets.

    In summary, I lust after your kitchen. I'd sleep with it, marry it, booty-call it, etc.

    Posted 8.30.13 Reply
  44. You know it tickles me pink when someone pins something from my blog but to be featured in a magazine. Oh my goodness! I can only imagine the giddy. Congrats to you and the family. And your entire kitchen is beautiful! 🙂

    Posted 8.30.13 Reply
  45. I love this Kitchen! Such a transformation! You did an amazing job and congrats on the Magazine feature.

    Posted 8.30.13 Reply
  46. So cool! Congrats!! Love your kitchen!!

    Posted 8.31.13 Reply
  47. Being featured in a respected magazine is a big pat on the back that you did a great job!

    You know what's funny, though? I would have had no idea this was your kitchen. We see bits and pieces of it in photos like when you create a coffee station, but because the kitchen is "done," we don't see big photos of the kitchen on your blog, so I forgot what it looked like! Love those dreamy backsplash tiles.

    Posted 9.3.13 Reply
  48. The BHG Feature is AMAZING. Soooo cool! And your kitchen remodel? FABULOUS! I don't know how this is possible, but I don't think I've ever seen it. I love everything about it, but the subway tile backsplash has to be my favorite!

    Posted 9.3.13 Reply
  49. OMG! I love the makeover. I really didn't recognize it until I realized its arrangemnent. It has been transformed into something elegant. The lights are bright too which is perfect.
    PalmettoKitchenBath.com

    Posted 9.9.13 Reply
  50. OMG! I love the makeover. I really didn't recognize it until I realized its arrangemnent. It has been transformed into something elegant. The lights are bright too which is perfect.
    PalmettoKitchenBath.com

    Posted 9.9.13 Reply
  51. Cassie – this is so beautiful! Love it bunches!! And all that for $14K is a steal – it easily looks like you spent twice that. I know you said the makeover was a few years ago, but have you had the appliances that long? i'm really curious as to how you like them. Could you do a review on them?? I love and fear Ikea stuff (great style & price but I worry about the longevity).

    Posted 1.6.14 Reply
    • Thanks Heather! That price tag included all the appliances, so yes, we've had them for 4 years. They have been fabulous…they are actually Whirlpool, and come with a 5 year warranty!! Which is 4 years longer than if you bought appliances at Best Buy. The reduced price allowed us to get the counter-depth fridge and hidden controls dishwasher…upgrades we wouldn't have afforded otherwise. I can honestly recommend their appliances with full confidence.

      Posted 1.6.14 Reply
  52. Bri W wrote:

    What is the wall color? We are doing dark cabinets and I love the wall color with these!

    Posted 4.6.14 Reply
    • Hi Bri — it's Farrow & Ball 'Skylight' — we had it colormatched with Sherwin Williams paint. They have all the F&B formulas!

      Posted 4.7.14 Reply